Thursday, January 16, 2014

“SIH’s Think On These Things: Proverbs 18:3-5”


He layeth up sound wisdom for the righteous (Prov 2:7)

Wisdom and Foolishness – A Contrast: Judgments Based upon Speech (1): Proverbs 18:3-5
3) When the wicked cometh, [then] cometh also contempt, and with ignominy reproach.
4) The words of a man's mouth [are as] deep waters, [and] the wellspring of wisdom [as] a flowing brook.
5) [It is] not good to accept the person of the wicked, to overthrow the righteous in judgment.

In this text, Solomon compares the foolish and the wise in making our judgments….

EXPOSITION:

3) When the wicked cometh, [then] cometh also contempt, and with ignominy reproach.
Those who live a lifestyle of lawlessness, bring with them:
1. “contempt” -  a lack of acceptance and disgust
2. “ignominy reproach” – shame that brings rebuke and correction   

When we make the lawless our close, trusted friends,  we also make rejection, shame, and the criticism of others our companions as well.

Wherein they think it strange that ye run not with [them] to the same excess of riot, speaking evil of [you]:   (1 Peter 4:4)


4) The words of a man's mouth [are as] deep waters, [and] the wellspring of wisdom [as] a flowing brook.
There is much that can be learned from speech.  When others talk, their speech needs to be carefully examined and explored, just like deep waters need to be carefully searched to find hidden treasures. 
Words of wisdom are a never ending supply of beneficial information for those to whom it is spoken.

When we make wise men our close, trusted friends, we are able to gain much benefit from their wise speech.  

Maschil of Asaph. Give ear, O my people, [to] my law: incline your ears to the words of my mouth.  I will open my mouth in a parable: I will utter dark sayings of old:  Which we have heard and known, and our fathers have told us.  We will not hide [them] from their children, shewing to the generation to come the praises of the LORD, and his strength, and his wonderful works that he hath done.   (Psalms 78:1-4)


5) [It is] not good to accept the person of the wicked, to overthrow the righteous in judgment.
Because of the companions of the wicked (contempt and ignominy reproach) and the many benefits of the wise man’s speech it is not a good thing to ….

Make decisions that vindicate the lawless and defeat the righteous, for in doing so we are only ruling against ourselves and those who would be of benefit to us.  

Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil; that put darkness for light, and light for darkness; that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter!  Woe unto [them that are] wise in their own eyes, and prudent in their own sight!  Woe unto [them that are] mighty to drink wine, and men of strength to mingle strong drink:  Which justify the wicked for reward, and take away the righteousness of the righteous from him!  Therefore as the fire devoureth the stubble, and the flame consumeth the chaff, [so] their root shall be as rottenness, and their blossom shall go up as dust: because they have cast away the law of the LORD of hosts, and despised the word of the Holy One of Israel.  Therefore is the anger of the LORD kindled against his people, and he hath stretched forth his hand against them, and hath smitten them: and the hills did tremble, and their carcases [were] torn in the midst of the streets. For all this his anger is not turned away, but his hand [is] stretched out still.   (Isaiah 5:20-25)


SUMMARY:

As Christians , we have the responsibility to support and aid those who are wise and living lives in submission to the desires of God.  We are to soundly reject the wicked and their speech, understanding the great harm that they can bring into our lives, if we accept them as companions and open up ourselves to their advice and counsel.

By God’s grace, let us all study these proverbs diligently, giving them the value that they deserve.

May the Lord bless us as we receive this sound wisdom and then “Think On These Things”.



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