Proverbs
Notes on Proverbs – Chapter 2
Proverbs 2:1-5
How To Find the Knowledge of God
Introduction:
1.) 1:20-33 consisted of a lengthy plea from Lady Wisdom.
2.) Now the author returns to the format he used previously: a father/son format. (cf. 1:8)
3.) Here, Solomon teaches his son HOW to obtain the knowledge of God.
• If… then condition. (vs. 4a-5a)
4.) Many people want this knowledge and yearn for it, but do not obtain it. It is not obtained through scholarly exercises of the mind.
5.) Rather, it is obtained only by means of a right heart attitude.
I.) RECEIVE MY WORDS—(A WILLING HEART)
1. Receive: to take, lay hold of, seize, acquire, marry, take a wife, snatch, take away… (to take for oneself)
2. The words that Solomon is passing on to his son is TRUTH… we might paraphrase—“Bible truth.” “Divine wisdom.”
3. If we really want to know God—then we must begin with this as our heart attitude: willing to receive Divine truth… desirous to soak it in…
4. I Thess. 2:13 – These saints were praised for receiving God’s Word…
a. They received it AS God’s Word.
b. They acknowledged its supreme authority.
5. If we are not willing (deep, down inside) to receive truth from God, we will never obtain that knowledge of God!
6. God knows our hearts, too. If God knows that a person is not really willing to receive His truth, He will NOT illuminate that person’s mind.
7. If our heart is unwilling to receive light… darkness will set it! Blindness.
8. I think it is fair to assume that Solomon means ALL of his words, too. His son was not to pick and choose which words he wants to receive and which he wants to reject!
9. So, too, with God’s Word. We must be willing to receive it ALL…
a. If there are portions of God’s Word we are not willing to hear or receive, then something is wrong with our heart!
b. We must be willing to receive the WHOLE counsel of God—the blessings AND the cursings—or we are not really willing!
c. If we are not willing to hear anything and everything God wants to teach us through His Word, then we are NOT willing.
d. If we are not willing, then we will not obtain the knowledge of God.
e. Obtaining wisdom and the knowledge of God is not a matter of the brain, but is a matter of the heart. That puts us all on equal footing.
II.) HIDE MY COMMANDMENTS WITH THEE (AN OBEDIENT HEART) [VS.1]
1. The second requirement is obedience.
2. Solomon says that we must “hide” his commandments within us.
3. Ps. 119:11 – thy Word have I hid in my heart.
4. To HIDE God’s Word in our heart implies that we VALUE the commandment.
a. We hide the truth away in our heart as we would hide a valuable jewel away in a safe place… for safe keeping… so that it will not be lost or snatched away!
b. If something is NOT valued, you would not be so concerned about hiding it away somewhere. (junk mail!)
5. The fact that they are commandments also implies obedience is required.
a. If we value commandments, then of course, we will obey them!!
b. To disobey is to ignore them… which demonstrates we do NOT value them.
6. Thus, if we want to know God… then we must be WILLING to hear what He has to say to us through His Word AND we must be willing to obey that commandment… and keep it in a safe place the next time occasion arises to obey it!
7. John 7:17 – If you want to know doctrine… if you want to know truth… and gain spiritual understanding—then we MUST be willing to obey!
a. God knows our heart!
b. Why should He feel obligated to illuminate our minds concerning a truth in the Scriptures—a passage that seems to be an enigma to us—if we are not willing to obey it?
c. If we are lacking discernment, it may just be that it is because in our hearts we are not willing to respond in faith and obedience!
d. John 8:31-32 – IF we continue in the Word—(obedience) THEN we shall know the truth and experience the benefits of truth.
e. In order to know God and gain spiritual discernment, God requires a willing and obedient heart. (Superior intelligence is not a requirement).
III.) INCLINE THINE EAR UNTO WISDOM (A READY EAGER HEART) [VS.2]
1. Incline: to hear, be attentive, heed, incline (of ears), attend (of ears), hearken, pay attention, listen.
2. It speaks of a heart that is attentive to what is said…
a. Not everybody pays close attention to what is said.
b. If we are not paying close attention, then it reveals a heart that doesn’t really WANT to know or understand!
c. Paying attention indicates that we VALUE the truth or wisdom spoken!
3. God praised the Berean believers for this attitude—willing and eager and ready to receive God’s Word! (Acts 17:11)
a. The Bereans had a readiness of mind—(Readiness of mind = zeal, spirit, eagerness)
b. They searched the Scriptures carefully to make sure that what they heard was actually true! And to see if there is something MORE they can learn!
c. That is hearing attentively! Zealously.
4. This is reminiscent of the way Mary listened to Jesus. She sat at His feet and listened attentively… with zeal to hear His Word. (Luke 10:39)
5. If we really want to know God and His wisdom… we must have that kind of attentive zeal towards truth.
IV.) APPLY THINE HEART TO UNDERSTANDING (AN ACTIVELY EAGER HEART) [VS.2]
1. Apply = to stretch out, extend, stretch.
a. Stretch out—reaching out—stretching to grab something that seems almost in your grasp… but requires effort.
b. Like a child who is standing on the edge of a chair stretching up to the cookie jar—because he really wants one!
2. This speaks of a heart that is ready to hear more truth.
a. This is the heart that has heard truth—loves it—and wants MORE!
b. He is applying himself to obtain more, too—stretching himself!
c. Some folks hear truth—realize the responsibility that accompanies it—and wants to hear no more!
d. This person applies or stretches himself to obtain understanding.
3. The thought is similar to that of being eager—but takes it one step further.
a. This person is not just eager in his mind. He APPLIES himself to obtain it!
b. He doesn’t just sit around wishing and hoping for more wisdom. He stretches himself to obtain it!
c. God has stored wisdom in His cookie jar. And when we actively stretch ourselves to get at that jar—then God will see to it that the cookie jar is in our reach—though we will have to stretch—it IS obtainable!
d. Its okay to get caught with your hands in that cookie jar!
