When someone asks God by prayer, the wisdom, according to disciple James, he will be granted to him generously: « So if any one of you is lacking in wisdom, let him keep asking God, for he gives generously to all and without reproaching, and it will be given him » (James 1:5). God asks for perseverance in this request, because it must « keep asking ». It will be the demonstration for God, that this request is truly sincere. It must be accompanied by concrete actions in agreement with this prayer. For example, God gave us his word, the Bible. If we have a Bible at home, do we read it every day? If we have not the Bible, it is possible to have one? (Psalms 1:2,3). By reading it, let us take the time to meditate, maybe memorizing some biblical quotes or verses references, in order to find them later?
The book of Proverbs will allow us to be spiritually impregnated by the deposit of divine wisdom. This book is like a large box of hundreds of beautiful spiritual precious pearls, all different from each other. Some, in the form of proverbs, are arranged in several necklaces. For example, in chapters 1 to 9, the proverbs are explained and illustrated in order to give its meaning. The acquisition of this wisdom is not the main purpose, but a way of understanding what should be the spiritual kind of relationship with God (it will be detailed below in the explanation of Proverbs 2:1-9)).
In chapters 10 to 30, there is an uninterrupted succession of several dozen proverbs. It will not be possible to comment all of them. It will be better for everyone who wants, to read the entire chapters. In each chapter of this part, some proverbs will be quoted, with or without comment. The choices of these highlighted proverbs, will be made because of their unusual meaning. The chapter 31 is entirely devoted to the description of the capable wife, the expression of divine wisdom, in the woman aspect and in a family setting.
Proverbs chapter 1: The introduction explains that this book is written to know how to get wisdom. It has a very important purpose written in a single verse: « The fear of *Jehovah (YHWH) is the beginning of knowledge. Wisdom and discipline are what mere fools have despised » (Proverbs 1:7). When a spiritual man has this spiritual wisdom, he understands better what the reverential fear of God means, the feelings that this arouses in himself, and how it can prevent him from falling into the practice of voluntary sin.
* YHWH is the tetragrammaton, or four-letter for the Divine Name. In the New World Translation of the Bible, it appears with the vocalization commonly used for centuries as « Jehovah ». This vocalization is doubly inaccurate because it inserts the pronunciation J instead of I (i) or Y, and the V corresponding to W, which is pronounced « U » or « ou » (not V). The correct vocalization of the Tetragrammaton is YeHou(W)aH, Yehouah. The inaccurate vocalization « Jehovah » is retained in the Bible translation used, just as the inaccurate vocalization of « Jesus, » pronounced Yeshua or Yeshoua, because they are the most known to readers (click on the link to examine the study on the Divine Name in more detail: The Divine Name YHWH is pronounced as it is written).
« Listen, my son, to the discipline of your father, and do not forsake the law of your mother. For they are a wreath of attractiveness to your head and a fine necklace to your throat » (Proverbs 1:8,9). When someone puts jewelry, it is to appear beautiful and attractive. Physical beauty is a divine gift. People have a natural tendency to sublimate it by jewelry or ornaments, especially women. However, the divine wisdom creates an inner beauty, a divine charisma, like the beauty of a magnificent necklace that draws attention. Nevertheless, centuries later, Jesus Christ showed that the main purpose of this inner beauty as spiritual light, is in order to give glory to God by the Christian works (Matthew 5:14-16).
« Thus are the paths of everyone making unjust profit. It takes away the very soul of its owners » (Proverbs 1:10-19). We must be careful with our associations (1 Corinthians 15:33).
« True wisdom itself keeps crying aloud in the very street. In the public squares it keeps giving forth its voice. At the upper end of the noisy streets it calls out. At the entrances of the gates into the city it says its own sayings: “How long will you inexperienced ones keep loving inexperience, and how long must you ridiculers desire for yourselves outright ridicule, and how long will you stupid ones keep hating knowledge? Turn back at my reproof. Then to you I will cause my spirit to bubble forth; I will make my words known to you. Because I have called out but you keep refusing, I have stretched out my hand but there is no one paying attention, and you keep neglecting all my counsel, and my reproof you have not accepted, I also, for my part, shall laugh at your own disaster, I shall mock when what you dread comes, when what you dread comes just like a storm, and your own disaster gets here just like a storm wind, when distress and hard times come upon you. At that time they will keep calling me, but I shall not answer; they will keep looking for me, but they will not find me, for the reason that they hated knowledge, and the fear of Jehovah they did not choose. They did not consent to my counsel; they disrespected all my reproof. So they will eat from the fruitage of their way, and they will be glutted with their own counsels. For the renegading of the inexperienced ones is what will kill them, and the easygoingness of the stupid is what will destroy them. As for the one listening to me, he will reside in security and be undisturbed from dread of calamity.” » (Proverbs 1:20-33).
The wisdom is personified in someone speaking in the street. Behind this metaphor of the wisdom shouting in the street, there is a simple message: the one who holds divine wisdom, must share it to people and without fearing the reactions of them, which sometimes can be hostile. The selection will be made naturally, between those who listen and those who refuse it. The text is very severe towards those who are refusing it: « So they will eat from the fruitage of their way, and they will be glutted with their own counsels. For the renegading of the inexperienced ones is what will kill them, and the easygoingness of the stupid is what will destroy them » (Proverbs 1:31,32).
The word « apostasy » comes from the Greek, which in the Hebrew text (from the Book of Proverbs), the Hebrew word means turning away, turning back, backsliding (Strong’s Concordance (H4878). Other translations use synonyms such as going around, denial, revolt… In the Greek biblical texts (the New Testament), the word of Greek origin has significantly the same meaning, a falling away, defection (Strong’s Concordance (G646)). It is important to understand that this very serious qualifier, has a very restrictive definition and meaning, both in the Old Testament (Hebrew text) and in the New Testament (Greek text).
In all the biblical references of the two main parts of the Bible, the apostasy is directly linked to the abandonment of the worship of the True God and the Christian faith in Jesus Christ. For example, in the biblical history, the nation of Israel fell into apostasy by worshiping other gods than the True God Jehovah. The apostate abandons the worship of Jehovah God, no longer recognizes in Jesus Christ, the Messiah and no longer recognizes that the Bible is the Word of God (here are some references of biblical texts showing what is on a strictly biblical level, Apostasy: ((1 Samuel 15:11; 28:6, 7 (King Saul); 1 Kings 12:28-32 (King Jeroboam); 1 Kings 16:30-33 (King Ahab); 1 Kings 22:51-53 (King Achazia); 2 Chronicles 21: 6-15 (King Joram); 2 Chronicles 28:1-4 (King Achaz); 2 Chronicles 33: 22.23 (Ammon)). As for the Christian part of the Bible, the meaning is the same, that of the abandonment of faith, this is what is written in 1 Timothy 1:19,20 and 2 Timothy 2:16- 19 which mentions the fact of deviating from the biblical truth.
It is necessary to stick to the biblical definition of what apostasy is, without falling into the slander. For example, the faithful Patriarch Job has been slandered by three accusers. The faithful Job was said to be called an apostate, wrongly, by his three accusers (Job 8:13 (accusation of Bildad); 3:34 (accusation of Eliphaz); 20: 5 (accusation of Zophar)). These three slanderers had a very stretchable definition of what apostasy is, when Job never ceased to proclaim his faith and his attachment to Jehovah God, the Heavenly Father. It is obvious that Jehovah God was not indifferent to the slander of these three accusers (Job 42:7). In the past, as in the present, many faithful Christians are slandered (within the Christian Congregations) by insulting them to be apostates, at the same times, they continue (without having abandoned it) to have a sincere faith in God and in Jesus Christ and in the Bible. It is not without any importance for Jehovah God, The Heavenly Father and for Jesus Christ, the Son (Read Isaiah 66:5 and Matthiew 5:22).
Proverbs chapter 2: the way of reaching biblical wisdom: « My son, if you will receive my sayings and treasure up my own commandments with yourself, so as to pay attention to wisdom with your ear, that you may incline your heart to discernment; if, moreover, you call out for understanding itself and you give forth your voice for discernment itself, if you keep seeking for it as for silver, and as for hid treasures you keep searching for it, in that case you will understand the fear of Jehovah, and you will find the very knowledge of God. For Jehovah himself gives wisdom; out of his mouth there are knowledge and discernment. And for the upright ones he will treasure up practical wisdom; for those walking in integrity he is a shield, by observing the paths of judgment, and he will guard the very way of his loyal ones. In that case you will understand righteousness and judgment and uprightness, the entire course of what is good » (Proverbs 2:1-9).
The Hebrew term « yirah », translated as « fear » of Jehovah, in the text of the Proverbs may have the meaning of « reverence », that is, reverential fear (Strong’s Concordance (H3374)). This means that the person who has reached Christian maturity will understand that his relationship with Jehovah is a great privilege that God gives us. Moreover, when we approach God by prayer, we can do so frankly, but also with a reverential fear that is due to the most important Person of all visible and invisible creation (Revelation 4:11).
