Proverbs 24 REPEATED LESSONS In the book of Proverbs, many of the same subjects are repeated in quite a number of places throughout the book. Most of these sayings are given early in the book. The context or general theme in each chapter is likely the reason for this because the same principles of living apply in the different areas of personal, family and public life. The early part of the book was directed to an individual for his personal instruction. Other times the proverb is given in social settings like families. It seems like the repetition in this part of the book is to remind us of what the general public sees of our lives and activities.
The twentieth wise saying: Envy and jealousy are close cousins. The discontent envy brings, is often the desires to have what gives another person perceived is an advantage over us. Jealousy is how it affects me. Jealousy gives mental uneasiness that comes from suspicion. The best way to deal with it is to not be around those who cause it in me. There is a good reason for staying away. Those people want to cause trouble. They have evil intent behind their actions. As they plot violence, they talk about what they are going to do and why. Stay away from such people.
Saying twenty-one: In contrast to the previous saying, this one is positive. Plan ahead as to how to accomplish anything that is important. Building a house, establishing a home, doing the work of the Lord – think it through. Use your God-given wisdom. If you do, the knowledge and wisdom you applied to the matter will bring all you hoped for and more beside. Things of value come by knowing the Lord’s will, doing the best you can, and with patience, prayer and perseverance, the result will be good.
The twenty-second saying is that wisdom and spiritual strength go together. When we take the “yoke” of our Lord Jesus Christ upon us, all the accumulated wisdom and knowledge we have gained from Him, and other spiritual counselors, are available to us. In any decisions we make, it is a strong, not weak, person who takes the counsel of others to heart before going forward in some activity. It is better to be wise than strong. It is by wisdom we are able to prevail in the course of life.
Number twenty-three: We learn that wisdom is beyond the ability of fools to grasp. A fool, lives only for the moment. Don’t pay attention to his many words when he talks in a gathering of people. He has nothing of any value to say. He should really be silent and stay silent.
The twenty-fourth saying follows along the same line of warning regarding those who scheme and plan evil. Not only are they fools for what they are planning, but they are sinning by planning it. Intention to sin is sin in itself. “Whoso looketh upon a woman to lust after her, hath already committed adultery with her in his heart.” Such people are fools for what they plan to do, and they are a bad influence and an irritation to everyone around them. They, or anyone who scoffs at those who live godly, or at God, make those who want to live for God avoid them, no matter who they are.
The twenty-fifth wise saying begins with a challenge to stick with what is right, even though it is tough going. Adversity can be useful by revealing a person’s character, and increasing strength. Rather than complaining about our problems, we should face them by faith and love for the Lord, and personal resolve not to quit. We can be a help to people in helpless situations. There are a lot of lost souls we need to reach out to. There are believers in crisis times and difficulties that find it too much to handle without help. Don’t turn a blind eye or deaf ear to those in need, or say it is none of my business. God knows what we know. His compassion is evident through His people. It is God who keeps the true balance of things. He is the one who is going to give or withhold as He sees the reality of every situation.
The twenty-sixth saying is another encouragement for us all to seek wisdom. No germs can live in honey. Its purity is a healing balm, and a little of its sweetness satisfies our craving for something that is sweet to our taste buds. Wisdom also enables us to look ahead with confidence and hope when the days are dark. There are some things happening at the present time in our lives that we cannot change. But beyond death’s door, there is waiting for the believers in our Lord Jesus Christ, all we could hope for – and more. Wisdom from God gives us assurance in the present, in regards to the future.
The challenge of the twenty-seventh wise saying is a warning to the wicked not to mess with a good man. Even if you make him fall once, he will get up again and again because God is on his side. God will give him all the staying power he needs. When the wicked fall, they have no help. They are on their own and they will be down for the count. A righteous man can get up and go on after seven calamities, but for the ungodly, one fall and he is defeated.
The twenty-eighth saying is a reminder to us that when a person falls, be he an enemy or friend; to gloat over that fall and say, “He got what he deserved,” is an attitude of pride and vindictiveness on our part. God hates that. The law of love rejects that. The Lord may even turn away His righteous wrath from the enemy, and turn it on the proud who gloat over the misfortunes of others. The Edomites are an example of that attitude, and the results that can be expected.
The twenty-ninth saying gives two important principles: Don’t envy the wicked, and don’t be taken in by passing fads. The prosperity of the wicked is only temporary because their judgment will come, and all they lived for will be gone, and they will be lost. They have no future hope. Neither will his family because of what his choices were.
Number thirty of the sayings has to do with appropriate respect and response to those in authority over us. Leaders are God’s ministers for a reason. However, if those who lead insist that we obey them rather than God, that is where we have to personally draw the line, and take whatever consequences that will come from that decision. To rebel against authority is active resistance and I should not be associated with riots or coups that seek to wrest power from “the powers that be.” They have been placed in that position to deal with wickedness. How they choose to lead, for good or bad, will bring consequences on them. For me to be part of an attempt to overthrow governments or leadership in assemblies, is to invite calamity and retribution on my own head.
There are additional wise sayings that follow the original thirty, which were likely added by Solomon himself. Showing partiality in passing judgments is not good. To overlook the evil of the wicked by saying from your position as a judge, “You are innocent,” when guilt is evident, the people over whom you are supposed to govern will hate the judge and he will be despised by honest leaders. A wise judge who is not afraid to make just judgments, will be approved by the people, and will have their respect for him and the position he holds. Honest and fairness will establish honor to the judge, will cement your friendship with others, will make your reputation solid among people, and will make you a person to be trusted. To speak the truth and yet do it in the right way, will bring a great relief and an expression of appreciation that is as intimate as a kiss.
Don’t expect to get everything your parents worked a lifetime for, without going out and working hard. A house to live in doesn’t produce what you need in order to live. Be content with little at first until you can afford a place of your own. “Owe no man anything,” is a principle for living. Don’t mislead, deceive or testify against a neighbor in order to get even for some reason. No matter what a neighbor may have done, leave it alone. Don’t even try to get even. Revenge is not our right. God does that because He alone is cognizant of all that surrounds the mind and actions people take.
Do not neglect the heritage you have been given. To be lazy, or not both with important things is evidence of a person without sense, or one who has a self-centered pride of themselves that no one else could even recognize. Do all diligence to maintain what you have received, and pay attention to the little things as well as take care of the important things that are needed to keep your family safe. When there are lessons to be learned by observation, be wise and take them for yourself. In that way you will avoid going through what others have, because you learned from their mistakes.
A short nap now and then can become a habit. That has a tendency to become an excuse for not working. When that happens, a half-hearted mindset takes root and poverty follows. Those things that are important will be left undone. You will become useless to yourself, others – and most of all, to God. In the public sphere of life, you will be recognized as a self-centered lazy bum. Excuses don’t put food on the table, nor does poverty pass by a man who will not work. It walks around like an armed robber ready to overtake and bring down those who are self-centered to total impoverishment.