V.) CRIEST AFTER KNOWLEDGE, AND LIFTEST UP THY VOICE FOR UNDERSTANDING (A HUNGRY HEART) [VS.3]
1. IF we want to know God and obtain Divine wisdom and discernment, then we must CRY OUT for it.
2. Solomon taught his son and us — that we must PRAY for wisdom.
3. This speaks of a spiritual hunger for it—that results in prayer to God—the only One able to give this kind of wisdom.
4. James 1:5 – if we lack wisdom in trials—ASK! Ask in faith and you shall receive!
5. Too often we have not because we ask not!
6. Praying also implies a deep, abiding relationship to God.
7. The kind of prayer spoken of in Proverbs 2:3 is not a quick little ditty!
a. He speaks of crying after knowledge! Lifting up your voice loudly for it!
b. Of course, prayer alone is not sufficient. It must be accompanied by a heart that is willing… eager to learn… ready to obey… stretching out for it!
c. When that is our heart’s attitude THEN pray… and receive!
VI.) SEEKEST HER AS SILVER, AND SEARCHEST FOR HER AS FOR HID TREASURES (DILIGENCE)
1. And in addition to all of the above, God demands DILIGENCE of us.
2. Wisdom and knowledge of God and discernment is not something you stumble across.
3. Rather, it is to be sought with the same diligence and effort that men exert in their search for silver and hidden treasures!
a. Read about the gold rush—the sacrifice men made to find gold… the resolve… perseverance… dedication… devotion!
b. Unfortunately, most of them died before striking it rich.
c. God promises us that IF we put in that kind of effort in the pursuit of the knowledge of God, then we WILL find it!
THEN SHALT THOU UNDERSTAND THE FEAR OF THE LORD, AND FIND THE KNOWLEDGE OF GOD.
1. vs. 5- this kind of effort will not go unrewarded… ever.
2. It is an all out effort—ears, heart, voice!
3. The end result is assured – but only under the conditions listed above.
Proverbs 2:6-9
Wisdom Is Available
Introduction
1. The author is back to the father/son format.
2. In vs. 1-5, Solomon gives 6 prerequisites for obtaining wisdom.
3. He explains HOW to obtain the knowledge of God.
• If… then condition. (vs. 4a-5a)
• NONE of it had to do with intelligence or brainpower. It was entirely a matter of the heart.
• The simplest young man or woman can become wise IF they obey God and follow these simple instructions.
• The knowledge of God and divine wisdom is a matter of diligence and is a matter of the heart.
• All those who claim, “Oh, it is too hard for me to understand! I haven’t been gifted with the brain power to grasp all this wisdom!” = is a royal cop out!
4. In this next section, Solomon states that wisdom really IS available… for those who follow God’s commands.
FOR THE LORD GIVETH WISDOM: (VS.6)
1. FOR – this word connects this section with the previous section.
a. Vs.1-5 stated briefly that IF one has a willing heart to receive God’s wisdom and IF they are diligent in applying this wisdom THEN they will understand the fear of the Lord and find the knowledge of God!
b. FOR God is not holding back wisdom from anyone!
c. God GIVES wisdom! Abundantly! As much as is needed!
d. As a gift! Freely!
2. This phrase implies first of all, that knowledge and wisdom is found in God! He is the Source of it all.
a. There are a lot of other sources which claim to have wisdom… (science falsely so called; philosophy; religion; even the man on the street makes such claims…)
b. But God is the Source of all true wisdom.
c. There is the wisdom of the world and the wisdom of God. (I Cor. 1:20-21)
d. There are many ungodly folks offering wisdom too… offering counsel… (Psalm 1:1-2) Blessed is the man who does NOT walk according to that ungodly counsel!
e. But if you want real wisdom—GOD is the only Source.
3. This phrase also is given as a MOTIVATION.
a. Solomon has just stated that much effort and diligence is required if we want the knowledge of God—the wisdom of God.
b. If a man is going to exert himself in an all out effort to obtain something, he needs to know that it IS obtainable!
c. Example – the Grand Canyon is a mile across. Jumping across is not possible. Nobody would put in an all out effort to train for jumping across the Grand Canyon! He knows that his goal is beyond his reach no matter HOW much effort he puts in.
d. However, in an athletic contest, athletes train hard and put in much diligence because they KNOW that their goals are possible!
e. So too in obtaining wisdom. It requires our ALL.
f. Solomon wants his son to know that the goal IS obtainable. God DOES give wisdom!
g. But again, it is all contingent upon the conditions—in vs.1-5.
• Receive my words—(a willing heart) (vs.1)
• Hide my commandments with thee (an obedient heart) [vs.1]
• Incline thine ear unto wisdom (a ready eager heart) [vs.2]
• Apply thine heart to understanding (an actively eager heart) [vs.2]
• Criest after knowledge, and liftest up thy voice for understanding (a hungry heart) [vs.3]
• Seekest her as silver, and searchest for her as for hid treasures (diligence)
• NONE of it is a matter of the head—all pertains to the heart.
h. Vs. 6 is geared toward the man who might feel intimidated by Bible STUDY… as if it were merely an intellectual pursuit.
• Solomon states clearly that wisdom is NOT a matter of the head.
• If you will put in the all out effort—and if you will open your heart, be willing, and ready to obey—THEN God will give it!
• And no other way!
• If we want a superficial kind of faith—half hearted effort—willing to obey only when we approve of God’s will—then we will receive NOTHING of the Lord! No wisdom at all. We are condemned to a superficial Christian existence… to bumble along like men of the world…
• FAITH is required—willing, obedient heart of faith! (James 1:5-7) If we are double minded—expect NOTHING from the Lord!
OUT OF HIS MOUTH COMETH KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING. (VS. 6)
1. God is the Source of wisdom. His mouth is FULL of knowledge and understanding.
2. Who is it that obtains this knowledge and understanding? The person who applies himself… and listens to the words which come from God’s mouth… and reads God’s Word… and obeys… and has an open, obedient, receptive heart! That’s who!
