Text: Prov 17:8-11 ESV

8 A bribe is like a magic stone in the eyes of the one who gives it; wherever he turns he prospers.

9 Whoever covers an offense seeks love, but he who repeats a matter separates close friends.

10 A rebuke goes deeper into a man of understanding than a hundred blows into a fool.

11 An evil man seeks only rebellion, and a cruel messenger will be sent against him.

-Prov 17:8-11 ESV

WHOEVER COVERS AN OFFENSE SEEKS LOVE

It is our common observation in life that bribery works. Thus, those who are used to it trust it so much. Why? It’s an easy way to get their way. This does not mean bribery is right. Bribery has always been a common temptation for those in power. This is the reason why corruption is rampant. Scriptures from Exodus to the Minor Prophets condemn it. Moses commands Israel, "You shall take no bribe, for a bribe blinds the clear-sighted and subverts the cause of those who are in the right."[Ex 23:8] Thus, this is not an endorsement but a warning not to involve in bribery.

Solomon emphasizes the need of discretion in dealing sins of others. "Covering sins" does not mean ignoring offenses or hiding crimes. This is not "sweeping it under the rug." Rather, this is seeking to demonstrate love with the goal of repentance and reconciliation (Prov 10:12, John 13:34–35; Rom 12:10, Mat 18). The primary goal is bringing others closer to God. Choosing to handle offenses with love may even convince an enemy of their own wrongdoing (Proverbs 16:7) The opposite extreme of repeating the news of an offense to those who have no reason to know about it is indiscretion. It is gossip. "Blabbing or divulging" about someone else's shortcomings is a form of damaging, evil speech (Prov 16:27–28). Even good friendships can be destroyed by such betrayals.

Being teachable is an important aspect of the wise person. He is open to correction. He receives godly rebuke and grows. In contrast, the foolish person refuses to be corrected, even when they suffer direct physical consequences. (Prov 1:22) Under the law of Moses, no more than forty lashes were to be administered to a guilty man (Deu 25:3). Thus, a hundred blows here is a hyperbole. It is a deliberate exaggeration used to stress how stubborn a foolish a person is to reject correction. He is an evil man who naturally rebels [v.11] This persistent rebel will eventually face consequences. That might come in the form of legal trouble, or simply as the consequences of sin (Prov 9:10–12).

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Text: Prov 17:5-7 ESV

5 Whoever mocks the poor insults his Maker; he who is glad at calamity will not go unpunished.

6 Grandchildren are the crown of the aged, and the glory of children is their fathers.

7 Fine speech is not becoming to a fool; still less is false speech to a prince.

-Prov 17:5-7 ESV

DO RESPECT THE UNDERPRIVILEGED

Bullying today is prevalent, especially in cyberspace. This proverb condemns the doing a mocking stutter or "making fun of" another. God created man in his own image (Gen 1:27). This means everyone without distinction, including those living in crude culture, has value and meaning in the Lord's eyes. Instead of ridiculing disadvantaged people, those who are better off should help the poor. God had made provision for the poor in Israel's agricultural society by instructing farmers not to reap the corners of their fields. Instead, they were to leave them for the poor to harvest (Lev 19:10). The attitude of ‘gloating over’ at others for their misfortune is totally ungodly. Jesus taught us to show kindness and goodness even to enemies.

The respect toward elderlies is important also. Family life is blessed when children cause their parents and grandparents to rejoice. Respectful grandchildren can make their grandparents feel honored or delighted. Furthermore, children should be proud of their parents. They show it by their obedience.[Eph 6:1] Children are a heritage from the LORD, the fruit of the womb a reward. Like arrows in the hand of a warrior are the children of one's youth. Blessed is the man who fills his quiver with them! He shall not be put to shame when he speaks with his enemies in the gate."[Psa 127:3-5]

And, as a general rule, one should refrain from speech that is lofty, excessive, or overdone. A person who parades with an air of superiority or authority. David encountered a man referred to by the name Nabal, who was arrogantly ignorant and over-sure of his own importance (1 Sam 25:1–13). Similarly, dishonesty is unbecoming to a person in authority. He is worse than a fool—because his foolishness harms those over whom he has power. Isaiah says, "The fool speaks folly, and his heart is busy with iniquity, to practice ungodliness, to utter error concerning the LORD, to leave the craving of the hungry unsatisfied, and to deprive the thirsty of drink."[ Isa 32:6]

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Text: Proverbs 16:31-33 (ESV)

31 Gray hair is a crown of glory;

it is gained in a righteous life.