Finding the Knowledge of God: When the human begins to find the knowledge of God, that means that he is in a position to understand spiritually what God is teaching him. This knowledge mentioned in the text of Proverbs that we are examining, is both inherent to the person of Jehovah God (Yehowah Elohim), but also in what He wants to teach us. Jesus Christ (Yehoshuah Mashiah), talked about this knowledge: « This means everlasting life, their taking in knowledge of you, the only true God, and of the one whom you sent forth, Jesus Christ » (John 17:3). This knowledge of both God the Father and His Son Jesus, is a promise of everlasting life, provided if we remain faithful until the end (Matthew 24:13). The expression « taking in knowledge of » God, with that of Proverbs, to find the knowledge of God, describes a spiritual process which consists in being in phase of comprehension of the teaching of God and of Christ.
Knowledge in relation to the understanding coming from God: There is therefore a difference between the knowledge available in the Bible and the intelligence or the ability to understand it, which is given by God through Christ: « For “who has come to know the mind of Jehovah, so that he may instruct him?” But we do have the mind of Chris » (1 Corinthians 2:16). When a person understands by the acceptance in his heart of the biblical knowledge, it can be said that he manifests a faith in accordance with the will of God: « Faith is the assured expectation of what is hoped for, the evident demonstration of realities that are not seen » (Hebrews 11:1). The word « demonstration » regarding the faith presupposes « logical » knowledge, even if it is connected with unseen realities.
Knowledge and discernment: Discernment or insight is a higher degree of understanding, which allows to understand more complex knowledge, in biblical spirituality. In Paul’s inspired letter to Hebrews, he refers in two forms of knowledge, the elementary teaching and the « solid (spiritual) food », which is a more complex knowledge. In the Greek text, there are two words that refer to these respectively two categories of knowledge. They are in the second letter of Peter, Gnosis and Epignosis: « May undeserved kindness and peace be increased to you by an accurate knowledge (Epignosis) of God and of Jesus our Lord. (…) For this very reason, put forth all earnest effort to supply to your faith virtue, to your virtue knowledge (Gnosis), to your knowledge self-control, to your self-control endurance, to your endurance godly devotion » (2 Peter 1:2,5,6). Therefore, the understanding is to the knowledge (Gnosis), what is the discernment or insight to the more complex knowledge (Epignosis). It is important not to forget the purpose of the knowledge of God, in relation to intelligence and discernment, which is to seek to encourage our neighbor and our brother or sister in faith: « Knowledge puffs up, but love builds up » (1 Corinthians 8:1).
The divine wisdom mentioned in the entire book of Proverbs is the fact of putting into practice the knowledge, with understanding and insight. Jesus Christ, at the end of the Sermon on the Mount, showed the absolute necessity to put his teaching into practice (Matthew 7:24-27). The continuation and the end of chapter 2 shows the blessings of putting into practice by means of divine wisdom (proverbs 2:10-22).
In Proverbs 2:7 there is the expression « practical wisdom » as the practice of « knowledge ». Indeed, Jesus Christ associated wisdom with the practice of biblical knowledge, in contrast with the foolish man who, having this knowledge, does not take it into account: « Therefore everyone that hears these sayings of mine and does them will be likened to a discreet man, who built his house upon the rock-mass. And the rain poured down and the floods came and the winds blew and lashed against that house, but it did not cave in, for it had been founded upon the rock-mass. Furthermore, everyone hearing these sayings of mine and not doing them will be likened to a foolish man, who built his house upon the sand. And the rain poured down and the floods came and the winds blew and struck against that house and it caved in, and its collapse was great » (Matthew 7:24-27).
Nevertheless, given the general context of the Bible, one realizes that wisdom has a heavenly spiritual dimension that is not necessarily the result of the practice of an acquired knowledge, but rather a direct divine gift. Moreover, in Proverbs 2:6 it is written, « Jehovah himself gives wisdom » (Compare with Exodus 36:1-4 « Bezalel and Oholiab »). If indeed Jehovah’s wisdom flows from the biblical deposit of knowledge, by putting it into practice, there are situations that require this heavenly divine flash of wisdom. Let’s take two examples: Jesus Christ and king Salomon.
In a certain circumstance, king Solomon found himself in a human situation without solution, here is the biblical account: « At that time two prostitutes came in to the king and stood before him. The first woman said: “Please, my lord, this woman and I live in one house, and I gave birth while she was in the house. On the third day after I gave birth, this woman also gave birth. We were together, just the two of us; there was no one else with us in the house. During the night this woman’s son died, because she lay on him. So she got up in the middle of the night and took my son from my side while your slave girl was asleep and laid him in her arms, and she laid her dead son in my arms. When I got up in the morning to nurse my son, I saw that he was dead. So I examined him closely in the morning and saw that it was not my son whom I had given birth to.” But the other woman said: “No, my son is the living one, and your son is the dead one!” But the first woman was saying: “No, your son is the dead one, and my son is the living one.” That is how they argued before the king. Finally the king said: “This one says, ‘This is my son, the living one, and your son is the dead one!’ and that one says, ‘No, your son is the dead one, and my son is the living one!’” The king said: “Bring me a sword.” So they brought a sword to the king. The king then said: “Cut the living child in two, and give half to one woman and half to the other.” At once the woman whose son was the living one pleaded with the king, for her compassions were stirred toward her son. She said: “Please, my lord! You should give her the living child! By no means put him to death!” But the other woman was saying: “He will be neither mine nor yours! Let them cut him in two!” At that the king answered: “Give the living child to the first woman! By no means put him to death, for she is his mother.” So all Israel heard about the judgment that the king had handed down, and they were in awe of the king, for they saw that the wisdom of God was with him to execute justice » (1 Kings 3:16-28).
This narrative and its conclusion, are the demonstration that the wisdom of God is not only the putting into practice of the biblical knowledge, but it has also a spiritual heavenly dimension, like a divine lightning, without knowing how, Jehovah God gives the miraculous solution, that no human on earth would have thought. This wisdom is not the result of a long career as a judge with a long history of judicial deliberations. Thanks to divine wisdom of God, the young king Solomon, in a flash, knew what decision to take to deliberate between these two women. This miraculous wisdom of this judicial decision, inspired by a completely heavenly wisdom, has plunged an entire nation of several millions of inhabitants into a reverential fear of this king. And we talk about it thousands of years later.
It is also interesting to note that when Jehovah gives a gift of wisdom to a human, as long as he remains faithful to Him, he does not take this gift from him, it is permanent. Thus, in this specific case, beyond the spectacular judicial decision of Solomon, God continued to give him this wisdom in abundance, in the continuation of his reign: « And God continued giving Solʹo·mon wisdom and understanding in very great measure and a broadness of heart, like the sand that is upon the seashore. And Solʹo·mon’s wisdom was vaster than the wisdom of all the Orientals and than all the wisdom of Egypt. And he was wiser than any other man, than Eʹthan the Ezʹra·hite and Heʹman and Calʹcol and Darʹda the sons of Maʹhol; and his fame came to be in all the nations all around. And he could speak three thousand proverbs, and his songs came to be a thousand and five. And he would speak about the trees, from the cedar that is in Lebʹa·non to the hyssop that is coming forth on the wall; and he would speak about the beasts and about the flying creatures and about the moving things and about the fishes. And they kept coming from all the peoples to hear Solʹo·mon’s wisdom, even from all the kings of the earth who had heard of his wisdom » (1 Kings 4:29-34). When Jehovah gives wisdom, he gives it abundantly and permanently.
Jesus Christ, on earth, had a power of wisdom directly divine and not always directly connected with the written deposit of the Bible, here is an example: « The scribes and the chief priests then sought to get their hands on him in that very hour, but they feared the people, for they realized that he told this illustration with them in mind. And after observing him closely, they sent men whom they had secretly hired to pretend that they were righteous in order to catch him in his speech, so as to turn him over to the government and to the authority of the governor. And they questioned him, saying: “Teacher, we know you speak and teach correctly and show no partiality, but you teach the way of God in line with truth: Is it lawful for us to pay head tax to Caesar or not?” But he detected their cunning and said to them: “Show me a de·narʹi·us. Whose image and inscription does it have?” They said: “Caesar’s.” He said to them: “By all means, then, pay back Caesar’s things to Caesar but God’s things to God.” Well, they were not able to trap him in his speech before the people, but amazed at his answer, they became silent » (Luke 20:19-26).
Christ’s answer came directly from the heavenly wisdom of which his Father had endowed him. There are many other examples that show that the wisdom of God is a gift that is not systematically in connection with the knowledge and the understanding of the Holy Scriptures. Moreover, in a certain circumstance Jesus Christ said to his disciples: « And when they are taking you to hand you over, do not be anxious beforehand about what to say; but whatever is given you in that hour, say this, for you are not the ones speaking, but the holy spirit is » (Mark 13:11). The active force of God, the Holy Spirit, was to be the energy of divine wisdom power for the disciples.
Therefore, if we want to acquire wisdom, we must ask for it by prayer and put into practice in our life, the Word of God the Bible: « But his delight is in the law of Jehovah, And he reads His law in an undertone day and night. He will be like a tree planted by streams of water, A tree that produces fruit in its season, The foliage of which does not wither. And everything he does will succeed » (Psalms 1:2,3).
Proverbs chapter 3: applying the wisdom of God in our life, will allow to people to extend their life in number of years: « My son, my law do not forget, and my commandments may your heart observe, because length of days and years of life and peace will be added to you. May loving-kindness and trueness themselves not leave you » (Proverbs 3:1-3).
