We are looking at dualities and opposites again in Proverbs 11. Honesty and integrity begin the chapter. The wicked fall as the blameless continue their road. Our treachery will cage us. The wicked go into trouble and tear down the community. The guidance of many councilors delivers us.

Pride is another theme that recurs in Proverbs. Humility is the converse of it and wisdom comes from humility. A man with understanding remains silent. The foolish Show contempt. If you look for trouble you will find it.

Let’s talk about what this chapter says about wealth. On the day of the Lord righteousness will rescue us while money will not. Hope placed in wealth will disappear. Signing as security for a stranger will bring suffering. Empty wages are earned by those who are evil. Giving freely leads to more funds and greed hurts the poor.  

Jehovah and man are another topic that is discussed. We should not place our hope in mankind, but in the Lord. Often it appears that our relationship with Yahweh can be seen in how we respond to others around us.

Copyright 2021 by Charles Kensinger         

Proverbs 10 begins with a wise son bringing joy to his father and a foolish boy gives his mother heartache. Once again, we look at many different sayings that come in pairs. The righteous will not be hungry. He denies the wicked what they want. Getting something without working for it is worthless. Hard work is its own reward. Walk in integrity and you will be secure. The pervert will be found out. A sly wink and foolish lips will cause grief and destruction. A righteous mouth is life, and the wicked mouth conceals violence.

Hatred causes conflicts and love covers up our sins. This means that God’s love from His Son will blot them out. The discerning speak wisdom and those without sense will be punished. Wisdom brings knowledge and foolishness destruction. Wealth is a fortified city.

Life is for those who follow instruction, fear the Lord, and know what is appropriate. Rejecting correction, concealing hatred, speak too much, struggle, and act shamefully will pay for their sins.

Many things are said about the righteous. They are blessed by Jehovah. Life comes from right living. They delight in wisdom. Their hope is joy. Solomon src=”https://www.youtube.com/embed/bvE77pKHcMw” title=”YouTube video player” frameborder=”0″ allow=”accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write;

contradicts the saying “Only the good die young” in verse twenty-seven when he states the fear of the Lord prolongs life.

The slacker is like vinegar to the teeth and smoke to the eyes. Destruction awaits the malicious. A perverse tongue will be cut out which what the wicked say. The contradictory phrases make it easier to understand.

Copyright 2021 by Charles Kensinger         

Proverbs 9 continues to speak of wisdom as a part of creation. She has a house with seven pillars. She eats and drinks like us. She has female servants that call us to come to where she is. We are encouraged to leave inexperience behind.

What are the simple ways that are spoken of? Would you like to know if you are wise or a mocker? Verse eight says that a mocker will hate those who rebuke them, but a wise man will love them.

“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.”  When we speak of fearing God, it is more respect than terror brought on by an evil master. We know that life is hard but living it with God will make it easier and longer.

Folly is also described as a woman. She entices the inexperienced and those who lack sense, also. Unlike wisdom she provokes theft and what most of us say when we are on a diet. If no one sees you eat it, it is tastier. Watch out. This is not good for you.

Copyright 2021 by Charles Kensinger         

The free love movement has been around for over a century. You may think it began in the 1960’s. There were proponents of sex without marriage since man was created. In Proverbs 5 young men are taught to listen to the instructions of a wise man to avoid adulterous relationships. Remember that this is the man that had 700 wives and 300 concubines. U.S. law only allows one sexual partner, husband, or wife, at a time. Even these laws have been modified to the point that sexual promiscuity is no longer illegal.

Note the description of the adulteress having honey dripping from her lips. Her words are smoother than oil. The results of a relationship with multiple women or men are a direct path to death. The promiscuous partners do not consider how they will affect those they are with.

How will this way of life lead to death and cause your finances and body to be depleted? We know more about sexually transmitted diseases than was known in the Old Testament. Of course, the financial problem comes from the use of prostitute to satisfy our lust.

Drinking water from your own cistern refers to staying faithful to your spouse. The description of your own wife may sound pornographic to some of us. In Hebrew poetry these terms are quite common. Read Song of Solomon for further enlightenment.  

As parents we must teach our young men and women to remain faithful until they are married. Read the reasons that are given here. If you do not believe Solomon and I, ask those who have lived this lifestyle of lust and now regret it.

Copyright 2021 by Charles Kensinger         

As fathers, we want our children to learn from our mistakes. In Proverbs 4, King Solomon encourages his sons to follow his advice. He learned from his father and the process continues. He recounts the advantages of wisdom and understanding.

Wisdom is described as a woman. She will watch over you, guard you, exalt you, and honor you. She will give you a garland of grace and a crown of glory. She is supreme. Oh, by the way, get understanding also.

Years can be added to your life by avoiding folly. It will lead you into evil and wickedness. The path of righteousness is as bright as the dawn. The way of the wicked is darkness and they stumble in it.

There is a way that is correct and one that is evil. Most of us want to be the type of man or woman who does right. We err without intending to. Some intentionally cause problems for others for their own gain of pleasure. Our actions grow from what is inside of us. We can ask Jehovah for wisdom to become the servants we should be or follow selfish desires that make us useless to others.

Copyright 2021 by Charles Kensinger         

We continue to listen as Solomon speaks to his sons. Wisdom and understanding are two separate things that he is attempting to give to them. What is the difference? Understanding is knowledge that can be gained by studying. Wisdom comes from the Lord. We need to understand the fear and respect for our creator

What is the fear of the Lord? Proverbs chapter 2 says that wisdom will enable us to understand that it is not fearing what He will do, but respecting His abilities, power, and judgment. What is correct, just, and fair? Some call this common sense, others believe they act with fairness, while friends and family view them as cruel.

He is our shield and guards our righteousness for us. As our shield he also protects us. You need a God who instructs you in what to do and not do. A father that warns his son to avoid promiscuous women should be common. Despite this candid advice many fall into the sexual trap.

Have you made decisions in your life that you regret today? Have relationships gone bad, jobs turned out to be the wrong position for you, or have you alienated family or friends by incorrect choices? Wisdom from Jehovah can prevent these troubles. Sexual decisions are also an area where we all need advice.

Copyright 2021 by Charles Kensinger         

When we are young, we often ignore the advice of parents and older friends and family. Proverbs 3 begins with King Solomon advising his son to listen to these words of wisdom that he wishes to pass along. Love and faithfulness should be our practice all our lives. Verses five and six are ones to commit to memory if you do not already know them.

In this format every group of two verses completes a central idea. Look at a few of these. Pride, wealth, and discipline are these ideas. The chapter continues with a description of what can be gained with wisdom and understanding.

We also look at how we can be profitable. This wealth is not limited to money. Competence and discretion must be considered along with grace and honor.

It concludes with another series of paired comments that illustrate how a wise individual will treat others. A fool is the opposite of a wise person and his lot is described as dishonor.

Copyright 2021 by Charles Kensinger