“The Love Of Christ Jesus”/Sayings of King Lemuel, cont’d

A Christ Filled Life – Getting To Know Jesus

“Sayings of King Lemuel,” cont’d, Proverbs 31:24) She maketh fine linen, and selleth it, and delivereth girdles unto the merchant.  25) Strength and honour are her clothing’ and she shall rejoice in time to come. 1 Timothy 2:9, 10. 26) She openeth her mouth with wisdom: and in her tongue is the law of kindness. 27) She looketh well to the ways of her household, and eateth not the bread of idleness. 28) Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth her. 1Kings 2:19. 29) Many daughters have done virtuously (or have gotten riches), but thou excellest them all. 30) Favour(Charm) is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth the Lord, she shall be praised. Psalm 112:1. v31) Give her of the fruit of her hands; and let her own works praise her in the gates.

Please see v23 corrected on previous Blog.
Nelson’s Compact Bible Commentary – v25, The virtuous woman’s own clothing is far richer than linen or silk; she is dressed in strength and honour. v26-27, Any woman who opens her mouth with wisdom deserves praise. A virtuous woman takes care to speak well (James 3:2). v29, The words of v29 are the blessing of her husband. v30-31, Charm may be used for good or for evil. But its good use requires the fear of the Lord—the main theme of the Book of Proverbs.

More to come and God Bless You.

“The Love Of Christ Jesus”/Sayings of King Lemuel

A Christ Filled Life – Getting To Know Jesus

v1, This verse begins a new section of material from a non-Israelite source.  Some have thought that the name Lemuel, meaning “Belonging to God,” is a pseudonym for Solomon, but this is only a guess.    

“Sayings of King Lemuel”, Proverbs 31:1) The words of king Lemuel, the prophecy (burden) that his mother taught him.  2) What, my son?  and what, the son of my womb?  and what, the son of my vows?  3) Give not thy strength unto women, nor thy ways to that which destroyeth kings.  4) It is not for kings, O Lemuel, it is not for kings to drink wine; nor for princes strong drink:  Ecclesiastes 10:17.  5) Lest they drink, and forget the law, and pervert the judgment of any of the afflicted.  6) Give strong drink unto him that is ready to perish, and wine unto those that be of heavy hearts.  Psalm 104:15.  7) Let him drink, and forget his poverty, and remember his misery no more.  8) Open thy mouth for the dumb (speechless) in the cause of all such as are appointed to destruction.  9) Open thy mouth, judge righteously, and plead the cause of the poor and needy.  Isaiah 1:17.  10) Who can find a virtuous (morally good) woman?  for her price is far above rubies.  11) The heart of her husband doth safely trust in her, so that he shall have no need of spoil.  12) She will do him good and not evil all the days of her life.  13) She seeketh wool, and flax, and worketh willingly with her hands.  14) She is like the merchants’ ships; she bringeth her food from afar.  15) She riseth also while it is yet night, and giveth meat to her household, and a portion to her maidens.  Romans 12:11; Luke 12:42.  16) She considereth a field, and buyeth it:  with the fruit of her hands she planteth a vineyard.  17) She girdeth her loins with strength, and strengtheneth her arms.  18) She perceiveth that her merchandise is good:  her candle goeth not out by night.  19) She layeth her hands to the spindle, and her hands hold the distaff.   20) She stretcheth out her hand to the poor; yea, she reacheth forth her hands to the needy.  21) She is not afraid of the snow for her household:  for all her household are clothed with scarlet (or double garments).  22) She maketh herself covering of tapestry; her clothing is silk and purple.  23) Her husband is known in the gates, when he sitteth among the elders of the land. Deuteronomy 16:18.

Quest Study Bible – v1 cont’d, Lemuel shares wisdom that came from his mother, stressing the role a mother can have in building character into her children. 