The following exhortation is to trust in Jehovah God, the Heavenly Father: « Trust in Jehovah with all your heart and do not lean upon your own understanding. In all your ways take notice of him, and he himself will make your paths straight. Do not become wise in your own eyes. Fear Jehovah and turn away from bad. May it become a healing to your navel and a refreshment to your bones » (Proverbs 3: 5-8). Relying upon God is a form of expression of sincere love towards Him. When we love someone, we trust in him because we know that whatever he does, he will be for our good. Thus, trusting is the expression of faith in action. In this case, faith will not be a simple vision of the invisible, but also an experience of life in relying upon God, in situations where we might not know the outcome it will grant (Hebrews 11:1,6). The fact that it is written not lean upon our own understanding or not to be wise in our own eyes, means that sometimes we can be in situations where we do not see the outcome or the solution. It is in this situation that it is advisable to trust without seeking to control everything in terms of human understanding a solution, that will come from God. This confidence in God will have a refreshing effect on our mind and our health: « May it become a healing to your navel and a refreshment to your bones » (Proverbs 3:8).
« Honor Jehovah with your valuable things and with the firstfruits of all your produce. Then your stores of supply will be filled with plenty; and with new wine your own press vats will overflow » (proverbs 3:9,10). The Christian is no longer under the obligation to pay the tithe, according to the Law (given to Moses), because Christ is the end of the Law (Romans 10:4). The firsfruits, for the Christian, are spiritual, that is to say that whatever he does for God and his Son, he will do the best, with all his heart (Malachi 3:8-10). In a way, symbolically he will not present as spiritual sacrifice, a sick animal (by being negligent) (Malachi 1:12,13).
When God, the Heavenly Father disciplines us, we can be sad in the moment. However, that means that he loves us and he wants us to have an everlasting happy future: « The discipline of Jehovah, O my son, do not reject; and do not abhor his reproof, because the one whom Jehovah loves he reproves, even as a father does a son in whom he finds pleasure » (Proverbs 3:11,12).
The apostle Paul commented on this text in the letter to the Hebrews: « In your struggle against that sin, you have never yet resisted to the point of having your blood shed. 5 And you have entirely forgotten the exhortation that addresses you as sons: “My son, do not belittle the discipline from Jehovah, nor give up when you are corrected by him; 6 for those whom Jehovah loves he disciplines, in fact, he scourges everyone whom he receives as a son.”
7 You need to endure as part of your discipline. God is treating you as sons. For what son is not disciplined by his father? 8 But if you have not all shared in receiving this discipline, you are really illegitimate children, and not sons. 9 Furthermore, our human fathers used to discipline us, and we gave them respect. Should we not more readily submit ourselves to the Father of our spiritual life and live? 10 For they disciplined us for a short time according to what seemed good to them, but he does so for our benefit so that we may partake of his holiness. 11 True, no discipline seems for the present to be joyous, but it is painful; yet afterward, it yields the peaceable fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it » (Hebrews 12:4-11).
We should help our neighbor to the extent we have the possibility of doing it, without procrastinating: « Do not hold back good from those to whom it is owing, when it happens to be in the power of your hand to do it. Do not say to your fellowman: “Go, and come back and tomorrow I shall give,” when there is something with you » (proverbs 3: 27,28). By the way, in the last judgment (just before the great tribulation), of the symbolic sheep and goats, Jesus Christ only mentions actions in order to help our neighbor, such as giving a drink, giving something to eat, to cloth him, to visit the sick or to visit a friend in prison and to receive strangers (Matthiew 25:31-46).
Proverbs chapter 4: it is like a letter that a son and a daughter would receive from their parents, from their father and mother, enjoining them to follow their informed educational advice. Previously, in chapter 3, we have read that God disciplines the one who loves him. Concretely, this discipline, in the family framework which applies the biblical principles, it is the father who is responsible for it with the close collaboration of the mother: « Listen, O sons, to the discipline of a father and pay attention, so as to know understanding. 2 For good instruction is what I certainly shall give to you. My law do not leave. 3 For I proved to be a real son to my father, tender and the only one before my mother. 4 And he would instruct me and say to me: “May your heart keep fast hold of my words. Keep my commandments and continue living. 5 Acquire wisdom, acquire understanding. Do not forget, and do not turn aside from the sayings of my mouth. 6 Do not leave it, and it will keep you. Love it, and it will safeguard you. 7 Wisdom is the prime thing. Acquire wisdom; and with all that you acquire, acquire understanding. 8 Highly esteem it, and it will exalt you. It will glorify you because you embrace it. 9 To your head it will give a wreath of charm; a crown of beauty it will bestow upon you » (Proverbs 4:1-9).
The apostle Paul wrote that obedience to parents is a way of honoring them. However, he cautioned that parents should not needlessly anger their children through any form of abuse of authority: “Children, be obedient to your parents in union with [the] Lord, for this is righteous: 2 “Honor your father and [your] mother”; which is the first command with a promise: 3 “That it may go well with you and you may endure a long time on the earth.” 4 And you, fathers, do not be irritating your children, but go on bringing them up in the discipline and mental-regulating of Jehovah” (Ephesians 6:1-4).
Jesus Christ showed that honoring one’s parents means caring for them in their old age: “In reply he said to them: “Why is it you also overstep the commandment of God because of your tradition? 4 For example, God said, ‘Honor your father and your mother’; and, ‘Let him that reviles father or mother end up in death.’ 5 But you say, ‘Whoever says to his father or mother: “Whatever I have by which you might get benefit from me is a gift dedicated to God,” 6 he must not honor his father at all.’ And so you have made the word of God invalid because of your tradition” (Matthew 15:3-6).
Proverbs chapter 5: it is the continuation of the recommendations of chapter 4, but now, regarding the sexual morality. There is a warning against the strange woman. It is likely, that the strange woman can be at the same time, a prostitute and an adulterous woman:
« My son, to my wisdom O do pay attention. To my discernment incline your ears, 2 so as to guard thinking abilities; and may your own lips safeguard knowledge itself. 3 For as a honeycomb the lips of a strange woman keep dripping, and her palate is smoother than oil. 4 But the aftereffect from her is as bitter as wormwood; it is as sharp as a two-edged sword. 5 Her feet are descending to death. Her very steps take hold on Sheʹol itself. 6 The path of life she does not contemplate. Her tracks have wandered she does not know [where]. 7 So now, O sons, listen to me and do not turn away from the sayings of my mouth. 8 Keep your way far off from alongside her, and do not get near to the entrance of her house, 9 that you may not give to others your dignity, nor your years to what is cruel; 10 that strangers may not satisfy themselves with your power, nor the things you got by pain be in the house of a foreigner, 11 nor you have to groan in your future when your flesh and your organism come to an end. 12 And you will have to say: “How I have hated discipline and my heart has disrespected even reproof! 13 And I have not listened to the voice of my instructors, and to my teachers I have not inclined my ear. 14 Easily I have come to be in every sort of badness in the midst of the congregation and of the assembly » (proverbs 5:1-14).
In a metaphorical way, this text shows that if sexual immorality can bring pleasure, in the short term, but in the end, the consequences can be particularly dramatic (until deadly consequences, « Her feet are descending to death »).
A man and a woman married can find a lot of happiness on the sexual intercourse, while remaining faithful to each other:
« Drink water out of your own cistern, and tricklings out of the midst of your own well. 16 Should your springs be scattered out of doors, [your] streams of water in the public squares themselves? 17 Let them prove to be for you alone, and not for strangers with you. 18 Let your water source prove to be blessed, and rejoice with the wife of your youth, 19 a lovable hind and a charming mountain goat. Let her own breasts intoxicate you at all times. With her love may you be in an ecstasy constantly. 20 So why should you, my son, be in an ecstasy with a strange woman or embrace the bosom of a foreign woman? 21 For the ways of man are in front of the eyes of Jehovah, and he is contemplating all his tracks. 22 His own errors will catch the wicked one, and in the ropes of his own sin he will be taken hold of. 23 He will be the one to die because there is no discipline, and [because] in the abundance of his foolishness he goes astray » (Proverbs 5:15-21).
This conjugal happiness is a creation of God, however, it is necessary to respect the limits on the biblical morality. This is a protection against temptation of fornication or adultery practice:
« Now concerning the things about which you wrote, it is well for a man not to touch a woman; 2 yet, because of prevalence of fornication, let each man have his own wife and each woman have her own husband. 3 Let the husband render to [his] wife her due; but let the wife also do likewise to [her] husband. 4 The wife does not exercise authority over her own body, but her husband does; likewise, also, the husband does not exercise authority over his own body, but his wife does. 5 Do not be depriving each other [of it], except by mutual consent for an appointed time, that you may devote time to prayer and may come together again, that Satan may not keep tempting you for your lack of self-regulation » (1Corinthians 7:1-5).
In this area, God also « is contemplating all his tracks (those of man and woman) », within the framework of intimate relations: « Let marriage be honorable among all, and let the marriage bed be without defilement, for God will judge sexually immoral people and adulterers » (Hebrews 13:4).
Proverbs chapter 6: « Go to the ant, you lazy one; see its ways and become wise. Although it has no commander, officer or ruler, it prepares its food even in the summer; it has gathered its food supplies even in the harvest. How long, you lazy one, will you keep lying down? When will you rise up from your sleep? A little more sleep, a little more slumbering, a little more folding of the hands in lying down, and your poverty will certainly come just like some rover, and your want like an armed man » (proverbs 6:6-11).
