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Practical guidance for living, from the book of Proverbs By John Chopores

Introduction: A Proverb is a “to the point” short saying that quickly gives “down-to-earth” guidance. It uses various illustrations to tell a well-know truth. We could call the book of Proverbs, a picture book of helpful guidance for living day to day on this earth! One of the ways that the book does this is by means of comparison.

We can also see, from the nature of this book, that God cares a great deal about our Well-being and happiness in our time on this earth!

Kind Solomon (the author of most of Proverbs) is known to have lived seven hundred years before the time of Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle.

We need two kinds of knowledge in life: 1. One is knowledge about God, and His ways. That knowledge is called Theology! 2. Another is knowledge about humanly, what it is, and how to live it! We find both kinds of knowledge in the book of Proverbs.

Some like to think of the book of Proverbs, as an “ethical handbook”, and such it is, and more! I look at the book as that, and also as a “handbook” of life and how to live it well!

The main text: Chapter 1. Prov. 1: 1 The proverbs of Solomon the son of David, king of Israel: Solomon is said to have spoke three thousand proverbs. Cf. 1Ki 4:32 He spoke three thousand proverbs, and his songs were one thousand and five.

The name “Solomon” means: “peaceful”: having and using wisdom can bring great peace! Cf. Ps 119:165 Great peace have those who love Your law, And nothing causes them to stumble. This wisdom is older then that of the ancient Greeks; by hundreds of years. While the ancient Greeks themselves, are now just a memory: the wisdom of the Bible is still read, studied, and still practiced.

A great father can help his son(s) to be wise. David has a great man, but God is the greatest Father of all! Cf. Hebrews 12:9 Furthermore, we have had human fathers who corrected us, and we paid them respect. Shall we not much more readily be in subjection to the Father of spirits and live?

Solomon was a wise son and king. Cf. 1Ki 3:12 "behold, I have done according to your words; see, I have given you a wise and understanding heart, so that there has not been anyone like you before you, nor shall any like you arise after you.

He was also, an ancestor of (New Testament) Joseph, who was the stepfather of our Lord Jesus. Cf. Mt 1:6 and Jesse begot David the king. David the king begot Solomon by her who had been the wife of Uriah. Mt 1:16 And Jacob begot Joseph the husband of Mary, of whom was born Jesus who is called Christ.

Great things can come in small packages! A proverb is an easy to remember saying, that great truth in it! God is more than willing to lead us one small step at a time.

Word studies: Proverb comes from the Hebrew word “mashal”, which means: “a type of discourse which uses comparison of objects in short, pithy quotes”

2 To know wisdom and instruction, To perceive the words of understanding, God is not selfish with His wisdom; but is willing to share it with mankind that they may live, holy, happy, and peaceful lives. Cf. Eph 6:3 "that it may be well with you and you may live long on the earth."

Wisdom is the knowledge of the best and most effective ways to do that, which is good and helpful. All true wisdom comes from God Himself! Cf. Proverbs 2:6 For the LORD gives wisdom; From His mouth come knowledge and understanding; 1 Kings 4:29 And God gave Solomon wisdom and exceedingly great understanding, and largeness of heart like the sand on the seashore. Daniel 2:23 "I thank You and praise You, O God of my fathers; You have given me wisdom and might, And have now made known to me what we asked of You, For You have made known to us the king's demand." Luke 21:15 "for I will give you a mouth and wisdom which all your adversaries will not be able to contradict or resist. Jas 1:5 If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him.

This wisdom comes by the Spirit of God, into the spirit of a man/woman. Cf. Job 32:8 But there is a spirit in man, And the breath of the Almighty gives him understanding. We need to ask for it, in the Name of Jesus Christ. Cf. James 1:5 If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him. John 6:45 "It is written in the prophets, `And they shall all be taught by God.' Therefore everyone who has heard and learned from the Father comes to Me. Ephesians 1:17 that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give to you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him,

We may look at “understanding” as “distinguishing right from wrong, truth from It’s counterfeit”.

The knowledge taught by these proverbs covers a wide range of areas in life. Besides the area of ethics, they also teach: politics, godly psychology, economics, and every other area life imaginable. But the main thing that they teach is how to know and submit to God himself. With the rest of Scripture: it can help guide us through life. It is a free gift from the Great Gift-Giver. Cf. 2Ti 3:16 All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, 17 that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.

