Expository Study: Proverbs

Once we establish what is meant by the reference to "the just" we go on to consider the message of our Proverb and see how it reflects upon culture and societies, including that of our own day. And how we should then live... Also Reference: Isaiah 5:20 https://bbfohio.com

The life of Joseph continues to paint a picture (type or shadow) of the life of Jesus as we see them going INTO and OUT OF Egypt. And we can begin to identify with these lives in our own lives. Also Reference: Joshua 24:32, Hosea 11:1, Colossians 1:27, John 16:27, Luke 6:22, 2 Corinthians 6:17-18, 1 John 2:15 https://bbfohio.com

We discuss the reality of grief and bitterness that a foolish son (or daughter) is to their parents but also consider our relationship with our heavenly Father and the implications of consciously considering the presence of His Spirit. Also Reference: Ephesians 4:31-32, Romans 12:1-2 https://bbfohio.com

In contrast to the wise man or woman, the fool has eyes for everything except the wisdom before him. We discuss the use of hyperbole in this Proverb to teach with humor, as well. Also Reference: 1 Peter 4:15, Ezekiel 13:3, Proverbs 26:17, 1 Thessalonians 4:11 https://bbfohio.com

We discuss the evidence for some level of instinctual or inherent wisdom and how that relates to "human evolution". But regardless of that reality, those who reject the wisdom set before them in God's word LACK any depth of understanding. https://bbfohio.com

We are warned about how the wicked operate by giving bribes to get people in power to "pervert the ways of judgment". https://bbfohio.com

A broken spirit is something that we would be wise to avoid. Today, that would include LIMITING our exposure to the news of the day (which is almost ALL bad!). Also Reference: Philippians 4:7-9 https://bbfohio.com

We expand upon our previous discussions of "a merry heart" in Proverbs 15 and look at how the refusal to allow the Lord to take our difficulties and trials will result in spiritual, mental AND physical deterioration of our health. Also Reference: Proverbs 15:15 https://bbfohio.com

The parent of a foolish child will sorrow and find not joy IN that child. But all is not lost for Jesus is the source of our Joy and He alone is our strength. And He will NEVER leave or forsake us... Also Reference: Romans 5:11, Matthew 25:23, Habakkuk 3:18, Matthew 28:20 https://bbfohio.com

Parents with children who live like fools suffer the sorrow of watching that child self-destruct and waste their lives. And there are a lot of such parents who are confused about how they should respond, some even feeling guilty because of the sorrow they feel. This Proverbs brings clarity to the reality. We will discuss the second half of this Proverb in our next devotional... Also Reference: Hebrews 12:8, Ecclesiastes 7:17, 1 Corinthians 3:17, Proverbs 22:6, Luke 17:3 https://bbfohio.com

The word "froward" isn't used much in today's normal English word usage. But it's not as "archaic" as you might think and the new Bible versions don't really clear up matters. So, we see this example of the King James Bible's built-in dictionary and what it means to be "froward". Also Reference: Genesis 8:7, Job 1:7, Job 2:2, Ephesians 4:14 https://bbfohio.com

The second half of our Proverb is perverted in new versions to "he that builds a high wall" or other such nonsense. We will discuss what the idiom, "he that exalteth his gate," actually means. Also Reference: Proverbs 27:2 https://bbfohio.com

In this Proverb, we are told to avoid standing in for someone and assuming their debt (as co-signer). It's a foolish move and we discuss that and more... https://bbfohio.com

A brother is a blessing when faithful and true. It can be biological, adoptive or foster, but that kind of connection is priceless. And it can be even more priceless when speaking of a brother in Christ. But none better than having Jesus call us brothers! Also Reference: Ephesians 3:15 https://bbfohio.com

We focus on the first half of this Proverb and the matter of true friendship. We will discuss what a true friendship is and, of course, how that Jesus is the best friend of those who are saved by His blood. https://bbfohio.com

Providing means for a fool to gain wisdom is a waste of time and effort because wisdom is a matter of the heart. King Solomon, sadly, provides us with a prime example of this. Also Reference: 1 Kings 3, Deuteronomy 17:16, 1 Kings 3:1, 1 Kings 11:4, 1 Kings 11:6-8, 1 Thessalonians 3:13 https://bbfohio.com

Those who condemn the just are themselves condemned by God as an "abomination". How do we handle such people? How do we respond? Also Reference: James 5:5-8, Jude 21-23 https://bbfohio.com

The darkest of times are defined by a culture calling good evil and calling that which is evil "good". As individuals, we must guard ourselves from falling into such cultural apostasy but the key is being a believer in the Light, Who is the person of Jesus Christ! Also Reference: Isaiah 5:20 https://bbfohio.com

Sometimes we must contend. But we should use wisdom and discernment to choose such battles wisely and whenever possible, leave off contention. https://bbfohio.com

While avoiding contention is ideal, sometimes we must work to simply contain the strife as one would contain water. We will discuss this as this preacher recounts an example of such wisdom early in his ministry. Also Reference: Jude 3, Proverbs 25:8-10, 1 Peter 3:10-12 https://bbfohio.com

Once you open up the strife, it's out like water dumped from a bucket or even like waters in a flood! We will use the toothpaste out of the tube as our illustration. https://bbfohio.com

<em>Re-Upload Due To Technical Issues</em> We contrast the wise man and the fool by comparing the willingness of the wise man to receive reproof and the rebellion of the fool who could literally be beaten to death and still not repent! https://bbfohio.com

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This very interesting Proverb warns of a "cruel messenger" sent against the evil man who is a rebellious troublemaker. We acknowledge that this is the work of God and not a matter that we are to take into our own hands. Also Reference: Romans 12:20, Hebrews 10:30 https://bbfohio.com

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