32 Whoever is slow to anger is better than the mighty,

and he who rules his spirit than he who takes a city.

33 The lot is cast into the lap,

but its every decision is from the LORD.

RULE YOUR SPIRIT

Having gray hair is a sign of aging and it is honorable state. Generally, a person is made wiser as he learns from his years of experience. But, there are people who are quick to become old but wisdom is lagging behind. Interestingly, it is gained in living a righteous life, meaning, by following the truth – what the Lord says. To become wise while young is possible when we heed the Scriptures faithfully. Divine living begets divine wisdom. Take for example, we do learn that using drugs is wrong based upon the principles revealed in the Scriptures not by trying it, don’t we?

A wise person is slow to speak, slow to anger but quick to listen. This self-controlled man is much stronger than the mighty. He is not governed by impulses. He who can ‘keep his cool’ is secured more than a walled city. The ability to defeat others in battle is impressive, but well-developed self-control is an even rarer gift (Jas 3:2; Psa 32:8–9). No doubt, this man is a mature man.

In the Lord, there is no such thing as out of ‘luck.’ Does the practice of dice roll, or casting of lots, ever takes God by surprise? Even those things we perceive as determined by chance are in the Lord's control (Psalm 16:5). This proverb points out that even those things we think of as "pure chance" are still under God's sovereign control. In the New Testament, we have an example of casting lots after Judas committed suicide. Peter led 120 believers to cast lots to decide who should become an apostle in place of Judas. Barsabbas and Matthias became candidates. When the group prayed for the Lord's will to be accomplished, they said: "You, Lord, who know the hearts of all, show which of these two you have chosen to take the place in this ministry and apostleship from which Judas turned aside to go to his own place" (Acts 1:24–25). Then they cast lots, "and the lot fell on Matthias, and he was numbered with the eleven apostles" (Acts 1:26). And, this was the decision of the Lord as He permitted it to fall on Matthias.

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Text: Proverbs 16:28-30 (ESV)

28 A dishonest man spreads strife,

and a whisperer separates close friends.

29 A man of violence entices his neighbor

and leads him in a way that is not good.

30 Whoever winks his eyes plans dishonest things;

he who purses his lips brings evil to pass.

BEWARE OF THE EVIL MAN

An evil man is dishonest. He leverages on spreading lies. Lies can create a rift even between friends. The apostle Paul wisely counsels Timothy to reject anyone who aspires to be a church leader if he tolerates slander within his family (1 Tim 3:11). Jesus anticipated how often dishonest statements would be thrown against His people. He said, "Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account" (Mat 5:11).

An evil man is violent. The Hebrew word translated "violence" here is hā'mās'. This includes brute force assault, as well as oppression or unjustness and cruelty. He is deliberate in enticing people to be violent like him. Solomon has warned, “ "My son, if sinners entice you, do not consent. If they say, 'Come with us, let us lie in wait for blood …throw in your lot with us' … my son, do not walk in the way with them." [Prov 1:10-15]

Evil people are subtle. ‘Winking the eye’ refers to those who use subtle signals to communicate with other criminals. These "shifty" facial signs are also seen in Proverbs 10:10. The imagery here is of someone who plans evil and conspires with others to secretly spring violence on an unsuspecting person (Prov 16:27; Prov 1:11, 18; Prov 16:29). But, nothing is hidden from God (Heb 4:13). He sees the heart and discerns the intentions of the heart and mind (1 Sam 16:7). He will not fail to judge the unrighteous. This is our comfort against the evil man.