We must observe the creation of God, in this case, the animals, the insects to learn from the divine wisdom. Jesus Christ himself encouraged to do the same, in order to make his disciples understand, that God will take care of his servants, just as he takes care of his whole creation: « On this account I say to you: Stop being anxious about your lives as to what you will eat or what you will drink, or about your bodies as to what you will wear. Does not life mean more than food and the body than clothing? 26 Observe intently the birds of heaven; they do not sow seed or reap or gather into storehouses, yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not worth more than they are? 27 Who of you by being anxious can add one cubit to his life span? 28 Also, why are you anxious about clothing? Take a lesson from the lilies of the field, how they grow; they do not toil, nor do they spin; 29 but I tell you that not even Solʹo·mon in all his glory was arrayed as one of these. 30 Now if this is how God clothes the vegetation of the field that is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will he not much rather clothe you, you with little faith? 31 So never be anxious and say, ‘What are we to eat?’ or, ‘What are we to drink?’ or, ‘What are we to wear?’ 32 For all these are the things the nations are eagerly pursuing. Your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. 33 “Keep on, then, seeking first the Kingdom and his righteousness, and all these other things will be added to you. 34 So never be anxious about the next day, for the next day will have its own anxieties. Each day has enough of its own troubles » (Matthew 6:24-34).
Thus, our meditation must be based, not only on the Bible, the Word of God, but also on the creation, in the study of sciences, in order to perceive its divine dimension: « For his invisible qualities are clearly seen from the world’s creation onward, because they are perceived by the things made, even his eternal power and Godship, so that they are inexcusable » (Romans 1:20).
« There are six things that Jehovah does hate; yes, seven are things detestable to his soul: lofty eyes, a false tongue, and hands that are shedding innocent blood, a heart fabricating hurtful schemes, feet that are in a hurry to run to badness, a false witness that launches forth lies, and anyone sending forth contentions among brothers » (Proverbs 6:16-19).
The statement of this thought is strange because it seems to say that the number six is equal to seven (six things, yes seven). It is important to know that in the Bible, the numbers, depending on the context, can have the value of composition style, figures of speech. In this case, the number six can correspond to the adjective « several » or « many », while the figure seven, to a superlative, which expresses a higher degree of detestation (in this context).
If we count the number of things that Jehovah God hates (in this text), there are seven. What relationship could have the mention of the first six detestations, with the seventh? The seventh detestation could summarize all of the previous six. In this specific case, the wicked man who « sends forth contentions among brothers » (the seventh mention), would most likely, in most cases, would have the six previous characteristics of the serious defects mentioned above.
Proverbs chapter 7: It is the illustration of an indecisive man in his heart, and who lets himself be seduced by a strange woman (in this case an adultery woman), cunning. Finally, he ended up falling into the trap of the sexual immorality, with the harmful consequences that follow:
« For at the window of my house, through my lattice I looked down, that I might peer upon the inexperienced ones. I was interested in discerning among the sons a young man in want of heart, passing along on the street near her corner, and in the way to her house he marches, in the twilight, in the evening of the day, at the approach of the night and the gloom. And, look! there was a woman to meet him, with the garment of a prostitute and cunning of heart. She is boisterous and stubborn. In her house her feet do not keep residing. Now she is outdoors, now she is in the public squares, and near every corner she lies in wait. And she has grabbed hold of him and given him a kiss. She has put on a bold face, and she begins to say to him:
“Communion sacrifices were incumbent upon me. Today I have paid my vows. That is why I have come out to meet you, to look for your face, that I may find you. With coverlets I have bedecked my divan, with many-colored things, linen of Egypt. I have besprinkled my bed with myrrh, aloes and cinnamon. Do come, let us drink our fill of love until the morning; do let us enjoy each other with love expressions. For the husband is not in his house; he has gone traveling on a way of some distance. A bag of money he has taken in his hand. On the day of the full moon he will come to his house.”
She has misled him by the abundance of her persuasiveness. By the smoothness of her lips she seduces him. All of a sudden he is going after her, like a bull that comes even to the slaughter, and just as if fettered for the discipline of a foolish man, until an arrow cleaves open his liver, just as a bird hastens into the trap, and he has not known that it involves his very soul » (Proverbs 7:6-23).
The fornication is sexual practices condemned in the Bible, the Word of God: The adultery, the sexual relations without being married (Man and Woman), the masculine and feminine homosexuality, the bestiality: « Or do you not know that unrighteous people will not inherit God’s Kingdom? Do not be misled. Those who are sexually immoral, idolaters, adulterers, men who submit to homosexual acts, men who practice homosexuality, thieves, greedy people, drunkards, revilers, and extortioners will not inherit God’s Kingdom” (1 Corinthians 6:9,10). “Let marriage be honorable among all, and let the marriage bed be without defilement, for God will judge sexually immoral people and adulterers” (Hebrews 13:4).
The Mosaic law is very detailed regarding what God considers to be unacceptable sexual practices. We can consider that, reading Leviticus chapter 18, gives us a fairly complete overview of the matter. From verses 6 to 18, there is the list of sexual relations considered to be incestuous. By the way, this law against incest was a protection of children against pedophilia which unfortunately is widespread, even within families, but also in organized criminal networks, whether in Western countries or even around certain « tourist » destinations. The King Jesus Christ will punish with the utmost severity those criminals who prey on helpless children, at the great tribulation, which is fast approaching (Revelation 19:11-21). In addition, this incest law protected the people of Israel against consanguineous marriages. They could result in fathering children with genetic disabilities, such as blindness, deafness, mental retardation and many other disabilities, inherited, a genetic dysfunction at conception or during the gestation of the mother…
Verse 19 forbids sexual relations during a woman’s period. Verse 22 condemns same-sex relationships. Verse 23 condemns bestiality. In that same verse, God adds: « It is a violation of what is natural » (Leviticus 18:23b). This very short sentence sums up very well all forms of deviant sexual practices; they are a « violation of what is natural » (that married couples, husbands and wives, exercise good discernment because God will judge even what is done in the greatest privacy (Hebrews 13: 4) « Let marriage be honorable in all, and that the marriage bed be without defilement, for God will judge fornicators and adulterers « ). And for those who would try to justify themselves by saying « we are no longer under the law »: these different aspects of sexual morality are permanent, because what God considered to be detestable under the Law, it remains so. God has not changed and does not change, his way of thinking is stable over time, all the more so under the present law of Christ which takes over what constitutes the substance of the Law. This is what is written at Malachi 3:6: « For I am Jehovah; I have not changed ».
The Bible doesn’t allow polygamy, therefore, the man in this situation who wants to have God’s approval, will have to legalize his situation before God: He must remain only with one woman; the first with whom he gets married (1 Timothy 3:2 « a husband of one wife »). Perverted sexual practices and also masturbation are forbidden by the Bible: “Deaden, therefore, your body members that are on the earth as respects sexual immorality, uncleanness, uncontrolled sexual passion, hurtful desire, and greediness, which is idolatry” (Colossians 3:5).
The whole forbidden situations by the Biblical Principles are not in this part of this biblical study. The Christian maturity based on the knowledge of the Bible, the Wisdom of God, will help us to know what is right and what is wrong: “But solid food belongs to mature people, to those who through use have their powers of discernment trained to distinguish both right and wrong” (Hebrews 5:14).
Proverbs chapter 8: it is particularly known by the personification of wisdom as master worker, collaborator with God, particularly during the creation: « Jehovah himself produced me as the beginning of his way, the earliest of his achievements of long ago. From time indefinite I was installed, from the start, from times earlier than the earth. When there were no watery deeps I was brought forth as with labor pains, when there were no springs heavily charged with water. Before the mountains themselves had been settled down, ahead of the hills, I was brought forth as with labor pains, when as yet he had not made the earth and the open spaces and the first part of the dust masses of the productive land. When he prepared the heavens I was there; when he decreed a circle upon the face of the watery deep, when he made firm the cloud masses above, when he caused the fountains of the watery deep to be strong, when he set for the sea his decree that the waters themselves should not pass beyond his order, when he decreed the foundations of the earth, then I came to be beside him as a master worker, and I came to be the one he was specially fond of day by day, I being glad before him all the time, being glad at the productive land of his earth, and the things I was fond of were with the sons of men » (Proverbs 8:22-31).
By cross-checking this text with information written in the Gospel of John, it is clear the master worker, is none other than Jesus Christ, the Son of God, in his prehuman existence in heaven, who collaborated in all of his Father’s creation: « In the beginning the Word was, and the Word was with God, and the Word was a god. This one was in the beginning with God. All things came into existence through him, and apart from him, not even one thing came into existence » (John 1:1-3).
The apostle John explained that this Son, through whom all things came into being, was born as a man and as the light of the world:
« What has come into existence 4 by means of him was life, and the life was the light of men. 5 And the light is shining in the darkness, but the darkness has not overpowered it.
6 There came a man who was sent as a representative of God; his name was John. 7 This man came as a witness, in order to bear witness about the light, so that people of all sorts might believe through him. 8 He was not that light, but he was meant to bear witness about that light.
9 The true light that gives light to every sort of man was about to come into the world. 10 He was in the world, and the world came into existence through him, but the world did not know him. 11 He came to his own home, but his own people did not accept him. 12 However, to all who did receive him, he gave authority to become God’s children, because they were exercising faith in his name. 13 And they were born, not from blood or from a fleshly will or from man’s will, but from God.
