I Am Too Stupid (Prov. 30:2-4)

I am too stupid to be a man (Prov. 30:2-4). {"The words of Agur" (Prov. 30:1) are perhaps addressed to his favorite pupils.} We think that if we give of ourselves to seek wisdom and truth, we'll be quite smart. But Prov. 30:2,3 says, "Surely I am too stupid to be a man. I have not the understanding of a man. I have not learned wisdom, nor have I knowledge of the Holy One." Surely, he is not "stupid," but one who humbly knows of and realizes his own severe limitations, ignorance and experience as a mere human before the infinite God (Prov. 30:4; Job 38:4-39:30). Man, in his ignorance, thinks of God as an object of his investigation or speculation, not realizing his utmost overweening pride in doing so. But man who sees himself before God recognizes the sheer immensity of the mystery and majesty of God, and is humbled and awed.

God's flawless revelation (Prov. 30:5,6). Prov. 30:5 says, "Every word of God proves true; he is a shield of those who take refuge in him." These verses move from the uncertainty of human speculation to the certainty of divine revelation -- the trustworthiness and reliability of the Bible. This verse supports the doctrine of the “plenary” (full, complete) inspiration of Scripture, extending even to “every word” (2 Sam. 22:31; Ps. 18:30). Yet, the aim of revelation is to promote a living loving trust, not bare knowledge, toward the One God behind "every word of God."

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Are your Words Thoughtful, Timely, and True? (Proverbs 15:1-4)

Prov. 15:1-4 "A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger" (1). Words are gifts of God, given only to man in all of creation. Words used wisely are thoughtful, timely, and true. We should speak the right thing (true) in the right way (thoughtful) at the right time (timely). But if we don't, we invite wrath (1), express our stupidity (2), discourage others (4), even promote evil (28), especially through gossip (Prov. 16:28; 18:8) and slander. When we acknowledge his divine omniscience and guard our heart in the fear of God, God will give us wisdom to use our words to honor God and bless people.

Prov. 15:3 "The eyes of the Lord are in every place, keeping watch on the evil and the good." That God sees and knows everything about everything and everyone is called divine omniscience. To a believer, it is most encouraging that God sees and knows me. When I am hurt and wounded, there is no greater comfort in all the world than to know that God sees and knows my frail, fragile, wounded heart. But to an unbeliever it is upsetting, dreadful and infuriating that God knows all the goings on in their heart, and that they can never hide from God.

Prov. 15:22 "Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed" (NIV). Proverbs repeatedly encourages us to take advice (Prov. 13:10), listen to advice (Prov. 12:15), and to have many advisors (Prov. 11:14). If we just humble ourselves and learn to listen, we'd be a whole lot wiser. But we fail to listen, and so remain unwise (Prov. 21), when we find it too humbling to listen to advice.

Godliness Gives Stability and Vitality (Proverbs 14:26,27)

14:26,27 "The fear of the Lord" (26,27) and one who "fears the Lord" (2) is not the dread and terror of God, but a proper respect and reverence, resulting in a right relationship with God. Godliness (the fear of the Lord) protects the soul by its solidity (26) and its vitality (27), giving confidence, like one in an impenetrable fortress (26), and a richness and an abundance of life (27). Evil not only attacks but attracts, so the man of God must know something stronger and better. When godly parents live in the fear of God (again, not the dread of God, but a loving right relationship with God), they bless their children (26b) more than all of Dr. Phil's "good advice" ever can.

14:4 Neat But Negative: I had not stopped to think what this meant, just skimming past with a blank mind! Orderliness can reach the point of sterility. When there is no oxen the farmer doesn't have to clean the barn. But oxen, being much stronger than a man, can produce an abundant harvest, bringing much benefit to the farmer. So it may be necessary to accept upheaval, and a big mess to clear up, as the price of growth. An empty stable may be clean (requiring no unpleasant work), but it won't produce an abundance.

14:10 The 2 extremes of emotion: bitterness and joy can sometimes only be known and experienced peronally and privately between oneself and God. On occasion, perhaps a trusted friend and confidant may share the depth of his inmost heart.

Wisdom is Found in Those Who Take Advice (Proverbs 13:10)

Some topics covered in Proverbs 13 include:

• teacheability (1),
• mouth/speech control (2,3),
• listening to/taking advice...again (10),
• being influenced (20),
• disciplining children (24).

