Expository Study: Proverbs

In contrast to the treasures found in the house of the righteous, the revenues of the wicked are less a treasure than a curse. We refer to Bill O'Reilly's new book titled, "Killing The Legends" about the life and death of John Lennon, Elvis Presley and Mohammad Ail, and a quote from a recent interview that he did with Dennis Prager as an illustration of the truth found in this Proverb. Also Reference: Romans 3:23 and Romans 6:23. https://bbfohio.com

We discuss the phrase "in the house of the righteous" implies and the "treasure" that belongs to those in that house. Most importantly, we discuss "why" and the One responsible for securing the treasure for those in His house. https://bbfohio.com

We discuss what it means to regard reproof in a legitimate sense and what it means to be prudent. Not all reproof is good and it's not always prudent to regard reproof. But we see that this proverb regards Biblical reproof and look at the first and second mention of "reproof" in Scripture. Also Reference: Proverbs 1:23 https://bbfohio.com

It is a foolish thing to despise our earthly father's instruction. Even if we thoughtfully and prayerfully disagree with or choose not to follow our father's instruction, we should respect him and respect his instruction. And we also consider how important it is not to despise our infallible heavenly Father's instruction. https://bbfohio.com

When a person professes to be a Christian but promotes perverseness, there is "a breach in the spirit". This is the mark of a false profession. Genuine Christians need to be ready to confront such people and urge them to be saved by faith in the Gospel and saved from their deception. https://bbfohio.com

A wholesome tongue will not use profanity but there is much more to consider if we are to have a wholesome tongue that can be a tree of life. And what exactly does that mean to "be a tree of life"? We will discuss that and the need to speak and not be silent, all in this devotional. https://bbfohio.com

Have you ever thought about what the second half of our Proverb means when it says that the Lord is "beholding the evil and the good"? It brings up an important question as to, "Why does He allow it all to continue?" And we will consider the Biblical answer. Also Reference: John 4:24 and John 3:16-17 https://bbfohio.com

This Proverbs confirms the Omniscience of God. What does that mean? And what about the reference to "the eyes of the Lord". How are we do understand that? We will discuss these things in our devotional. Also reference Romans 8:9. https://bbfohio.com

Knowledge can be used to build up or to tear down. This applies to many areas in life and we will discuss an example in parenting and the importance of this principle of pastoring and teaching. Also Ref: Nehemiah 8:8, Luke 4:14-17, 1 Thessalonians 5:27, Colossians 4:16 and 2 Timothy 4:2. https://bbfohio.com

When the situation does not call for sharpness, we should use measured words and tone in order to avoid stirring up unneeded wrath and anger. And there is NEVER a call for slander, profanity or abusive and/or threatening words. https://bbfohio.com

Some folks can't deal with any situation without provoking wrath and stirring up anger. This Proverb is here to remind us that we CAN control our words and that there is wisdom in "a soft answer" unless it is your INTENT to stir up wrath. https://bbfohio.com

A wise man or woman will want to incur favour instead of shame from any "king" or authority figure, as long as doing so does not violate Biblical teaching. We will discuss two applications of the Proverb in the life of the Bible believer, today. https://bbfohio.com

Sin is a reproach. But what happens to a nation whose people, at least the majority of people, reject the very idea that sin exists and that there is an absolute authority upon which the definition of sin can be known? That is where America and most of the world finds itself in these last days. https://bbfohio.com

In the contrast between "righteousness" and "sin", we cannot take for granted that the unbelievers around us even know what the Bible means when using those words. And we must realize that we can only be responsible for our own thoughts, words and deeds but must be sure to do right as we also seek to influence others. The end result is to exalt the nation and save it from the PIT. https://bbfohio.com

We can learn a lot by observation. We read the Bible and look around and see how the Author of this Book understood human nature better than anyone. That is the gist of this Proverb. https://bbfohio.com

Those who are saved by the blood of Jesus Christ by faith in His death, burial and resurrection should preach that Gospel to the wicked and pray for them. But we must maintain the hope that we have in that same Gospel and focus on Jesus Christ and the hope He gives first and foremost. https://bbfohio.com

The truth of this proverb is observable as we look around at those around us. This has been what God has used at least to some extent to convict sinners of their eventual end and need of salvation. https://bbfohio.com

We reproach God when we oppress the poor. And the fact is, America's welfare state does exactly that. We honour our Maker when we have mercy on the poor. That means more than throwing money at the poor and making their condition WORSE. https://bbfohio.com

Just as a bad heart, both physically and spiritually, can kill the flesh... so does envy rot the bones. And this is true for the unsaved man or woman, but equally true for the child of God. https://bbfohio.com

A sound heart is necessary for physical AND spiritual health. We can see the effects of the unsound heart on the outward appearance as well as the inner man. But all lost sinners need a spiritual heart transplant that can only come by faith in the Gospel of Jesus Christ. https://bbfohio.com

Being "hasty". What does it mean and why does it produce "folly"? We'll look at a couple of humorous examples of what being "hasty" can do to embarrass a U.S. Congressman in 1998 and even give Mark Twain a mention. https://bbfohio.com

We are not told there is "never" a time for wrath. But we are told to be "slow to wrath". And we discuss the Biblical teaching found in this proverb as well as in the book of James. And we end by praising our wonderful God who is slow to wrath and so merciful to us sinners. https://bbfohio.com

Kings (Rulers) need people to rule. They need people in order to have rule, but they need the presence and support of people to govern with their consent. We discuss examples and application to nations and then see how this applies to our own lives in this very practical Proverb. https://bbfohio.com

Contrary to contemporary Christian teaching on "the fear of the Lord", we are to fear the Lord (even after we are saved) and when we do so in accordance with Scripture it is a fountain of life that leads us from the snares of death. https://bbfohio.com

This proverb contradicts the view of the lost world as well as that of professing Christians who are not really Bible believers. As His children, we fear Him as our Father and fear His chastisement. This FREES us from the bondage that the "fearless" world finds itself. https://bbfohio.com