Nelson’s Compact Bible Commentary – v2-7, Often in the ancient world a king would amass a large harem of women to involve himself sexually.  The wisdom of Lemuel’s mother was that such behavior destroys rulers.  She likewise advised him to avoid intoxicating drink, so that he could always have a clear head.  v8-9, The duty of a king in the ancient world was to defend the weak, to uphold the helpless.  One day, the King, the Defender of the helpless will establish His Righteous Reign (23:10, 11).  v10-12, Proverbs 31:10-31 is an acrostic poem: each verse begins with an successive letter of the Hebrew alphabet (S).  v13-15,   The woman they describe does things she enjoys, finding fulfillment in varied tasks.  v16-17, that is, she buys and sells and builds her own resources.  v18-19, One of the avenues the woman exploits is a “cottage industry” (using her home and her own equipment to make products to sell) .  v20-22, She can be concerned for others because she has provided for her family. v23, The virtuous women’s husband has a position as an elder (importance). Some of this comes from his wife’s reputation.

 

“The Love Of Christ Jesus”/Sayings of Agur, cont’d

A Christ Filled Life – Getting To Know Jesus

“Sayings of Agur,” cont’d, Proverbs 30:18) There be three things which are too wonderful for me, yea, four which I know not:  19) The way of an eagle in the air; the way of a serpent upon a rock; the way of a ship in the midst of the sea; and the way of a man with a maid.  20) Such is the way of an adulterous woman; she eateth, and wipeth her mouth, and saith, I have done no wickedness.  21) For three things the earth is disquieted (trembles), and for four which it cannot bear:  22) For a servant when he reigneth; and a fool when he is filled with meat;  Ecclesiastes 10:7.  23) For an odious (unloved) woman when she is married; and an handmaid that is heir to (or displaces) her mistress.  24) There be four things which are little upon the earth, but they are exceeding wise:  25) The ants are a people not strong, yet they prepare their meat in the summer;  Proverbs 6:6.  26) The conies (kin to woodchucks) are but a feeble folk, yet make their houses in the rocks;  Leviticus 11:5.  27) The locust have no king, yet go they forth all of them by bands (gathered together);  28) The spider taketh hold with her hands, and is in kings palaces.  29) There be three things which go well, yea, four are comely (stately) in going:  30) A lion which is strongest among beasts, and turneth not away for any;  31) A greyhound; and he goat also; and a king, against whom there is no rising up.  32) If thou hast done foolishly in lifting up thyself, or if thou hast thought evil, lay thine hand upon thy mouth.  Micah 7:16.  33) Surely the churning of milk bringeth forth butter, and the wringing of the nose bringeth forth blood:  so the forcing of wrath bringeth forth strife.

Nelson’s Compact Bible Commentary – v18, 19, The term translated virgin (maid) could also read “young woman” in this context.  v20, This Verse contrasts with the way of v. 19; this way is awful whereas the former is wonderful.  The adulterous woman regards her illicit sexual actions without remorse, as if she were finishing a plate of food.

Quest Study Bible – v21-23, What is so frightening abut these four things?  The potential for harm.  In each example someone is elevated to prominent status without being prepared for it.  These cases describe people who likely had been oppressed, but were now put in power where they could take out their frustration on others.  The maidservant who displeases her mistress brings to mind Hagar, who “displaced” her mistress Sarah by having Abraham’s child (Genesis 16:1-6).  v29-31, What can we learn from four things stately in their stride?  As these images suggest.  It is a grand, majestic sign to watch a leader move confidently forward to meet a challenge!  A king’s real leadership is not seen while he is seated on his throne, but when he leads his army to face the enemy.  These examples teach us that boldness and courage are virtues to be desired. 

Matthew Henry’s Concise Bible Commentary – 18-20.  Four things cannot be fully known.  The kingdom of nature is full of marvels. The fourth is a mystery of iniquity; the cursed arts by which a vile seducer gains the affections of a female; and the arts which a vile woman used to conceal her wickedness.  21-23.  Four sorts of persons are very troublesome.  Men of low origin and base spirit, who getting authority, become tyrants.  Foolish and violent men indulging in excesses.  A woman of a contentious spirit and vicious habits.  A servant who has obtained undue influence.  Let those whom Providence (GOD) has advanced from low beginnings, carefully watch against that sin which most easily besets (persistently threatens) them.  24-28.  Four things that are little, are yet to be admired.  There are those who are poor in the world, and of small account, yet wise for their souls and another world.  29-33.  We may learn from animals to go (proceed) well; also to keep our temper under all provocations (attempts to incite anger).  We must keep the evil thought in our minds from breaking out into evil speeches.  We must not stir up the passions of others.  Let nothing be said or done with violence, but every thing with softness and calmness.  Let us humble ourselves before the Lord our King!  Amen.