13:20 Education by Friendship (Walk with the Wise--Become Wise). The simple lesson is that we become like those whose company we keep. This is the power of association to shape character, for regular companions inevitably influence each other, for good or ill. Thus, Christians are encouraged to "not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing" (Hebrews 10:25).

13:1 Are you teacheable? Teaching and instruction--beginning from a child's father at home--produces a wise child (1a). Refusing this or lacking this often results in a mocker or a scorner, who is a fool in the last stages of folly (26:12).

13:2,3 How hard it is for anyone to guard thier lips; how easy to speak rashly, bringing ruin (3; 10:14; 18:7). Thus, fools who ruin themselves abound, while one of the clearest marks of wisdom is the ability to control the tongue.

13:4 Unfulfilled craving, or full satisfaction? The difference between laziness and diligence.

13:7 Don't take a man at his own valuation. Things are not always as they seem.

13:10 In Proverbs, wisdom is repeatedly correlated with those who take advice (13:10), those who listens to advice (12:15), and those who have many advisors (11:14). The proud, lacking wisdom, produce quarrels, strive and divisions (10a). How proud is our hard heart that instinctively and spontaneously rejects advice, and become foolish!

13:13 The importance of respecting and revering words and commands.

13:24 When a child is lovingly disciplined (to drive out folly and rebellion), they grow up loving their parents. When a child is not disciplined for fear of hurting them, they "hate" their parents! By witholding discipline, we are inadvertently producing a generation of adults who routinely ship their aging parents off to nursing homes!

A Wise Man Listens to Advice (Proverbs 12:15)

12:1,2 Stupidity and wisdom, pride and humility. The way to be stupid is to is to be proud (2a), and to think of oneself as above criticism (1b). To heed instruction (10:17) and correction reflects humility and leads to wisdom (2).

12:4 It's incredible how much "an excellent wife" (ESV), "a wife of noble character" (NIV) establishes the honor and joy of her husband (Proverbs 31:11,12,23).

12:10-12 The righteous is kind to animals (10), works hard (11), and bears fruit (12). No one can be truly kind (10), without knowing himself to be a recipient of mercy. In this modern age, how easily do we chase and follow "worthless pursuits" (11) and become pointless and senseless, thus squandering away our life.

12:15 One who is "right in his own eyes" sees no need to seek instruction or counsel from others, and unwilling to listen to correction. Such a man--one who thinks he is never wrong and who always thinks he knows best--is a fool (15a; 26:12). Why? Because no one is immune to self-deception (16:2; 21:2; Jeremiah 17:9). When we learn to listen to others, listen to reason, and honestly test ourselves for prejudice and bias, God gives us wisdom (15b; 11:14; 15:22).

12:23 "A prudent man conceals knowledge" (ESV); "a prudent man keeps his knowledge to himself" (NIV). Why? Not out of selfishness, but so that he does not parade or brag of his knowledge and experience. Unlike the fool who blurts out his opinionated folly for all to hear (23b), the wise person is the model of restraint and humility. Wisdom knows when it is right to keep silent and when to speak.

12:24 Diligence or laziness (slothfulness) reveals a simple principle of life that determines whether or not you will rule, or be a slave of someone else (24), or even whether you will be rich or poor (27). One who is diligent is intentional and directed toward a determined course of life, while the lazy inclines toward ease and comfort and becames a slave of the system and a slave of people.

Many Advisors Make Victory Sure (Proverbs 11:14)

In Proverbs 11 (1-31), as in 10:1-32, there are many sayings that contrast the ways of rigteousness and wickedness. (As is often the case in the Bible, the chapter divisions are rather arbitrary and do not aid the analysis of the text.) 11:14 and 11:30 address 2 important aspects of life and how to attain them: Victory and a Measure of our Wisdom.

• "For lack of guidance a nation falls, but many advisors make victory sure" (11:14 NIV).
• "The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life, and he who wins souls is wise" (11:30 NIV)

11:1 "(Dishonesty--no fear of God) is an abomination to the Lord." (11:20)

11:2 The proud must have everything their own way--"It's my way or the highway." True humility is NEVER self-generated. Ultimately, humility must be before God and directed toward God, and that genuine humility comes from God, expressed through Jesus who is "gentle and lowly (humble) in heart" (Matthew 11:29).

11:3-9 Righteousness delivers (3-6,8,9), implying that God delivers the righteous, while the wicked fall by their own wickedness (5b).

