Friday, May 16, 2014

SIH’s Think On These Things: Proverbs 29:5-8


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

The Effects Of  Foolishness: Entrapment: Proverbs 29:5-8
5) A man that flattereth his neighbour spreadeth a net for his feet.
6) In the transgression of an evil man [there is] a snare: but the righteous doth sing and rejoice.
7) The righteous considereth the cause of the poor: [but] the wicked regardeth not to know [it].
8) Scornful men bring a city into a snare: but wise [men] turn away wrath.

In this chapter, Solomon examines the affects of foolishness on the lives of the foolish and those who are around them….

EXPOSITION:
In this devotion, we will look at one of the great effects of foolishness, the entrapment of the fool or his prey…

5) A man that flattereth his neighbour spreadeth a net for his feet.
The use of flattery by the fool will result in entrapment and ruin…
1.  When a person purposely deceives his associate through smooth words
3.  he is casting a hunter’s net to capture his associate

Please notice the ambiguity of the phrase “his feet”.  Whose feet are we speaking of… the flatterer’s or the neighbor’s?  I believe either can be the case…
a. “His” refers to the neighbor being flattered…There are people who use kind, loving words deceitfully in an effort to catch their neighbor off guard and bring him down to ruin. This is the most natural understanding of the term “his”.
b. “His” refers to the flatterer… However, many times when a net is laid to capture the innocent, the guilty become ensnared instead. 

In either case the truth is supported that foolishness (displayed by the use of flattery) results is entrapment and eventual ruin.

Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them.  For they that are such serve not our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly; and by good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the simple.   (Romans 16:17-18)

Behold, he travaileth with iniquity, and hath conceived mischief, and brought forth falsehood.  He made a pit, and digged it, and is fallen into the ditch [which] he made.  His mischief shall return upon his own head, and his violent dealing shall come down upon his own pate.   (Psalms 7:14-16)



6) In the transgression of an evil man [there is] a snare: but the righteous doth sing and rejoice.
Only the foolish will rebel against the most High and bring ruin to himself….
1.  When a wicked man revolts against the Lord he is becoming entrapped by his own wickedness
2.  In comparison, the Godly man possesses gladness within displayed by songs without.

The wicked man is only bringing upon himself eventual, spiritual and physical ruin due to his continuous rebellion against the Lord.  However, the righteous man is securing joy and an outward testimony of peace and happiness that glorifies God in the eyes of those around him.

The LORD trieth the righteous: but the wicked and him that loveth violence his soul hateth.  Upon the wicked he shall rain snares, fire and brimstone, and an horrible tempest: [this shall be] the portion of their cup.  (Psalms 11:5-6)


7) The righteous considereth the cause of the poor: [but] the wicked regardeth not to know [it].
The foolish man ignores the needs of others allowing them to fall into destitution and utter ruin…
1.  Those who are lawful will observe and recognize the needy condition of those who are destitute
2.  But the lawless do not desire to be aware of their needs

When left to wicked men, the poor only become poorer and would enter into a state of permanent ruin. Because the wicked can see no profit in helping the poor, they selfishly turn their back on their condition of great need.

However, the lawful man who is submitted to the will of the Lord will actively look for those in need.  Once located, they gladly work to supply their needs.  They are motivated by a realization they are called to do so and that, in fulfilling their call, they will receive great eternal gain. 

To the chief Musician, A Psalm of David. Blessed [is] he that considereth the poor: the LORD will deliver him in time of trouble.  The LORD will preserve him, and keep him alive; [and] he shall be blessed upon the earth: and thou wilt not deliver him unto the will of his enemies.   (Psalms 41:1-2)


8) Scornful men bring a city into a snare: but wise [men] turn away wrath.
Foolishness will bring ruin to cities…
1.  Citizens who mock will entrap a city
2.  Wise citizens will remove God’s anger from their city.

How we treat the Lord and His Word will affect our neighborhoods and towns in which we live… 

a. When a person ridicules the Lord and His teachings, it will encourage those around us to do the same.  This type of attitude, as it permeates our localities, it will bring God’s displeasure and punishment upon them. 

b. However, when we respect God’s Word by applying it to our lives, we will be I influencing others to hold the Word in high esteem.  By following our example, those around us will see their need of salvation and the importance of following its teachings.  This will remove God’s disapproval from the people.

Righteousness exalteth a nation: but sin [is] a reproach to any people.   (Proverbs 14:34)

SUMMARY:
The fool, his actions and his words, is only laying a trap that results in eventual ruin to come upon himself and those around him.  The only way to counteract the effects of the foolish is through the actions and teachings of the wise.  It is very important to remember that the life we live does not simply affect us, but it affects all of those who come into contact with us.

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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