Bible Study:  Proverbs 20   April 18 & 25, 2006

Proverbs 20

1 Wine is a mocker, strong drink is raging: and whosoever is deceived thereby is not wise.
We should not abuse alcohol.  It is like playing with fire and quite frankly few handle it properly.
2 The fear of a king is as the roaring of a lion: whoso provoketh him to anger sinneth against his own soul.
Don't provoke those in authority, especially the Lord God!
3 It is an honour for a man to cease from strife: but every fool will be meddling.
I personally find this most frustrating.  I don't want quarrels, but some people seem to thrive on issues.  There is always the issue of the day for some.  A life with no strife is very appealing as I get older.
4 The sluggard will not plow by reason of the cold; therefore shall he beg in harvest, and have nothing.
Don't be Lazy
5 Counsel in the heart of man is like deep water; but a man of understanding will draw it out.
We know that the hearts of men are generally evil in their intent, but a man of understanding acts above board.
6 Most men will proclaim every one his own goodness: but a faithful man who can find?
7 The just man walketh in his integrity: his children are blessed after him.
A person of good integrity is a blessing – period.
8 A king that sitteth in the throne of judgment scattereth away all evil with his eyes.
Isn't it excellent to see a person in authority that rules in such a way.  Praise God for Jesus Christ who does sit on a throne and will judge things righteously
9 Who can say, I have made my heart clean, I am pure from my sin?
Key word is I.  Jesus is the one who has cleansed us from all unrighteousness
10 Divers weights, and divers measures, both of them are alike abomination to the LORD.
Be honest in your dealings.   God always knows.
11 Even a child is known by his doings, whether his work be pure, and whether it be right.
Our works are a testimony to our faith.  Be of excellent integrity and you will distinguish yourself and give honor and glory to God in the doing of it.
12 The hearing ear, and the seeing eye, the LORD hath made even both of them.
Yes he has!
13 Love not sleep, lest thou come to poverty; open thine eyes, and thou shalt be satisfied with bread.
But do not sacrifice sleep for worldly pleasures either!
14 It is naught, it is naught, saith the buyer: but when he is gone his way, then he boasteth.
Should we be clever, or should we be of integrity!
15 There is gold, and a multitude of rubies: but the lips of knowledge are a precious jewel. .
You may be savvy in the marketplace and make lots of money.  Its out there if you really want it.  Whats more precious as we have learned before is knowledge!
16 Take his garment that is surety for a stranger: and take a pledge of him for a strange woman.
Don't go after strangers and loan monies.
17 Bread of deceit is sweet to a man; but afterwards his mouth shall be filled with gravel.
Our conscience will catch up with us.  That's why God gave it to us
18 Every purpose is established by counsel: and with good advice make war.
We should seek advice from Godly people.
19 He that goeth about as a talebearer revealeth secrets: therefore meddle not with him that flattereth with his lips.
Avoid these people.  They will soon tell tales about you as well.
20 Whoso curseth his father or his mother, his lamp shall be put out in obscure darkness.
From the commandments of God.  There are practical elements to this as well.
21 An inheritance may be gotten hastily at the beginning; but the end thereof shall not be blessed. 
This reminds me of the prodigal son.
22 Say not thou, I will recompense evil; but wait on the LORD, and he shall save thee.
This is the true teaching and not that of the Pharisees in Jesus' time.
23 Divers weights are an abomination unto the LORD; and a false balance is not good.
How are we doing this today in our dealings with others?
24 Man's goings are of the LORD; how can a man then understand his own way?
We have free will, but we can't compare to an omni-present God in understanding.
25 It is a snare to the man who devoureth that which is holy, and after vows to make inquiry. 
This is a lot underneath the surface here.  We should not be sacrilegious as the money changers were in the Temple.  Also, we should promise God something and look for reasons to not uphold the vow.  Let us discuss how we do those things.
26 A wise king scattereth the wicked, and bringeth the wheel over them.
Separating the chaff from the grain is God's job.  The wicked will be crushed.
27 The spirit of man is the candle of the LORD, searching all the inward parts of the belly. 
We are a candle lit by the Lord which is our spirit and our entire being is lit by this soul.
28 Mercy and truth preserve the king: and his throne is upholden by mercy.
29 The glory of young men is their strength: and the beauty of old men is the gray head.
At every age, there is honor and purpose.
30 The blueness of a wound cleanseth away evil: so do stripes the inward parts of the belly. 
Sometimes severe punishment is necessary to put on the right path.  Is it not better to have the flesh, which is temporary, suffer, than to have the soul perish in the lake of fire?  We don't like punishment or even the term, but there is no getting around the fact that it is necessary!  It is our new-age philosophy and new worldly methods that have helped cause the downfall of our integrity as a nation and our horrific system of crime and punishment.  Again we think our way is right and that God's isn't.

Next time:
  Finish chapter 19 and start 20 & maybe chapter 21