11:10,11 A city benefits or suffers from the presence of the righteous or the wicked. If our cities are deteriorating and declining, what does it tell us about its inhabitants and its rulers?
11:12,13 Would you belittle or slander someone else to make yourself feel better and superior, or remain silent?

11:14 From counsel and advice, wisdom emerges. So, get all the advice you can. It's just fatally too easy to shut out disquieting voices. (15:22; 24:6)

11:15 Treated at length in 6:1-5. For the most part, don't do it.

11:16-21 The consequences of righteousness and wickedness is not a small matter; it's a matter of life or death (19). Getting rich deceptively might seem rewarding for the time, but not in the end (20,21).

11:22 Beauty and the Beast. There's always more to beauty than meets the eye. How tragic, even monstrous, is a beautiful woman who lacks discretion or modesty!

11:23-31 The ultimate destinies of the wicked and the righteous is determined by God (23,31).

11:24-26 The rewards of generosity. The paradox of life that you must sometimes lose to gain (24). Jesus, the kernel of wheat is the ultimate example (John 12:24).

11:30 A righteous man has a life giving influence, and a wise man wins others to wisdom. Only in Christ, can a Christian "be catching men" (Luke 5:11).

The Righteous and the Wicked (Proverbs 10)

So far, the book of Proverbs may be broadly outlined as follows:

1:1-7 Introduction: Title, Goal, Motto - The fear of the Lord

1:8-9:18 Wisdom poems: A Father's Invitation to (Praise of) Widsom

10:1-29:27 Proverbs proper:

• 10:1-22:16 From Solomon
• 22:17-24:34 From Wise Men
• 25:1-29:27 From Solomon collected by Hezekiah

Proverbs 10:1 opens this section of the proverbs of Solomon (10:1-22:16) with a proper response to the previous section's repeated appeals of a father and a mother (1:8) to be a wise son (1:8-9:18). Chapter 10 is SO LONG (but good); it may be divided into:

10:1-5 Pursue righteousness. "Righteousness" (2b) rather than "treasures" (2a) is the best security because "the Lord does not let the righteous go hungry" (3a). But even though God provides for the righteous, there is no excuse for laziness, for "lazy hands makes a man poor" (4a, NIV). Thus, while poverty is no disgrace, laziness or slackness is (5b). No wise person is ever lazy (5a).

10:6-32 Contrast the righteous and the wicked.

10:6-11 Blessing and "a fountain of life" (11a) is upon the righteous (6a,7a), the wise obey (8a), integrity brings security (9a), but with the wicked and his speech there is violence (6b,11b), rotting (7b), ruin (8b, 10b), shame (9b), and trouble (10a).

10:12 The wicked conceal violence (6b,11b) to deceive others for their own sinful purposes, while the wise in love seeks the good of others, even when personally offended. "Love covers (or conceals) all offenses" (ESV), or "Love covers over all wrongs" (NIV).

10:13 Man--God's mouthpiece or God's mule.

10:14 Proper reticence or reserve--what I need.

10:15 Don't despise money/wealth (in contrast to poverty from laziness). Although they are benefits to wealth, don't place your trust in money.

10:16 Earnings--their use and abuse. Poverty or wealth should not be blamed for the quality of one's life. A man uses money according to his character: as tools for good or ill.

10:17 Stay teacheable, you'll be progressive and not stuck.

10:18 Hatred never wins. The good man will not vent his hate.

10:19-21 Words, good and bad. Use words sparingly (19). Your words are worth what you are worth (20). The righteous get nourishment to feed others; the fool not enough even for himself (21).

10:22 Wealth without sorrow comes from God's blessing.

10:23-25 What no one wants to experience, the wicked do (24). Their basic error is to base everything on the temporal, which the righteous do not (25).

10:26 Lazy people are irritating because they can never be relied upon.

10:27-30 Massive certainty. "Life" (27), "joy" (28), and security (29,30) come from a righteous life, rooted in "the fear of the Lord" (27).

10:31,32 "The mouth (lips) of the righteous" (11,31,32) and "the mouth of the wicked" (6b,11b) frames this part (10:6-32) and concludes by drawing the contrast in focus.

Are You Wise, or Are You Foolish? (Proverbs 9:1-18)

While preparing this post, I accidentally deleted everything after I had finished typing out all of Proverbs 9 with much research and thought. I felt so foolish and stupid and shocked when everything I had typed suddenly disappeared in a flash! Now I have to do it all over again. Oh, what an exasperation! Someday, I may retrive what I had lost. Now I have to start all over again.