14 So the Word became flesh and resided among us, and we had a view of his glory, a glory such as belongs to an only-begotten son from a father; and he was full of divine favor and truth. 15 (John bore witness about him, yes, he cried out: “This was the one of whom I said, ‘The one coming behind me has advanced in front of me, for he existed before me.’”) 16 For we all received from his fullness, even undeserved kindness upon undeserved kindness. 17 Because the Law was given through Moses, the undeserved kindness and the truth came to be through Jesus Christ. 18 No man has seen God at any time; the only-begotten god who is at the Father’s side is the one who has explained Him » (John 1:3-18).
Proverbs chapter 9: the wisdom is closely linked to action, to the practice of knowledge, with understanding and insight: « True wisdom has built its house; it has cut its seven columns. She organized the slaughter of her meat; she mixed her wine; and even she erected her table. She sent her maids, so that she could cry out at the top of the heights of the city: “Anyone who is inexperienced, that ‘He makes a detour here. « True wisdom has built its house; it has hewn out its seven pillars. It has organized its meat slaughtering; it has mixed its wine; more than that, it has set in order its table. It has sent forth its lady attendants, that it may call out on top of the heights of the town: “Whoever is inexperienced, let him turn aside here.” Whoever is in want of heart—she has said to him: “Come, feed yourselves with my bread and share in drinking the wine that I have mixed. Leave the inexperienced ones and keep living, and walk straight in the way of understanding » (verses 1-6).
As we read in Chapter 2, the divine wisdom mentioned throughout the book of Proverbs is the practice of knowledge, with intelligence and discernment. Jesus Christ, at the end of the Sermon on the Mount, showed the necessity of putting his teaching into practice: “Therefore, everyone who hears these sayings of mine and does them will be like a discreet man who built his house on the rock. 25 And the rain poured down and the floods came and the winds blew and lashed against that house, but it did not cave in, for it had been founded on the rock. 26 Furthermore, everyone hearing these sayings of mine and not doing them will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand. 27 And the rain poured down and the floods came and the winds blew and struck against that house, and it caved in, and its collapse was great” (Matthew 7:24-27).
In this illustration, Jesus Christ says that a person who puts knowledge into practice is wise and prudent, and a person who does not put knowledge into practice is foolish and unforeseeable. In the letter of James, Jesus’ brother, he also writes about putting God’s word into practice:
“However, become doers of the word and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves with false reasoning. 23 For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, this one is like a man looking at his own face in a mirror. 24 For he looks at himself, and he goes away and immediately forgets what sort of person he is. 25 But the one who peers into the perfect law that belongs to freedom and continues in it has become, not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work; and he will be happy in what he does” (James 1:22-25).
This wisdom allows us to have a highly respectful relationship with God, characterized by reverential fear:
“The fear of Jehovah is the start of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Most Holy One is what understanding is. 11 For by me your days will become many, and to you years of life will be added. 12 If you have become wise, you have become wise in your own behalf; and if you have ridiculed, you will bear [it], just you alone” (Proverbs 9:10-12).
The wise person is the first to benefit from divine wisdom by having a long life, avoiding shortening it, for example, by taking unnecessary risks.
Proverbs chapter 10: From this chapter, until chapter 30, there is a succession of several dozen proverbs. Some proverbs will be mentioned, with or without comment.
« Jehovah will not cause the soul of the righteous one to go hungry, but the craving of the wicked ones he will push away » (verse 3; read also Matthiew 6:33,34).
« The son acting with insight is gathering during the summertime; the son acting shamefully is fast asleep during the harvestt » (verse 5).
“Hatred is what stirs up contentions, but love covers over even all transgressions” (verse 12). Behind actions lie intentions: either hatred fuels hatred, or love ultimately forgives (see 1 Corinthians 13:1-8). Verse 18 is similar regarding hidden hatred: “Where there is one covering over hatred there are lips of falsehood” (verse 18).
« In the abundance of words there does not fail to be transgression, but the one keeping his lips in check is acting discreetly » (verse 19; Read also Jacques 1:19 and all chapter 3, about the use of the tongue).
The flow of uncontrolled words can lead to dangerous situations for those who cannot control their tongues, both from God’s perspective and from the perspective of others: « He that is sowing unrighteousness will reap what is hurtful, but the very rod of his fury will come to its end » (Proverbs 22:8).
« The blessing of Jehovah—that is what makes rich, and he adds no pain with it » (verse 22). In James (1:17), it is written this about divine gifts: “Every good gift and every perfect present is from above, coming down from the Father of the celestial lights, who does not vary or change like the shifting shadows” (James 1:17). Through this illustration, he shows that when God bestows a gift upon someone, it is always at its zenith; it is the best thing for the blessed person.
« The thing frightful to the wicked one—that is what will come to him; but the desire of the righteous ones will be granted. As when the storm wind passes over, so the wicked one is no more; but the righteous one is a foundation to time indefinite » (verses 24,25).
« The way of Jehovah is a stronghold for the blameless one, but ruin is for the practicers of what is hurtful » (verse 29). This text shows that a person’s integrity is rewarded with divine protection, even if this integrity, in a world that promotes falsehood, comes at a cost or represents a sacrifice. Psalm 15 illustrates this well:
« O Jehovah, who may be a guest in your tent?
Who may reside in your holy mountain?
2 The one who is walking faultlessly,
Practicing what is right
And speaking the truth in his heart.
3 He does not slander with his tongue,
He does nothing bad to his neighbor,
And he does not defame his friends.
4 He rejects anyone who is contemptible,
But he honors those fearing Jehovah.
He does not go back on his promise, even when it is bad for him.
5 He does not lend his money on interest,
And he does not accept a bribe against the innocent.
Whoever does these things will never be shaken » (Psalms 15).
Proverbs chapter 11:
« Valuable things will be of no benefit on the day of fury, but righteousness itself will deliver from death » (verse 4).
« The righteous is the one rescued even from distress, and the wicked one comes in instead of him » (verse 8).
« The one in want of heart has despised his own fellowman, but the man of broad discernment is one that keeps silent » (verse 12).
« The one walking about as a slanderer is uncovering confidential talk, but the one faithful in spirit is covering over a matter » (verse 13). This is not an always known aspect of what can be considered as slander, from the point of view of God: revealing confidential or intimate talk on people (although true), in order to do evil to them, with the same effect as slander which humiliates the people who are the victims. On the other hand, someone who covers over the matter (although true) is a righteous man with a noble form of righteousness.
“When there is no skillful direction, the people fall; but there is salvation in the multitude of counselors” (Proverbs 11:14). Currently, we can observe, as it is written in the Bible, the incompetence of shepherds who feed themselves and mistreat the sheep, the people, by organizing wars and famines that bring them down: “Woe to the shepherds of Israel, who have become feeders of themselves! Is it not the flock that the shepherds ought to feed? 3 The fat is what you eat, and with the wool you clothe your own selves. The plump animal is what you slaughter. The flock itself you do not feed” (Ezekiel 34:2,3). Often, catastrophes can be avoided by surrounding oneself with good advisors and being willing to listen to their wise counsel, in order to end the suffering needlessly inflicted on so many peoples.
« As a gold nose ring in the snout of a pig, so is a woman that is pretty but that is turning away from sensibleness » (verse 22). The physical beauty is a divine gift, nevertheless, it must be linked with the inner beauty of man and woman, which in this case would be to have soundness of mind.
« There exists the one that is scattering and yet is being increased; also the one that is keeping back from what is right, but it results only in want. The generous soul will itself be made fat, and the one freely watering others will himself also be freely watered » (verses 24,25).
« The fruitage of the righteous one is a tree of life, and he that is winning souls is wise » (verse 30). The expression « winning souls » means teaching, advising or disciplining a person so that he acquires wisdom or rectifies his possible bad behavior. In this sense, the righteous, by his wise advice can be a source of life, for those who listen to him and who follow his advice.
Proverbs chapter 12:
« A capable wife is a crown to her owner, but as rottenness in his bones is she that acts shamefully » (verse 4). Chapter 31 of the Book of Proverbs is devoted to describing the capable wife, from the perspective of both God and men.
“Better is the one lightly esteemed but having a servant than the one glorifying himself but in want of bread” (verse 9). This proverb shows that what matters is not so much how others see us, nor even boasting, but rather what we possess, both materially and spiritually.
« The righteous one is caring for the soul of his domestic animal, but the mercies of the wicked ones are cruel » (verse 10). God is watching how people take care of their domestic animals if they are well treated. God considers the people who mistreat the domestic animals, as wicked.
« The way of the foolish one is right in his own eyes, but the one listening to counsel is wise » (verse 15). The foolish one never questions his bad behavior, while the wise one knows, that from time to time, he needs to be advised.
« It is a foolish person that makes known his vexation in the same day, but the shrewd one is covering over a dishonor » (verse 16). When someone is naturally upset by words or a situation, it is advisable to have self-control and to wait for the appropriate moment (which is not often that of the precipitation in the reaction). The expression « the same day » seems to illustrate a spontaneous reaction, often thoughtless and inappropriate.
« There exists the one speaking thoughtlessly as with the stabs of a sword, but the tongue of the wise ones is a healing » (verse 18). The abundance of thoughtless or clumsy words can hurt the interlocutor, while the one who pays attention, can encourage a discouraged person.