We are to: 1. Know. Cf. Proverbs 1:2 To know wisdom and instruction, To perceive the words of understanding, 2. Receive. Cf. Proverbs 1:3 To receive the instruction of wisdom, Justice, judgment, and equity; 3. To understand. Cf. Proverbs 1:3 To receive the instruction of wisdom, Justice, judgment, and equity; Proverbs 1:6 To understand a proverb and an enigma, The words of the wise and their riddles.

Solomon had great desire and ability to search out all kinds of knowledge and wisdom: which he did with a vengeance. The more he searched after knowledge, the better he became at obtaining it: for wisdom helps you find, as well as use knowledge. Cf. Ec 1:13 And I set my heart to seek and search out by wisdom concerning all that is done under heaven; this burdensome task God has given to the sons of man, by which they may be exercised.

Word studies: The Hebrew word used here for “wisdom” is “chakmah”, it can mean: “the capacity to understand and so have skill in living, implying adherence to a set standard;” . The Hebrew word used here for “peceive” is “ “bı̂n”, it can mean: “(hif) have skill, i.e., have a specialized knowledge that is effectively implemented”

This wisdom is beneficial for many areas of life. Cf. 2Ti 3:15 and that from childhood you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. 16 All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness,

3 To receive the instruction of wisdom, Justice, judgment, and equity; It is very wise, to be just. “To receive” we need to lay aside our pride. The better the teacher, the better the teaching! One person has said that the Hebrew word use here for wisdom, means; “discreet counsel”. The way to get this “wisdom” is by submitting ourselves to the correction of the One who are wiser then us. That One being God Himself!

The Hebrew word used here for “receive” is “laqach”, it can mean: “grasp, take hold of, i.e., grasp an object with the hand” . In other words; we are to “grasp” wisdom with our own hands! Yes, God wants us to exercise some faith and energy on our part, in the situation. Cf. Matthew 7:7 "Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you.

The Hebrew word (used here) for “instruction” is “leqach” it can mean: “teaching, instruction, i.e., information conveyed to a student” or “learning, i.e., information that is apprehended and incorporated in the life (Pr 1:5; 4:2; 9:9+);

The Hebrew word used here for “wisdom” is “sakal”. It means: “to give attention to, consider, ponder, be prudent”.

“Justice” is one thing that God cares about a great deal! Cf. Deu. 10: 17 "For the LORD your God is God of gods and Lord of lords, the great God, mighty and awesome, who shows no partiality nor takes a bribe. 18 "He administers justice for the fatherless and the widow, and loves the stranger, giving him food and clothing. Deuteronomy 32:4 He is the Rock, His work is perfect; For all His ways are justice, A God of truth and without injustice; Righteous and upright is He.

God wants us to care about it too! Cf. Deuteronomy 27:19 `Cursed is the one who perverts the justice due the stranger, the fatherless, and widow.' And all the people shall say, `Amen!'

“Judgment” God wants us to know right from wrong and the workings of life. That all things will be made right! Cf. Isa 30:21 Your ears shall hear a word behind you, saying, "This is the way, walk in it," Whenever you turn to the right hand Or whenever you turn to the left.

4 To give prudence to the simple, To the young man knowledge and discretion-- The Hebrew word for “prudence” is “armah” , it means: “prudence, discernment, i.e., wisdom and shrewdness in the management of affairs, showing a capacity for understanding”

The Hebrew used here for “discretion is “mƒzimah” it means: “purpose, discretion, device” . God not only gives wisdom and purpose, but also a plan! Cf. Psalms 25:9 The humble He guides in justice, And the humble He teaches His way. Psalms 32:8 I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will guide you with My eye. Proverbs 3:5 Trust in the LORD with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding; Proverbs 3:6 In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths.

The “simple”, is a person who is easily led. A “young man” is inexperienced, and therefore in need of knowledge. As far as age, a young man is a adolescence. The English word “discretion” used here is from the Hebrew word, “mez-im-maw'” which means: “purpose, discretion, device, plot”. So, knowledge can help give a young person, purpose in life!

