Text: Prov 23:22-25 ESV

22 Listen to your father who gave you life, and do not despise your mother when she is old.

23 Buy truth, and do not sell it; buy wisdom, instruction, and understanding.

24 The father of the righteous will greatly rejoice; he who fathers a wise son will be glad in him.

25 Let your father and mother be glad; let her who bore you rejoice.

-Prov 23:22-25 ESV

BUY TRUTH AND DO NOT SELL IT

We are enjoined to listen to our parents. Parents "who gave life" shouldn't be cast aside when they become old. The parents’ utmost concern is for his children to obtain wisdom. Wisdom is priceless. Thus, we have to buy for it and keep it permanently.

In a sense, wisdom doesn't need to be purchased. God makes these qualities available for free. Isaiah 55:1 appeals to everyone who thirsts to "come to the waters; and he who has no money, come, buy and eat! Come, buy wine and milk without money and without price." James 1:5 promises: "If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him." Further, "the fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom" (Psalm 111:10). Believers should be filled "with the knowledge of his will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding" (Col 1:9).

The highest degree of wisdom is shown in reverence for God and obedience to His will. Jesus has this wisdom. He pleased His heavenly Father by exercising wisdom and doing His will. Jesus said, "I always do the things that are pleasing to him [the Father]" (John 8:29). When Jesus was transfigured on a mountain, God the Father exclaimed, "This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased; listen to him" (Mat 17:5).

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Text: Prov 23:19-21 ESV

19 Hear, my son, and be wise, and direct your heart in the way.

20 Be not among drunkards or among gluttonous eaters of meat,

21 for the drunkard and the glutton will come to poverty, and slumber will clothe them with rags.

-Prov 23:19-21 ESV

BE NOT AMONG THE DRUNKARDS AND GLUTTONS

Another reminder from Solomon for his son to make good use of his teachings. Life's choices are often described as walking a path (Prov 4:11, 18, 26) Those who follow God's will may avoid both danger, becoming lost and ruin their future.

To be wise is to avoid the company of drunkards and gluttons. The concept applies to those who are often drunk, or who overeat. Yet, its meaning is broader to refer to all those dominated by urges and appetites. The modern "party hard" attitude, which celebrates out-of-control indulgence, is part of this uncontrolled passion.

If someone is controlled by their desires, those urges will push them towards personal disaster. Those obsessed with the "party hard" lifestyle do waste outrageous amounts of time and money on it, don’t they? This same is true to those marked by greed and addiction. Financial hardships, strained relationships, and trouble with employment are among the sad consequences. Alcohol and substance addictions, especially, can ruin a person's ability to hold one’s soberness.

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God’s Word for Today

8 May, 2025

15 My son, if your heart is wise,

my heart too will be glad.

16 My inmost being will exult

when your lips speak what is right.

17 Let not your heart envy sinners,

but continue in the fear of the LORD all the day.

18 Surely there is a future,

and your hope will not be cut off.

-Prov 23:15-18 ESV

DO CONTINUE IN THE FEAR OF THE LORD

A wise son makes his parents glad.[see v.15,16] He has "wise heart", that is, one whose thoughts and attitudes reflect the will of God (Rom 12:1–2). In contrast, it's heartbreaking to watch children chosing evil. Proper and loving discipline direct a child towards godly wisdom (Prov 1:1–7; 3:1–5). Here, he is described as a child who "[speaks] what is right" It is possible for a child to know what is right, and not do it. He might know what is right, and do what is right, but not speak up for godliness and goodness.

The parents advice is for his son not to envy sinners. Among Satan's most effective tricks is making people think they are "missing out" by following God's instructions. This was the basic temptation Satan used against Eve. The psalmist Asaph almost fell to this lie. He was bitter over the way God-deniers seemed to have trouble-free, healthy lives. However, his reverence for the Lord drove him to the sanctuary of God. There, he was reminded of the ultimate, and dreadful future of all sinners (Psa 73:16–20). Proverbs 1:10 says, "My son, if sinners entice you, do not consent." It is good to recognize that what believers have in Christ is far more valuable than the fleeting value of the things of this world (Prov 23:18). It is worth to ‘continue in the fear of the Lord.’

