SIH’s Think On These Things: Proverbs 11:16-18

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

Wisdom’s Great Gain: Showing Grace & Mercy Towards Others: Proverbs 11:16-18

16) A gracious woman retaineth honour: and strong [men] retain riches.

17) The merciful man doeth good to his own soul: but [he that is] cruel troubleth his own flesh.

18) The wicked worketh a deceitful work: but to him that soweth righteousness [shall be] a sure reward.

In this next section of Proverbs, Solomon explains that the necessity and ability to perform acts of grace and mercy is given to us through the application of wisdom.

What is meant by “grace” and “mercy” ?

1.  When we speak of treating others graciously, we are describing the act of GIVING that which is BENEFICIAL to those that are UNDESERVING of the benefit. 

For example, one way the Lord has graced us is by granting to us forgiveness of our sins when we did not deserve to be forgiven.

2.  When we speak of mercy, we are describing the WITHHOLDING of that which is HARMFUL from those who are DESERVING of it. 

By way of example, the Lord has shown us mercy by withholding the Lake of Fire from us even though we deserve to spend an eternity there.

EXPOSITION:

16) A gracious woman retaineth honour: and strong [men] retain riches.

1. A gracious woman receives, and keeps, the respect, admiration and esteem of others.

2. She is much like a man who obtains, and guards, that which is valuable through the use of physical strength

“Favour [is] deceitful, and beauty [is] vain: [but] a woman [that] feareth the LORD, she shall be praised.  Give her of the fruit of her hands; and let her own works praise her in the gates.”   (Proverbs 31:30-31)

17) The merciful man doeth good to his own soul: but [he that is] cruel troubleth his own flesh.

1.  A man who displays mercy towards others benefits his own physical earthly life.  By showing mercy, he is gaining respect, admiration and the friendship of others around him. (Just like the woman described above)

2.  A man that is violent, deadly, unforgiving only harms his life on earth.  He makes enemies of others, causes grudges to be held against him and causes separation and strife with those around him.

“[Is it] not to deal thy bread to the hungry, and that thou bring the poor that are cast out to thy house? when thou seest the naked, that thou cover him; and that thou hide not thyself from thine own flesh?   Then shall thy light break forth as the morning, and thine health shall spring forth speedily: and thy righteousness shall go before thee; the glory of the LORD shall be thy rereward.  Then shalt thou call, and the LORD shall answer; thou shalt cry, and he shall say, Here I [am]. If thou take away from the midst of thee the yoke, the putting forth of the finger, and speaking vanity;  And [if] thou draw out thy soul to the hungry, and satisfy the afflicted soul; then shall thy light rise in obscurity, and thy darkness [be] as the noonday:  And the LORD shall guide thee continually, and satisfy thy soul in drought, and make fat thy bones: and thou shalt be like a watered garden, and like a spring of water, whose waters fail not.  And [they that shall be] of thee shall build the old waste places: thou shalt raise up the foundations of many generations; and thou shalt be called, The repairer of the breach, The restorer of paths to dwell in.”   (Isaiah 58:7-12)

“Because he hath oppressed [and] hath forsaken the poor; [because] he hath violently taken away an house which he builded not;  Surely he shall not feel quietness in his belly, he shall not save of that which he desired.  There shall none of his meat be left; therefore shall no man look for his goods.  In the fulness of his sufficiency he shall be in straits: every hand of the wicked shall come upon him.  [When] he is about to fill his belly, [God] shall cast the fury of his wrath upon him, and shall rain [it] upon him while he is eating.   (Job 20:19-23)

18) The wicked worketh a deceitful work: but to him that soweth righteousness [shall be] a sure reward.

1.  Those that are unforgiving and unloving, guilty and condemned in God’s sight, lead a misleading life of deceit.

2.  However, those who lead a life of grace and mercy in actions and speech will certainly receive future blessings for their faithfulness.

“For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting.  And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.”   (Galatians 6:8-9)

SUMMARY:

As the Lord’s children, we are to live lives that exhibit grace and mercy to those around us.  In doing so, we are not only setting a good example of kindness and forgiveness, but are also displaying an imperfect image of the grace and mercy of the Lord Jesus Christ.   Therefore, may we all, through the application of wisdom to our life, display grace and mercy to all those around us.  In doing so we will be not only helping others, and securing rewards for our benefit but especially we will be glorifying our Lord Jesus.  

May we all choose to speak words of wisdom, knowing that they will result in blessings to both the speaker and the hearers.

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”.

