Text: Proverbs 20:5 (ESV)

5 The purpose in a man's heart is like deep water,

but a man of understanding will draw it out.

DRAWING THE HEART OUT

When something is sunken lying under at sea bed, it is harder to access, difficult to see, and requires more effort to bring up, is it not? Similarly, Solomon is using this picture in one or more ways to describe the heart of man- his desires and motives.

Human desires and motives are unclear, even to the person himself. But, a wise person can draw them out of himself through careful thought and prayer. A counselor or coach may be able to help the person in the counseling process. These motives, intentions, thoughts, and expectations can sometimes be discerned by the help of an ordinary person who is wise. In the body of Christ, he has gifted individuals with wisdom and knowledge who minister to others, by guiding them into drawing out their motives and inner desires.

These motives and desires in a person's heart need to conform to God's standards and plans. God does not leave us helpless but gives us the Spirit. He searches the heart and convicts believers of sin, and whatever is contrary to God's standards and plans. He helps believers know the truth. John says, “But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you.” (John 14:26) “But when the Helper comes, whom I will send to you from the Father, the Spirit of truth, who proceeds from the Father, he will bear witness about me.”[John 15:26] 13 When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth, for he will not speak on his own authority, but whatever he hears he will speak, and he will declare to you the things that are to come. 14 He will glorify me, for he will take what is mine and declare it to you. 15 All that the Father has is mine; therefore I said that he will take what is mine and declare it to you.”[John 16:13–15).

Paul writes in 1 Cor 2:11–13, "For who knows a person's thoughts except the spirit of that person, which is in him? So also no one comprehends the thoughts of God except the Spirit of God. Now we have received not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, that we might understand the things freely given us by God. And we impart this in words not taught by human wisdom but taught by the Spirit, interpreting spiritual truths to those who are spiritual."

At the end of the day, this ability to help is not inherent to the person but from the Spirit. A person who is controlled by the Spirit, who makes him wise to counsel others.

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Text: Proverbs 20:4 (ESV)

 4 Sluggards do not plow in season;

so at harvest time they look but find nothing.

LAZINESS LEADS TO LACK

Not all lack are caused by laziness. but, more often than not, is is caused by laziness. He is not physically unable to do what needs to be done. He simply lacks the desire to work. Once again Solomon decries laziness. This follows many similar warnings and commands in the book of Proverbs such as Proverbs 6:9; 12:24; and 18:9).

Laziness is placed into to an embarrassing joke or mockery, as Solomon portrays in Proverbs 19:24. A lazy puts himself at greater risk of poverty (Prov 14:23; 20:13).

A mark of laziness is the lack of foresight. He has a 'mañana' habit. He fails to work at the proper time, that is, to prepare now for future needs. This relates to the idea of planting so that one can harvest crops later. the lazy who don't plow won't bring in food. He who doesn't work now will find themselves in need before long.

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Text: Prov 20:2-3 ESV

2 The terror of a king is like the growling of a lion; whoever provokes him to anger forfeits his life.

3 It is an honor for a man to keep aloof from strife, but every fool will be quarreling.

-Prov 20:2-3 ESV

STAY AWAY FROM TROUBLE

A person should know how to gauge a situation and act accordingly, shouldn’t he? This is common sense. Not all authority figures are good and acts they do are right. A wise person, therefore, avoids antagonizing them unless it is unavoidable (Acts 5:29).

Provoking a king to anger is like disturbing a lion. A ruler's anger, or "terror," is a warning as is the lion's growl or roar. Definitely, this is a foolish act when done to kings in the past. They had the absolute authority to execute those who made them unhappy (Gen 40:20–22). Today, a person can be subject to all sorts of trouble at the hands of angered governments, employers, or other authority figures.