There is a certain future for those in Christ. The apostle Peter declared, "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you, who by God's power are being guarded through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time" (1 Pet 1:3–5).

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God’s Word for Today

7 May, 2025

13 Do not withhold discipline from a child;

if you strike him with a rod, he will not die.

14 If you strike him with the rod,

you will save his soul from Sheol.

-Prov 23:13,14 ESV

DISCIPLINE YOUR CHILD PROPERLY

These verses follow the biblical teaching of proper child discipline. An appropriate loving discipline will train a child to avoid evil, sparing them from greater suffering later in life. (Prov 3:11–12; 5:23; 13:1; 19:18; 22:15). Although this is not an absolute guarantee, proper discipline is beneficial to the future of the child. Diligent parents may experience the heartache of wayward children. Yet, in most cases, parents who raise kids with loving correction set them up for success (Prov 22:6). Unruly children tend to become unruly adults, who face sad consequences later such as prison, violence, disease, and addiction.

Although Solomon mentions the use of a rod or stick. The use of the stick in literal sense is not the point. Although preferable, physical discipline or "corporal punishment” is not the only option. A spanking of a particular child, for example, may deter him from repeating an immoral behavior. Another child may become enraged and not learn from corporal punishment, while responding quickly to loss of privileges. Whatever form of discipline suits the individual child and the individual situation is what's best. A disciplinary measure works well when it breaks his stubborn will to make him humble and contrite in spirit.

Sincere parents may say that they "love" their children too much to discipline them. Yet, this only pampers the child to be irresponsible and unaccountable to their own failures and sins. A parent who genuinely loves the child does recognize the need for reasonable discipline and, apply it accordingly (Heb 12:6). In other words, proper discipline is the means in saving the kid, not to destroy his life and future and, avoid wrong lifestyles and values. He will live and not die or go to Sheol.

Thus, proper discipline instructs children about consequences and choices. This knowledge is best learned at home with loving-disciplinarian parents. We can only bend the twig properly and rightly when it is young. It is common knowledge that undisciplined children tend to become unruly adults. It would not be surprising that the future consequences would involve imprisonment, loss of jobs, and violence.

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Text: Proverbs 23:12 (ESV)

12 Apply your heart to instruction

and your ear to words of knowledge.

APPLY YOUR HEART TO INSTRUCTION

The entire book of Proverbs emphasizes the value of godly wisdom. He occasionally stops to highlight the importance of wisdom. This verse is one of those reminders.

Solomon used specific terms to depict levels of wisdom. The word "learning" is acquiring information, "knowledge" is learning retained for long-term use or application, "wisdom" is the capacity to act correctly based on knowledge. "Understanding", however, is a developed level of wisdom which should be shared with others.

There is a need of discipline and close attention if a person wants to gain godly wisdom (Prov 1:1–7). This means that true wisdom requires intentional choices. A person can "know" what is right, but the heart must apply that knowledge to real-life situations. Even, Jesus said, "Take care then how you hear" (Luke 8:18]. That is, we ought not merely perceive His Word, but also obey it.

James writes in more details. “But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man who looks intently at his natural face in a mirror. For he looks at himself and goes away and at once forgets what he was like. But the one who looks into the perfect law, the law of liberty, and perseveres, being no hearer who forgets but a doer who acts, he will be blessed in his doing.”[Jas 1:22-25]

In these verses, he exhorts his readers to "be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves" What does he mean? He explains that whoever reads into God's Word but fails to apply it is like someone who looks into a mirror and immediately forgets what his face looks like. He reasons that blessing comes to the person who intentionally ‘apply his heart to instruction.’

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Text: Proverbs 23:10-11 (ESV)

10 Do not move an ancient landmark

or enter the fields of the fatherless,

11 for their Redeemer is strong;

he will plead their cause against you

THE REDEEMER OF THE FATHERLESS

The sin committed here is something like a modern person altering a map, uprooting surveyor's stakes, or moving a fence. The Lord specifically forbade this (Deut 27:17). Even worse than this cheating someone out of property is to defraud someone already disadvantaged, such as those who have lost a father. (see Proverbs 22:22; 31:8–9). James writes, "Religion that is pure and undefiled before God the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their affliction, and to keep oneself unstained from the world" (Jas 1:27).