SIH Homepage: http://www.settledinheaven.org

SIH Text Blog: http://settledinheaven.wordpress.com/all-about-salvation/

SIH Video Blog: http://youtube.com/settledinheaven/

SIH Email: settledinheaven@gmail.com

SIH’s Think On These Things: Proverbs 11:15

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

Wisdom’s Great Gain: Conscientious Indebtedness: Proverbs 11:15

15) He that is surety for a stranger shall smart [for it]: and he that hateth suretiship is sure.

EXPOSITION:

15) He that is surety for a stranger shall smart [for it]: and he that hateth suretiship is sure.

1.  A person who gives security for an stranger shall be badly scarred as a result.

2.  A person who is an enemy of giving security for another can be trusted.

Several points need to be mentioned in the context of the above restrictions:

First of all, we see the need to avoid becoming surety for “a stranger”.  Keep in mind, previously, in Proverbs 6:1-5, we saw that suretyship should be avoided in the case of friends and acquaintances as well.  This helps us to understand that in ALL situations, becoming a co-signer is a very serious decision that is never to be taken lightly in any way.

Many times, people justify becoming a co-signer on the debt of another by describing it as an act of love and kindness toward the indebted one.  However, by refusing to increase indebtedness by becoming surety is also act of love for others because:

1.  It is showing love to the borrower –

By denying security for debt, we are encouraging the would-be borrower to think twice about the dangers of indebtedness, and the ramifications that can come from it.  It also makes them consider the importance of prioritizing their spending habits and discerning between their “wants” versus “needs”

In many cases, if a person needs someone else to be a “co-signer” on debt, it is because the amount of debt he is taking upon himself is too high.  By refusing to guarantee their debt, we are stopping them from taking on excessive debt and risk.

Also, there are times when the necessity of a co-signer can be avoided by patience, Godly labor and prioritizing of finances.  By denying security, it is encouraging the would-be borrower to apply these Scriptural principles to their financial situation.  

2.  It is showing love to those relying upon us –

If we co-sign on a debt we are placing added responsibility and financial requirements upon ourselves.  If the indebted one fails to pay their debt, it falls upon us thereby hurting those who are relying upon us for the supply of their needs.

3.  It is showing love to other Christians around us –

Wisdom tells us that it is, in most cases, unwise to enter into debt of any kind (Prov 22:7).  By refusing to become a co-signer, we are setting a good example for everyone that sees us to be very careful about taking debt upon ourselves and the general use of our finances.

4.  It is showing love to the Lord –

By avoiding debt, we are keeping our finances “freed up” to support the work of the Lord being done by His servants.  How often are Christians who are loaded down with indebtedness unable to give sacrificially to the Lord as they would desire. 

Also, keep in mind, avoiding becoming security for another is an act of obedience (and therefore an act of love and honor) to the Lord. 

All of these reasons helps us to understand why Solomon then tells us we are to “hate” becoming a surety.

“A man void of understanding striketh hands, [and] becometh surety in the presence of his friend.”   (Proverbs 17:18)

“Take his garment that is surety [for] a stranger: and take a pledge of him for a strange woman.”   (Proverbs 20:16)

“Be not thou [one] of them that strike hands, [or] of them that are sureties for debts.  If thou hast nothing to pay, why should he take away thy bed from under thee?”   (Proverbs 22:26-27)

SUMMARY:

In the above verse we have seen the very important need to take becoming surety for another a very important decision that in most cases should be avoided.  This decision is to be made with a prayerful attitude seeking the Lord’s will and remembering the many ways that refusing to become surety is a declaration of our love for others.

Please remember, if we find ourselves in a situation of becoming surety for another Proverbs 6:1-5 gives detailed instructions of what we are to do to remedy the situation.  Please refer to http://wp.me/pU88A-240 for these teachings.

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”.

SIH Homepage: http://www.settledinheaven.org

SIH Text Blog: http://settledinheaven.wordpress.com/all-about-salvation/

SIH Video Blog: http://youtube.com/settledinheaven/

SIH Email: settledinheaven@gmail.com

SIH’s Think On These Things: Proverbs 11:9-14

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

Wisdom’s Great Gain: Love For Our Neighbour: Proverbs 11:9-14

9) An hypocrite with [his] mouth destroyeth his neighbour: but through knowledge shall the just be delivered.

10) When it goeth well with the righteous, the city rejoiceth: and when the wicked perish, [there is] shouting.

11) By the blessing of the upright the city is exalted: but it is overthrown by the mouth of the wicked.