5 A wise man will hear and increase learning, And a man of understanding will attain wise counsel, The Hebrew word used here for “wise” is, “khaw-kawm' ,” it can mean: “wise, learned, prudent”, and “wise (ethically and religiously)”. In other words wise in all of life! This kind of wisdom is very useful. Cf. Ecclesiastes 12:11 The words of the wise are like goads, and the words of scholars are like well-driven nails, given by one Shepherd.

And this wisdom is from God Himself! Cf. James 1: 17 Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning. James 1:5 If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him.

6 To understand a proverb and an enigma, The words of the wise and their riddles. The Hebrew word for “enigma” is, “mel-ee-tsaw'” it can mean: “satire, figure, enigma”. As we learn more of and about God, the more we can learn! Cf. Matthew 13:12 "For whoever has, to him more will be given, and he will have abundance; but whoever does not have, even what he has will be taken away from him. John 8:12 Then Jesus spoke to them again, saying, "I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life."

7 The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge, But fools despise wisdom and instruction. All things start somewhere; the starting place for knowledge is “the fear of the LORD”. Cf. Job 28:28 And to man He said, `Behold, the fear of the Lord, that is wisdom, And to depart from evil is understanding.'" Psalms 111:10 The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom; A good understanding have all those who do His commandments. His praise endures forever.

Much comes with the “fear of the LORD”. Cf. Acts 9:31 Then the churches throughout all Judea, Galilee, and Samaria had peace and were edified. And walking in the fear of the Lord and in the comfort of the Holy Spirit, they were multiplied.

To be wise, we need to fear and respect God, or we will not think much of and use His teaching!

Fools, do not have reverence for God, so, they must depend on their own minds and hearts! Cf. Psalms 53:1 <> The fool has said in his heart, "There is no God." They are corrupt, and have done abominable iniquity; There is none who does good. Psalms 14:5 There they are in great fear, For God is with the generation of the righteous.

Moreover, the human heart is not enough to guide us! Cf. Jeremiah 17:9 "The heart is deceitful above all things, And desperately wicked; Who can know it?

What and Who we know can mean Life or death! Cf. John 17:3 "And this is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent.

8 My son, hear the instruction of your father, And do not forsake the law of your mother; The quality and quantity of our life on this earth can be affected by how we treat our parents. Cf. Proverbs 6:20 My son, keep your father's command, And do not forsake the law of your mother. Ephesians 6:2 "Honor your father and mother," which is the first commandment with promise: Ephesians 6:3 "that it may be well with you and you may live long on the earth."

Let us not forget, God is the Great Father of spirits! Cf. Hebrews 12:9 Furthermore, we have had human fathers who corrected us, and we paid them respect. Shall we not much more readily be in subjection to the Father of spirits and live?

9 For they will be a graceful ornament on your head, And chains about your neck. The best “outfit” that a human can wear is a good, clear heart. Cf. 1 Peter 3:3 Do not let your adornment be merely outward----arranging the hair, wearing gold, or putting on fine apparel---- 1 Peter 3:4 rather let it be the hidden person of the heart, with the incorruptible beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is very precious in the sight of God. Psalms 51:6 Behold, You desire truth in the inward parts, And in the hidden part You will make me to know wisdom. Matthew 23:26 "Blind Pharisee, first cleanse the inside of the cup and dish, that the outside of them may be clean also.

God know our hearts, as well as our actions. Cf. Jeremiah 16:17 "For My eyes are on all their ways; they are not hidden from My face, nor is their iniquity hidden from My eyes.

The gold chain around the neck, was worn by kings and their favorites. This is saying, that if we obey God and His sound Wisdom, we will be one of His favorites! Cf. Gen. 41:41 And Pharaoh said unto Joseph, See, I have set thee over all the land of Egypt. 41:42 And Pharaoh took off his ring from his hand, and put it upon Joseph’s hand, and arrayed him in vestures of fine linen, and put a gold chain about his neck; Dan. 5:29 Then commanded Belshazzar, and they clothed Daniel with scarlet, and put a chain of gold about his neck, and made a proclamation concerning him, that he should be the third ruler in the kingdom.