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Text: Prov 16:25-27 ESV

25 There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way to death.

26 A worker's appetite works for him; his mouth urges him on.

27 A worthless man plots evil, and his speech is like a scorching fire.

-Prov 16:25-27 ESV

HUNGER AND DILIGENCE

Verse 25 is a repeat of Prov 14:12. When a truth is repeated it must be important, isn’t it? Man should not be fooled to trust in his own eyes and judgment. Arrogance prevents a person from examining their thoughts and sets them up for terrible consequences. (Prov 16:5; 1 Cor 10:12). Our hearts are deceitful. Hence, desires not aligned with God's will are doomed to eventual failure (Prov 1:7; 3:5). This is the reason Scripture so emphasizes self-examination and in seeking advice from godly people ((2 Cor 13:5; Prov 11:14; 15:5). A dangerous form of this arrogance is when a person believes his way is morally "good enough" to earn salvation. Such person has wrong beliefs that what they are doing will earn them a place in heaven. Entrance into heaven is gained not by what a person does but by what Jesus has done (Titus 3:5)

When we go to verse 26, Solomon argues the benefit of hunger. Hunger—literal or figurative can become an advantage. Why? It inspires the person to work. When the mouth craves food, the person is prompted to continue working. A person should not stop working because the mouth does not stop eating.

Paul exhorts, “If anyone is not willing to work, let him not eat" (2 Thess 3:10). A lazy person who refuses to work to support his family is worse than an infidel.

Moreover, Solomon mentions in verse 7 the worthless man [Belial] which is equivalent to the the English words "rascal," "scoundrel," or "villain" (Deut 13:13; Prov 6:12). He plots evil. deliberately speak evil use profane, blasphemous, and hurtful words. Solomon compares such speech to "scorching fire." The words create pain and destruction. This powerful imagery is echoed by James, who also compares the tongue's power to that of fire. He deliberately speaks evil, profane, blasphemous, and hurtful words. Solomon compares such speech to "scorching fire." The words create pain and destruction. This powerful imagery is echoed by James, who also compares the tongue's power to that of fire (Jas 3:5–6). He resembles the Devil, who Jesus said, "was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks out of his own character, for he is a liar and the father of lies" (John 8:44).

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Text: Prov 16:20-24 ESV

20 Whoever gives thought to the word will discover good, and blessed is he who trusts in the LORD.

21 The wise of heart is called discerning, and sweetness of speech increases persuasiveness.

22 Good sense is a fountain of life to him who has it, but the instruction of fools is folly.

23 The heart of the wise makes his speech judicious and adds persuasiveness to his lips.

24 Gracious words are like a honeycomb, sweetness to the soul and health to the body.

-Prov 16:20-24 ESV

GOOD SENSE IS A FOUNTAIN OF LIFE

There is great benefit in thinking clearly and carefully. A conscious effort to be diligent when assessing something tends to yield better results that an unattention or laziness (Prov 14:15; 18:13). The most crucial aspect of clear thinking is seeking God's truth more than anything else (Prov 1:7). The most valuable "word" one can consider is the ‘Word of God’ for in it are God’s wisdom and understanding.[Psa 119:97–100] And, that those who love the Word also experience "great peace" (Psa 119:165). This is especially true not to those who hear only but to those who obey His word.[Jas 1:22-25]

Moreover, the person with discernment will speak loving or ‘sweet’ words (Prov 15:1). The same Hebrew word used for "sweetness" here is also employed later in reference to a honeycomb (v.24). The same idea is highlighted in verses 23 and 24. Truth spoken in gentler tones and phrases tends to be more easily accepted or embraced.

Our example is none other than Jesus. He was always able to discern the hearts and minds of others and provide perfect answers. Christians ought to follow Jesus' example and use wise, pleasant words. Of course, this does not preclude all use of reproof or rebuke (Mat 12:33; 23:37). Even Paul has admonished us to be edifying in our words. He exhorts: "Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God."[ Colossians 3:16 ] He also adds, "Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person."[Col 4:6]

A carefully thought word said in a loving way edifies others. In a sense, they give life to the hearer. On the other hand, rude and hurting words tear down others. Thus we pray with David,

“Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O LORD, my rock and my redeemer.’[Psa 19:14]

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Text: Proverbs 16:14-16 (ESV)

14 A king's wrath is a messenger of death,

and a wise man will appease it.