12) He that is void of wisdom despiseth his neighbour: but a man of understanding holdeth his peace.

13) A talebearer revealeth secrets: but he that is of a faithful spirit concealeth the matter.

14) Where no counsel [is], the people fall: but in the multitude of counsellors [there is] safety.

EXPOSITION:

The this set of proverbs, we find that, when we apply wisdom, we have a great need to love others and sacrifice ourselves for their benefit and our eventual gain.

9) An hypocrite with [his] mouth destroyeth his neighbour: but through knowledge shall the just be delivered.

1.  Those who display a lack of wisdom by sinful, insincerely slandering his neighbor can bring him to ruin

2.  Those who possess and apply knowledge of God’s Word can deliver just men through their speech.

A.   Our love for others is shown by our speech.  Does our speech uplift or harm others?

“Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ:  That we [henceforth] be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, [and] cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive;  But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, [even] Christ:”   (Ephesians 4:13-15)

10) When it goeth well with the righteous, the city rejoiceth: and when the wicked perish, [there is] shouting.

1.  When those who live according to the laws of God are welcomed and encouraged…. Their fellow citizens  are happy in the midst of God’s blessings.

2.  Once they have receive and appreciate the blessings of God, the citizens shout for joy when those who are rebellious and disobedient to God are removed from their country (realizing more blessing await them).  The removal of the wicked involve them being removed from the general population.  This can take place by them being driven out from the people, death penalty, imprisonment etc etc.

B.  Our love for others is shown by taking a stand against sin and those who abuse others, while upholding and encouraging those who are sacrifice and help to others.

“The righteous shall rejoice when he seeth the vengeance: he shall wash his feet in the blood of the wicked.  So that a man shall say, Verily [there is] a reward for the righteous: verily he is a God that judgeth in the earth.”   (Psalms 58:10-11)

11) By the blessing of the upright the city is exalted: but it is overthrown by the mouth of the wicked.

1.  When God’s people speak well of a city, pray for her, support her Godly laws and goals and work for the cities good, she becomes great and dominate.

2.  When those who are wicked speak against the city, opposing her Godly laws, seeking to create unrest and rebellion the city can be overcome, taken, and pillaged.

C.  Our love for our fellow citizens should cause us to support the Godly laws of our city and oppose those who would desire to lead the country away from the Scriptural principles and authority God has given to her.   

(Note this is one of the great dangers of the “politically correct” movement.  They seek uniformity and equality of both the sinful and sinless ignoring the dictates of God’s Word.  Instead of desiring a country that punishes the wicked and upholds the righteous… the pc movement says to treat both righteous and wicked equally, by not standing in support of the righteous by rewarding them, and not speaking against the sin of the evildoers and punishing them.  This goes directly against the responsibilities God has given to those in authority…

“For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the evil. Wilt thou then not be afraid of the power? do that which is good, and thou shalt have praise of the same:  For he is the minister of God to thee for good. But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid; for he beareth not the sword in vain: for he is the minister of God, a revenger to [execute] wrath upon him that doeth evil. Wherefore [ye] must needs be subject, not only for wrath, but also for conscience sake.   (Romans 13:3-5)

“Even so the tongue is a little member, and boasteth great things. Behold, how great a matter a little fire kindleth!  And the tongue [is] a fire, a world of iniquity: so is the tongue among our members, that it defileth the whole body, and setteth on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire of hell.  For every kind of beasts, and of birds, and of serpents, and of things in the sea, is tamed, and hath been tamed of mankind:  But the tongue can no man tame; [it is] an unruly evil, full of deadly poison.

Therewith bless we God, even the Father; and therewith curse we men, which are made after the similitude of God.”   (James 3:5-9)

12) He that is void of wisdom despiseth his neighbour: but a man of understanding holdeth his peace.

1.  Those who are empty of wisdom will disrespect, abuse and speak evil against those around him.

2.  Those who possess understanding will hold his peace and be slow to speak against others realizing the great harm that can be done through false accusations and slanderous speech.

D.  Our love for others is shown by always considering how our actions will affect others.  Many times, we will be called upon to sacrificially hold back from acting or speaking for others’ benefits.

“And he spake this parable unto certain which trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and despised others:”   (Luke 18:9)

13) A talebearer revealeth secrets: but he that is of a faithful spirit concealeth the matter.

1.  Those whose lifestyle is to gossip and talk about others will take the cover off of that which is spoken in confidence.