10 My son, if sinners entice you, Do not consent Temptation; where it comes from: 1. From sinners. 2. From enticements.

It has been said “sinners love company in sin”. But a human has a “free will” in the sense that God will give the power to not sin, to the person who asks for and uses it! Cf. Psalms 4:4 Be angry, and do not sin. Meditate within your heart on your bed, and be still. Selah 1 Corinthians 15:34 Awake to righteousness, and do not sin; for some do not have the knowledge of God. I speak this to your shame. Ephesians 4:26 "Be angry, and do not sin": do not let the sun go down on your wrath, 1 John 2:1 My little children, these things I write to you, so that you may not sin. And if anyone sins, we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous.

Know that the World system is addicted to sin. Cf. 1 John 5:19 We know that we are of God, and the whole world lies under the sway of the wicked one. And sinning is their way of living and thinking. Cf. 1 John 4:5 They are of the world. Therefore they speak as of the world, and the world hears them. Rom. 1:32 who, knowing the righteous judgment of God, that those who practice such things are deserving of death, not only do the same but also approve of those who practice them.

The World does not want to even hear the truth. Cf. Romans 1:18 For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who suppress the truth in unrighteousness, 1 John 4:6. We are of God. He who knows God hears us; he who is not of God does not hear us. By this we know the spirit of truth and the spirit of error.

Jesus Christ working through the Holy Spirit is the Way of overcoming sin. Cf. 1 John 4:4 You are of God, little children, and have overcome them, because He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world. 1 John 4:9 In this the love of God was manifested toward us, that God has sent His only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through Him.

Two of the most powerful words in the universe are the words: “Yes” and “No”. Yes to God and His ways. Cf. Psalms 9:10 And those who know Your name will put their trust in You; For You, LORD, have not forsaken those who seek You. Psalms 40:16 Let all those who seek You rejoice and be glad in You; Let such as love Your salvation say continually, "The LORD be magnified!"

No to the World, flash and the Devil. Cf. 1 John 2:15 Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. 1 John 2:16 For all that is in the world----the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life----is not of the Father but is of the world. 1 John 2:17 And the world is passing away, and the lust of it; but he who does the will of God abides forever.

11 If they say, "Come with us, Let us lie in wait to shed blood; Let us lurk secretly for the innocent without cause; First off, a person should avoid spending a lot of time with evil people (except to help them come to the Lord). We are not even to learn their ways! Cf. Proverbs 4:14 Do not enter the path of the wicked, And do not walk in the way of evil. Proverbs 4:15 Avoid it, do not travel on it; Turn away from it and pass on. Proverbs 9:6 Forsake foolishness and live, And go in the way of understanding. Proverbs 13:20 He who walks with wise men will be wise, But the companion of fools will be destroyed. Psalms 1:1 Blessed is the man Who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly, Nor stands in the path of sinners, Nor sits in the seat of the scornful; Psalms 64:5 They encourage themselves in an evil matter; They talk of laying snares secretly; They say, "Who will see them?" Psalms 64:6 They devise iniquities: "We have perfected a shrewd scheme." Both the inward thought and the heart of man are deep.

They “lie in wait”, evil people do not want their doings known, and in the “light”. For then how would they use other people? The Bible makes it clear that if they do not repent, all their evil works will be know by all! Cf. Revelation 16:11 They blasphemed the God of heaven because of their pains and their sores, and did not repent of their deeds. Jude 1:15 "to execute judgment on all, to convict all who are ungodly among them of all their ungodly deeds which they have committed in an ungodly way, and of all the harsh things which ungodly sinners have spoken against Him." Romans 4:7 "Blessed are those whose lawless deeds are forgiven, And whose sins are covered; Rev. 20: 11 Then I saw a great white throne and Him who sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away. And there was found no place for them. 12 And I saw the dead, small and great, standing before God, and books were opened. And another book was opened, which is the Book of Life. And the dead were judged according to their works, by the things which were written in the books.

12 Let us swallow them alive like Sheol, And whole, like those who go down to the Pit; “Let us give them a quick and complete death!” Is one way to say it.