God, however, promises a Redeemer. He is someone associated with a family member's obligation to care for a destitute relative (Ruth 4:6). Clearly, the scriptures indicate that God Himself is in favor of the poor. Thus, it's reasonable to see this Redeemer as a reference to the Lord Himself. Deut 10:18 says, "He executes justice for the fatherless and the widow, and loves the sojourner, giving him food and clothing." Psa 10:17–18 states, "O LORD, you hear the desire of the afflicted; you will strengthen their heart; you will incline your ear to do justice to the fatherless and the oppressed, so that man who is of the earth may strike terror no more." As the Redeemer of the fatherless, the Lord opposes those who maltreat them.

In the book of Ruth, we read about Boaz, Naomi's relative, who took the role of a kinsman redeemer to buy Naomi's field and marry her daughter-in-law Ruth (Ruth 4:7–10). Also, King David is an example of kindness to a fatherless, helpless person. He sent for Mephibosheth, Jonathan's disabled son, and welcomed him into the palace. He set a place at the table for Mephibosheth, gave him land, and instructed Saul's servant Ziba and his sons to work the land for Mephibosheth. (2 Sam 9:1–13).

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Text: Prov 23:9 ESV

9 Do not speak in the hearing of a fool, for he will despise the good sense of your words.

-Prov 23:9 ESV

WASTE NOT YOUR TIME WITH FOOLS

The "fool" of the book of Proverbs is depicted as stubborn and thickheaded. His problem is not his intellect, but his intent. Having conversations with him is not worth at all for he is not willing to converse reasonably. Other proverbs note how some people sneer at what they don't understand and respond to other views with anger (Prov 9:7; 22:10). For them, either you accept their views or not. They can’t have a sound dialog. This is popularized today as the ‘cancel culture.’ Trying to speak rationally with such people is like mixing water and oil. Not only that it does not work, it makes the situation worse. It makes no difference how true or how valuable an idea is, if the hearer refuses to even consider it, then the attempt itself is wasted.

Today, in as much as we show compassion and want to share the gospel with everyone, we must realize that some people foolishly resist the truth. They harden their hearts and minds and mock the gospel. Jesus said, "Do not give dogs what is holy, and do not cast your pearls before pigs, lest they trample them underfoot and turn to attack you" (Mat 7:6). The bible underlines the idea that godly people should avoid pointless arguments (Titus 3:9–11; 2 Tim 2:23; Prov 29:9).

The fool has a false philosophy diametrically opposed to the gospel message. He has made up his mind and closed his ears. The content of the message has no value when the listener's intent is against it. The religious leaders during the time of Jesus fit the description of these people. Jesus told them: "You search the Scriptures because you think that in then you have eternal life; and it is they that bear witness about me, yet you refuse to come to me that you may have life" (John 5:39–40). It is not that they can’t. But they won’t. They are the first proponent of the cancel culture.

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Text: Prov 23:6-8 ESV

6 Do not eat the bread of a man who is stingy; do not desire his delicacies,

7 for he is like one who is inwardly calculating. “Eat and drink!” he says to you, but his heart is not with you.

8 You will vomit up the morsels that you have eaten, and waste your pleasant words.

-Prov 23:6-8 ESV

AN EVIL EYE

Here, Solomon gives advice about those who give with ill intent. The description implies someone who gives with ulterior motives or cynicism. That might mean those who give bitterly, harboring a grudge, or making an overt attempt to buy someone's favor.

This stingy host might be obsessed with how much his generosity costs. Or he's offering hospitality with the explicit goal of getting something in return. A generous and loving host is commended to host a meal. We are exhorted to be hospitable. It's spiritually dangerous, however, if the host treats his guest so that he can gain his business. He has an ulterior motive. Scripture describes this type of host as "inwardly calculating." He is feigning friendliness, but he does not really wish his guest well. It is hard to disappoint the host by refusing his proposal. This pressure is often part of the "game strategy" of modern business, is it not? A realization can be too late and put pressure upon the guest. He might literally feel sick to his stomach, embarrassed that he has been fooled and wasted his time.

