Bible Study:    May 2, 2006

Proverbs 21

1 The king's heart is in the hand of the LORD, as the rivers of water: he turneth it whithersoever he will.
God puts people in charge.  King Nebuchadnezzar is an excellent example of this.  God knows our hearts better than we know them.
2 Every way of a man is right in his own eyes: but the LORD pondereth the hearts.
We have seen this verse many times.  We always think we are right, but isn't this the oldest sin.  We want to be in control instead of recognizing the sovereignty of God.
3 To do justice and judgment is more acceptable to the LORD than sacrifice.
To act with integrity is so important.  That makes God happy.  Sacrifice was God's way of giving us a shadow picture of what Jesus did on the cross.
4 An high look, and a proud heart, and the plowing of the wicked, is sin.
Pride is a nasty sin and there isn't one of us that isn't in jeopardy of such a sin.
5 The thoughts of the diligent tend only to plenteousness; but of every one that is hasty only to want. 
Satisfy me NOW!
6 The getting of treasures by a lying tongue is a vanity tossed to and fro of them that seek death.
Another way of looking at this is to consider how temporal the driven desire under any circumstance to achieve what we want now, instead of storing up treasures in heaven.  Americans are very bad at this compared to many other cultures.
7 The robbery of the wicked shall destroy them; because they refuse to do judgment. 
Sin always destroys – never builds.
8 The way of man is froward and strange: but as for the pure, his work is right.
I love to see and be with people who work in a wholesome framework of living.
9 It is better to dwell in a corner of the housetop, than with a brawling woman in a wide house. 
We have seen versus like this before, but why is it placed inside the scriptures that we are looking at.
10 The soul of the wicked desireth evil: his neighbour findeth no favour in his eyes.
Our example, whether good or bad is noticed by those around us.
11 When the scorner is punished, the simple is made wise: and when the wise is instructed, he receiveth knowledge.
Punishment is for the benefit of all.
12 The righteous man wisely considereth the house of the wicked: but God overthroweth the wicked for their wickedness.
God will repay.  It is not our job to do so.  This also does not mean we should investigate evil, but that we should consider whether our way is evil or not.
13 Whoso stoppeth his ears at the cry of the poor, he also shall cry himself, but shall not be heard. 
Does any story by Jesus ring a bell?  How about the story of the Rich Man and Lazarus (Luke 16:18)  We always talk about the encouragement of having Jesus say, "Well done good and faithful servant," but there are a number of scriptures where Jesus also says, "…. I never knew you…"
14 A gift in secret pacifieth anger: and a reward in the bosom strong wrath. 
Our gifts and tithes should be between the Lord and us.  We don't need to ring a bell!
15 It is joy to the just to do judgment: but destruction shall be to the workers of iniquity. 
This is a contrast of the just and the wicked with respect to outcome at the end of the age.
16 The man that wandereth out of the way of understanding shall remain in the congregation of the dead. 
Stay on the narrow path please.
17 He that loveth pleasure shall be a poor man: he that loveth wine and oil shall not be rich.
Yes, our vices can suck the income from under our feet.  We cannot expect tons of money in the bank if we spend our money on moment by moment pleasures.
18 The wicked shall be a ransom for the righteous, and the transgressor for the upright.
How can the wicked ransom the just?
19 It is better to dwell in the wilderness, than with a contentious and an angry woman.
Or in a corner of a room, or….
20 There is treasure to be desired and oil in the dwelling of the wise; but a foolish man spendeth it up. 
What are the spiritual elements here as well as the practical daily value of this proverb.
21 He that followeth after righteousness and mercy findeth life, righteousness, and honour. 
Interesting,   you mean that if I go after righteousness,  I might get it?  Hmmm….  What if I follow after sin….?
22 A wise man scaleth the city of the mighty, and casteth down the strength of the confidence thereof.
23 Whoso keepeth his mouth and his tongue keepeth his soul from troubles. 
Best not say much.  Keeps us out of trouble.
24 Proud and haughty scorner is his name, who dealeth in proud wrath.
 Just Don't
25 The desire of the slothful killeth him; for his hands refuse to labour.
I have known many that put more effort into avoiding work than to just do it.  Lets consider the root cause for such sin.
26 He coveteth greedily all the day long: but the righteous giveth and spareth not.
Are you a wanter or a giver.
27 The sacrifice of the wicked is abomination: how much more, when he bringeth it with a wicked mind? 
There is too much commentary about what Cain's sin was when he brought his sacrifice.   This is why God rejected it.
28 A false witness shall perish: but the man that heareth speaketh constantly.
29 A wicked man hardeneth his face: but as for the upright, he directeth his way. 
The wicked are clearly stiff-necked.  The upright walk intelligently.
30 There is no wisdom nor understanding nor counsel against the LORD. 
Send this to the ACLU, or atheists for that matter.
31 The horse is prepared against the day of battle: but safety is of the LORD.
Yeah, I'm going to let the Lord win the battle.

KJV

Next time:     Chapter 22