Paul explains that everyone should be subject to governing authorities, in general, since God established them for a reason.[ Rom 13:1–5 ] Corruption and abuse are expected to happen. However, in general, governments serve to restrain evil and protect the innocent. While political authorities pass civil laws that should be obeyed, there are also other authority figures to whom we are subject. A father is an authority figure and has the power to punish a disobedient child. A teacher has the authority to instruct his or her students and to give failing grades to those who refuse to learn. A policeman has the authority to arrest lawbreakers. A wise person will not provoke an authority figure to anger unless it's unavoidable.

Solomon added, “It is to one’s honor to avoid strife.”[v.2a NIV] "Honor" often refers to reputation, as well as respect. He knows what, when, and how to say that gains respect from others and promotes his reputation. Not every argument is worth having, is it not? Thus, he chooses his battles carefully. Solomon noted that a person who knows when to be quiet could be seen as wise, even if he's not (Prov 17:28). Avoiding petty squabbles is the mark of a wise person. It earns the respect of others. In contrast, fool is quick to quarrel. He is hot-tempered, argumentative, or easily angered. Solomon says, “The person who lacks self-control might talk themselves into a beating.” (Prov 18:6).

In dealing with people including authority figures, we must be wise as serpents and harmless as doves. Let’s keep our hearts in check. Paul admonishes, “Do all things without grumbling or disputing, 15 that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world, 16 holding fast to the word of life, so that in the day of Christ I may be proud that I did not run in vain or labor in vain.”[Phil 2:14-16]

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Text: Prov 20:1 ESV

1 Wine is a mocker, strong drink a brawler, and whoever is led astray by it is not wise.

-Prov 20:1 ESV

WINE AND WISDOM

This Hebrew term for ‘wine’ refers to alcohol derived from grapes, as well as stronger drinks made from grains and other fruits. The risk of addiction, loss of self-control, and other dangers are why those who overuse alcohol are unwise. This may imply that a person engaging in drunkenness will not "become wise. His life will be ruined by drinking. It is personified as a ‘mocker’ and a ‘brawler’.

Scripture does not forbid the drinking of alcohol. But, drunkenness is a sin. Paul says, “ And do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery, but be filled with the Spirit.”(Eph 5:18) He added, “Let us walk properly as in the daytime, not in orgies and drunkenness, not in sexual immorality and sensuality, not in quarreling and jealousy.(Rom 13:13).

Drunkenness could lead to other egregious sins. Numerous examples from the Bible show what happens when a person loses self-control due to alcohol. Two examples are Noah (Gen 9:21) and Lot. (Gen 19:33).

In the New Testament, the apostle Paul endorsed the use of wine for medicinal purposes. He told the sick Timothy, "No longer drink only water, but use a little wine for the sake of your stomach and your frequent ailments" (1Tim 5:23). The book of Proverbs is replete with warnings against the abuse of the use of wine, to wit;

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.

[Proverbs 23:20–21]

29 Who has woe? Who has sorrow? Who has strife? Who has complaining? Who has wounds without cause? Who has redness of eyes?

30 Those who tarry long over wine; those who go to try mixed wine.

31 Do not look at wine when it is red, when it sparkles in the cup and goes down smoothly.

32 In the end it bites like a serpent and stings like an adder.

33 Your eyes will see strange things, and your heart utter perverse things.

34 You will be like one who lies down in the midst of the sea, like one who lies on the top of a mast.

35 “They struck me,” you will say, “but I was not hurt; they beat me, but I did not feel it. When shall I awake? I must have another drink.

[Prov 21:29–35]

4 It is not for kings, O Lemuel, it is not for kings to drink wine, or for rulers to take strong drink,

5 lest they drink and forget what has been decreed and pervert the rights of all the afflicted.

[Prov 31:4–5]

There is a great probability that a persistent drunkard is not saved. Paul says, “ ..nor thieves, nor the greedy, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God.”[1 Cor 6:10] He even warns us not to associate with a drunkard.[1 Cor 5:11]. The wisest thing to do is not to allow alcohol to control us, instead the Spirit.[Eph 5:18]

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God’s Word for Today

20 Feb, 2025

28 A worthless witness mocks at justice,

and the mouth of the wicked devours iniquity.