More to come and God Bless You. 

“The Love Of Christ Jesus”/Sayings of Agur

A Christ Filled Life – Getting To Know Jesus

 

“Sayings of Agur”, Proverbs 30:1) The words of Agur the son of Jakeh, even the prophecy; the man spake unto Ithiel, even unto Ithiel and Ucal,  2) Surely I am more brutish (ignorant) than any man, and have not the understanding of a man.  Psalm 73:22.  3) I neither learned wisdom, nor have the knowledge of the Holy.  4) Who hath ascended up into Heaven, or descended?  who hath gathered the wind in his fists?  who hath bound the waters in a garment?  who hath established all the ends of the earth?  what is His name, and what is His Son’s name, if thou canst tell?  5) Every Word of God is pure:  He is a shield unto them that put their trust in Him.  6) Add thou not unto His Words, lest he reprove thee, and thou be found a liar.  Revelation 22:18.  7) Two things have I required of thee, deny me them not before I die:  8) Remove far from me vanity and lies:  give me neither poverty nor riches, feed me with food convenient for me:  Matthew 6:11.  9) Lest I be full, and deny thee, and say, Who is the Lord?  or lest I be poor, and steal, and take the name of my God in vain.  10) Accuse not a servant unto his master, lest he curse thee, and thou be found guilty.  11) There is a generation that curseth their father, and doth not bless their mother.  12) There is a generation that are pure in their own eyes, and yet is not washed from their filthiness.  Isaiah 65;5; Titus 1;15, 16.  13) There is a generation, O how lofty are their eyes!  and their eyelids are lifted up.  14) There is a generation, whose teeth are as swords, and their jaw teeth as knives, to devour the poor from off the earth, and the needy from among men.  Psalm 14;4; Amos 8:4.  15) The horseleach (leech) hath two daughters, crying, Give, give.  There are three things that are never satisfied, yea, four things say not, It is enough (wealth).  16) The grave; and the barren womb; the earth that is not filled with water:  and the fire that saith not, It is enough.  Habakkuk 2:5.  17) The eye that mocketh at his father, and despiseth to obey his mother, the ravens of the valley shall pick it out, and the young eagle shall eat it.

Nelson’s Compact Bible Commentary –  Nelson’s Compact Bible Commentary – v1, A new section of the Book of Proverbs, begins with the words of  Agur.  Like Lemuel (31:1-9), Agur was a non-Hebrew contributor to the Book of Proverbs.  He came to faith in the God of Israel in a foreign land.  We know nothing about his father Jakeh, but the word translated “his utterance” may be a place name.  Ithiel and Ucal were probably Agur’s pupils.  Since the back to back repetition of the name Ittiel is unusual, some construe the Hebrew letters differently and translate the text “I have wearied myself oh God; I have wearied myself oh  God, and am consumed.”  This would fit the context of the following verses.  v2-3,  more stupid than any man:  Agur means he was at a loss.  Similarly, his denial of knowledge of THE HOLY ONE is a rhetorical flourish as well.  Agur was stating with dramatic irony that he could not explain the puzzle before him.   v4, This verse gives the riddle that perplexed Agur.  The questions are enigmatic (difficult to interpret).  They culminate in What is His name and What is His Son’s name, If you know?   At this point the riddle has no answer.  The Old Testament would answer that “HIS NAME IS THE LORD GOD, but did not have a NAME FOR HIS SON.  This riddle was to remain unsolved until Jesus Answered it for Nicodemus (see John 3:13).  These Verses are one of the most strait forward MESSIANIC TEXTS IN THE BIBLE.  v5-9, two things:  This was all that Agur needed.  v10,  This Proverb is unusual in warning against slandering a servant.  Slaves in ancient times were often regarded as less than a full person.  v11-16, Agur wrote about a generation plagued by social ills such as lack of respect of parents, self-righteousness, greed, and selfishness.  v17, mocks his father:  The lack of parental respect in v.11 leads to this curse.  The language is strong and violent, as is the punishment of the one who abuses his or her parents.