« Anxious care in the heart of a man is what will cause it to bow down, but the good word is what makes it rejoice » (verse 25). The metaphor of « bowing down » of the heart can mean an expression of sadness or melancholy on the face. If we can recognize this discouragement in our neighbor, then sometimes a simple word of encouragement can restore their joy.
« Slackness will not start up one’s game animals, but the diligent one is a man’s precious wealth » (verse 27).
“In the path of righteousness there is life, and the journey in its pathway means no death” (verse 28). This biblical verse prophetically announces that under the rule of the Kingdom of God, the righteous will obtain everlasting life; henceforth, they will never die again.
Proverbs chapter 13:
« A son is wise where there is a father’s discipline, but the ridiculer is one that has not heard rebuke » (verse 1). Discipline is an education, a training given to a child by both father and mother. Disregarding this « discipline » is destructive for the individual.
« From the fruitage of his mouth a man will eat good, but the very soul of those dealing treacherously is violence. The one guarding his mouth is keeping his soul. The one opening wide his lips—he will have ruin » (verses 2, 3). The expression « to keep his soul » could mean to have one’s life spared, to prolong one’s life, while « to have ruin » could mean losing one’s life because of thoughtless words.
« There exists the one that is pretending to be rich and yet he has nothing at all; there is the one that is pretending to be of little means and yet he has many valuable things » (verse 7).
« By presumptuousness one only causes a struggle, but with those consulting together there is wisdom » (verse 10). The presumption is the fact that someone who does not listen to the point of view of others, that ultimately leads to problems of the relationship. The consulting is the listening from the point of view of others with the mutual concession.
« Expectation postponed is making the heart sick, but the thing desired is a tree of life when it does come » (verse 12).
« He that is walking with wise persons will become wise, but he that is having dealings with the stupid ones will fare badly » (verse 20). There is another verse in the Bible that illustrates the importance of having good associations and being wary of bad company: « Do not be misled. Bad associations spoil useful habits » (1 Corinthians 15:33).
« The one holding back his rod is hating his son, but the one loving him is he that does look for him with discipline » (verse 24). The « rod » is a symbol of discipline, education, and the training given to a child by their parents. (it is not necessarily to take in the sense of body punishment). Discipline is an expression of love of a father towards his son, while laxity is disdain towards the child who is left spiritually abandoned to himself, without spiritual orientation.
Proverbs chapter 14:
« The truly wise woman has built up her house, but the foolish one tears it down with her own hands » (verse 1) (Read chapter 31 of the book of Proverbs, which describes the capable wife as an excellent manager of her household).
« The one walking in his uprightness is fearing Jehovah, but the one crooked in his ways is despising Him » (verse 2). A person’s uprightness and honesty show that they fear God; a crooked person shows that they do not believe in God or respect Him.
« Where there are no cattle the manger is clean, but the crop is abundant because of the power of a bull » (verse 4).
« Foolish are those who make a derision of guilt, but among the upright ones there is agreement » (verse 9).
« There exists a way that is upright before a man, but the ways of death are the end of it afterward » (verse 12). The Bible advises us to use our intelligence, discernment, and insight when making decisions. However, as this biblical proverb says, whoever only relies on their own compass, only on their own perspective, without consulting other sources of information or wise counsel, is headed for ruin.
« Even in laughter the heart may be in pain; and grief is what rejoicing ends up in » (verse 13). This text shows that we should not always trust appearances in the outward expression of human feelings. Sometimes a person may be very exuberant, bursting into laughter, but sometimes it is to better hide their deep sadness. In this case, it is important to exercise discernment in order to help and comfort them.
« Anyone inexperienced puts faith in every word, but the shrewd one considers his steps » (verse 15). We must check the information, analyzing it to see if it is reliable. It is important to have a critical mind, in order to better examine the contours and an overview, for example the reasons why we are given this information (true or false)… Above all, be wary of some people, religious leaders, self-proclaimed gurus, and religious groups (or sects) who recommend that you obey or place blind trust in them without thinking, because even God does not ask this (nor does his Son, Jesus Christ). While God demands obedience, it remains grounded in reflection on His works, which strengthens our trust in Him and subsequently encourages us to obey Him (read Psalms 146:3-5).
« He that is quick to anger will commit foolishness, but the man of thinking abilities is hated » (verse 17).
« Even to his fellowman one who is of little means is an object of hatred, but many are the friends of the rich person » (verse 20).
« He that is slow to anger is abundant in discernment, but one that is impatient is exalting foolishness » (verse 29).
« A calm heart is the life of the fleshly organism, but jealousy is rottenness to the bones » (verse 30).
« He that is defrauding the lowly one has reproached his Maker, but the one showing favor to the poor one is glorifying Him » (verse 31).
« In the heart of the understanding one there rests wisdom, and in the midst of stupid ones it becomes known » (verse 33).
« Righteousness is what exalts a nation, but sin is something disgraceful to national groups » (verse 34). Current events demonstrate that when national leaders base their decisions on high spiritual values, the people are uplifted; otherwise, they fall into decadence. It is in this latter case that great empires of the past have disappeared, due to their decadence…
Proverbs chapter 15:
« An answer, when mild, turns away rage, but a word causing pain makes anger to come up » (verse 1). Gentleness and respect for the feelings of others in situations of great emotional tension can often significantly calm anger.
« The eyes of Jehovah are in every place, keeping watch upon the bad ones and the good ones » (verse 3). Whatever we do, God sees everything, and in due time, we will all be held accountable for what we have done, good or bad (Romans 14:12).
« The calmness of the tongue is a tree of life, but distortion in it means a breaking down in the spirit » (verse 4). The first part of this verse echoes the idea of gentleness in verse 1.
« The lips of the wise ones keep scattering knowledge about, but the heart of the stupid ones is not like that » (verse 7). The first part of this verse shows that the wise person should share their wisdom, knowledge, and life experience with others to encourage and help them to practice the wisdom that comes from God, as written in the Bible.
“The sacrifice of the wicked ones is something detestable to Jehovah, but the prayer of the upright ones is a pleasure to him. The way of the wicked one is something detestable to Jehovah, but the one pursuing righteousness he loves” (verses 8, 9). This text shows that beyond spiritual or religious practice, God always discerns the deepest intentions of the heart. If he sees that a person is wicked, he will not listen to his prayer, but if he sees that the person is upright, he will listen and answer it.
“A joyful heart has a good effect on the countenance, but because of the pain of the heart there is a stricken spirit” (verse 13). Facial expressions are a form of silent, yet explicit, communication of feelings. We simply need to discern the implicit nature of the feelings that the person we are speaking to, wants us to understand.
“All the days of the afflicted one are bad; but the one that is good at heart [has] a feast constantly” (verse 15). This verse shows that feelings have a somatic effect on the body; feelings affect a person’s physical and mental health (see also verse 30).
« Better is a little in the fear of Jehovah than an abundant supply and confusion along with it » (verse 16).
« Better is a dish of vegetables where there is love than a manger-fed bull and hatred along with it » (verse 17).
« An enraged man stirs up contention, but one that is slow to anger quiets down quarreling » (verse 18 (see verses 1 and 4)) .
« The way of the lazy one is like a brier hedge, but the path of the upright ones is a way cast up » (verse 19).
« There is a frustrating of plans where there is no confidential talk, but in the multitude of counselors there is accomplishment » (verse 22).
« A man has rejoicing in the answer of his mouth, and a word at its right time is O how good! » (verse 23). We must know how to weigh the words, and discerning the right time to say them.
« The heart of the righteous one meditates so as to answer, but the mouth of the wicked ones bubbles forth with bad things » (verse 28).
« Jehovah is far away from the wicked ones, but the prayer of the righteous ones he hears » (verse 29).
« The brightness of the eyes makes the heart rejoice; a report that is good makes the bones fat » (verse 30). Feelings can have a good or bad impact on the body (in this case, there is a good effect on the body (it makes the bones fat); see Proverbs 17:22).
The fear of Jehovah is a discipline toward wisdom, and before glory there is humility » (verse 33).
Proverbs chapter 16:
“To earthling man belong the arrangings of the heart, but from Jehovah is the answer of the tongue. All the ways of a man are pure in his own eyes, but Jehovah is making an estimate of spirits. Roll your works upon Jehovah himself and your plans will be firmly established” (verses 1, 2, 3). These three proverbs reveal how God deals with humans. Verse 1 shows that God respects the free will of each human being, but if they allow themselves to be guided by Him, He “inspires” them to give the right answer of the tongue, He instills wisdom in them. Verse 2 shows that whatever a person may think of themselves, it is ultimately God who judges a person’s spiritual worth. Verse 3 shows the importance of putting our trust in God in order to succeed in our plans that conform to His will.
“Everything Jehovah has made for his purpose, yes, even the wicked one for the evil day” (verse 4). This verse seems to indicate that God created the wicked one and wickedness, but this is not the case (“For with evil things God cannot be tried nor does he himself try anyone” (James 1:13)). This text shows that it is in his “purpose” to let the wicked one act as he pleases, and the fact that he “allows” this situation for a time is described as if God had created this situation, with the ultimate goal of eliminating him permanently because the wicked one will have revealed himself and been judged as such.