3. Everybody wants knowledge and wisdom and understanding… but not everyone is willing to go to the Source…
a. Are we faithful in reading God’s Word each day?
b. Have we put in an all out effort to learn from God and learn of God?
c. If we come to Him with the right heart attitude, He will give us the wisdom we need. He promises!
d. None that search for Divine wisdom search in vain… not if their heart is right! He sends none away empty handed…
• Except—those who don’t really WANT to learn…
• Except those whose hearts are not yielded…
• Except those whose hearts are not unwilling to obey all things
• Except those who are not diligent and are content with a superficial knowledge of God.
e. But those who come to God hungry, never go away hungry. They are FILLED!
f. But, God knows our hearts and He doesn’t play games.
HE LAYETH UP SOUND WISDOM FOR THE RIGHTEOUS (VS.7)
1. Once again, Solomon states the fact that wisdom is available.
2. God has plenty of it! He lays it up … like a treasure! Heaped up… piled up!
3. Layeth up = to hide away; to be hidden; to treasure up;
a. The point is that this wisdom and knowledge is precious to God.
b. He hides it away so that it is not taken by those who will not value it.
c. God doesn’t want just anybody getting a hold of these precious pearls. It would like a pig trampling over precious pearls.
d. God hides these pearls away for a select few…
4. It is hidden away, BUT—it is hidden away FOR the righteous!
a. God hides it away, but not so that He can keep it all to Himself.
b. He hides it FROM those who will not appreciate it.
c. He hides it FOR those who do.
d. It is stored away in a safe place… and is there any time the righteous need it!
e. It is as if God has deposited it in a bank for those with an upright, righteous heart. We can draw on that account any time we want to!
5. This kind of wisdom is available for the righteous.
a. Righteous: straight, upright, correct, right; straight, level; pleasing, correct… (those walking the straight and narrow road!)
b. This speaks of those whose lives are righteous… upright…
c. This is one more prerequisite for obtaining wisdom. God requires a righteous life!
d. Jesus warned us not to even bother casting our pearls before swine. They will not appreciate them. (Matt. 7:6)
e. Pearls of wisdom are not for those who place no value on them. They are for those who are righteous… the godly… those who live for God.
f. Why should God give wisdom to those who are unrighteous? He has no such obligation!
g. Why should God give further guidance and direction to the life of one who has not been following previous directions?
h. Many folks come to God half heartedly… with one foot in the world and one foot in the heavenlies… they want a superficial relationship to God… and with lackluster effort, search for wisdom… but never find it. (Some have the nerve to complain that it is too complicated!)
i. God is no fool. God is not mocked.
j. Those whose lives are upright and righteous—whose hearts are hungry and diligent RECEIVE knowledge and understanding.
k. All others receive confusion and darkness. (Matt. 13:12-15)
• WHY were so many unable to understand?
• Because their heart is waxed gross! Not a matter of the head! (vs.15a)
• They closed their eyes… because what little they did understand made them accountable… and they closed their eyes and hearts to it… and the result is ignorance and blindness.
• The same principle holds true for believers when it comes to obtaining wisdom. Some believers do. Some do not.
6. Thus, Solomon lets his son know that if he wants to know wisdom… he needs to know God. God is the Source of it all!
a. Col. 2:3 – In Him are hidden all the treasures of wisdom!
b. If we want wisdom to be manifested in our lives, we should seek to know God more and more.
c. And if we are going to know God, we must know His Word. Let it fill your heart and mind. Allow your mind to become saturated by it.
d. As we know Him and fear Him… and become more and more conscious of Him and His presence—THEN wisdom will be manifested in our lives… in the decisions we make… the direction our life takes…
e. Prov. 1:7 – There are two kinds of men. Those who (1) are moved with fear, and thus have true knowledge… and (2) despise wisdom and instruction.
f. To have divine wisdom you don’t need a big brain. But you DO need a tender heart—one that fears God; one that is willing to receive truth; one that is willing to obey truth; a heart that is hungry for truth.
HE IS A BUCKLER TO THEM THAT WALK UPRIGHTLY.
1. God is a buckler—a shield…
a. The point is that God protects His children who walk uprightly.
b. How does God protect us according to this context?
* Divine wisdom!
8He keepeth the paths of judgment, and preserveth the way of his saints.
9Then shalt thou understand righteousness, and judgment, and equity; yea, every good path.
Proverbs 2:10-12
The Protection Wisdom Provides
THE PROTECTION WISDOM PROVIDES
• This section is an “if… then” condition, like the previous section. (vs.4-5)
• WHEN the two prerequisites of vs.10 are met, THEN the protection mentioned in vs.11-12 is available… and only then.
• Here, Solomon tells his son (and us!) HOW to experience the protection Divine wisdom affords.
PREREQUISITES TO PROTECTION:
Wisdom must enter into our heart
1. So far, the whole book has had one main theme: wisdom offered to the young and inexperienced.
2. Solomon speaks of Lady Wisdom, who has been crying out for everyone to hear her and receive her. (1:20)
3. Yet, she is discouraged because so many are not listening… and refusing to heed her call. (1:24-25)
4. In chapter three, Solomon begins to speak about the practical advantages of taking heed to wisdom… the protection it will afford.
5. BUT, before the listener is provided with any protection, FIRST he must allow wisdom to enter into his heart.
a. Note that it does not say “head.” (Wisdom is not just knowledge stored away… not just a collection of facts… but also implies the practice of truth… responding to it…)
b. Wisdom must enter the heart…
• This speaks of not just knowing truth, but receiving it personally…
• Allowing truth to sink in… become a part of us…
• This only happens when the believer STRIVES for wisdom! (2:3-4)
• Heart: the inner man; the center of moral character.