29 Condemnation is ready for scoffers,

and beating for the backs of fools.

-Prov 19:28-29 ESV

A SAD RESULT OF CONDEMNATION

A worthless witness mocks at justice. His testimony is corrupt to bring shame to parents.[Prov 10:1] The concept of a "false witness" in Scripture primarily refers to legal settings. However, the idea here applies to all cases of dishonesty. This kind of evil person commits what modern courts call "perjury" and acts as if justice is a joke. This attitude is associated with those who indulged in sin (Prov 2:11–15; 6:12–15).

There were false witnesses who appeared at Jesus' trials and brought untrue accusations against Him (Mat 26:59–61). Judas, who betrayed Jesus. He helped the enemies to falsely accuse Him for thirty pieces of silver. In the end, Judas became remorseful and threw the thirty pieces of silver into the temple and hanged himself (Matthew 27:3–6).

A scoffers action has dire consequence both in this life and eternity. Condemnation and beating awaits him. Whether literal or figurative, those who insist on acting foolishly are inviting disaster (Prov 10:13; 18:6). They might suffer legal consequences, social or personal harm, or even death. Worst of all, such attitudes put them at odds with the Lord, who will hold them accountable.

God's judgment will fall towards sinners unless they repent their sin and believe on Jesus (John 3:16–18, 36). The apostle Paul warned the Athenians that God "has fixed a day on which he will judge the world in righteousness by a man whom he has appointed; and of this he has given assurance to all by raising him from the dead" (Acts 17:31). Some of the Athenians, like the fools mentioned in Proverbs 19:29, mocked Paul's words, but "some men joined him and believed" (Acts 17:34). The lines are drawn in similar fashion today. Some mock the message of the gospel, but some believe. Those who refuse will face eternal punishment (Rev 20:10–15), but those who believe will receive and enjoy eternal life (John 3:16; Romans 6:23; 8:1).

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God’s Word for Today

19 Feb, 2025

25 Strike a scoffer, and the simple will learn prudence;

reprove a man of understanding, and he will gain knowledge.

26 He who does violence to his father and chases away his mother

is a son who brings shame and reproach.

27 Cease to hear instruction, my son,

and you will stray from the words of knowledge.

-Prov 19:25-27 ESV

THE KEY TO PRUDENCE

It is sad that a person does spiral down towards hardening of his heart like a scoffer. A "scoffer" is a person who arrogantly, deliberately refuses to accept wisdom. This is the person who sneers at godliness and common sense, making fun of truth instead of learning from it. Even when he is literally beaten, through any consequence or affliction, he may not learn. It is pathetic sight, is it not?

The simple who sees the life of the scoffer may learn. The ‘simple’ is someone inexperienced or uneducated. Someone who is ignorant but willing to learn. This means that when fools suffer consequences, wise people learn from their example, and when you correct a wise person, they learn from the experience." Even the naïve can learn when they see what happens to foolish people. The disaster in other people's lives become unfortunate warnings, so we may say, "you don't want to end up like that person, do you?"

This is even true to the ‘man of understanding’ He should be ready to change when they are corrected. He is the prudent son. An understanding believer knows that discipline aids spiritual growth and responds accordingly.[Heb 12:10] The capacity to learn from experience never ends when a person is truly wise. (see v.:27).

The disaster we are talking about is the ‘shame and reproach’ experienced by the unruly child. ”Children who mistreat their father or chase away their mother are an embarrassment and a public disgrace.”[v.26NLT] Such maltreatment offends not only his parents and society but also God. God commanded the people of Israel to honor their fathers and mothers (Ex 20:12). By disobeying this commandment and driving his mother away, a violent son leaves her poverty-stricken. However, he does not get off without punishment. He brings shame and disgrace to himself. In Exodus 21:17 commands Israel: "Whoever curses his father or his mother shall be put to death." That civil penalty, in the context of the ancient nation of Israel, reflects the serious sin of abusing one's parents.

