Saturday, August 2, 2008

Proverbs 15:25-33

The Lord is far from the wicked.
v.25 Divine justice. The Lord tears down the house (or a person’s means of sustaining life) of a proud (and powerful) man but maintains the widow’s property (boundary marker) intact. The widow, the poor, the orphan, and the needy are the Lord’s special concern. These people are frequently the prey of the proud and powerful. See Mary’s song, Lk 1:46-55.
v.26 Thoughts. The thoughts (i.e., plans) of the wicked are a detestable abomination to the Lord, but the gracious words of the pure are pleasing to him. Wisdom’s words are pleasant.
v.27 Unjust gain. The one greedy for unjust gain (in a hurry to get rich, whatever the cost) causes trouble for his household, but he who hates bribes will live (he who is content with what he has). See 2 Kgs 5:16,20,27.
v.28 Carefully planned speech. The (heart of the) righteous man carefully ponders how to answer (meditates before answering), but the wicked man gushes forth with (painful) evil. See 15:14.
v.29 Prayer. The Lord hears (responds to) the prayer of the righteous, Jas 5:16 (and it is pleasing to him, 15:8), but he does not respond to the wicked.

The second collection of Solomon’s proverbs (15:30-22:16).
These proverbs are mostly synonymous sayings (as opposed to the antithetical sayings in the first collection, 10:1-15:29).
Relationships.
v.30 Good news. It is uplifting to receive a good report. The "light of the eyes" of the one bringing good news causes joy in the hearer. The good news itself brings health to (puts fat in) the bones of the hearer.
v.31 Reproof. This proverb indicates that the wise listen to life-giving rebuke. Rebuke is life-giving because it gives wisdom. The wicked fool won't listen to such rebuke (and is therefore not wise). Only the wise listen to correction, admit mistakes, change (improve) behavior, and in this way enhance their lives.
v.32 Discipline. To ignore instruction (like a fool) indicates that one despises oneself. The wise who heed correction gain understanding and can therefore grow spiritually.
v.33 Instruction. Here we are told that the fear of the Lord is instruction in wisdom and furthermore that humility comes before honor (i.e., wisdom).

Humble your self before the Lord and be willing to listen to life-giving instruction. You will gain wisdom and standing in the community.

Read Proverbs 15:25-33