• Wisdom must ENTER INTO our heart… be absorbed into our innermost being…
• For wisdom to enter into our heart, means that our hearts must be WIDE OPEN to God’s truth… to Divine wisdom… receptive… open…willing. (vs. 2:2)
6. God’s wisdom comes to us through a divinely appointed channel:
a. From God’s mouth… to God’s Word… to our ear… and then to our heart.
b. This wisdom is available. She is crying out in the streets! God’s Word has been recorded and is available to all of us.
c. However, that does not mean that we are all wise. WE can short-circuit that divinely appointed channel.
d. God has spoken and has recorded His wisdom… BUT we might refuse to read God’s Word… or hear God’s Word!
e. It is also possible that even when we ARE reading the Word and hearing the Word preached, our hearts may be SHUT… CLOSED… unwilling to receive it…
f. And thus, either way, Wisdom does not enter into our heart.
g. If that is the case, we can expect NONE of the protection mentioned in vs.11-12.
h. BUT when wisdom DOES enter our heart (because of a tender, receptive heart) then we can expect this wisdom to protect us from many evils in life!
i. Allowing divine wisdom to enter our heart is the first pre-requisite.
7. Prov. 4:23 – Out of the heart are the issues of life.
a. If wisdom enters our heart, it is going to have a positive effect on EVERY aspect of our life… because ALL of the issues of life stem from the heart!
b. Wisdom is to enter our heart like leaven enters a loaf—it affects the whole lump!
c. Wisdom that sinks deep down into our heart will affect our thought life… our words… our deeds… our motives… our whole being!
d. If it doesn’t sink deep into our heart, but stays only in our head, it is superficial… and will never provide the kind of protection to our LIFE that God wants for us!
Knowledge is Pleasant unto Thy Soul
1. The world foolishly says, “ignorance is bliss.” Not so!
2. The Bible says knowledge is bliss! Knowledge is pleasant to the soul.
3. Pleasant: to be pleasant, be beautiful, be sweet, be delightful, be lovely
a. Can you honestly say that God’s Word is sweet, delightful, lovely to your soul?
b. When wisdom sinks deep down into our heart, it is pleasurable to the soul! (Prov. 24:13-14)
4. Knowledge is NOT pleasant to all souls. It is only pleasant to souls whose hearts are right with God. Fools hate knowledge! (1:29)
a. Bible study is boring… drudgery… a chore… dry and dusty when our heart is not right.
• If we are accustomed to filling our heart with the things of the world, then spiritual things are quite boring…
• Just like it is to the unbeliever… flesh is flesh!
• To the carnal man, spiritual things are foolish; boring; a waste of time
b. Bible study is pleasant to the soul of one whose heart is right with God!
• Jeremiah 15:16 – the joy and rejoicing of my heart. (Is that so with you?)
• Ps. 19:10 – More to be desired are they than gold, yea, than much fine gold: sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb.
• Ps. 119:97 – O how love I thy law! it is my meditation all the day.
• I John 5:3 – His commandments are not grievous!
• ALL of God’s Word is pleasant—the blessings and the cursings. Every bit of it is agreeable to the soul right with God. Truth sits well in such a heart. It is right at home… comfortable… pleasant…
5. Is the knowledge we gain from God’s Word pleasant to your soul?
a. It is when the soul is hungry for God!
b. It is when the soul has developed a taste for God’s Word.
c. It is when the soul has not been feasting on the chaff of the world!
d. It is when the soul loves God—for this book is full of the knowledge of God!
e. Laurie Hipke’s testimony—when she dedicated her life to the Lord, suddenly the preacher’s messages became interesting!
6. Until knowledge is pleasant to our soul, we cannot avail ourselves of the protection Divine wisdom affords!
a. It is the man who delights in the law of the Lord who is preserved from “walking in the counsel of the ungodly.”
Discretion Shall Preserve Thee
1. Discretion: discernment; the ability to make good decisions
2. Preserve: keep; guard; protect;
3. Solomon states that WHEN wisdom enters our heart and our heart is so receptive that this knowledge is pleasant to our soul, THEN this kind of wisdom or discretion will preserve us!
* Matthew Henry wrote, “When wisdom has entire possession of thee, it will keep thee.”
4. This is God’s means of guarding or protecting the saints.
5. Discretion or spiritual discernment is what believers need the most today. There is a deplorable LACK of it in so many circles!
a. The ability to make wise decisions will preserve the believer from horrible results of making bad decisions!
b. I have seen believers make some really foolish decisions… walk down some dead end streets… even jump of the spiritual cliff…
c. As a pastor, I am left to deal with the aftermath of such poor decisions too!
d. As a result of this lack of discernment, believers are unprotected against the wiles of the devil… and many are falling!
6. If our hearts are wide open to the knowledge of God’s Word… wide open and receptive to hear and obey… THEN we will have the discretion necessary to keep us safe in the midst of spiritual warfare!
* Discernment… a working knowledge of God’s Word—when hidden in the heart will protect us against sin! (That I might not sin against Thee!)
7. We will be preserved! We will not have to fall in the battle and become another awful statistic!
a. Cf. vs.7-8 – In this passage Solomon states that GOD preserves such a saint.
• God is a buckler to the one who walks uprightly! (shield; protector)
• God keeps the path of that saint… and preserves the way of that saint!
• Here it is stated that the believer’s responsibility is to WALK uprightly—DO what God says, and God will protect him.
• In 2:11 Solomon states that DISCRETION will protect the saint who opens his mind and heart to the truth.
• BOTH are true. God does protect us—but He chooses to do so through the wisdom He has already revealed in His Word.
• Like a child who is told that the stove is hot. When that truth sinks into his heart, it will protect him from getting burned!
• If the child is stubborn and obstinate, and refuses to listen, he may have to learn the hard way.
• When we close our minds to His Word… when we harden our hearts to God’s Wisdom… then we have forsaken the protection of the Lord.
• We are on our own in a spiritual conflict which we have no hope of winning!
• Being on our own is a dangerous place to be—especially when our adversary is like a roaring lion seeking to devour us! We are no match!