15 In the light of a king's face there is life,

and his favor is like the clouds that bring the spring rain.

16 How much better to get wisdom than gold!

To get understanding is to be chosen rather than silver.

WISDOM IS MUCH BETTER THAN GOLD

More often than not, kings in ancient times had absolute authority over the lives of their subjects. Life or death was at his discretion when angry. This is the equivalent of the idiom, "Don't poke the bear." It is foolish of unnecessarily provoking a powerful enemy. A king's anger might not be reasonable, or fair and a wise person recognizes the wisdom of avoiding it. The same wisdom would apply, today, in any circumstance involving authority. It is preferable to keep peace with those in charge unless there is no choice. (Acts 5:29), Solomon gives advice in handling the predicament of a king's rage, saying, "If the anger of the ruler rises against you, do not leave your place, for calmness will lay great offenses to rest" (Ecc 10:4).

On the other hand, there are tremendous benefits in gaining the favor of a king. While a king's rage can bring destruction, his approval can bring life. His happiness means blessings as the clouds of rain that bless the ground. As a general rule, one has to "stay on the good side" of those in authority, when it's reasonably possible. This is not a call for believers to be insincere. Nor does it imply believers should compromise their faith for the sake of political influence. It is clear in the bible when earthly power calls on a believer to sin, that authority should be disobeyed (Acts 5:29). Moreover, the Scriptures also condemns bribery (Prov 15:27; 17:23), insincere flattery (Romans 16:18), and other manipulative tactics. A better way to please authority is through honesty (Prov 16:13) and a faithful life. Paul encourages us to pray for kings and authorities, for doing so enables us to lead a peaceful, quiet, godly, and dignified life (1 Tim 2:1,2).

At the end of the day, wisdom is much value than gold. Solomon places an extremely high value on wisdom and understanding. From God's perspective, true worth is found in what a person experiences through a right relationship with God (Prov 1:7). Even Jesus said, “Take care, and be on your guard against all covetousness, for one's life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions.”[Luke 12:15] The pursuit of money and earthly riches can lead to destruction (Prov 15:16; 16:8). In fact, famous and wealthy people are prone to depression, despair, unhappiness, and even suicide, are they not.

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Text: Proverbs 16:11-13 (ESV)

11 A just balance and scales are the LORD's;

all the weights in the bag are his work.

12 It is an abomination to kings to do evil,

for the throne is established by righteousness.

13 Righteous lips are the delight of a king,

and he loves him who speaks what is right.

HONESTY AND RIGHTEOUSNESS

During the ancient days, weights and balances are connected to business transactions and money. The use of scale represents impartial or fair judgment in transacting business. God expects fairness and honesty in business transactions (Prov 11:1). It is because God is just in all His dealings.[Psa 119:137] To cheat by tampering with balances and scales offends Him and transgresses the commandment, "You shall not steal" (Exo 20:15). It is unloving to our neighbors (John 13:34–35; 1 John 4:7–12).

Weights and balances are regulated by authorities, like kings. And they should not abuse their power to do evil for doing so is an abomination unto the Lord. Evildoers are a threat to a peaceful and prosperous reign (Prov 14:34). Honesty in kings and their subjects contributes to the success of their kingdoms. The psalmist in Psalm 72 cites a prayer in which he begins by asking, "Give the king your justice, O God, and your righteousness to the royal son! May he judge your people with righteousness, and your poor with justice!" (Psa 72:1–2).

But, kings are not aware about everything, are they? Thus, kings and leaders have always depended on the counsel of their advisers. Dishonest counselors might give treacherous advice that could lead to their defeat at the hands of an enemy. They could supply false information that might jeopardize the king’s leadership and loss his kingdom. But, righteous counselors would guide the king truthfully. Indeed, the rise or fall of an entire kingdom depended upon righteousness. As Prov 14:34 assures us that "righteousness exalts a nation."

