Proverbs 01 

 Most of the Proverbs were written by Solomon, but some were not compiled until the days of Hezekiah. It is supposed that Solomon wrote the book of Solomon when he was a young man, Proverbs when middle aged, and Ecclesiastes when he was old. Proverbs are written in a type of Hebrew poetic form. Like many proverbs of the world, they express truths for practical living, but unlike the world’s proverbs, these stress the importance of the relationship to God. Some of the Proverbs speak directly of Christ and some have a very spiritual application, but some men make the mistake of trying to “spiritualize” every verse. Some of the books of the Bible instruct obedience to the law and the prophets, but the Proverbs instruct in how to live properly before God and man. About seventeen times it addresses “sons”, indicating value to young people.
v 1-6. The purpose is stated briefly as giving instruction to the young for right living and for gaining discernment.
v 8-19. The foundation of wisdom beginning with the fear of the Lord. Youths are admonished to heed advice of their parents, and warned not to be enticed by sinners.
v 20-33. Wisdom gives warning. Of special interest is v 28, 29, where those who hate knowledge and do not fear the Lord can call upon Him early but will not find Him. Contrast that with 8:17, those who love the Lord and seek Him early will find Him.

Proverbs 02

v 1-22. This chapter shows how the earnest pursuit of wisdom and the fear of the Lord delivers from evil. Verses 11-22 specifically warns of immoral people.

Proverbs 03

v 1-35. The chapter deals with the rewards of wisdom. Verses 5 and 6 have been a special guide to me throughout life, as they have been to many others. Verse 7 also is closely related in relying on the Lord, not our own wisdom.
v 9 gives the value of taking out our tithes and offerings for the Lord first.
v 11,12 encourage accepting chastening from the Lord as from a loving father.
v 27, 28 remind us to pay all bills promptly if we have the means.
v 33-35 emphasize the blessing of God on the wise and humble not on scoffers.

Proverbs 04

v 1-9 This chapter is full of fatherly advice with these verses emphasizing the importance of getting both wisdom and understanding.
v 10-19 tell how wisdom can keep us out of trouble, note especially v 13 and 18. 
v 20-27. Wisdom can produce health, note v 22.

Proverbs 05

This whole chapter is a severe rebuke to immorality. Verses 18 and 19 state the value of the expression of physical love in marriage, but the verses before and after give warning against that expression outside of marriage.

Proverbs 06

v 1-5 Warn against foolish financial entanglements, co-signing notes.
v 6-11 Speak against laziness, using the ant as an example, v 6.
v 12-19. A worthless scoundrel uses body language to deceive people. The Lord lists seven things that are an abomination in a worthless person, 16-18.
v 20-35. Parents give warning to their children about immorality, here especially to sons concerning the need to strictly avoid an adulterous woman. In v 30 and 31, a thief must pay multiple restitution even if he steals food, but no restitution can be paid that will satisfy a man robbed of his wife.

Proverbs 07

The “apple of the eye”, the pupil, is the most sensitive and carefully guarded part of our body. This whole chapter is a warning to place that much guardianship over our body in avoiding immorality, here the seductions of an adulterous woman.

Proverbs 08

This whole chapter gives praise to wisdom. 
v 8. A part of that wisdom is that if we fear the Lord we hate evil.
v 17 is in contrast to 1:28,29 where those who hate the Lord and seek Him early.
v 22-36. Some say that these verses are an attribute of Christ but do not refer to Christ, as other times in the book it can not be used that clearly. However much we must use the normal meaning of wisdom in many places, it must be pointed out that here, it does refer to Christ. We have many uses of the word love, but 1 John 4:16 states clearly, “God is Love”. Likewise in these verses, “Christ is Wisdom”. Note in v 22 it does not say God created Christ, but possessed Him. Christ was not a created being but was with God from the beginning. Notice in the following verses how Christ was with God throughout the various parts of creation. In fact Christ had a major part in the actual creation of all things, John 1:3 and 10.
v 35 and 36 have similarity to John 3:18. Those who do not believe on Christ are already condemned because as a part of the world, they hate Christ, John 15:18, 19.