Matthew Henry’s Concise Bible Commentary – v1-6, Agur speaks of himself as wanting a Righteousness, and having done very foolishly.  And it becomes us all to have low thoughts of ourselves.  He speaks of himself as wanting Revelation to guide him in The Ways Of Truth and Wisdom.  The more enlightened people are, the more they lament their ignorance:  the more they Pray For clearer Discoveries of GOD, and HIS RICH GRACE IN CHRIST JESUS.  In Verse 4, There Is A Prophetic Notice of HIM WHO CAME DOWN FROM HEAVEN TO BE OUR ADVOCATE.  THE MESSIAH Is Here Spoken Of As A PERSON Distinct From THE FATHER, But HIS NAME As Yet Secret.  THE GREAT REDEEMER IN THE GLORIES OF HIS PROVIDENCE AND GRACE, Cannot Be Found Out To Perfection (HIS ENTIRETY).  HAD IT NOT BEEN FOR CHRIST, The Foundations Of The Earth Had Sunk Under The Load Of The Curse Upon The Ground, For Man’s Sin.  Who, And What Is THE MIGHTY ONE That Dealt All This?  There Is Not The Least Ground To Suspect Anything Wanting IN THE WORD OF GOD;  Adding to HIS WORDS Opens The Way To Errors And Corruptions.   v7-9, Agur wisely Prayed for a middle state, that he might be kept at a distance from temptations; he asked Daily Bread Suited To His Station, his Family, and his Real Good.  There is a remarkable similarity between this Prayer and Several Clauses Of THE LORD’S PRAYER.  If We Are Removed From Vanity And Lies; If We Are Interested In THE PARDONING LOVE OF CHRIST, And Have HIM For Our Portion; If We Walk With GOD, Then We Shall Have All We Can Ask Or Think, As To SPIRITUAL THINGS.  When We Consider How Those Who Have Abundance Are Prone To Abuse The Gift, And What It Is To Suffer Want, Agur’s Prayer Will Ever Be Found A Wise One, Though Seldom Offered.  (The Food That Is Convenient For One), May Not Be So For Another; But We May Be Sure That Our HEAVENLY FATHER WILL SUPPLY ALL OUR NEED, And Not Suffer Us To Want Anything Good For Us, And Why Should We Wish For More?   Amen.

 More to come and God Bless You. 

“The Love Of Christ Jesus”/More Proverbs of Solomon, XXXII

A Christ Filled Life – Getting To Know Jesus

“There Is A Fountain” Evangelist Esther Smith.

“Walking Up the King’s Highway”, Loretta Oliver.

“More Proverbs of Solomon,” XXXII, Proverbs 29:17) Correct thy son, and he shall give thee rest; yea, he shall give delight unto thy soul. 18) Where there is no vision, the people perish: but he that keepeth the law, happy is he. 19) A servant will not be corrected by (mere) words: for though he understand he will not answer. 20) Seest thou a man that is hasty in his words? there is more hope of a fool than of him. 21) He that delicately bringeth up his servant from a child shall have him become his son at the length (end). 22) An angry man stirreth up strife, and a furious man aboundeth in transgression (sin). 23) A man’s pride shall bring him low: but honour shall uphold the humble in spirit. Luke 14:11. 24) Whoso is partner with a thief hateth his own soul: he heareth cursing, and bewrayeth (betray) it not. 25) The fear of man bringeth a snare: but whoso putteth his trust in the Lord shall be safe. 26) Many seek the ruler’s favour; but every man’s judgment cometh from the Lord. 27) An unjust man is an abomination (hated) to the just: and he that is upright in the way is abomination (hated) to the wicked.

Matthew Henry Concise Bible Commentary – v17, Children must not be suffered to go without rebuke when they do amiss (wrong).  v18,  How bare does a place look without Bibles and Ministers!  and what an easy prey is it to the enemy of souls!  That Gospel is an open vision, which holds forth Christ, which humbles the sinner and exalts the Saviour, which promotes holiness in the life and conversation. These are precious truths to keep the soul alive and prevent it from perishing. v19, Here is an unprofitable, slothful, wicked servant: one that serves not from conscience or love, but from fear.  v20, When a man is self-conceited, rash, and given to wrangling (arguing), there is more hope to the ignorant and profligate (wasteful).  v21, Good usage (made use of) to a servant does not mean indulgence, which would ruin even a child.  The body is a servant to the soul, those that humor it, and are over tender of it, will find it forgets its place (the soul being more important).  v22, An angry passionate disposition makes men provoking to one another and Provoking To GOD.  v23, Only those who Humble Themselves shall be Exalted and Established.  v24, The receiver is as bad as the thief.  v25, Many are ashamed to Own CHRIST Now, AND HE WILL NOT OWN THEM IN THE DAY OF JUDGMENT.  But he Who Trusts In THE LORD Will Be Saved From The Snare (Eternal Damnation).  Amen.  