13 We shall find all kinds of precious possessions, We shall fill our houses with spoil; “We shall, we shall!” Pride! Great pride they have in their selves! The love of Money is the cause of many evils. Cf. 1 Timothy 6:10 For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, for which some have strayed from the faith in their greediness, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.

14 Cast in your lot among us, Let us all have one purse" -- “Let us have one purse” they treat the young man as a fool! If they rob from others, why would they give a share to the young man? Would they not just keep his “share” too?

15 My son, do not walk in the way with them, Keep your foot from their path; Many “talk the talk” but do not “walk the walk”! We are to even spend a little time in evil! Cf. Proverbs 4:14 Do not enter the path of the wicked, And do not walk in the way of evil. Psalms 1:1 Blessed is the man Who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly, Nor stands in the path of sinners, Nor sits in the seat of the scornful; Psalms 119:101 I have restrained my feet from every evil way, That I may keep Your word.

There are some things that we should not even try or go near. Cf. Romans 16:17 Now I urge you, brethren, note those who cause divisions and offenses, contrary to the doctrine which you learned, and avoid them. 2 Timothy 2:23 But avoid foolish and ignorant disputes, knowing that they generate strife. Titus 3:9 But avoid foolish disputes, genealogies, contentions, and strivings about the law; for they are unprofitable and useless.

16 For their feet run to evil, And they make haste to shed blood. Please note that their feet “run” not walk to “shed blood”! Their feet follow their hearts. Cf. Proverbs 6:18 A heart that devises wicked plans, Feet that are swift in running to evil,

17 Surely, in vain the net is spread In the sight of any bird; Cf. Psalms 9:16 The LORD is known by the judgment He executes; The wicked is snared in the work of his own hands. Meditation. Selah

18 But they lie in wait for their own blood, They lurk secretly for their own lives. The word “own” is not in the original text. This verse could be saying that the wicked “lie in wait” for the blood of the “innocent”. See verse 1.

19 So are the ways of everyone who is greedy for gain; It takes away the life of its owners. Not a good deal, to trade one’s soul for money. Cf. Matthew 16:26 "For what profit is it to a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul? Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul?

20 Wisdom calls aloud outside; She raises her voice in the open squares. God wants people to be wise and have Life! So He makes finding it simple, just come in faith to Jesus Christ. Cf. John 3: 14 "And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of Man be lifted up, 15 "that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life. 16 "For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. 17 "For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved. 18 "He who believes in Him is not condemned; but he who does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. Romans 5:8 But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. 2 Corinthians 5:19 that is, that God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself, not imputing their trespasses to them, and has committed to us the word of reconciliation. John 4:9 In this the love of God was manifested toward us, that God has sent His only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through Him. 1 John 4:10 In this is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins. Romans 5:10 For if when we were enemies we were reconciled to God through the death of His Son, much more, having been reconciled, we shall be saved by His life. Romans 8:32 He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him also freely give us all things? 1 Corinthians 1:24 but to those who are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God.

Many believe that the “wisdom” talked about here, is Christ Himself. Cf. 1 Corinthians 1:24 but to those who are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God. Luke 11:49 "Therefore the wisdom of God also said, `I will send them prophets and apostles, and some of them they will kill and persecute,' [The “wisdom of God” here, seems to be a person].

Some believe that it is “wisdom” (a kind of understanding) but not a person. I believe that it is both wisdom (a kind of understanding) and the One who is the wisdom of God. Cf. Ephesians 3:19 to know the love of Christ which passes knowledge; that you may be filled with all the fullness of God. Philippians 2:5 Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, Philippians 2:6 who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, Ephesians 1:23 which is His body, the fullness of Him who fills all in all Colossians 2:9 For in Him dwells all the fullness of the Godhead bodily;

The Hebrew word used here for “wisdom” is in the plural: so it means: “wisdoms”.

Not hidden in a corner, but in the “open”.

21 She cries out in the chief concourses, At the openings of the gates in the city She speaks her words: It is clear, that God offers wisdom to many people and not just to a few.