Proverbs 09

v 1-6. Wisdom is portrayed as a wise woman giving invitation to her banquet. Her invitation in verse 3 reminds of Luke 14:23 where servants are sent out to invite to the great supper. Verse 5 is similar to the invitation to come in Isa. 55:2.
v 7-12. Is sandwiched between two invitations and compares attending the banquet of wisdom or the banquet of folly. V 10 emphasizes the fear of the Lord.
v 13-18. Folly is portrayed as a foolish woman, with similar words of invitation. The” simple” in the first case gain understanding, but in the latter are further deluded. Drinking water out of one’s own cistern in 5:15 refer to sex in marriage, but the stolen waters and secret bread here in v 17 refer to illicit sex and clandestine behavior.

Proverbs 10

Chapters 10 - 24 contrast Wisdom and the fear of God with Folly and sin. Every verse is rich in it’s contrasts so I will only call attention to a few. 
v 1. The effect a child’s behavior has on it’s parents.
v 4 and 5 have to do with diligence.
v 10 deals with winking with cohorts and foolish chatter.
v 12 contrasts hatred and love.
v 16 , 17 and many others are important contrasting the righteous and wicked.
v 27 This is generally true of age, but in such things there are obvious exceptions.

Proverbs 11

v 1-3 are important regarding honesty, humility and integrity.
v 12 is an important contrast between hatred and forgiveness and discretion. 
v 13-15 avoiding gossip, seeking good counsel and avoiding security for another.
v 22 the absurdity of indiscretion.
v 24-26 regard liberality and sharing.
v 30 should be on the heart of every believer, winning souls for Christ.

Proverbs 12

v 1 states the great importance of seeking knowledge and instruction/
v 4. Girls and all ladies, really take this to heart, your actions affect your husband.
v 22. We all hate lying, and so does the Lord.
v 25. We may never know how a kind word has cheered someone.
v 27. This verse isn’t expected, but we are reminded to hunt for food not just sport.

Proverbs 13

v 1. again brings up a son following his father’s instruction.
v 5. repeats the revulsion to lying.
v 7 and 11 place seeking riches at a proper priority in life.
v 10. Many problems stem from pride.
v 24. If we truly love our children, we will properly discipline them. (tough love)

Proverbs 14

v 1. This is not building a house of sticks, but a home of love and caring.
v 5. Another stress against lying.
v 12. This is so important that we allow God to guide our lives, not do it ourselves.
v 16,17. It is wise to back off from heated confrontations and not be angry.
v 25.  lying contrasted to a truthful witness is so important in law or personally.
v 29. This reinforces v 16, 17, be slow to anger. v 29. When you lose your temper you lose the ability to think normally,  clouds the mind, confuse our judgment, and creates unhappiness.
v 34. This verse is inscribed in the wall of the Missouri State capitol, and vital.

Proverbs 15

v 1. “A soft answer turneth away wrath”. For other verses regarding speaking in this chapter see 2, 4, 7, 14 and 23 and the Lord sees it, v 3. More on anger, v 18.
v 8,9,26 express wickedness as an abominations before the Lord.
v 13. This verse is better than pills. More on the merry heart, v 15.
v 16,17 place poverty with love and fear of the Lord over wealth and anger.
v v 27 denounces greed and v 33 extols humility. Too many good verses to list.

Proverbs 16

v 1, 2, 3, 9, 25 all express that though our way seems right, God’s way is best, and 
v 3 involves committing everything unto the Lord.
v 4 is hard to understand, but God does reserve the wicked for judgment.
v 5, 18 , 19 strike hard at pride.
v 8 and 16 reinforce v 16, 17 of chapter 15, the relative unimportance of riches.
v 10-12 and 29 speak of the importance of integrity.
v 21. Sunday School teachers especially, pray for “sweet lips”.
v 24. Pleasant words are in such contrast to the evil words of v 27-30.
v 31. Gray hair can be significant if the wearer is righteous.
v 32. Control of one’s anger is a powerful force. See also 15:1 comments.