More to come and God Bless You.

“The Love Of Christ Jesus”/More Proverbs of Solomon, XXXVI

A Christ Filled Life – Getting To Know Jesus

“Near the Cross”, “Love Lifted Me”, Bishop Leonard Scott.

“More Proverbs of Solomon”, XXXI, Proverbs 29:1) He, that being often reproved (corrected) hardeneth his neck, shall suddenly be destroyed, and that without remedy.  2) When the righteous are in authority (or increased), the people rejoice: but when the wicked beareth rule, the people mourn.  3) Whoso loveth wisdom rejoiceth his father:  but he that keepeth company with harlots spendeth his substance.  Philippians 2:22.  4) The king by judgment establisheth the land:  but he that receiveth gifts (bribes) overthroweth it.  5) A man that flattereth his neighbor spreadeth a net for his feet.  6) In the transgression (sin) of an evil man there is a snare:  but the righteous doth sing and rejoice.  7) The righteous considereth the cause of the poor:  but the wicked regardeth not to know it.  8) Scornful men bring a city into a snare (or set a city on fire):  but wise men turn away wrath.  9) If a wise man contendeth with a foolish man, whether he rage or laugh, there is no rest (peace).  10) The bloodthirsty hate the upright:  but the just seek his soul.  11) A fool uttereth all his mind:  but a wise man keepeth (control) it in till afterwords.  12) If a ruler hearken (listens) to lies, all his servants are wicked.  13) The poor and the deceitful (oppressor) man meet together:  the Lord lighteneth (gives sight to) both their eyes.  14) The king that faithfully judgeth the poor, his throne shall be established forever.  Psalm 72:2.  15) The rod and reproof (correction) give wisdom:  but a child left to himself bringeth his mother to shame.  16) When the wicked are multiplied, transgression increaseth:  but the righteous shall see their fall.  Psalm 37:36.

Matthew Henry’s Concise Bible Commentary – v5, Flatterers put men off their guard.  v9, If a wise man dispute with a conceited wrangler (one who argues), he will be treated with anger; and no good is done. v12, One who loves flatterers and hearkens (listens) to slanderers, causes his servants to become liars and false accusers.  v13, The Lord gives to both the comforts of this life. 

More to come and God Bless You.   

 

 

 

“The Love Of Christ Jesus”/LifeLines, Words of Wisdom

A Christ Filled Life – Getting To Know Jesus

I received my LifeLines newsletter from the Association for the Advancement of Retired Persons (AARP) and the title is “Words of Wisdom”.  Advice on careers, finance and life that has been passed down from generation to generation.  It goes on to say, Life lessons can be gained from almost any situation–whether it’s a historical event or time period, someone you’ve met or been inspired by in your lifetime or something you’ve experienced. 

Live on less – While the Great Depression was a difficult time in history, it taught us several important lessons that are being implemented today.  They are the importance of living on less, using less and wasting less.  Some of those who lived through the Depression still buy, save and reuse today as if it were the 1930’s. 

Save smart – There is no doubt that the economy has changed drastically over the years (*not just within the last 5 to 7 years).  As a result, the baby boom generation has learned the value of security and stability.  Over time, many have seen that saving money and planning ahead will allow them to live proactively rather than reactively.  Today, there are limitless resources to help people learn how to practice saving smart, and planning ahead.

     * There is a lot of complaining about our present government, but yet I can’t find a parking place at any of the shopping malls or stores.  Everyone is shopping, eating, going to the movies and driving nice cars.  I can remember a time when I had no money to go anywhere or do anything but go to work and try and pay my rent and buy food to raise my son.  Everyone was very quiet because we didn’t know there was a “recession” and that the bottom was about to fall out, but we knew something wasn’t right.  And yet we survived.

