What I Noticed Today (Proverbs 23-26)
Proverbs 23
Proverbs 23 continues the group of sayings focused on increasing wisdom and trust in the Lord.
There are thirteen additional sections or themes in Proverbs 23.
In verses 1-3, Solomon says it is good to show restraint when dining with rulers. Be aware of your surroundings and the occasion and don’t be a glutton. A deceptive host may be entertaining you in order to get something from you.
In verses 4-5, Solomon suggests that life is about more than money and possessions. Don’t work just for the sake of acquiring wealth because it can disappear quickly.
In verses 6-8, Solomon warns about desiring what a greedy, stingy person has because they are deceptive and insincere.
In verse 9, Solomon says it is best to avoid fools because no matter what you say they will reject wisdom.
In verses 10-11, Solomon warns not to move a property boundary stone (it is stealing) because God sees what you are doing.
In verses 12, Solomon wise people apply themselves to learn and listen to words of knowledge.
In verses 13-14, Solomon says it is important to discipline our children, including physical discipline when necessary because it will save the child from spiritual death.
In verses 15-16, Solomon addresses his son saying if his son is wise, then he will be glad and he will exult in his son’s honesty.
In verses 17-18, Solomon exhorts his son to fear the Lord and trust in Him for his future.
In verses 19-21, Solomon addresses his son, telling him not to associate with drunkards and gluttons. They will come to poverty because they are undisciplined.
In verses 22-25, Solomon tells his son to listen to him and honor his mother. To focus his life on getting wisdom, instruction, and understanding because a wise son makes a father proud.
In verses 26-28, Solomon tells his son to focus his heart and eyes on his ways (wisdom), to avoid the lure of the adulteress.
In verses 29-35, Solomon warns of the effects of drinking to excess. Such drinking causes woe, sorrow, strife, complaining, wounds (from fights), and bloodshot eyes (hangovers). He warns his son not to be tempted by drinking; don’t even look upon it because the consequence is deadly.
Proverbs 24
Proverbs 24 continues the group of sayings focused on increasing wisdom and trust in the Lord.
There are eighteen additional sections or themes in Proverbs 24:1-22
In verses 1-2, Solomon repeats instructions to his son given in Proverbs 1:10-19 to not be envious of evil men or even be around them because they are violent troublemakers.
In verses 3-4, Solomon, a good home is the result of wise planning, and intimate knowledge of family members makes it a place of joy.
In verses 5-6, Solomon says a wise man is strong, and knowledge makes him stronger. With a number of wise counselors, there is a victory.
In verse 7, Solomon warns that fools do not have wisdom and they do not provide sound judgment.
In verses 8-9, Solomon identifies those who plan to do evil as sinful schemers; who reject the wisdom of God (scoffers).
In verse 10, Solomon says those who faint during a trial (face adversity) are weak.
In verse 11-12, Solomon says a leader we should rescue those who face oppression because God watches over us and knows our hearts.
In verse 13-14, Solomon addresses his son directly telling him to eat honey because it is healthy, just as wisdom is good for your soul.
In verse 15-16, Solomon warns not to mistreat or attack the righteous (God’s people), as the wicked people are inclined to do because God restores the righteous.
In verse 17-18, Solomon says not to rejoice when your enemy stumbles and falls because it is God who gave you victory.
In verse 19-20, Solomon says for the third time (23:17, 24:1) not to worry about or envy the wicked because the Lord will judge them.
In verse 21-22, Solomon addresses his son directly exhorting him to fear the Lord and to avoid those who do not fear the Lord because disaster will certainly come to them.
In verses 23-25, Solomon warns judges (rulers, leaders) not to show favoritism, not to call the wicked right, but to rebuke the wicked and receive a blessing.
In verse 26, Solomon says being truthful shows you care for someone.
In verse 27, Solomon says it is important to establish priorities; do your outside work in the fields, then build your house.
In verse 28, Solomon says not to testify against another unless you have good cause and then testify honestly.
In verse 29, Solomon warns against planning or taking revenge on someone who has hurt you.
In verse 30-34, Solomon warns again about being lazy. He gives an example of the sluggard doesn’t work his field, it becomes overgrown with weeds, and he ends up in poverty because he has no crops.
Proverbs 25
Proverbs 25 begins a section of Solomon’s wise sayings that were collected by King Hezekiah’s and his men.
There are three main sections or themes in Proverbs 25.
In verses 1-7, Solomon discusses the duties of a ruler. A Godly ruler needs to search out the things of God (truth). He must keep some confidences (be unsearchable). To preserve the nation, he must remove the dross, the wicked, so that his rule will be righteous. Finally, those who serve the king should come before him, not to promote themselves, but in humble service.
In verses 8-15, Solomon advises all who are involved in some kind of dispute to not rush off to court where you may lose but try to settle differences privately without betraying confidences. Wise people choose their words carefully. Be a faithful and trustworthy messenger for your rulers. Beware of the man who boasts about giving but does not fulfill his promise. Being patient and using soft speech can persuade and reduce opposition.
In verses 16-28, Solomon uses a group of similes (he makes comparisons using lest, like, or as) to illustrate how to build your reputation. Practice moderation and avoid overindulgence. Don’t visit others too often or you’ll wear out your welcome. Don’t give false testimony because you may injure someone. Don’t trust a treacherous person because they bring pain. Be sensitive when trying to cheer up someone who is suffering. Being kind to your enemy (giving them food or drink) will bring a reward from God. Be wary of someone who is a backbiting gossip. It is better to live in peace in a small home (Proverbs 21:9 than in luxury with a contentious wife. Good news is refreshing to a weary soul. Never compromise with the wicked – it pollutes your righteousness. Do not seek your own glory by bragging about yourself. Be wary of a man without self-control; they deteriorate like a city with broken walls.
Proverbs 26
Proverbs 26 continues the section of Solomon’s wise sayings that were collected by King Hezekiah’s and his men.
There are four main sections or themes in Proverbs 26.
In verses 1-12, the similes continue as Solomon describes the ways of a fool. Honor is not fitting for a fool. A fool utters worthless curses. A fool needs to be disciplined to be controlled. Responding to or arguing with a fool is a waste of time. Never trust a fool with an important message or responsibility. A proverb is useless to a fool. Never bestow honor on a fool. Never trust a fool’s advice. A proverb is of no value to a fool. Never hire a fool or a drunkard. Rather than learning from his mistakes, a fool repeats them. There is more hope for a fool to change than someone who is prideful and conceited.
In verses 13-16, Solomon now describes a lazy man (a sluggard). A lazy man makes wild excuses for his lack of work. A lazy man sleeps in when he should be up working. A lazy man is too lazy to care for himself; he wants others to care for him. A lazy man thinks he has life figured out that he has beaten the system.
In verses 17-22, Solomon turns his attention to describing the busybody. Busybodies will get involved in arguments that don’t concern them. The busybody likes to stir up fires by deceiving others. Stopping a gossiper stops a quarrel like a fire dies that has run out of wood. A contentious person stirs up trouble and provokes others to fight — gossipers delight in telling tales.
In verses 23-28, Solomon describes the man who likes to deceive others. The deceiver who hates may look good on the outside, but they have evil hearts. They are not what they appear to be. Though his hatred may be covered by his deception, his wickedness will eventually be exposed. The deceiver’s lies and flattery are a sign of hatred for their enemies.
What did you notice in your study today? Feel free to visit the website and leave a question or a comment.