22 "How long, you simple ones, will you love simplicity? For scorners delight in their scorning, And fools hate knowledge. God asks “how long” about many things: Cf. How long will you sleep? Proverbs 6:9 How long will you slumber, O sluggard? When will you rise from your sleep? How long will you refuse? Exodus 10:3 So Moses and Aaron came in to Pharaoh and said to him, "Thus says the LORD God of the Hebrews: `How long will you refuse to humble yourself before Me? Let My people go, that they may serve Me. How long will you will not follow His laws?Exodus 16:28 And the LORD said to Moses, "How long do you refuse to keep My commandments and My laws? How long will you will He bear will evil men? Numbers 14:27 "How long shall I bear with this evil congregation who complain against Me? I have heard the complaints which the children of Israel make against Me

Word studies: The Hebrew word for “simple ones” means: “simplicity, naivete”. The Hebrew word for “scorning” is “luwts” it means: “to boast, to scorn”. The Hebrew word for “knowledge” is “da`ath”, it means both: “knowledge, perception, skill” and also: “discernment, understanding, wisdom”.

23 Turn at my rebuke; Surely I will pour out my spirit on you; I will make my words known to you. This is a turn that can save your life! Cf. Isaiah 55:6 Seek the LORD while He may be found, Call upon Him while He is near. Isaiah 55:7 Let the wicked forsake his way, And the unrighteous man his thoughts; Let him return to the LORD, And He will have mercy on him; And to our God, For He will abundantly pardon. Ezekiel 18:27 "Again, when a wicked man turns away from the wickedness which he committed, and does what is lawful and right, he preserves himself alive.

24 Because I have called and you refused, I have stretched out my hand and no one regarded, Here we actually have Wisdom itself (Himself) seeking the person. Some think that “wisdom” as talked about here, is Christ Himself! Cf. Jeremiah 7:13 "And now, because you have done all these works," says the LORD, "and I spoke to you, rising up early and speaking, but you did not hear, and I called you, but you did not answer, Heb. 12: 24 to Jesus the Mediator of the new covenant, and to the blood of sprinkling that speaks better things than that of Abel. 25 See that you do not refuse Him who speaks. For if they did not escape who refused Him who spoke on earth, much more shall we not escape if we turn away from Him who speaks from heaven,

That He “stretched out” His hand, shows that he went “out of His way” to help them. Cf. Luke 11:9 "So I say to you, ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. John 16:24 "Until now you have asked nothing in My name. Ask, and you will receive, that your joy may be full.

Question: Who are men to not “regard” the voice of Wisdom? Answer: small beings, with great pride! Cf. Isaiah 55:8 "For My thoughts are not your thoughts, Nor are your ways My ways," says the LORD. Isaiah 55:9 "For as the heavens are higher than the earth, So are My ways higher than your ways, And My thoughts than your thoughts. God will not honor the pride of men! Cf. Matthew 11:25 At that time Jesus answered and said, "I thank You, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that You have hidden these things from the wise and prudent and have revealed them to babes.

Only God Himself has all knowledge and wisdom. Cf. Romans 11:33 Oh, the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are His judgments and His ways past finding out! Romans 11:34 "For who has known the mind of the LORD? Or who has become His counselor?" Romans 11:35 "Or who has first given to Him And it shall be repaid to him?" Romans 11:36 For of Him and through Him and to Him are all things, to whom be glory forever. Amen.

25 Because you disdained all my counsel, And would have none of my rebuke, They should have acted with humility, repentance and love. Cf. Isaiah 64:9 Do not be furious, O LORD, Nor remember iniquity forever; Indeed, please look--we all are Your people! 1 Peter 1:22 Since you have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit in sincere love of the brethren, love one another fervently with a pure heart,

26 I also will laugh at your calamity; I will mock when your terror comes, Since they do not want to obey the Will of God: His will is not revealed to them any more. Cf. Ps 2:4 He who sits in the heavens shall laugh; The Lord shall hold them in derision. We humans do not; but the Lord does, see the end of all human affairs. Cf.Ps 37:13 The Lord laughs at him, For He sees that his day is coming.

27 When your terror comes like a storm, And your destruction comes like a whirlwind, When distress and anguish come upon you. A person needs to work now; for things can change swiftly! Cf. 1Th 5:3 For when they say, "Peace and safety!" then sudden destruction comes upon them, as labor pains upon a pregnant woman. And they shall not escape. Ro 2:9 tribulation and anguish, on every soul of man who does evil, of the Jew first and also of the Greek;

28 "Then they will call on me, but I will not answer; They will seek me diligently, but they will not find me. The question is why are they seeking God? Could it be they are trying, the following:

1. To ease their own grief. 2. To try and get things from God. Such as riches and fame. 3. To comfort their guilt feelings.

