Expository Study: Proverbs

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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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