« When Jehovah takes pleasure in the ways of a man he causes even his enemies themselves to be at peace with him » (verse 7).
« The heart of earthling man may think out his way, but Jehovah himself does the directing of his steps » (verse 9).
“The getting of wisdom is O how much better than gold! And the getting of understanding is to be chosen more than silver. The one that is wise in heart will be called understanding, and he that is sweet in his lips adds persuasiveness. To its owners insight is a well of life; and the discipline of the foolish ones is foolishness” (verses 16, 21, 22). Wisdom is putting God’s knowledge into practice. Understanding is a good capacity to comprehend God’s knowledge (see Matthew 7:24-27). Insight, or discernment, is a higher degree of understanding (see Proverbs 2:1-9).
« Pride is before a crash, and a haughty spirit before stumbling » (verse 18).
“Pleasant sayings are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and a healing to the bones” (verse 24). Kind and encouraging words have a healing effect on those who receive them.
« There exists a way that is upright before a man, but the ways of death are the end of it afterward » (verse 25). It is not wise to systematically rely on oneself own point of view without heeding other advice in certain difficult situations where life is at stake.
« A man of intrigues keeps sending forth contention, and a slanderer is separating those familiar with one another » (verse 28).
« Gray-headedness is a crown of beauty when it is found in the way of righteousness » (verse 31).
« He that is slow to anger is better than a mighty man, and he that is controlling his spirit than the one capturing a city » (verse 32). One who knows how to control oneself, especially his emotions, has more charisma than a strong man or someone who has succeeded in an act of war by capturing a city.
Proverbs chapter 17:
« Better is a dry piece of bread with which there is quietness than a house full of the sacrifices of quarreling » (verse 1).
« The refining pot is for silver and the furnace for gold, but Jehovah is the examiner of hearts » (verse 3).
« The one covering over transgression is seeking love, and he that keeps talking about a matter is separating those familiar with one another » (verse 9).
« The beginning of contention is as one letting out waters; so before the quarrel has burst forth, take your leave » (verse 14).
« A true companion is loving all the time, and is a brother that is born for when there is distress » (verse 17).
« A heart that is joyful does good as a curer, but a spirit that is stricken makes the bones dry » (verse 22; see proverbs 15:30).
« Anyone holding back his sayings is possessed of knowledge, and a man of discernment is cool of spirit » (verse 27).
Proverbs chapter 18:
« One isolating himself will seek [his own] selfish longing; against all practical wisdom he will break forth » (verse 1).
« The words of the slanderer are like things to be swallowed greedily, which do go down into the innermost parts of the belly » (verse 8).
« The name of Jehovah is a strong tower. Into it the righteous runs and is given protection » (verse 10).
« When anyone is replying to a matter before he hears [it], that is foolishness on his part and a humiliation » (verse 13).
« A brother who is transgressed against is more than a strong town; and there are contentions that are like the bar of a dwelling tower » (verse 19).
« Has one found a good wife? One has found a good thing, and one gets goodwill from Jehovah » (verse 22).
Proverbs chapter 19:
« It is the foolishness of an earthling man that distorts his way, and so his heart becomes enraged against Jehovah himself » (verse 3).
« The insight of a man certainly slows down his anger, and it is beauty on his part to pass over transgression » (verse 11).
« A stupid son means adversities to his father, and the contentions of a wife are as a leaking roof that drives one away » (Verse 13).
« The inheritance from fathers is a house and wealth, but a discreet wife is from Jehovah » (verse 14).
« He that is showing favor to the lowly one is lending to Jehovah, and his treatment He will repay to him » (verse 17).
« Many are the plans in the heart of a man, but the counsel of Jehovah is what will stand » (verse 21).
Proverbs chapter 20:
« Wine is a ridiculer, intoxicating liquor is boisterous, and everyone going astray by it is not wise » (verse 1). The Bible does not forbid wine. It forbids drunkenness.
« Counsel in the heart of a man is as deep waters, but the man of discernment is one that will draw it up » (verse 5). The insightful man who knows how to listen, can understand the deep thoughts of people.
« Do not say: “I will pay back evil!” Hope in Jehovah, and he will save you » (Verse 22).
Proverbs chapter 21:
« Every way of a man is upright in his own eyes, but Jehovah is making an estimate of hearts » (verse 2). Whatever the idea we have of ourselves, what matters is the idea that God has of us (Romans 12:19).
« Better is it to dwell upon a corner of a roof than with a contentious wife, although in a house in common » (verse 9).
« As for anyone stopping up his ear from the complaining cry of the lowly one, he himself also will call and not be answered » (verse 13).
« He that is loving merriment will be an individual in want; he that is loving wine and oil will not gain riches » (verse 17). A life mainly based on pleasure is spiritually destructive (« Lovers of pleasures rather than lovers of God » (2 Timothy 3:1-5)).
« The wicked is a ransom for the righteous one; and the one dealing treacherously takes the place of the upright ones » (verse 18 (proverbs 11:8)).
« Presumptuous, self-assuming braggart is the name of the one who is acting in a fury of presumptuousness » (verse 24).
Proverbs chapter 22:
« A name is to be chosen rather than abundant riches; favor is better than even silver and gold » (verse 1). In the Bible, the name is linked with the reputation, good or bad, before God and men (Ecclesiastes 7:1).
« Shrewd is the one that has seen the calamity and proceeds to conceal himself, but the inexperienced have passed along and must suffer the penalty » (verse 3). It is stupid to take unnecessary risks by going in front of danger, to then lose life or be seriously injured, not taking into account the warnings (or by practicing dangerous sports).
« The result of humility and the fear of Jehovah is riches and glory and life » (verse 4). Jehovah God will grant glory to the humble (Luke 14:11).
« Train up a boy according to the way for him; even when he grows old he will not turn aside from it » (verse 6).
« He that is kindly in eye will be blessed, for he has given of his food to the lowly one » (verse 9; see the list of good deeds regarding the teaching of Christ in Matthew 25:31-46).
« Do not rob the lowly one because he is lowly, and do not crush the afflicted one in the gate. For Jehovah himself will plead their cause, and he will certainly rob of soul those robbing them »(verses 22,23).
« Do not have companionship with anyone given to anger; and with a man having fits of rage you must not enter in, that you may not get familiar with his paths and certainly take a snare for your soul » (verses 24,25). We could be friends of violent people, by watching movies and violent television series, having as pattern, « heroes » who solve their problems by violence and brutality, which could ultimately have a bad influence in our behavior and our way of thinking (1 Corinthians 11:33).
« Have you beheld a man skillful in his work? Before kings is where he will station himself; he will not station himself before commonplace men » (verse 29).
Proverbs chapter 23:
« Do not toil to gain riches. Cease from your own understanding. Have you caused your eyes to glance at it, when it is nothing? For without fail it makes wings for itself like those of an eagle and flies away toward the heavens » (verses 4,5; Matthew 6:24; 1 Timothy 6:9,10).
« Do not feed yourself with the food of anyone of ungenerous eye, nor show yourself craving his tasty dishes. For as one that has calculated within his soul, so he is. “Eat and drink,” he says to you, but his heart itself is not with you. Your morsel that you have eaten, you will vomit it out, and you will have wasted your pleasant words » (verses 6-8). There are people who, on the pretext of doing you a favor, inviting to a meal or by rendering a service, make sure that you will pay back them. As it is written in this proverb, by this interested invitation meal, they will make you to « vomit out » this meal.
« Into the ears of a stupid one do not speak, for he will despise your discreet words » (verse 9).
« Do not come to be among heavy drinkers of wine, among those who are gluttonous eaters of flesh. For a drunkard and a glutton will come to poverty, and drowsiness will clothe one with mere rags » (verses 20,21).
« My son, do give your heart to me, and may those eyes of yours take pleasure in my own ways. For a prostitute is a deep pit and a foreign woman is a narrow well. Surely she, just like a robber, lies in wait; and among men she increases the treacherous ones » (verses 26-28). The traitors are unrighteous men towards their promise made during their marriage, a treachery towards their wife (Malachi 2:13,14).
« Who has woe? Who has uneasiness? Who has contentions? Who has concern? Who has wounds for no reason? Who has dullness of eyes? Those staying a long time with the wine, those coming in to search out mixed wine. Do not look at wine when it exhibits a red color, when it gives off its sparkle in the cup, [when] it goes with a slickness. At its end it bites just like a serpent, and it secretes poison just like a viper. Your own eyes will see strange things, and your own heart will speak perverse things. And you will certainly become like one lying down in the heart of the sea, even like one lying down at the top of a mast. “They have struck me, but I did not become sick; they have smitten me, but I did not know it. When shall I wake up? I shall seek it yet some more » (Verses 29-35). This is the description of the pitiful spectacle of a drunkard, a man in a state of drunkenness.
Proverbs chapter 24:
« Deliver those who are being taken away to death; and those staggering to the slaughter, O may you hold them back. In case you should say: “Look! We did not know of this,” will not he himself that is making an estimate of hearts discern it, and he himself that is observing your soul know and certainly pay back to earthling man according to his activity? » (Verses 11,12). When someone is in danger of death and we are able to save their lives, we must absolutely act. Someone could look away, and then say hypocritically « Look! We did not know of this ». Nevertheless, God knows everything and sees everything. If someone does not help a person in danger and would have resulted in serious injuries, until to the death of the victim, for God, this person who will have looked away, will be a bloodguilty person and be considered wicked before God (Proverbs 2:22).