Proverbs 2:12-15
The Evil Man Described
Introduction:
1. The author has been speaking about the merits and benefits of wisdom… (vs.11) It preserves and keeps you safe.
2. Now Solomon mentions two specific examples of protection afforded by wisdom: it delivers thee from the evil man (vs.12-15) and the strange woman. (vs.16-19)
THE WICKED MAN DESCRIBED
A.) He Speaks Froward Things
1. Discretion will PRESERVE a godly man from the ungodly man…
2. It will also preserve the godly man or woman from the TROUBLE that comes from speaking froward things.
3. Solomon’s point is that evil men speak froward things (perverse; evil)
a. Prov. 3:32 – the froward man is an abomination to the Lord!
b. Prov. 6:12 – frowardness is in his mouth because it is also in his heart! (6:14)
4. As a result of the evil things they say, much trouble arises… conflict… hurt… fightings…
a. 140:3 – evil men use their tongues like arrows to pierce others.
b. The psalmist prays that God would not allow an evil speaker to be established on the earth. He knows what grief and trouble comes because of his evil speaking!
• Prov. 11:11 – whole cities (churches!) are overthrown by the mouth of the wicked!
• Untold damage is done when men use their tongues for evil purposes.
• Friendships are broken. Church fellowship is destroyed.
• This kind of damage COULD happen to any one of us—or all of us could be affected by it!
• Yet, Solomon promises that DISCRETION (wisdom) will protect us from the evil man who speaks froward things!
• Wisdom will dictate to us NOT to put too much stock in the words of a troublemaker—and thus rescue us from anguish of heart!
c. Prov. 12:6 – the wicked “lie in wait”—await every chance to hurt! To tear down! To damage the reputation of another… for blood!
d. Prov. 12:13 – Ultimately, his own lips will be his downfall. He will be snared by the evil things he says… lies… deceit… exaggeration… stretching the truth…
• But the JUST (a man who lives by Divine wisdom) will come out of trouble!
• He is protected from the evil venom that flows from the mouth of the wicked man!
e. Prov. 13:3 – Guarding our mouth will protect us from the trouble that comes from the mouth of the wicked.
• The wicked man may spew out all kinds of poison…
• But the man who guards his mouth KEEPS (protects/preserves) his life!
f. Prov. 16:27 – the ungodly man digs up evil… he sniffs it out… if there is some dirt, he will find it… and spread it around!
• Thus, he is like a fire—spreading destruction wherever he goes!
• He may say just a few words—and like a little spark—it can ignite a fire that will destroy the whole forest!
• God’s wisdom will protect us from this kind of troublemaker… discretion will keep us out of trouble…
• Wisdom tells us to let that fire burn itself out! (Prov. 26:20-21)
B.) He Leaves the paths of uprightness, to walk in the ways of darkness (vs.13)
1. This implies that the evil man at one time walked IN the paths of uprightness… and then chose to depart… he LEFT that path and chose to walk down another path—the way of darkness!
2. Prov. 21:16 – he wandered out of the way of understanding… wisdom…
a. He WAS in the right way… but he wandered away.
b. Wandering takes places slowly and gradually.
3. In both passages, Solomon is speaking about a man who had received MUCH LIGHT and truth… and chose to wander away into darkness and error.
a. This is the kind of evil man that wisdom will preserve us FROM.
b. Don’t assume that because a man seemed to have light, understanding and wisdom that he will always have it! Not so!
• II Pet. 2:20-22 – This was true of false teachers in Peter’s day!
• It is a warning to men today too. Wandering is dangerous!
c. It is possible even for believers to wander away… to leave the path of uprightness and end up in the way of sin and darkness… for a while.
d. Wisdom and discretion will PROTECT us from that man… by keeping us away! Don’t follow him down that road of darkness!
e. Often times, influential men can lead many astray with him!
f. Even if a man once walked in the light, if he departs and begins to walk in the way of darkness, he is going to stumble. And so are all those who follow him down that path! (Prov. 4:19)
g. When we see a believer who leaves the paths of uprightness, to walk in the ways of darkness—urge him to return; plead with him to return; but do NOT follow him down that dark road. You BOTH will stumble!
h. The point of Prov. 2:12-13 is that this kind of wisdom will PRESERVE us from the evil man and his ways. We don’t HAVE to follow him… or be led by him…
C.) He rejoices to do Evil and He Delights in the Frowardness of the Wicked (vs.14)
1. Rejoice: joyful, merry, glad.
2. The evil man isn’t happy unless he himself is up to no good.
a. He rejoices in evil… evil speaking… tearing down…
b. He rather enjoys leaving the path of uprightness, and is beginning to adjust to the ways of darkness… it is becoming pleasant to him.
c. He finds a sense of satisfaction in throwing off the yoke of the way of uprightness. Now he is free to do his own thing… or so he thinks…
d. Prov. 10:23 – Mischief—causing trouble is a sport or a game to him!
3. He delights in the frowardness or perversity of the wicked… of others.
a. He enjoys doing evil himself… AND he enjoys other wicked men who join him in ways that are froward… twisted out of the way… darkness.
b. The godly man delights in the law of the Lord. The evil man delights in breaking away from the law of the Lord… and wandering away in darkness so he is free to do and say as he pleases.
c. Rom. 1:32 – he not only commits evil, but he also seems to get a sense of pleasure from others that do too!
4. Since evil men take pleasure in their darkness and delight in others who join them (Misery loves company!), we could make those men very happy by joining them!
a. Perhaps joining them would mean joining in on their evil gossip…
b. Perhaps joining them would involve some form of rebellion against authority… or wandering away from God with them…
c. The message of evil men to us is always the same: “Come with us!” (1:11) or “cast in thy lot among us!” (1:14)
d. Wisdom will prevent us from joining in that evil gang!