Proverbs 17

v 1. Anything is a relief from a bickering household.
v 5. Don’t even think of laughing if someone else has a flat tire etc.
v 6. This speaks well of fathers, children and grandchildren.
v 7-9. deal with lying, bribery and gossip.
v 10. Accepting reproof is different than those who “never learn”.
v 13-15 speak of rewarding evil for good, strife and justifying the wicked.
v 17,18 Friends are invaluable, but still should avoid co- signing debts.
v 22. Similar to 15: 13, the value of a merry heart.
v 25. Similar to 10:1 in the sadness a foolish son can bring his parents.
v 27,28 Show the value of being discreet in our counsel or conversation.

Proverbs 18

v 1. Don’t separate from that which is right to satisfy your own pleasure.
v 5. Contrary to this, many courts today show partiality to the wicked.
v 8,9. Many times gossip and slothfulness go together.
v 12. Again humility is stressed.
v 13, Always hear both sides of a question before passing judgment.
v 19 This has proven true in so many families and churches.
v 22. Especially if this wife approaches to the one in 19:14 and Proverbs 31.
v 23. This is the secret of neighborliness, of welcome in a Sunday School class. 

Proverbs 19

 v 1,5, 28. Show the need of integrity of any witness.
v 6. Like the prodigal son until his money ran out.
v 11. Let it pass, as previous verses on being slow to anger etc.
v 13. Where there is a contentious wife there will probably be rebellious children.
v 14. This one is like the one in 18:22 and in contrast to the one above.
v 15,17 Speak of diligence and concern for the poor.
v 18. The son chastened will not be like the one in 26 or 27.

Proverbs 20

v 1. See also 23:29-35 for the harmfulness of drinking.
v 3. Like 19:11 and others on anger, let it pass and mind your own business.
v 4 and 13 speak of diligence. V 16 on co-signing debts, my comments at 27:13.
v 10,17,23 despise deceit in the market place and v 14 unscrupulous trading.
v 18, 24 Seek counsel from men and guidance from the Lord.
v 19-21 Condemn gossip, disrespect of parents and greed.
v. 22. Let vengeance belong to God, Rom. 12:19.
v 26, 27. As a king searches out wicked, and the Lord searches our inner heart.
v 29. Each age has their value.
v 30 Punishment is not merely for physical pain but to mature us.

Proverbs 21

v 2. Almost identical to 16:2 and the other verses listed there.
v 3. Like 1 Sam. 15:22. See also Prov. 15:8; 21:27.
v 4,6,8 Deal with common terms respectively, pride (v 24), lying and deceit.
v 9. The brawling woman is similar to the contentious women of v 19, 19:13.
v 13 Not just a plea, but a warning to care for the poor.
v 15,21. Are calls to do right and 23 to watch our words.
v 31. We must not trust in horses, or armaments, but in the Lord.

Proverbs 22

v 1. The value of a good name is apparent privately and in Christian service.
v 4. Another stress on humility and fear of the Lord.
v 6. Many Proverbs are a general statement to which there are exceptions, as we have here. Each child should be handled on an individual basis, but the same goal.
This verse deserves extra understanding. This does not mean after a life of sin an old man will return to what he was taught as a child. To train starts with the earliest discipline. The Jewish midwife dipped her finger in a little paste of figs or dates and rubbed it all around inside a baby’s mouth to encourage sucking. The “way he should go” is not our way, but the way he is bent, each child being different. Then when he is old (literally old enough to grow a beard) he will continue in the way he was trained. Wise is the parent who can discern and respond to the bent of each child.
v 7. Every borrower has experienced this.
v 8 We reap what we sow and v 9 expresses care for the poor.
v 14 warns of a seductive adulteress, and v 15 of child discipline.
v 26 , 27. Another warning against being surety for debts.
v 28 The value of landmarks to settle disputes. V 29 urges diligence.

Proverbs 23

v 1-8 and 17 Speak in general of moderation in desire for food or wealth.
v 13,14. Are strong verses on child discipline.
v 22-25 Parents rejoice when children follow sound advice of them and others.
v 19-21 and 29-35 are strong warnings against strong drink.
V 26-28 are further warnings against immoral women.