Let’s shepherd the hearts of our kids. Teachable kids grow to become wiser and prudent. They listen and obey God’s instruction. This is the key to prudence. Otherwise the warning of Solomon to stubborn kids is, “If you stop listening to instruction, my child, you will turn your back on knowledge.”[v.27 NLT]

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Text: Proverbs 19:22-23 (ESV)

22 What is desired in a man is steadfast love,

and a poor man is better than a liar.

23 The fear of the LORD leads to life,

and whoever has it rests satisfied;

he will not be visited by harm.

LOYALTY

The "steadfast love" here is the same as ‘loyalty’. This is derived from the Hebrew word ‘checed’ which is translated often as "lovingkindness" in the Old Testament.(Ex 15:13; Psa 13:5). Loyal and true friends endure hardship (Prov 17:17; 18:24). To remain loyal to a friend in trouble is risky. Choosing to retain that relationship can be costly but shows great integrity. In short, our personal integrity stands up above other concerns (Prov 16:19; 19:1; 28:6).

False friends, on the other hand, would use deceit and lies for their own gain. To deceive in order to get ahead demonstrates the opposite of personal integrity, which holds to truth, even when it's inconvenient.

Paul teaches in 1 Corinthians 13 that love is the greatest characteristic of one being in Christ. Without love, everything else is nothing before God including the ability to understand prophecy, great faith, charity, and even martyrdom. Love is patient, kind, humble, enduring, and lasting. Pretending to be loving is hypocritical. According to Solomon, "a lying tongue" and "a false witness who breathes out lies" are things God explicitly hates (Prov 6:16–17). Love and honesty receive the Lord's favor, but unkindness and deceit receive His judgment.

Scripture rarely presents legitimate love in purely emotional terms. Real love always inspires action. A loving man is kind to others. There is more honor in being a poor man who shows kindness and help for others than to be rich and pretend to be unable to help others.

When we move to verse 23, a person who follows godly wisdom has the best likelihood for success in this life and prepares him for eternity (Prov 1:7; 3:3–8; 8:35–36; 10:16; 14:32). He fears the Lord. It's one’s reverent, humble respect that acknowledges who and what God is. The cornerstone of that recognition leads a person to Christ for salvation. To "fear" the Lord is to believe on Him.

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Text: Proverbs 19:21 (ESV)

21 Many are the plans in the mind of a man, but it is the purpose of the Lord that will stand.

OUR PLANS AND GOD’S PURPOSE

However, Solomon was wise enough to know that human plans are never guaranteed to work out. It was David who desire to build the temple. But, Solomon worked out a design to build a temple for the Lord. That starts with seeking God's will and His direction (Prov 3:5–6). He arranged the building of an impressive house for himself. And he laid out gardens and infrastructures (1 Kings 3:1). He recognized the wisdom of consulting with others to make the best decisions. “Where there is no guidance, a people falls, but in an abundance of counselors there is safety.” (Prov 11:14) “ The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, but a wise man listens to advice.’ [Prov 12:15] “Plans are established by counsel; by wise guidance wage war.[Prov 20:18). He knew the value of diligence when making plans “The simple believes everything, but the prudent gives thought to his steps. (Prov 14:15] “ If one gives an answer before he hears, it is his folly and shame. An intelligent heart acquires knowledge, and the ear of the wise seeks knowledge. [Prov 18:13, 15).

He observes here that only God's purposes are destined to succeed. Proverbs 27:1 sounds a clear warning: "Do not boast about tomorrow, for you do not know what a day may bring." In Psalm 37:3–5, The Lord provides pieces of a formula for successful planning. The psalmist writes, "Trust in the LORD," "Do good," "Delight yourself in the LORD," and "Commit your way to the LORD." In the New testament, James tells us not to be arrogant and presumptous. Planning is not wrong by itself but it should be done in God-honoring humility. He counsels, "You ought to say, 'If the Lord wills, we will live and do this or that'" (Jas 4:15).