Do what you love, and love what you do – Just as events do, the people in our lives effect the way we think and act.  Over the years, there have been countless stories about people in pursuit of their dreams–from the greatest sports figures and businesspeople to our own family members.  And generation after generation, these examples have proved that hard work pays off. 

*Yes there are those that are fabulously wealthy; I heard recently that someone is worth $500 Billion! and there are those that are dirt poor and yet Jesus loves you and died on the cross for you.  Remember He was born in a stable, placed in a manger (a trough), He didn’t even have a bed.  He left His Heavenly Kingdom to dwell among men that we might have Salvation through Him.  Some of us might feel we got the short end of the stick, but if you have your health and can work, do it, and if you think there are those that look better than you do, be positive about yourself; get you hair done, or get a wig, wear some makeup, exercise and lose weight.  But let’s not lose sight of the big picture, and that is Life Eternal with Christ Jesus.  Amen

More to come and GOD BLESS YOU!

* This person’s opinion.

 

       

  

“The Love Of Christ Jesus”/More Proverbs of Solomon, XXIX (29)

 

A Christ Filled Life – Getting To Know Jesus

“More Than Enough”, Vickie Winans. 

A Key Verse:  14) Happy is the man that feareth always:  but he that hardeneth his heart shall fall into mischief.             

“More Proverbs of Solomon”, XXIX (29), Proverbs 28:1) The wicked flee when no man pursueth:  but the righteous are bold as a lion.  2) For the transgression (rebellious) of a land many are the princes (rulers) thereof:  but by a man of understanding and knowledge (maintains order) the state thereof shall be prolonged.  3) A poor man that oppresseth the poor is like a sweeping rain which leaveth no food.  4) They that forsake the law praise the wicked:  but such as keep the law contend (resist) with them.  5) Evil men understand not judgment:  but they that seek the Lord understand all things.  6) Better is the poor that walketh in his uprightness, than he that is perverse in his ways, though he be rich.  7) Whoso keepeth the law is a wise son:  but he that is a companion of riotous (or feedeth glutinous) men shameth his father.  8) He that by usury and unjust gain (exorbitant interest) increaseth his substance, he shall gather it for him that will pity the poor.  9) He that turneth away his ear from hearing the law, even his prayer shall be abomination (loathsome).  10) Whoso causeth the righteous to go astray in an evil way, he shall fall himself into his own pit:  but the upright shall have good things in possession.  11) The rich man is wise in his own conceit; but the poor that hath understanding searcheth him out (sees through him).  12) When righteous men do rejoice, there is great glory:  but when the wicked rise, a man is hidden (men go into hiding).  13) He that covereth his sins shall not prosper:  but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy.  *14) Happy is the man that feareth always:  but he that hardeneth his heart shall fall into mischief.

Quest Study Bible – v2, How do many rulers show that country is rebellious?  Various factions of individuals grasp for power.  The rebellious northern kingdom of Israel had nine different ruling families in just over two centuries.  Each one came into power through an assassination and none of them obeyed God (Hosea 7:7).  For more than three centuries, by contrast, Judah  had only one ruling family.  v13, What’s the best way to confess sins?  God’s people should honestly and openly tell Him when they sin.  Though He knows when they sin, He wants them to admit it so He can help.  David’s prayers in Psalm 32 and Psalm 51 provide a model for confessing to God.

Matthew Henry’s Concise Bible Commentary – V14, We should always fear offending God and fear sinning against Him.

More to come and God Bless You.   