2.  Those who are trustworthy will cover over anything told to them in private.

E. Our love for others is shown by being trustworthy and discreet in all of our relationships.

“Where no wood is, [there] the fire goeth out: so where [there is] no talebearer, the strife ceaseth.  [As] coals [are] to burning coals, and wood to fire; so [is] a contentious man to kindle strife.  The words of a talebearer [are] as wounds, and they go down into the innermost parts of the belly.”   (Proverbs 26:20-22)

14) Where no counsel [is], the people fall: but in the multitude of counsellors [there is] safety.

1.   Where there is no guidance, those around us will fail, be overcome, and ruined

2.   When many advisors are heard and many opinions are considered,  the one seeking advice will be delivered and gain victory

F. Our love for others is shown by our willingness to become involved in other’s lives by having concern for others and their wellbeing, giving Godly counsel, and helping them to become successful in their endeavors.

“Without counsel purposes are disappointed: but in the multitude of counsellors they are established.”   (Proverbs 15:22)

SUMMARY:

In these proverbs we have seen that:

1. those who have been cleansed and justified by God can understand His will and desire to obey Him.  They are removed from the condemnation of their sin and the eternal judgment reserved for the guilty.

2. those who are guilty of sin and condemned in God’s sight, have chosen the path of sin upon which they have traveled.  They have eternal judgment awaiting them of which there will be no excuse.  

The section on the gift of righteousness will continue in the next devotional (vs 7-8).

May we all choose to speak words of wisdom, knowing that they will result in blessings to both the speaker and the hearers.

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”.

SIH Homepage: http://www.settledinheaven.org

SIH Text Blog: http://settledinheaven.wordpress.com/all-about-salvation/

SIH Video Blog: http://youtube.com/settledinheaven/

SIH Email: settledinheaven@gmail.com

SIH’s Think On These Things: Proverbs 11:5-8

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

Wisdom’s Great Gain: The Gift Of Righteousness (Part #2): Proverbs 11:7-8

7) When a wicked man dieth, [his] expectation shall perish: and the hope of unjust [men] perisheth.

8) The righteous is delivered out of trouble, and the wicked cometh in his stead.

This is part 2 of the section on “Wisdom’s Great Gain: The Gift Of Righteousness”  Previously we saw that

1.  “righteousness” is the state of being cleansed from sin (disobedience), making a person right (just) in the sight of God.

2.  We are clearly told in Scripture that this gift of righteous only comes through the application of God’s Word to our life. 

3.  those who have been cleansed and justified by God can understand His will and desire to obey Him.  They are removed from the condemnation of their sin and the eternal judgment reserved for the guilty.

4.  those who are guilty of sin and condemned in God’s sight, have chosen the path of sin upon which they have traveled.  They have eternal judgment awaiting them of which there will be no excuse.

The study continues in vs 7-8…  

EXPOSITION:

7) When a wicked man dieth, [his] expectation shall perish: and the hope of unjust [men] perisheth.

Solomon now begins to describe the end of those who have never received the righteousness of God in Christ:

1. they are described as:  “wicked”  - guilty and condemned in God’s sight;  and “unjust” – false, no lasting value

2. following death, they will have all they longed for totally brought to ruin.  The lost has no eternal blessings awaiting him, nor does he have any lasting earthly blessings to take into eternity with him.  At his death, he loses everything with no hope of future benefits.

“So [are] the paths of all that forget God; and the hypocrite's hope shall perish:  Whose hope shall be cut off, and whose trust [shall be] a spider's web.”   (Job 8:13-14)

8) The righteous is delivered out of trouble, and the wicked cometh in his stead

1.  the righteous at the end of his life, is removed from any devastation and brought into a blessed eternity

2.  the wicked end is that which they deserve, judgment reserved for them based upon their wicked acts.

“The wicked [shall be] a ransom for the righteous, and the transgressor for the upright.”   (Proverbs 21:18)

SUMMARY:

In these proverbs we have seen that:

1. those who have been cleansed and justified by God can understand His will and desire to obey Him.  They are removed from the condemnation of their sin and the eternal judgment reserved for the guilty.

2. those who are guilty of sin and condemned in God’s sight, have chosen the path of sin upon which they have traveled.  They have eternal judgment awaiting them of which there will be no excuse.  

May we all choose to speak words of wisdom, knowing that they will result in blessings to both the speaker and the hearers.

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”.

SIH Homepage: http://www.settledinheaven.org

SIH Text Blog: http://settledinheaven.wordpress.com/all-about-salvation/

SIH Video Blog: http://youtube.com/settledinheaven/

SIH Email: settledinheaven@gmail.com