Expository Study: Proverbs

A fool hides his hatred by lying. But in our own day, this foolish practice is actually caused by false teaching that goes by the saying, "Love the sinner but hate the sin." This actually causes people to pretend not to hate someone and then lie about it. In this devotional, we discuss the Biblical alternative. 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

Man's way is perverted and a complete repudiation of God's ways when man is not subject to God's words. Also Reference: Romans 7:17-19 https://bbfohio.com

It is a sad fact that many professing Christians are slackers. And God's word guarantees us that slackers will suffer poverty. But the "lazy Christian" is a contradiction and ought not describe you and I as born again Christians. 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 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

It's not an easy thing to do. But obeying the Lord is the right thing to do. And when the "foolish" are close friends or family, many choose to ignore commandments like this one. But the wise will trust the Lord and obey His word. https://bbfohio.com

Those whose tongues are given over to lying are oblivious to the fact that they may get by with it for some time, but it's just a "moment" compared to eternity. We discuss the foolish unbeliever and those professing Christians who are given over to a lying tongue, with an emphasis on what Jesus Christ has done to save us and to empower us to speak the truth and not lies. 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 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

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

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 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

Not all wounds are bad! We need to be sure of the motive and desired result when/if we speak words that initially wound the hearer. And when others act with love and good intentions, we should be thankful for them. But talebearers? Not so much... https://bbfohio.com

Reconciling Fear and Love. Scripture with Scripture. https://bbfohio.com

The wise man or woman will watch daily, waiting on the Lord. In other words, there is no such thing as a clueless wise man. The wise man will understand the times and not be caught off guard by the tactics of the enemy OR by world events. https://bbfohio.com

Hard work pays. And following vain persons with promises of ill-gotten gains or "get rich quick" schemes is a fool's errand. We will discuss this and give you a few illustrations, including that of a 1974 Hollywood movie that is based on a true story. https://bbfohio.com

The deception of "pride" is not just a thing among the Sodomites and their allies. Sadly, some believe that pride is a virtue as long as you're proud of the right thing. God's word says otherwise. Also Reference: Proverbs 16:19, Jeremiah 13:15, 1 John 2:15-17 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

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

<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

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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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

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