D.) His Ways are Crooked and His Paths are Froward (vs.15)
1. This passage speaks of the ways/paths of the evil man. (same idea)
2. Crooked: twisted, distorted, crooked, perverse, perverted.
3. His ways are twisted… distorted… slanted… out of line… needing adjustment.
4. The evil man demonstrates his wickedness by being OFF in his thinking.
a. He is not off on everything. He may have many fine qualities.
b. However, his thinking… his ways of going about things are twisted… distorted…
c. The way in which we are to walk is straight and narrow. This man’s way is crooked.
d. The simple man will be deceived and not realize how far off this man’s ways are. He may be deceived into following this evil man.
e. But the man who is discerning… the man who allows divine wisdom to sink in… the man with discretion will instantly spot that something is not right… (vs.11)
f. The roads may run parallel for a time… and nothing may be noticed at first… but eventually, that evil man will reveal his true colors and his ways will be demonstrated to be OFF… out of line with God’s Word… distorted…
g. What is it that will preserve us from distorted thinking? God’s Word! Wisdom! Discretion and discernment!
h. That is what this section of Proverbs is all about—giving to the young man knowledge and discretion (1:4b).
Proverbs 2:16-19
Wisdom Delivers from the Strange Woman
The Purpose of Wisdom: To deliver thee from the strange woman (vs.16a)
1. The topic has been wisdom and the effect it can and should have in our lives.
a. When wisdom enters our heart, it preserves us and delivers us from evil men. (vs.10-12)
• These evil men appealed to GREED to entice the youth to follow their evil ways. (vs.12-13,19)
b. Now the author states that wisdom will also deliver us from the strange or immoral woman. (vs.16)
• The evil woman appeals to LUST to entice the youth to follow her evil ways.
c. A wise young man will pay close attention to these words: greed and lust lead to spiritual disaster!
• They are equally sinful and equally powerful in leading young men AWAY from the Lord and the place of spiritual safety.
• The love of money is the root of all kinds of evil!
• The love of physical pleasure and sex is the root of all kinds of evil too! That young man will be brought to a piece of bread.
2. Delivered: to snatch away, deliver, rescue, save, plunder; to tear oneself away, to be torn out or away…
a. This term speaks of a narrow escape! Snatched out of the fire!
b. And so it is! Solomon likens going into a strange woman to a fire… (Prov.6:27-29)
c. It is like a fire:
• Because it burns within…
• Because once the fire starts it is difficult to put it out…
• Because one little spark can lead to something much larger…
• Because like a fire, it leaves scars that don’t go away…
• And it is like a fire because of the awful damage it can do… it can burn whole households down!
d. Thus in 2:16, Solomon speaks of a young man being “snatched” out of the clutches of this evil woman… like being snatched out of the fire… another moment or two, and who knows what might ignite!
e. Joseph was DELIVERED from a strange woman (Potiphar’s wife) in this same way—he RAN! He recognized the danger. Wisdom demanded that he RUN away. Lingering gives that spark all it takes to ignite!
The Strange Woman Described
A.) She is a STRANGE Woman: “even from the stranger” (vs.16b)
1. Strange: to become estranged; foreigner, an enemy; prostitute, harlot.
2. It is used here of a woman estranged or alienated from her husband, and who has become a harlot… seeking to entice a young man or older man to herself.
3. The term implies that a woman alienated from her husband might have a tendency to become a harlot!
a. Husbands—don’t let that happen in YOUR household! Don’t grow apart from your wife… don’t become alienated.
b. Alienation might cause such a rift that she seeks satisfaction elsewhere!
c. The same is true for men… men can become alienated from their wives and seek satisfaction elsewhere.
d. The husband/wife relationship is something that needs constant attention… constant work… the relationship is always growing—either closer or farther apart.
e. If you and your spouse have started to drift apart… pay attention to that rift… lest it develop into something much worse.
f. Husbands and wives should not be “strangers… foreigners!”
g. Spend time together lest you DO become strangers!
4. Solomon warns his son about the realities of life.
a. In ancient societies, they dealt with the same kinds of sin issues that we deal with today!
b. There was a seamy side to ancient cities… they had their share of prostitutes and immorality. Opportunities to commit fornication abounded in ancient times… just as it does today.
c. Human nature has not changed at all. We need to hear the same kind of warnings today…
d. And they need to be repeated. In fact, a large portion of Prov. 5-7 deals with just this subject… so we ARE going to repeat it, because God does. In our day and age, we NEED to hear it repeated.
B.) She Is A Flatterer: which flattereth with her words (vs.16b)
1. Flatterer: to be smooth, slippery, deceitful, hence, to flatter.
a. This term does not refer to the person who likes to say nice things to another person. Rather, it refers to the person who says nice things with evil intentions… to deceive…
b. She says nice things NOT because she wants to build you up… but because she wants to TAKE something…
c. There is nothing of real love in her words. They are deceitful words.
2. Prov. 7:18-22 – she flatters with her lips, and her purpose is to cause this young man to YIELD to her… submit to her… do what she wants… illicit sex.
a. Note that he yields, but she forces him!
b. Her words are so seductive and influential, that the young man is “forced.”
• Force: to be moved; impelled; driven; drawn;
c. There is such power in words. That is why wisdom demands that the young man RUN away right away… like Joseph!
3. The first book of the Bible ought to teach us the power of listening to the words of an enticer… the beguiler… Satan.
a. Eve’s first big mistake was not eating the forbidden fruit, but rather LISTENING to the devil!
b. As soon as she realized that his words did not line with up God’s words, she should have ENDED the conversation and LEFT!
• By lingering… and listening, Eve ended up confused over what God really DID say!
• And eventually,
C.) She Forsook Her Husband: the guide of her youth (vs.17)
1. The guide of her youth: her husband
2. Guide: translated variously: friend; intimate friend; governor; captain.
a. The term implies that husbands and wives ought to be friends. (above all else—because all else will eventually fail!
b. Too often people look for the wrong things in a mate, or at least they put such things in a twisted perspective: Looks; money; social status; etc.)
c. This term for friend also implies a friend that leads and governs…
3. This strange woman has forsaken her guide… her husband.
a. Forsake: to leave, abandon, forsake, neglect, and apostatize.
b. She did not want to be under his guidance or leadership any more.
c. She did not want to submit to him as her “captain” any more.
d. She was filled with self-will… and cared not for his will or for God’s will.
e. She has cast off her guide…her yoke… and has become a slave to self-will and unlawful desire.
f. She has NO guide now… not her husband… not God… not God’s Word.
g. Hence, she left her husband, and chose to become a harlot.
h.) She has turned to prostitution… and she is out to “get someone.”
i. She is not looking for a husband, but for a body and a wallet.