« For the righteous one may fall even seven times, and he will certainly get up; but the wicked ones will be made to stumble by calamity » (verse 16). In the present system of things, God does not prevent the righteous ones from tripping, having trials and suffering the consequences of them. Nevertheless, whatever the number of times the righteous stumble and suffer, God will always be there to support them and ensure that they will get up again. As for the wicked ones, the day of their fall, it will be forever.
« When your enemy falls, do not rejoice; and when he is caused to stumble, may your heart not be joyful, that Jehovah may not see and it be bad in his eyes and he certainly turn back his anger from against him » (verses 17,18; Matthew 5:43-48).
« He that is saying to the wicked one: “You are righteous,” the peoples will execrate him, national groups will denounce him. But for those reproving him it will be pleasant, and upon them there will come the blessing of good. Lips will he kiss who is replying in a straightforward way » (verses 24-26; Isaiah 5:20).
Proverbs chapter 25:
« The glory of God is the keeping of a matter secret, and the glory of kings is the searching through a matter » (verse 2). Glory means a prestigious position of authority, in this case, to reveal or not reveal a secret, to deliberate for an important decision.
« Do not do yourself honor before the king, and in the place of great ones do not stand. For it is better for him to say to you: “Come up here,” than to abase you before a noble whom your eyes have seen » (verses 6,7; Luke 14:7-11).
« As apples of gold in silver carvings is a word spoken at the right time for it » (verse 11). Good communication requires the choice of words and the right time to say them.
« An earring of gold, and an ornament of special gold, is a wise reprover upon the hearing ear » (verse 12).
« By patience a commander is induced, and a mild tongue itself can break a bone » (verse 15).
« Is it honey that you have found? Eat what is sufficient for you, that you may not take too much of it and have to vomit it up » (verse 16).
« Make your foot rare at the house of your fellowman, that he may not have his sufficiency of you and certainly hate you » (verse 17).
« As a broken tooth and a wobbling foot is the confidence in one proving treacherous in the day of distress » (verse 19).
« If the one hating you is hungry, give him bread to eat; and if he is thirsty, give him water to drink. For coals are what you are raking together upon his head, and Jehovah himself will reward you » (verses 21,22).
« The wind from the north brings forth as with labor pains a downpour; and a tongue [giving away] a secret, a denounced face » (verse 23; proverbs 11:13).
« As a city broken through, without a wall, is the man that has no restraint for his spirit » (verse 28).
Proverbs chapter 26:
« Just as a bird has cause for fleeing and just as a swallow for flying, so a malediction itself does not come without real cause » (verse 2).
« Do not answer anyone stupid according to his foolishness, that you yourself also may not become equal to him. Answer someone stupid according to his foolishness, that he may not become someone wise in his own eyes » (verses 4,5). Verse 4 is a thesis that makes it clear that it is advisable not to respond to a stupid man, in order to avoid the trap of discredit, by lowering oneself like his same stupidity (Proverbs 9:7,8). Verse 5 is an antithesis, which shows that in a different context, we are under the duty to answer to the stupid one, in order to put him in front of his own foolishness. It is the insight that makes it possible to understand the subtle nuances of an answer to a situation, or to a specific question (Hebrews 5:14).
« Just like a dog returning to its vomit, the stupid one is repeating his foolishness » (verse 11).
« A door keeps turning upon its pivot, and the lazy one upon his couch » (Verse 14).
« As one grabbing hold of the ears of a dog is anyone passing by that is becoming furious at the quarrel that is not his » (verse 17).
« With his lips the hater makes himself unrecognizable, but inside of him he puts deception. Although he makes his voice gracious, do not believe in him, for there are seven detestable things in his heart. Hatred is covered over by deceit. His badness will be uncovered in the congregation » (verses 24-26; Proverbs 6:16-19).
Proverbs chapter 27:
« Do not make your boast about the next day, for you do not know what a day will give birth to » (verse 1; James 4:13-16).
« May a stranger, and not your own mouth, praise you; may a foreigner, and not your own lips, do so » (verse 2).
« Better is a revealed reproof than a concealed love » (verse 5).
« Better is a neighbor that is near than a brother that is far away » (verse 10).
« Be wise, my son, and make my heart rejoice, that I may make a reply to him that is taunting me » (verse 11).
« The shrewd one that has seen the calamity has concealed himself; the inexperienced that have passed along have suffered the penalty » (verse 12; proverbs 22:3).
« By iron, iron itself is sharpened. So one man sharpens the face of another » (verse 17).
« Even if you should pound the foolish one fine with a pestle in a mortar, in among cracked grain, his foolishness will not depart from hi » (verse 22).
« You ought to know positively the appearance of your flock. Set your heart to your droves; 24 for treasure will not be to time indefinite, nor a diadem for all generations » (verse 23).
Proverbs chapter 28:
« Better is the one of little means who is walking in his integrity than anyone crooked in [his] ways, although he is rich » (verse 6).
« He that is turning his ear away from hearing the law—even his prayer is something detestable » (verse 9).
« He that is covering over his transgressions will not succeed, but he that is confessing and leaving them will be shown mercy » (verse 13).
« He that is reproving a man will afterward find more favor than he will that is flattering with his tongue » (verse 23).
« He that is robbing his father and his mother and is saying: “It is no transgression,” is a partner of a man causing ruination » (verse 24; Matthew 15:3-6).
« He that is trusting in his own heart is stupid, but he that is walking in wisdom is the one that will escape » (verse 26).
« He that is giving to the one of little means will have no want, but he that is hiding his eyes will get many curses » (verse 27).
Proverbs chapter 29:
« An able-bodied man that is flattering his companion is spreading out a mere net for his steps » (verse 5).
« All his spirit is what a stupid one lets out, but he that is wise keeps it calm to the last » (verse 11).
« The rod and reproof are what give wisdom; but a boy let on the loose will be causing his mother shame » (verse 15).
« Have you beheld a man hasty with his words? There is more hope for someone stupid than for him » (verse 20).
« If one is pampering one’s servant from youth on, in his later life he will even become a thankless one » (verse 21).
« Trembling at men is what lays a snare, but he that is trusting in Jehovah will be protected » (verse 25).
Proverbs chapter 30:
« Every saying of God is refined. He is a shield to those taking refuge in him. Add nothing to his words, that he may not reprove you, and that you may not have to be proved a liar » (verses 5,6).
« Two things I have asked of you. Do not withhold them from me before I die. Untruth and the lying word put far away from me. Give me neither poverty nor riches. Let me devour the food prescribed for me, that I may not become satisfied and I actually deny you and say: “Who is Jehovah?” and that I may not come to poverty and I actually steal and assail the name of my God » (Verses 7-9).
« The leeches have two daughters that cry: “Give! Give!” There are three things that do not get satisfied, four that have not said: “Enough!” Sheol and a restrained womb, a land that has not been satisfied with water, and fire that has not said: “Enough!” » (Verses 15,16).
« There are three things that have proved too wonderful for me, and four that I have not come to know: 19 the way of an eagle in the heavens, the way of a serpent on a rock, the way of a ship in the heart of the sea and the way of an able-bodied man with a maiden » (verses 18,19).
« There are four things that are the smallest of the earth, but they are instinctively wise: the ants are a people not strong, and yet in the summer they prepare their food; the rock badgers are a people not mighty, and yet upon a crag is where they put their house; the locusts have no king, and yet they go forth all of them divided into groups; the gecko lizard takes hold with its own hands and it is in the grand palace of a king » (verses 24-28; Proverbs 6:6-11).
« There are three that do well in their pacing, and four that do well in their moving along: the lion, which is the mightiest among the beasts and which does not turn back from before anyone; the greyhound or the he-goat, and a king of a band of soldiers of his own people » (verses 29-31).
Proverbs chapter 31: the capable wife.
« A capable wife who can find? Her value is far more than that of corals » (verse 10).
« In her the heart of her owner has put trust, and there is no gain lacking » (verse 11). There is a relationship of trust between the husband and his capable wife.
« She has rewarded him with good, and not bad, all the days of her life » (verse 12). She acts for the good of her husband and their children.
« She has sought wool and linen, and she works at whatever is the delight of her hands » (verse 13, also see verses 14,15,17,19,21,22,27). She is working hard to provide for her household with her husband.
« She has considered a field and proceeded to obtain it; from the fruitage of her hands she has planted a vineyard » (verses 16,18,24). She increases their goods.
« Her palm she has stretched out to the afflicted one, and her hands she has thrust out to the poor one » (verse 20). She is hospitable by doing good to those who are foreign to her household.
« Her owner is someone known in the gates, when he sits down with the older men of the land » (verse 23). The very good reputation of his wife allows the husband to be one of the wise men who deliberate at the gates of the city (see 1 Corinthians 11:7; 1 Timothy 3:5).
« Her mouth she has opened in wisdom, and the law of loving-kindness is upon her tongue » (verse 26). She is both known for her wisdom and goodness of heart.
« Her sons have risen up and proceeded to pronounce her happy; her owner rises up, and he praises her » (verse 28). Her husband and children are proud of her.
« Charm may be false, and prettiness may be vain; [but] the woman that fears Jehovah is the one that procures praise for herself » (verse 30).
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Reading and Understanding the Bible (Psalms 1:2, 3)
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