Expository Study: Proverbs

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We take note of the warning of a "cruel messenger" that God will send upon the evil man who seeks only rebellion. This could be literally a "messenger" or could be an event of some sort, but we also discuss some important ground rules that the Christian must keep in mind when considering this Proverb. Also Reference: Romans 12:20, Proverbs 25:21-22, Hebrews 10:30 https://bbfohio.com

Rebellion against God, against His word and against what is right and true, are the marks of an evil man. No matter what he may say, if he chooses rebellion consistently and constantly, you are dealing with an evil man. Also Reference: 1 Samuel 15:23, Psalm 51:10 https://bbfohio.com

We discuss the implication of "100 stripes" and the ultimate message of this Proverb by referencing Mosaic Law, the testimony of the Apostle Paul and another Proverb. Also Reference: 2 Corinthians 11:24, Proverbs 9:8 https://bbfohio.com

The follower of Christ should be "reproveable" and when being reproved with sound, Biblical teaching and/or principle, we should be VERY teachable and willing to allow entrance to that wisdom. A fool can be beaten repeatedly for the same wrongdoing but is simply foolish and unwilling to be taught or corrected. Also Reference: Romans 5:2 https://bbfohio.com

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It is a shameful thing when a professing Christian is unforgiving toward repentant sinners. It might be because he or she isn't really forgiven and is a false professor. As Christians, we should display our love with forgiveness and not seek to unnecessarily expose sin that is under the blood of Jesus. Also Reference: 1 John 4:19, 1 John 3:16 https://bbfohio.com

Our Proverbs deals with the proper handling of a transgression that is "under the blood" and how that we can see when the motivation is LOVE and not some other fleshly, selfish motive. Also Reference: 2 Timothy 2:15, 1 Thessalonians 5:17, Mark 16:15, John 10:10, Luke 17:3, Mark 11:26 https://bbfohio.com

When reading about "gifts" we must be very careful to note the context. Cults and other extremist Christians see "gift" used for bribes or given to celebrate evil and then falsely extrapolate that out to mean that all gifts are bad. This Proverb contradicts that false teaching and we will compare Scripture with Scripture to lay out the truth about gifts. Also Reference; Ezekiel 16:33, Revelation 11:10, Acts 20:35 https://bbfohio.com

We will examine the truth of this Proverb in reference to modern day "princes" in politics, in businessmen forced to play politics and then consider this in light of our own high calling in Christ the prince of Kings who has made us to be "kings and priests" by washing us in His blood! Also Reference: Hebrews 12:11 https://bbfohio.com

When fools attempt at "excellent speech", it's an ugly thing to behold. And the WORST is when fools attempt to quote the Bible. We will discuss this as well as the fact that sometimes the problem isn't the one speaking but the crowd being spoken TO. Also Reference: Romans 1:28 https://bbfohio.com

This proverb makes a true statement, of course, but as the world turns dark just before the Rapture we are seeing that this is becoming more of an exception instead of a rule. https://bbfohio.com

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We should not celebrate when people suffer, even when those people are themselves very wicked. Leave it in God's hands, stay humble and be reminded that we didn't get what we DESERVED as lost sinners. Also Reference: Psalm 116:5 https://bbfohio.com

While some are poor due to their own life choices, there is no justification for mocking the poor. And the fact is, most children and young people are born into poor families and are no more responsible for their condition than is the kid born to rich parents. We discuss how mocking the poor reproaches God... Also Reference: 2 Peter 3:9, Acts 4:12 https://bbfohio.com

Our Proverb is the basis for the truth behind the old saying, "Birds of a feather flock together." It's a warning not to BE the wicked doer described here, but also a warning about associating with folks who fit that description, as well. Also Reference: 1 Corinthians 5:11 https://bbfohio.com

It's a hard truth but it's a fact. Life is full of trials and God uses those trials to forge us into the person of Christ. It's a lifelong process with the end of each trial producing greater results, if we submit to Him as Peter admonishes us in our closing reading. Also Reference: Psalm 7:9, 1 Petr 4:15-19 https://bbfohio.com

It's a hard truth but it's a fact. Life is full of trials and God uses those trials to forge us into the person of Christ. It's a lifelong process with the end of each trial producing greater results, if we submit to Him as Peter admonishes us in our closing reading. Also Reference: Psalm 7:9, 1 Petr 4:15-19 https://bbfohio.com

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What is meant by "a dry morsel" and how are we to understand what a "house full of sacrifices" to be? If those phrases leave you scratching your head, we will provide some clarity and then make application to our own lives. Also Reference: 1 Thessalonians 3:12-13 https://bbfohio.com

Our Proverbs speaks of casting the Lot. That was in the previous Dispensation when God instructed the casting of Lots for certain purposes. We do not do that, today. But we do know that when we do as God commands us, He is in control and "the whole disposing thereof is of the Lord"! Also Reference: Acts 1:26, Acts 3:19, Numbers 26:55-56, Psalm 37:5 https://bbfohio.com

We discuss what it means to "rule your own spirit" and discuss the fact that doing so doesn't mean you never react with anger or force. And that it's also important to rule our own spirit when we DO see others act and react to such situations. https://bbfohio.com

God is slow to anger and so should His people be. Our Proverb offers some practical comparisons and encouragement, and as we compare Scripture with Scripture we see that Anger is not a sin in and of itself, even though corrupt new Bible versions would have us believe that it is. Also Reference: Matthew 5:22, Mark 3:5, Titus 1:7, Proverbs 15:18 https://bbfohio.com

One of the most wonderful and inspiring things to see is a white-haired elderly saint who is in love with the Lord and serving Him with joy. Otherwise, the white hair doesn't mean anything except "age". We will look at an example... And we will see what Jesus' hair looks like, today! https://bbfohio.com

The respect we are to give our elders (the gray or "hoary head") is NOT unconditional. There is a big "IF" in this Proverb that we need to be careful to teach our children in these wicked times in which we live! https://bbfohio.com