D.) She forgets the covenant of her God (vs.17)
1. Covenant of her God = her marriage vows.
a. Note that marriage is first and foremost a covenant made with GOD!
• Covenant: a pledge; agreement; alliance between parties;
b. It is made before God, in His presence, according to God’s institution, and also it is made WITH God!
c. Marriage is quite a simple thing in the Bible. A man and a woman agree to become friends… intimate friends for the rest of their lives… and they make that covenant with each other AND with God. It is a solemn vow!
d. It is an agreement before God that this is my partner for life!
2. The strange woman FORGETS about this covenant.
a. Forget = to forget, ignore, to cease to care.
b. It does not mean that it slipped her mind. Rather, it means that she no longer honors or even cares about the pledge she made before her husband and before God.
c. God “forgets” our sins. They do not slip His mind. Rather, He chooses NOT to put them in His mind.
• So too the harlot “forgets” her covenant with God.
• She chooses not to think about it. She no longer cares. She has other things on her mind.
3. Anyone who consciously chooses to put God out of her mind is to be avoided!
a. She has become a stranger to God… a foreigner to God and His ways.
b. God’s ways become strange… foreign to her.
c. Beware of entering into a deep relationship with any person who is a stranger to God and His word. It leads to no good.
The Wages of Immorality
A.) The Wages of This Sin is Death! (vs.18)
1. For her house inclineth unto death, and her paths unto the dead
2. Inclineth: to sink down, be bowed down, be humble
a. Her house, and everyone who enters in, is on their way DOWN! It is a slippery slope! They are sinking… morally… and perhaps even physically and financially!
b. This kind of behavior can lead to DEATH!
• If her husband comes home and catches them, he might kill them!
• STD can lead to death!
• Spiritually, this is the road to destruction which leads to eternal death… separation from God forever in the Lake of Fire.
B.) No Escape: None that go unto her return again, neither take they hold of the paths of life
1. This is the RULE. There are exceptions to the rule—such as the author of this book himself—Solomon!
2. The book of Proverbs gives us kernels of truth… gems… nuggets… short, brief, to the point. They are not intended to cover each and every example. Rather, these gems are inspired observations of life.
3. None that go in to the harlot escape and return again.
a. This does not mean that there is no hope for the man who has had illicit sex…
b. Rather, it means that as a rule—this sin destroys lives for good!
c. There is no escaping the consequences of this kind of sin!
d. Those who become ensnared by sexual sins will never be the same again.
e. They will not be able to take hold of the paths of life as they once did. Rather, this sin is life-dominating.
f. Every sin has ugly consequences, but this sin especially!
g. When innocence is lost, it is lost for good.
h. This is a sin that you CANNOT UN-DO.
i. This is a sin that you will carry the rest of your days.
4. Ecc. 7:26 – the sinner is TAKEN in by her… and by this sin.
a. A young man can be “taken in” by a strange woman… and by sexual sins.
b. Solomon implies in Prov.2:19, that once you start down that road, you may not be able to turn around! It is a snare… a trap…
c. Avoid it! Don’t take that route!
5. Solomon states that NONE that go unto her escape!
a. That is the rule… although there may be a few exceptions.
b. Don’t play with fire! Don’t assume that YOU will be one of the few exceptions!
c. NONE are able to deliver themselves. God by His infinite grace may rescue a few, but don’t count on it… don’t tempt the Lord…
d. Wisdom tells us that once you start sliding down that slippery, icy hill, it is mighty hard to stop… it may be impossible.
e. That is why Solomon used a term for deliver in vs. 16 which speaks of being “snatched out”… like a brand plucked out of the fire…
6. Thus, Solomon pleads with his son to LISTEN TO WISDOM speaking to him!
a. 2:10-12 – wisdom delivers from the evil man… and the evil woman.
b. Listen to Lady wisdom as she cries out in the streets on this subject!
Proverbs 2:20-22
Walking with Good Men
Introduction:
1. The immediate context of this passage begins in 2:01.
a. He gives an “if/when…then” condition. (when “A” occurs, “B” will follow)
b. “A” = when wisdom enters the heart; knowledge is pleasant to the soul;
c. “B”—THEN, discretion will preserve you. This wisdom results in discernment… and discernment protects and preserves.
2. Discretion preserves from two things:
a. Vs.12-15 – from the evil man.
b. Vs.16-19 – from the strange woman—the harlot—the fornicator
3. Now, Solomon states what discretion will preserve us UNTO…
a. It will preserve us UNTO good company… good men… good fellowship…
b. That is the way of safety.
THAT THOU MAYEST WALK IN THE WAY OF GOOD MEN
1. Solomon has been teaching his son about separation.
a. Separation FROM evil men and women.
b. Now he begins to teach the positive side of separation: separated UNTO good men!
c. This is a principle found throughout the Bible. (I Thess. 1:9-10)
d. What we are separated UNTO is by far the ESSENCE of the divine purpose in it all!
2. Of course Solomon wants his son to stay away from evil people.
a. BUT—he does not want his son to be a monk living in solitude in a monastery.
• Hopefully as parents, we don’t want that for our children either!
b. Solomon wants his son to find fellowship and friendship with good men!
• Any parent should desire this for his child… and seek it… and pray for it… and guide that child TOWARD good friends…and steer them away from evil companions!
c. That is my goal as a pastor too.
• Today there are 1001 types of fellowships and Christian organizations.
• We want to seek fellowship with GOOD men… godly men… sound men.
• Just as you want to steer your children in the path of safety… and steer them away from some kids that might be troublemakers… in the local church, we too want to seek the best godly fellowship we can.
3. Note the context here: he is talking about SAFETY that is produced by wisdom and discretion.
a. It is so easy for young people to get mixed up with the wrong crowd and get dragged down! There is no safety in the wrong crowd.
b. Wisdom mandates to us that we seek GOOD men as our friends and godly men to fellowship with.
c. This is God’s means of protecting us!