One reason that their seeking is not working could be that they are not doing it in love! Cf. Proverbs 8:17 I love those who love me, And those who seek me diligently will find me. Another reason could be that they have gone too long and far in their sins. Cf. Genesis 6:3 And the LORD said, "My Spirit shall not strive with man forever, for he is indeed flesh; yet his days shall be one hundred and twenty years." Micah 3:4 Then they will cry to the LORD, But He will not hear them; He will even hide His face from them at that time, Because they have been evil in their deeds.

Matthew 7:22 "Many will say to Me in that day, `Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name, cast out demons in Your name, and done many wonders in Your name?' Matthew 7:23 "And then I will declare to them, `I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness!'

Another reason could be because they are not asking God, for the right reasons. Cf. James 4:3 You ask and do not receive, because you ask amiss, that you may spend it on your pleasures.

29 Because they hated knowledge And did not choose the fear of the LORD, There is more than one kind of knowledge. Cf. James 3:15 This wisdom does not descend from above, but is earthly, sensual, demonic. James 3:17 But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality and without hypocrisy.

30 They would have none of my counsel And despised my every rebuke. There are many people who think highly of themselves, but little of God! Cf. Luke 16:14 Now the Pharisees, who were lovers of money, also heard all these things, and they derided Him. [The Greek word used here for “derided” is “ἐκμυκτηρίζω” it means: “ridicule, sneer, lit. ‘turn up the nose’ τινά (at) someone” ].

31 Therefore they shall eat the fruit of their own way, And be filled to the full with their own fancies. It does matter what we do. Cf. Isaiah 3:10 "Say to the righteous that it shall be well with them, For they shall eat the fruit of their doings. Ezekiel 11:21 "But as for those whose hearts follow the desire for their detestable things and their abominations, I will recompense their deeds on their own heads," says the Lord GOD. Romans 6:21 What fruit did you have then in the things of which you are now ashamed? For the end of those things is death. Galatians 6:7 Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap. Galatians 6:8 For he who sows to his flesh will of the flesh reap corruption, but he who sows to the Spirit will of the Spirit reap everlasting life.

32 For the turning away of the simple will slay them, And the complacency of fools will destroy them; Faith and deeds are life and death matters! Cf. Proverbs 8:36 But he who sins against me wrongs his own soul; All those who hate me love death." John 3:36 "He who believes in the Son has everlasting life; and he who does not believe the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God abides on him." Hebrews 10:38 Now the just shall live by faith; But if anyone draws back, My soul has no pleasure in him." Hebrews 10:39 But we are not of those who draw back to perdition, but of those who believe to the saving of the soul. Hebrews 12:25 See that you do not refuse Him who speaks. For if they did not escape who refused Him who spoke on earth, much more shall we not escape if we turn away from Him who speaks from heaven,

The Hebrew word used here for “complacency” is “shalwah” it can mean: “complacency, thoughtlessness, i.e., a state or condition of improper satisfaction in one’s circumstances in life, implying a sufficient prosperity which responds with unresponsiveness to the needy or any other necessary principles or practices” .

The Hebrew word used here for “fool” is “kesil” it can mean: “fool, insolent person, i.e., one completely lacking understanding, implying to be a rebel against standard or person” .

33 But whoever listens to me will dwell safely, And will be secure, without fear of evil." There is a blessing from listening to Wisdom. Cf. Proverbs 8:32 "Now therefore, listen to me, my children, For blessed are those who keep my ways. This listening is be done daily! Cf. Proverbs 8:34 Blessed is the man who listens to me, Watching daily at my gates, Waiting at the posts of my doors.

Some thoughts on the chapter as a whole: Proverbs are very concise sayings. But this is a good thing because: 1. Being concise, the proverbs are arresting. They get our notice. 2. Being concise, they are easier to put and keep into the memory.

Many of the proverbs form mental pictures that are easy to understand.