 

 

“The Love Of Christ jesus”/More Proverbs of Solomon, XXVIII

A Christ Filled Life – Getting To Know Jesus

“More Proverbs of Solomon”, XXVIII, Proverbs 27:15) A continual dropping in a very rainy day and a contentious (disagreeable) woman are alike.  16) Whosoever hideth her hideth the wind, and the ointment of his right hand, which bewrayeth (graspeth) itself.  17) Iron sharpeneth iron; so a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend.  18) Whoso keepeth the fig tree shall eat the fruit thereof:  so he that waiteth on (looks after) his master shall be honoured.  1Kings 11:8; 1Corinthians 3:8.  19) As in water face answereth to face, so the heart of man to man.  20) Hell and destruction are never full; so the eyes of man are never satisfied.  Habakkuk 2;5.  21) As the fining pot for silver, and the furnace for gold; so is a man to his praise.  22) Though thou shouldest bray (grind) a fool in a mortar among wheat with a pestle (a hard tool used to crush substances), yet will not his foolishness depart from him.  23) Be thou diligent to know the state of thy flocks, and look well (set thy heart) to thy herds.  24) For riches (strength) are not for ever:  and doth the crown endure to every generation?  25) The hay appeareth, and the tender grass sheweth itself, and herbs of the mountains are gathered.  26) The lambs are for thy clothing, and the goats are the price of the field.  27) And thou shalt have goats’ milk enough for thy blood, for the food of thy household, and for the maintenance (life) for thy maidens.    

Quest Study Bible – v17, Iron sharpens iron….People sharpen each other through exchanging information, discussing issues and critiquing each other’s ideas.  A true friend sharpens the personality of his or her friend.  v21, We are tested by the manner in which we respond to praise.

Matthew Henry’s Concise Bible Commentary – v22,  ……bray (grind) a fool.  Some are so bad, that even severe methods do not help.  What remains but that they should be rejected?

More to come and God Bless You.    

 

“The Love Of Christ Jesus”/More Proverbs of Solomon, XXVII

 

A Christ Filled Life – Getting To Know Jesus

“More Proverbs of Solomon,” XXVII, Proverbs 27:1) Boast not thyself of tomorrow; for thou knowest not what a day may bring forth.  Luke 12:19.  2) Let another man praise thee, and not thine own mouth; a stranger, and not thine own lips.  3) A stone is heavy, and the sand weighty; but a fool’s wrath is heavier than them both.  4) Wrath is cruel, and anger is outrageous; but who is able to stand before envy (or jealousy)?  5) Open rebuke is better than secret love.  Galatians 2:14.  6) Faithful are the wounds of a friend; but the kisses of an enemy are deceitful.  7) The full soul (or stomach) loatheth an honeycomb; but to the hungry soul every bitter thing is sweet.  8) As a bird that wandereth from her nest, so is a man that wandereth from his place.  9) Ointment and perfume rejoice the heart:  so doeth the sweetness of a man’s friend by hearty counsel (from the counsel of the soul).  10) Thine own friend, and thy father’s friend, forsake not; neither go into thy brother’s house in the day of calamity:  for better is a neighbor that is near than a brother far off.  11) My son, be wise, and make my heart glad, that I may answer him that reproacheth me (treats me with contempt).  12) A prudent man foreseeth the evil, and hideth himself; but the simple pass on, and are punished.  Isaiah 32:2.  13) Take his garment that is surety for a stranger, and take a pledge of him for a strange woman.  14) He that blesseth his friend with a loud voice, rising early in the morning, it shall be counted a curse to him.  Psalm 12:2. 

Quest Study Bible – v1, The Apostle James warned about the same problem:  arrogant presumption about the future with no regard for God.  What we need is to humbly acknowledge the shortness and uncertainty of life (James 4:13-16).  v2, If you deserve praise, someone else will notice and will praise you!  v6, These are rebukes or criticism intended to correct (25:12).  Even though they are painful, they are of more use than the flattery or insincerity of an enemy.  v10, This proverb speaks about the value of maintaining friendships.  Develop a network of friendships and you’ll have a base of support.  v13, This is equivalent to giving someone a secured loan–demanding security because he or she is a risk. 

John Gill’s Exposition of the Bible – v3, but a fool’s wrath [is] heavier than them both;  it cannot be removed, it rests in his bosom; he sinks and dies under the weight of it. ( Job 5:2 ).   v10, neither go into thy brother’s house in the day of thy calamity; poverty and distress, to tell him thy case, expecting sympathy relief, and succour from him; but rather go to thy friend and father’s friend, who sticks closer than a brother; see ( Proverbs 18:24 ); v13, Because of the profuse praises bestowed upon him;  sometimes God himself curses such a man, who listen to the flatteries of wicked men. ( Acts 12:22 Acts 12:23 ) .

More to come and God Bless You.