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Text: Prov 16:5-7 ESV

8 Better is a little with righteousness than great revenues with injustice.

9 The heart of man plans his way, but the LORD establishes his steps.

10 An oracle is on the lips of a king; his mouth does not sin in judgment.

-Prov 16:8-10 ESV

BETTER IS A LITTLE WITH RIGHTEOUSNESS

All believers have access to great spiritual wealth (Matthew 5:3, 5). Paul declares, "For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, so that you by his poverty might become rich." [2 Cor 8:9] A believer has no guarantee of great material wealth. However, God promised there needs would be supplied. (John 16:33; Mat 6:19; 8:20). The believers’ spiritual riches include salvation, peace with God, assurance of heaven, fellowship with God, assurance of His abiding presence, joy, and purposeful living (1 Tim 6:6). A person may be financially affluent, but if he does not belong to God, he is spiritually impoverished, even bankrupt.

Verse 9 is similar to Prov 16:1, that is, “The plans of the heart belong to man, but the answer of the tongue is from the Lord.” A person can plan out every aspect of his life. Nevertheless, God alone ultimately decides what will happen. Writers such as Paul (Rom 9:20–21) and James (Jas 4:13–15) reinforce this idea. Nothing we intend can override God's will (Psa 33:10; Job 42:2). This does not mean planning is wrong—but what we plan needs to be prepared in a spirit of humility and obedience. If a person seeks God's will and walks by the Spirit in the light of God's Word, the Lord will approve and guide his steps. He is to "walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which he has been called" (Eph 4:1), walk not "as [unbelievers] do, in the futility of their minds" (Eph 4:17), "walk in love" (Eph5:2), "walk as children of light" (Eph 5:8), and wisely (Eph 5:15). This is the result if he learns to "walk by the Spirit."[ Gal 5:16]

An oracle is setting an expected standard set by a king. A king acting as he should does not sin through his decrees or judgments. A king was considered one of God's representatives on earth. Kings of Israel were initiated into office by the anointing of oil. As such, when he spoke, he was morally obligated to speak truthfully. When he offered judgment—a ruling, a decree, or some other decision (1 Kings 3:28)—he was expected to so righteously, and not in sin.

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Text: Prov 16:5-7 ESV

5 Everyone who is arrogant in heart is an abomination to the LORD; be assured, he will not go unpunished.

6 By steadfast love and faithfulness iniquity is atoned for, and by the fear of the LORD one turns away from evil.

7 When a man's ways please the LORD, he makes even his enemies to be at peace with him.

-Prov 16:5-7 ESV

THE STEADFAST LOVE AND FAITHFULNESS OF GOD

An unregenerated heart has the propensity of arrogance. An arrogant person misplaces his confidence. Instead of trusting in the Lord for salvation, he proudly trusts in his own ability to save himself. For example, the Pharisee prayed in the temple and exuded so much pride. He "thanked" God by bragging that he was better than other men, including a humble tax collector. He told God he fasted twice a week and tithed on everything he got. Jesus said the Pharisee did not return home justified. He remarked: "For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled" (Luke 18:11-14).

Man has to humble himself for salvation is by grace alone.[Eph 2:8,9] No human filled with pride and sin will go unpunished. Paul says, "For the wages of sin is death", which includes separation from God in this life and the next. Thankfully, through His mercy, God has provided a way to escape this punishment. Paul continues, "but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord."[Rom 6:23] The goodness of the Lord should lead us to repentance.[Rom 2:4] Consequently, through the fear of the LORD, one turns away from evil.

The consequence is amazing when a person becomes righteous. A life pleasing to the Lord will make him live peacefully with his enemies. This godly living has a profound effect on his enemies. That is, a life that avoids undue insults (Prov 15:1), revenge (Rom 12:19), and unethical treatment of others (Luke 6:35; Prov 3:30) leaves little reason for others to be vengeful or hateful. In some cases, upright conduct can even win over one's enemies (Rom 12:20).

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