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Text: Prov 19:18-20 ESV

18 Discipline your son, for there is hope; do not set your heart on putting him to death.

19 A man of great wrath will pay the penalty, for if you deliver him, you will only have to do it again.

20 Listen to advice and accept instruction, that you may gain wisdom in the future.

-Prov 19:18-20 ESV

DISCIPLINE PROVIDES HOPE

A child left without discipline would grow into an adult without respect for authority. He may struggle with self-control and decision-making. Consequently, it will bring suffering and piles shame on his parents (Prov 10:1). Should he continues as rebellious, he will face dire consequences (Deu 21:18–21). We can effectively bend a twig of a tree while it is young. Thus, parents must know that the best time to shape a child's behavior is when they are young. This opportunity might be lost and it will be a little too late. This requires discipline, which not pleasant but it is necessary. Hebrews 12:6 says, "The Lord disciplines the one he loves, and chastises every son whom he receives." The writer continues to say, "For the moment all discipline seems painful rather than pleasant, but later it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it" (Heb 12:11). Godly discipline must be administered for we love the child.

An undisciplined child can’t control his passion, he’s hot tempered [v.19]. He has the tendency to make the same mistakes again and again. Being hot-tempered means lacking in self-control, so a person is liable to make the same foolish choices when put under pressure. Let us take note that if parents will ‘deliver him’, which is an allusion to pampering, they won’t learn. They will do it repeatedly. They need to suffer the natural consequences of their actions and learn.

In the light of scriptures, anyone who repeatedly gets into trouble cannot blame either his circumstances or other people for the harm he inflicts on others. His problem is within him. It doesn't stem from others or from difficult circumstances but from what he is by nature. As Jeremiah points out that the heart is desperately sick. Superficial solution doesn't change the heart. It comes only through spiritual regeneration—the new birth (John 3:3]. A person whose heart is changed or renewed (Jer 31:31–33; 2 Cor 5:17).

Then and only then the child would listen and pay attention to advices and instructions.[v.20] Embracing correction and discipline with corresponding actions will prepare a person for the future. How one responds to adverse circumstances in later years of life shows whether they acquired wisdom during younger years.

Today, let’s not slack in disciplining our young. Discipline provides hope. And, if God is disciplining us, let’s embrace and submit with humility. Otherwise, we will be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin.

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Text: Prov 19:17 ESV

17 Whoever is generous to the poor lends to the LORD, and he will repay him for his deed.

-Prov 19:17 ESV

BE GENEROUS

The book of Proverbs is replete with instructions to care for the poor (Proverbs 14:21; 19:7; 21:13; 29:7). Helping the needy honors God. And, a person who does charitable acts does God's will and work. He gives not to bring for himself but to glorify God. (Mat 5:16). Definitely, God will repay those who are generous. This is the implication of the term "lend. It is not necessarily with earthly wealth but spiritual blessing.

God is not unrighteous to forget a person’s labor of love to others.[Heb 6:10] God’s repayment for the generous is foreshadowed by the words of Jesus in Matthew 25. Speaking about appearing before Him in the final judgment, Christ says to the generous, "Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me" (Mat 25:40). He who waters others will be watered. He said, “Cast your bread upon the waters, for you will find it after many days.”[Ecc 11:1]

During Paul’s missionary travels, he urged the believers at Corinth to give generously to the relief of poor Christians in Judea. He reminded them that Jesus set aside His riches in heaven and became poor so believers could benefit. “For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, so that you by his poverty might become rich.” (2 Cor 8:9). Even Paul writes, “He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all, how will he not also with him graciously give us all things? [Rom 8:32]

Today is Valentine's Day. Let us ponder about Jesus’ love and generosity that He gave Himself to us. May we all be freed from greediness and abound in love to be generous to the least of the brethren.

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