In his letter to the Galatians, Paul asked, "O foolish Galatians! Who has bewitched you?" (Gal 3:1). He believed false teachers had placed them under the spell of an evil eye. They had done this by flattering the Galatians only to draw them away from the truth and captivate them with a false gospel (Gal 1:6–7; 4:17). Let’s be aware about such people.

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God’s Word for Today

30 Apr, 2025

When you sit down to eat with a ruler,

observe carefully what is before you,

2 and put a knife to your throat

if you are given to appetite.

3 Do not desire his delicacies,

for they are deceptive food.

-Prov 23:1-3 ESV

DISCERNMENT & SELF CONTROL

For whatever reason, the rich may invite a poor person for luxurious dinner. There is a warning for the poor to control greed. He may embarrass himself by abusing or by being opportunistic to someone's hospitality. At the same time, he should be careful that this generosity does not turn into a bribe. For someone used to working for "daily bread," being invited to a feast of luxurious food might be tempted to eat too quickly or too much. Instead, he has to apply self-control and discernment. It's possible that a host might use lavish generosity to lull someone into a false sense of security. They might be offering a subtle bribe or attempting to sway a guest's opinions. A wise person should not be deceived by whatever luxuries offer. Instead, he should be grateful for generous hospitality without being gullible or easily swayed. The rich host is watching. Thus, he has to “put a knife to his throat.” Rather than give in to greed and overeat, he should be polite to not appear greedy.

Similarly, the devil often tempts victims with what appears to be highly desirable. When a victim takes the bait, the devil pulls the hook and enslaves the victim in sin (Jas 1:14–15; 1 Pet 5:8). In the beginning of human history, the devil tempted Eve by questioning that God had placed the tree of the knowledge of good and evil off limits. He denied that death would come to Eve if she partook of the tree and said partaking would make her like God. When Eve saw that the fruit was edible, beautiful, and could bestow knowledge, she ate and gave some to Adam (Gen 3:1-6). The trap closed, and death ensued (Gen 3:19).

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Text: Prov 22:28 ESV

28 Do not move the ancient landmark that your fathers have set.

-Prov 22:28 ESV

REMOVE NOT THE ANCIENT LANDMARK

Landmarks are stones arranged or piled to serve as boundary markers of a field. (Gen 31:51–52) The Lord warns against stealing land by moving those stones, making it appear as if the border was in a different place (Deut 19:14; Job 24:2; Hos 5:10). Equivalent deceptions in the modern era might be moving a fence, changing a map, uprooting surveyor's stakes, or altering a document.

Before Israel entered the Promised Land, the Lord said, "You shall not move your neighbor's landmark, which the men of old have set, in the inheritance that you will hold in the land that the LORD your God is giving you to possess" (Deut 19:14). Later, when Moses gathered the people together, he told them to divide by tribes and stand on two mountains, Mount Gerizim to hear blessings and Mount Ebal to hear curses. Among the curses is this, "Cursed be anyone who moves his neighbor's landmark" (Deut 27:17).

In a broader sense, this is a warning not to discard the boundaries set by prior generations. As a good reminder is before taking down a fence, it's important to know why it was put up in the first place, is it not? We all know that the moral climate keeps on changing. Thus, it is understandable that new generations would question the moral or social restrictions of their parents and ancestors. Pushing moral boundaries is expected in the last days. This is a sad development. Paul says;

“But understand this, that in the last days there will come times of difficulty. 2 For people will be lovers of self, lovers of money, proud, arrogant, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, 3 heartless, unappeasable, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not loving good, 4 treacherous, reckless, swollen with conceit, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, 5 having the appearance of godliness, but denying its power. Avoid such people.”[2 Tim 3:1-5]

While not all such restrictions are good, it's also not good to throw away those boundaries simply because they are ancient. It is still wise to consider our parents values, is it not. As Solomon exhorts us at the beginning of this book;

“Hear, my son, your father's instruction,

and forsake not your mother's teaching,

for they are a graceful garland for your head

and pendants for your neck.”[Prov 1:8,9]

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