Proverbs 24

v 1,2 warn against being envious of and participating with the wicked.
v 5,6 are another reminder to seek wise counselors.
v 8,9 warn against evil scheming and mockery.
v 10. Hang in there when the going is tough, see also Jer. 12:5.
v 11,12. God will ultimately judge our works. 
v 17,18. See 17:5. If we are glad at another’s calamity, the Lord may punish us.
v 23-26. Whether in church or legally, don’t show respect to persons.
v 26. This is such common sense, to make money in a business so you can afford to build, remodel of furnish a home, but it is amazing at those who dispute it.  
v 28, 29 are more verses demanding true witnessing.
v 30-34. Warn dramatically against slothfulness.
Chapters 10-24 have been full of contrasts too numerous to mention here.

Proverbs 25

v 1. Chapters 25-29 are warnings and instructions from Solomon assembled by the men of Hezekiah. As in previous chapters i will only comment on some highlights.
v 6,7 remind us of not promoting ourselves as in 27:2 or Lk. 14:10.
v 9-12 list advantages of talking over a matter with someone instead of gossiping.
v 14 deals with boasting while 16,17 have more to do with moderation.
v 18,19 false witnessing and broken confidence are very harmful.
v 21, 22 It is to our own benefit to do good to our enemies.
v 24. This type woman in 19:13; 21:9; 27:15.
v 28 Need of self control.

Proverbs 26

v 1-12 A conceited wise man is placed lower than the characteristics of a fool.
v 4, 5. Nothing gained in talking as a fool, but sometimes they must be refuted.
v 13-16 deal with the futility of slothfulness.
v 17,18 urge minding our own business.
v 19-28 deal with deceitfulness, with v 20 on gossip and v 28 on lying and flattery.

Proverbs 27

v 1,2 have more to say against boasting, as 25:14.
v 10. Our best friend in time of need may not be someone of our own family.
v 13 Exact words of 20:16. To avoid risk, a creditor should take the outer cloak of a stranger, especially a wayward woman who cosigns a debt. 6:1; 11:15; 17:18; 22:26,7. Jews could not charge interest to brethren or high interest to others.
v 27:15 See 25:24 for verses on contentious women who can wreck a home.
v 23-27 Stress the importance of being diligent in our business, also see 24:27.

Proverbs 28

v 1. But we still need boldness from the Holy Spirit for witnessing etc.
v 5-10 emphasize obedience to the law, v 8 especially about interest, see 27:13.
v 11. The rich may be conceited but a poor man in some ways more wise.
v 13,14. It is prudent to confess and forsake sin.
v 19,20. Be diligent in business, 24:27, but not unscrupulous.
v 24. Loathsome, but it does happen, especially with inheritance. Also Matt. 7:11.
v 25. Another of many warnings in Proverbs against pride.
v 28. Notice how this verse supplements v 12, a problem when wicked men rise.

Proverbs 29

v 1. We gain by accepting proper criticism.
v 2. Emotions involved, but this may be the making or breaking of an institution.
v 3-6. Need of faithful sons, just kings, and avoiding flattery.
v 7. Another verse of concern for the poor.
v 11. Use discretion in discussing an issue. Consider also v 20 with this.
v 15, 16. Two of many verses stressing proper discipline of children.
v 18. Here this speaks of people perishing for lack of revelation from God given through prophets, but we bend it to mean if we don’t take the Gospel, people perish.
v 27. The upright and sinners are in continuous conflict.

Proverbs 30

v 1. This Proverb was written or assembled by and to men of identities unknown.
v 4-6. Agur desires to know more about God the creator.
v 8,9. We should be satisfied with the things Agur is satisfied with.
v 12-14. That generation sounds like now, some making the claim of 1 Jn. 1:10.
v 15-17. The child of v 17 is as greedy as the four insatiable desires listed.
v 18-20. Four amazing things, and amazing adulterous who admits to no wrong.
v 21-23. These four things are unbearable because they are out of their place.
v 24-28. We can learn of the wisdom and God’s care of these four small things.
v 29-31. God has placed these four impressive things in a prominent place.
v 32,33. Pride and anger both cause problems.

