Expository Study: Proverbs

The words of a talebearer come from a heart full of pride and one that is NOT right with God. We discuss some important points from Jesus and the inspired words of Paul related to the proper understanding of this Proverb. Also Reference: Matthew 7:6, Acts 17:21 https://bbfohio.com

We actually live in a culture that is permeated by talebearers of various kinds. Elsewhere we discuss individuals but in this case we talk about the individuals who collectively make up "the mainstream media" and what the masses who enable these talebearers have in common with the followers of false teachers which continue to increase in number and influence in these last days. https://bbfohio.com

An interesting turn of phrase that teaches us that even as what comes out of a man's mouth is a reflection of his heart, so can the words of a fool actually become a SNARE that destroys his soul. Also Reference: Isaiah 7:14, Matthew 1:23, 1 Timothy 3:16, John 1:1-3 https://bbfohio.com

When are we being a fool whose "mouth is his destruction"? We will see that sometimes doing the right thing and following the wisdom of Christ does lead to persecution and even death. But Jesus gave us wise instructions in order to avoid any such unnecessary suffering. Also Reference: Matthew 10:16, Luke 14:33, Luke 14:28 https://bbfohio.com

The fool's mouth calleth for strokes. He's ASKING for it! But we remind viewers that faithful preachers also receive such attacks. We must make sure that any "strokes" we receive is not from pride or foolishness but for simply standing for the truth of God's word. Also Reference: 2 Corinthians 11:23-25, Proverbs 14:3, Proverbs 15:7 https://bbfohio.com

We will look at those times when contention is called for and then emphasize the point of our Proverb to avoid being the fool entering into contention with sinful intentions. Also Reference: Proverbs 8:33 https://bbfohio.com

We take a moment to discuss the 2 1/2 years of Proverb devotionals, how to sign up for notifications (and help others sign up) with a reminder that the wise will receive Biblical counsel and wisdom, beginning with the Biblical Gospel of Salvation. https://bbfohio.com

Whether you are a wellspring of wisdom depends on the SOURCE of your wisdom. If your source is God's word, then wisdom can flow from you like a flowing brook... https://bbfohio.com

The ramification and implications of this Proverb reaches from the Statehouse to the Courthouse to your own house! https://bbfohio.com

We look at the first half of this Proverb considering two points regarding the deep waters of the words of men. Words of others and our own words. https://bbfohio.com

We continue where we left off by focusing on the second half of our proverb and quote Henry Percy from Shakespeare's "Henry V" based in the history of England, discuss Benedict Arnold in the American Revolution and recall Judas Iscariot the Betrayer of Jesus. Also Reference: Proverbs 22:1 https://bbfohio.com

We look at the double-application or "double sense) of this Proverb regarding the connection between the appearance of the Wicked and "contempt". https://bbfohio.com

Since at least the end of World War II, it became a "thing" for people to go off to themselves or travel to parts unknown in order to "find themselves". That is the modern equivalent of our Proverb's reference to "his heart may discover itself". Also Reference: 1 Corinthians 15:31, Romans 12:1-2 https://bbfohio.com

God's children should delight in understanding. When a professing believers displays an unteachable spirit and shows no desire to learn and grow, they are acting the part of a FOOL. https://bbfohio.com

We heed to warning found in this Proverb, in addition to separating ourselves from local church Christian fellowship (as discussed in our previous devotional) but also the warning against intermeddling 'with all wisdom". Also Reference: 1 Corinthians 3:18-20, Colossians 2:8 https://bbfohio.com

We must be aware of what motivates us to seek wisdom. And God never calls us to separate from His people or to neglect fellowship with believers, especially when it is to "intermeddle" with "all wisdom'. We will discuss this... https://bbfohio.com

We look at the direct application of this Proverb. We see RFK Jr. as an example of what this Proverb is saying and then apply it to the wise child of God who desires to appropriate the wisdom found here. https://bbfohio.com

We can't understand the main point of a Proverb if we miss the very premise that it is based upon. For that reason, we focus on that premise and will move on to the main point next time... But you can't judge by outer appearance, either way! https://bbfohio.com

What does the Bible mean when it refers to a man having "an excellent spirit"? We will see that the Biblical idea is much different than what most people in the general public and even most Christians believe. https://bbfohio.com

We discuss the wisdom in sparing our words. Not neglecting the duty to speak the truth, but being sure that we have studied a matter and are truly qualified and fit to speak on matters before doing so. Also Reference: Proverbs 18:13 https://bbfohio.com

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