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| 1 Every wise woman buildeth
her house: but the foolish plucketh it down with her hands.
2 He that walketh in his uprightness feareth the LORD: but he that is perverse in his ways despiseth him. 3 In the mouth of the foolish is a rod of pride: but the lips of the wise shall preserve them. 4 Where no oxen are, the crib is clean: but much increase is by the strength of the ox. 5 A faithful witness will not lie: but a false witness will utter lies. 6 A scorner seeketh wisdom, and findeth it not: but knowledge is easy unto him that understandeth. 7 Go from the presence of a foolish man, when thou perceivest not in him the lips of knowledge. |
4
- Crib is clean Solomon would not have argued that neatness is unimportant.
Reasonable risk (not gambling) in this life is important for success. We
need to give a person a chance without absolute assurance that he won't
leave you a mess. We need to risk hurt feelings or even danger (claiming
God's protection) in witnessing for Christ.
7 - Go from We need to change friends rather than expose ourselves to foolishness toward God. Friendship for witness is different from friendship that leans on the person's opinions. |
| 8 The wisdom of the
prudent is to understand his way: but the folly of fools is deceit.
9 Fools make a mock at sin: but among the righteous there is favour. 10 The heart knoweth his own bitterness; and a stranger doth not intermeddle with his joy. 11 The house of the wicked shall be overthrown: but the tabernacle of the upright shall flourish. 12 There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death. 13 Even in laughter the heart is sorrowful; and the end of that mirth is heaviness. 14 The backslider in heart shall be filled with his own ways: and a good man shall be satisfied from himself. |
12 - The way that seems right So what does
this mean? Right means wrong? The key is "seems." The point is that, if
we go by our feelings – our senses – we will certainly fail. Elsewhere
Solomon tells us to get wisdom pr0107,
pr1215.
Eve learned that following her senses was not a test of truth ge0306.
One religious group teaches that getting a special feeling confirms the
truth of its teachings. Nowhere does the Bible condone this idea. The same
Satan who deceived Eve and who crafts temptations for us, can also bring
on that special feeling. See on ro0816.
13 - Expands on verse 12. |
| 15 The simple believeth
every word: but the prudent man looketh well to his going.
16 A wise man feareth, and departeth from evil: but the fool rageth, and is confident. 17 He that is soon angry dealeth foolishly: and a man of wicked devices is hated. 18 The simple inherit folly: but the prudent are crowned with knowledge. 19 The evil bow before the good; and the wicked at the gates of the righteous. 20 The poor is hated even of his own neighbour: but the rich hath many friends. 21 He that despiseth his neighbour sinneth: but he that hath mercy on the poor, happy is he. |
16 - Fears or confidence This is important in relating to God re1407fg |
| 22 Do they not err that
devise evil? but mercy and truth shall be to them that devise good.
23 In all labour there is profit: but the talk of the lips tendeth only to penury. 24 The crown of the wise is their riches: but the foolishness of fools is folly. 25 A true witness delivereth souls: but a deceitful witness speaketh lies. .26 In the fear of the LORD is strong confidence: and his children shall have a place of refuge. 27 The fear of the LORD is a fountain of life, to depart from the snares of death. 28 In the multitude of people is the king's honour: but in the want of people is the destruction of the prince. |
22
- Do they err? The answer would be, yes. But devising (planning)
good behavior makes life more peaceful and ultimately is part of righteousness.
ps06107,
ps08510,
pr1606.
25 - True witness ... delivereth Being truthful about someone's evil may help them face it and find salvation. 26 - Fear of the Lord Compare pr0813, pr1923. |
| 29 He that is slow to
wrath is of great understanding: but he that is hasty of spirit exalteth
folly.
.30 A sound heart is the life of the flesh: but envy the rottenness of the bones. 31 He that oppresseth the poor reproacheth his Maker: but he that honoureth him hath mercy on the poor. 32 The wicked is driven away in his wickedness: but the righteous hath hope in his death. 33 Wisdom resteth in the heart of him that hath understanding: but that which is in the midst of fools is made known. .34 Righteousness exalteth a nation: but sin is a reproach to any people. 35 The king's favour is toward a wise servant: but his wrath is against him that causeth shame. |
29
- Slow to wrath Those who take the time to
understand the reason a person does something that makes us angry is wise
and may be redemptive. Moses got angry at the people and was not allowed
to enter Canaan. nu2007.
34 - Righteousness exalteth Nations today (2003) are more angry re1118. Decisions are often made for selfish or religious interests and the effects are disregarded. We must not confuse righteousness with religious behavior. 35 - Consider Daniel and Joseph. |
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