Proverbs 31

v 1. Lemuel, beloved of the Lord, probably Solomon or a neighboring prince.

v 2-7 His mother warns against adultery and strong drink, specifically for kings. It was worded as a comparative negative. Don’t do what those others do.

v 8,9. He should judge fairly, being sure to care for the destitute.

v 10-31. These are not all characteristics of a specific woman, but a composite of characteristics of a virtuous, noble woman. She is faithful to her husband, a good shopper, very skilled, industrious and business minded. She looks well to her children and is an asset to her husband. In v 30, favor, that is charm and graciousness and beauty were insignificant to her fear of the Lord. She is in stark contrast to adulterous women in earlier Proverbs, and is worthy of private and public praise and honor.
Each of the verses of this section begin with a consecutive letter of the Hebrew alphabet. I don’t know who to give credit for the following description:

10 A - Aleph - Virtuous, invaluable

11 B - Beth - Trustworthy

12 C - Gimel - Dependable

13 D - Daleth - Homemaker

14 E - Hey - Economical

15 F - Vau - Oblivious to time

16 Z - Zain - Good business sense

17 H - Cheth - Industrious

18 T - Teth - Discerning

19 J - Yod - Conscientious seamstress { J is “ : “ or jot of “Jot or Tittle”)

20 K - Coph - Hospitality

21 L - Lamed - Clothing designs, “scarlet” = double thickness - like thermal underwear

22 M - Mem - Best upholstery, drapes, dress clothes, talented

23 N - Nean - A good helpmeet

24 S - Samech - Spare time sowing for profit

25 O - Ayin - Clothing reflects her spiritual wardrobe

26 P - Pe - Soft spoken kindness and wisdom

27 Ts - Tsaddi - Evaluates her work and household

28 K - Koph - Spiritual example appreciated

29 R - Resh - (v 28) Her husband’s praise (1 Pet. 3:1-6)

30 Sh - Schim - Fear of the Lord is secret of inner beauty

31 T - Tau - Honored by family, friends and God

Proverbs 31

v 1. Lemuel, beloved of the Lord, probably Solomon or a neighboring prince.

v 2-7 His mother warns against adultery and strong drink, specifically for kings. It was worded as a comparative negative. Don’t do what those others do.

v 8,9. He should judge fairly, being sure to care for the destitute.

v 10-31. These are not all characteristics of a specific woman, but a composite of characteristics of a virtuous, noble woman. She is faithful to her husband, a good shopper, very skilled, industrious and business minded. She looks well to her children and is an asset to her husband. In v 30, favor, that is charm and graciousness and beauty were insignificant to her fear of the Lord. She is in stark contrast to adulterous women in earlier Proverbs, and is worthy of private and public praise and honor.
Each of the verses of this section begin with a consecutive letter of the Hebrew alphabet. I don’t know who to give credit for the following description:

10 A - Aleph - Virtuous, invaluable

11 B - Beth - Trustworthy

12 C - Gimel - Dependable

13 D - Daleth - Homemaker

14 E - Hey - Economical

15 F - Vau - Oblivious to time

16 Z - Zain - Good business sense

17 H - Cheth - Industrious

18 T - Teth - Discerning

19 J - Yod - Conscientious seamstress { J is “ : “ or jot of “Jot or Tittle”)

20 K - Coph - Hospitality

21 L - Lamed - Clothing designs, “scarlet” = double thickness - like thermal underwear

22 M - Mem - Best upholstery, drapes, dress clothes, talented

23 N - Nean - A good helpmeet

24 S - Samech - Spare time sowing for profit

25 O - Ayin - Clothing reflects her spiritual wardrobe

26 P - Pe - Soft spoken kindness and wisdom

27 Ts - Tsaddi - Evaluates her work and household

28 K - Koph - Spiritual example appreciated

29 R - Resh - (v 28) Her husband’s praise (1 Pet. 3:1-6)

30 Sh - Schim - Fear of the Lord is secret of inner beauty

31 T - Tau - Honored by family, friends and God

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In the early 90's I started studing the bible by taking colleger courses, because I believe the Lord wanted me to become a pastor in a Nazarne Church. My goal has changed with all my studies. I have read and compared numerous translations and commentaries in my many years of studying the bible. Some of these authorities disagree with each other. I come across information on studies and classes that I have taken 15 to 20 years before and I have no documentation of where it came from. Plus I have given away or returned many books for college classes that I have taken. So if I have failed to give someone the credit that is due them I ask for their forgiveness. The following is a list of translations and commentaries that I still have and use.