4. If we DON’T use wisdom and discretion and follow after evil men and the wayward woman… then we have forsaken God’s means of safety and protection!
a. Prov. 1:31-33 – forsaking wisdom comes with a heavy price tag.
• Filled with your own devices… (vs.31)
• Destruction (vs.32)
b. But those who listen to lady Wisdom will dwell SAFELY… and will be quiet from fear of evil! (vs.33)
AND KEEP THE PATHS OF THE RIGHTEOUS.
1. Wisdom and discretion will enable you to keep on the right path! (Path of righteousness).
2. The world is trying daily to knock us OUT OF the right way… and cause us to swerve into the wrong way… the wrong road…
3. The devil uses 1001 gimmicks to accomplish his goal. (TV, radio, books, billboards, magazines, sports, money, pleasure)
a. Whatever will be effective in causing us to take our eyes OFF the Lord… and causing us to become entangled in the affairs of this life…
b. He can even use GOOD things to cause us to swerve off the right path.
• If that good thing becomes more important than spiritual things in our life…
• If we begin choosing that good thing OVER God and church and our devotions…
• Good things can shove God out of his throne in our heart.
4. Solomon is teaching his son that he needs discernment and discretion to be able to NOTICE when this is happening…
a. Things of the world can creep up gradually in our lives so that they slowly choke out the things of the Lord.
b. It takes discernment to SEE what is happening.
c. Often times, OTHERS can see it happening in our life before we do. And sometimes when we are told, we shrug it off in disbelief!
d. Solomon teaches his son about the kind of discretion that has “eyes to see” the danger of a wrong way… and the good of the right way.
e. In a sense, this kind of godly wisdom is developing a healthy hatred for iniquity and a love for righteousness. (Heb. 1:9) This is a sign of growing in Christlikeness… spiritual strength and discernment.
5. Note the concept of two different “roads” or “ways” and their ends.
a. Solomon just mentioned the WAY (road) of the evil man (vs.12)
b. Now he mentions the WAY of good men and the PATH of the righteous.
c. The Bible often mentions these two roads or paths.
d. Psalm 1:6 – the way of the righteous and the ungodly.
e. Jer. 6:16 – The prophet encourages the people to seek the OLD path… the path of faith and holiness that the patriarchs walked… not the NEW road that is leading them astray!
• Note that walking in the old path = rest for your soul! Peace!
• It is the place of safety—which is why they can have rest… they are protected and safe. Rest is the natural by-product of safety and security!
f. Jesus spoke of two roads too! (Matt. 7:13-14)
• The worldly road leads to destruction.
• The narrow road of the disciple ends in life everlasting.
• Note that Jesus also spoke of the way of the disciple in Matt.11:28-29. There he stated that the disciple’s WAY is a road he travels while YOKED to Christ. That road… that narrow road… that old path… the life of a disciple… one sold out to Christ results in REST for your soul!
FOR THE UPRIGHT SHALL DWELL IN THE LAND, AND THE PERFECT SHALL REMAIN IN IT.
1. In the final two verses, Solomon gives his son some more motivation for choosing the path of the righteous.
2. Solomon states two positive reasons for wanting to follow the path of the righteous or the upright.
a. The upright dwell in the land.
b. The upright remain in the land.
3. The upright dwell in the land.
a. This needs to be understood in light of the Old Testament.
b. Jews did not think of the afterlife as we do. They thought primarily of life on the earth. They looked ahead to a glorious kingdom—on earth. That is where their future hopes were tied.
c. So they placed great emphasis on life… and a long life.
d. The first promise associated with the Law was “thou shalt live long upon the land.” (Ex. 20:12)
e. This seems to be the emphasis that Solomon makes to his son. “Avoid the way of the ungodly, walk with good men, and you will DWELL or live in the land”… meaning—you won’t be cut off or die.
f. You will DWELL in the land and REMAIN in it!
g. Whether he meant the land of Israel or the earth in general, his point is similar.
• Some Jews were taken OUT OF the land because of their sin and idolatry! (Assyrian and Babylonian captivities!)
• Thus, remaining in the land meant much to a Jew.
• With their land were connected all the covenants and promises of God for the future.
h.) To make application to us, we might say, “Walk in the way of the righteous… and you will remain in the place of God’s blessing!”
• Our heavenly blessings and spiritual blessings are permanent and eternal.
• However, the ENJOYMENT of those blessings is linked to our behavior now!
• I Tim. 4:8 – godliness is profitable in this life AND in the life to come!
• If we walk in the counsel of the ungodly… or if we chose to depart from the way of the upright, there could be serious consequences!
• But walking in the path of the godly means life… blessing… and rest!
BUT THE WICKED SHALL BE CUT OFF FROM THE EARTH, AND THE TRANSGRESSORS SHALL BE ROOTED OUT OF IT. (VS.22)
1. In contrast to the blessing upon those Jews who walk in the good path… the old path… we see the evil result of NOT doing so.
2. Note that he uses two agrarian verbs: cut off… and rooted out… (like plants)
3. These agrarian illustrations mean that the ungodly will DIE physically!
• This is a common theme in the Old Testament.
• Example: Ps. 37:9 – evildoers shall be cut off—die!
• But the meek shall inherit the land! (Psalm 37:9,11,22, 29,34)
• Prov. 10:30 – contrast the “R” and the ungodly in the land.
4. There are TWO means of fulfillment of this.
a. NOW: as a rule, those who follow the path of safety will live longer! And those who live in the fast lane with loose living die sooner!
b. LATER: Eventually, all of the ungodly will be rooted out of the earth and cast into hell.
5. Remember, these are Proverbs—generalizations about life. There are exceptions.
6. But these are good principles to teach our kids!
a. Life in the fast lane might seem quite appealing to a teen-ager… but they need to be told about the dangers too!
b. They need to be told about the blessings of following the straight and narrow way… of asking for the old paths… the way of the righteous.
c. This is the way the Good Shepherd wants to lead us all! (Ps. 23:1-3)