The wise, through prudence, enjoy life to the full; the foolish, through stupidity, plot their own demise. Proverbs 9 concludes the first section of Proverbs (1:8-9:18). It personifies Wisdom (1) and Folly (13) as women inviting us to a feast (5,17). Interestingly, Wisdom and Folly's words of invitation are exactly the same: "'Whoever is simple, let him turn in here!' And to him who lacks sense she says..." (4,16). Proverbs 9:1-18 can be divided into:

1) The feast of wisdom (1-6).
2) Are you wise or wicked? (7-12)
3) The feast of folly (13-18)

9:1-6 "Seven" (1) is symbolic of perfection. Wisdom's invitation to "come, eat...drink" (5; Isaiah 55:1,2) is for us to find joy and satisfaction in life. This invitation finds its ultimate fulfillment in Christ, who said, "I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me shall not hunger, and whoever believes in me shall never be thirsty" (John 6:35).

9:7-12 How can you tell the difference between the wicked and the wise? Observe their response to correction and rebuke (7-9). They each respond in the 3 ways. When rebuked, the wicked:
1) insult (7a)
2) abuse (7b)
3) hate (8a).
In contrast, when rebuked, the wise:
1) love (8b)
2) become wiser (9a)
3) increase in learning (9b).

9:10 "The fear of the Lord" (also 1:7) is the foundation, grounding and basis for all of the appeals to wisdom throughout this first section of Proverbs (1:1-9:18). When we have no fear of God, we cannot but become increasingly foolish, especially regarding the ultimate things in life.

9:13-18 The ultimate tragedy of the foolish is that they have no clue and no idea whatsoever of the death and destruction that they are reaping and heaping upon themselves (18). They even think they are so much smarter than the foolish!

Through Wisdom, God Created the World (Proverbs 8:1-36)

All men have this in common: they want to be happy. But to most people, happiness is as elusive as the clouds and as transient as eating a good meal, only to be hungry again. Probably, we agree that we need wisdom to be happy, for if we say and do dumb things, happiness will not likely be the result. Also, wisdom comes by revelation, "For the Lord gives wisdom" (2:6). Yet wisdom cries out to us, and we are encouraged to seek it.

In Proverbs 8, verse 35 says, "For whoever finds me (wisdom) finds life and obtains favor from the Lord." In the book of Proverbs, wisdom is closely related to and used synonymously with the following (1:2-6):

• Instruction or training (1:2a, 3a),
• Understanding or insight (1:2b, 6),
• Wise dealing (1:3a),
• Schrewdness or prudence (1:4a) and discretion (1:4b),
• Knowledge and learning (1:5).

Thus, wisdom is for anyone who wants it bad enough. In Proverbs 8, the progress of the thought regarding wisdom may be traced somewhat as follows:

1. Wisdom is a guide for everybody (8:1-5).
2. Wisdom is the partner of morality (8:6-13).
3. Wisdom is the key to all success (8:14-21).
4. Wisdom is the principle of creation (8:22-31).
5. Wisdom is the one necessity of life and the key to everything (8:32-36).

8:1-5 Wisdom is: 1st, for the common man (2,3); 2nd, for the simpletons (5); 3rd, wisdom is actively seeking us (1,6, etc), so that our search, as earnest as it has to be, is a response.

8:6-13) Wisdom and knowledge is inseparably connected with the fear of the Lord (1:7; 9:10). Thus wisdom and godliness always wholy coincide; nobility and morality are intertwined (6-8). "The fear of the Lord is hatred of evil. Pride and arrogance and the way of evil and perverted speech I hate" (13).

8:14-21 Wisdom's rewards and blessings are both material (14-18) and immaterial, with the latter being the far greater blessing and reward (19-21; 10,11).

8:22-31 Wisdom was present with God when He created the world (22,30). "Wisdom personified claims credit for everything that God created, so that wisdom was first, as God was eternally first. Christ used His eternal wisdom in creation." (Jn 1:1-3; 1 Co 1:24,30) (John MacArthur) The New Testament, likely drawing from Proverbs 8, insists that Jesus Christ is the incarnation of that divine person through whom God made the world.

8:32-36 Those who heed wisdom's call are "blessed" (32,34), and "finds life and obtains favor from the Lord" (35). Those who don't "injures himself" and "love death" (36).