1. Apocrypha
2. Confessions of St Augustine
3. Divine Comedy of Dante (Henery Carytr)
4. King James Bible
5. LDS (Mormons)
6. Martin Luther
7. St John of the Cross
8. Budhist
9. Christian-King James
10. Hindu
11. Islam
12. Judaism
13. Sikh
14. Tao
15. Zoroastrian

OUR ETERNAL HOME by Richard W. Dehaan,
PROPHECY STUDY BIBLE by Tim Lahaye
READER'S DIGEST JESUS AND HIS TIMES by the Readers Digest Association Inc,
REFLECTING GOD STUDY BIBLE By Zondervan Corporation;
SAINT JOSEPH EDITION OF THE NEW AMERICAN BIBLE by Catholic Book Publishing Co.
SEVEN KEYS TO FAMILY POWER by Billy Joe Daugherty,
SIX HOURS ONE FRIDAY by Max Lacado,
THE AMPLIFIED BIBLE by the Zondervan Corporation;
THE BATTLE BELONGS TO THE LORD by Jocyce Meyer,
THE BIBLE PROMISE BOOK by Babbour Publishing Inc,
THE BOOK OF COMMON PRAYER by Charles Mortimer Guilbert
THE BOOK OF HOPE by Tyndale House Publishiers, Inc,
THE BORN AGAIN CATHOLIC by Albert H. Boudreau,
THE CASE FOR CHRIST by Lee Strobel,
THE CATHOLIC ANSWER BOOK by Peter MJ Stravinsiasi
THE COMPLETE BOOK OF BIBLE KNOWLEDGE by Mark D. Taylor;
THE DAY CHRIST DIED by Jim Bishop,
THE GREAT BIBLE QUESTION AND ANWERS BOOK by Playmore Inc
THE HOME BIBLE STUDY COURSE by Dr. Harold L. Wilmington;
THE KING JAMES BIBLE ARCHAIE WORDS DEFIND by David W. Daniel
THE KING JAMES BIBLE COMPANION by David W. Daniels;
THE KING JAMES STUDY BIBLE by Thomas Nelson Publishers,
THE LAYMAN’S BIBLE  DICTIONARY by George W. Knight and Rayburn W. Ray;
THE LAYMAN’S PARALLEL NEW TESTAMENT by Zondervan Bible Publisher
THE LAYMAN'S LIST by Calance Stucup
THE MESSAGE BIBLE by Eugone H. Peterson,
THE NEW AMERICAN BIBLE by World Catholic Press;
THE NEW AMERICAN BIBLE Saint Joseph Edition;
THE NEW STRONG’S EXHAUSTIVE CONCORDANCE OF THE BIBLE by James Strong LL. D S.T.D.;
THE RISKS AND REWARDS OF INTERRELIGIOUS DIALOGUE by Cardinal Francis Arinze
THE TRINITY by Rose Publish
THE VERY FIRST ESTER by Paul L. Maier,
THE WAY CATHOLIC LIVING BIBLE by Tyndale House Publishers;
UNCHRISTIAN by David Kennan and Gabe Lyon
UNDERSTANDING GOD’S LOVE by Ronald Greib
VINE’S EXPOSITORY DICTIONARY OF OLD AND NEW TESTAMENT WORDS By W. E. Vine;
WHAT’S SO SECRET ABOUT THE RAPTURRE? By Christian Record Services, INC
WHEN GOD WINKS AT YOU by Tomas Nelson
WILLMINGTON’S GUIDE TO THE BIBLE by Dr. H.L. Willmington,
WOMAN OF FAITH STUDY BIBLE by Zschech/Heillsong
YESTERDAY TODAY AND FOREVER by New Leaf Press
YOU WERE BORN FOR THIS by Anthony Wilhen

08/19/2011