Are The Proverbs Believable

Every word of God is tested;
He is a shield to those who take refuge in Him.
--Proverbs 30:5

God’s word has already been tested. There is no need for us to test or evaluate God’s word to see if it holds true. For example:

Poor is he who works with a negligent hand, 
But the hand of the diligent makes rich. 
 —Proverbs 10:4

Is it necessary for you to try this out before you believe it? Do you need to research this saying by observing the results of others who are either negligent or diligent in their work? Does it upset you or make you doubt when you think of people who are ‘exceptions’ having seemingly struck it rich in other ways such as: inheritance, get-rich-quick scheme, lucky find, auction treasure, etc.?

Discipline your children while there is hope.
Otherwise you will ruin their lives.
—Proverbs 19:18 (New Living Translation)

Has modern research governed our thinking about discipline? Who wants to test this proverb on their own children only to find out that God had it right? Do you know children that appear to be exceptions (they had no discipline in the home but turned out great, and vice versa)? If so, would you be willing to omit discipline and just cross your fingers and wish for your child(ren) to turn out great?

Do not carouse with drunkards or feast with gluttons, 
     for they are on their way to poverty, 
     and too much sleep clothes them in rags. 
 —Proverbs 23:20–21 (New Living Translation)

What would it take to test this proverb? How long to prove it true or false? Do we look at teachings like this but disregard the warning about those with whom we spend our time? Can I associate with evil and not be affected?

The Proverbs do not stand as neutral teachings subject to the testing and approval of man.

In the first proverb quoted here, to ‘take refuge’ in God is to trust His word even when it seems to go against the wisdom of our day. It will serve as a protection to you just as a shield protects a warrior on the battlefield.

God’s word is true. It is trustworthy. It is ready for use.

Embrace the Proverbs. Embrace the truth of God’s word. Here are four more proverbs for our day that are important to live by:

He who is slow to anger is better than the mighty, 
And he who rules his spirit, than he who captures a city. 
—Proverbs 16:32

A youngster’s heart is filled with foolishness, 
but physical discipline will drive it far away.
 —Proverbs 22:15 (New Living Translation)

A good name is to be more desired than great wealth, 
Favor is better than silver and gold. 
—Proverbs 22:1

Do not let your heart envy sinners, 
But live in the fear of the Lord always. 
—Proverbs 23:17

You will need to supply only one thing: genuine faith.

Mark Stinnett

Who Stands Against Injustice?

   Do not move the ancient boundary, 
   Or go into the fields of the fatherless.
   --Proverbs 23:10

At first glance you might think, “What does this have to do with anything?" Or, "What does this have to do with me?” For most of us boundaries and fields are not a major concern.

The next verse provides illumination:
   For their Redeemer is strong;
   He will plead their case against you.
   --Proverbs 23:11

The simple teaching is that God, “their Redeemer,” is watching. He is concerned about the weak and those who are victims of misfortune.

God expects his people to act with kindness and generosity toward others. He expects fairness, that is, justice. He expects his people to stand up for the weak and to help the poor. God expects his people to be like him.

'Moving an ancient boundary' meant that  a person moved the property line on someone else's land. 'Going into the field' means that a person used or harvested a field for their benefit. In this case, it was a field that did not belong to them. In both cases the proverb describes actions in which a person was taking advantage of someone who was weak in some way.

On the playground we call that person a ‘bully.’ Of course, the bully is not only found on the playground. He preys on the weak, the elderly, the sick, the uneducated, and the underprivileged. He steal money and personal possessions and property by deceit, manipulation, and/or brute strength. He might disguise himself as a good businessman or politician. He might take advantage of people by cleverly manipulating company policy or civil/social law. He behaves unjustly because he can get away with it.

God assures us that he is watching and that he will take up the case of injustice against the weak. He will speak when there is no one to speak. He will act when there is no one to act. He will demand justice, and do not think his justice will be kind.

How Great is our God!
Great in mercy.
Great in forgiveness.
Great in awesome power.

Great in JUSTICE!

If we are to be like God,
   ...we will be concerned (mind and heart) about the weak and the poor;
   ...we will be watching (eyes and ears) to make sure people are treated fairly;
   ...we will stand up (feet and hands) for the weak and poor where there are abuses.

Glad Dad

     My son, if your heart is wise, 
     My own heart also will be glad.
     --Proverbs 23:15

That’s not so impressive, is it?
It is not one of those proverbs with a stinger, the kind that sets the reader up in the first line and then surprises them with a sharp and piercing dart of truth in the next.

However, let’s consider what the father did NOT tell his son:

My son, if you have fine clothes, 
My own heart also will be glad.

My son, if you drive a nice chariot (car), 
My own heart also will be glad.

My son, if you marry a beautiful woman, 
My own heart also will be glad.

My son, if you accumulate wealth, 
My own heart also will be glad.

My son, if your heart is full of laughter, 
My own heart also will be glad.

My son, if you have many friends, 

My own heart also will be glad.

My son, if your life is filled of entertainment,
My own heart also will be glad.
My son, if your career is on track, 
My own heart also will be glad.

My son, if you are a man of great power, 
My own heart also will be glad.

Wisdom:
     My son, if your heart is wise, 
     My own heart also will be glad.

Dads, what will make you glad?
Give good, godly advice to your son (children).

Bring It

   Apply your heart to discipline, 
   And your ears to words of knowledge.
   --Proverbs 23:12

In most English translations this proverb begins with the word ‘apply.’ It is a good translation of one of the most common Hebrew words in the Old Testament. The general meaning of the word is: to come, or to bring.

Does the idea of ‘bringing’ create a picture in your mind?
   Bring your heart to discipline,
   Bring your ears to words of knowledge.

Does 'bringing' emphasize the fact that you are the one who possesses your heart? That you are in control of your ears?

If you are to learn and grow in wisdom, you are the one who must take the initiative to ‘bring’ your heart and ‘bring’ your ears.

This proverb does not emphasize a conceptual application of wisdom and knowledge. Rather, it emphasizes the task of getting your heart and ears to the place where discipline and knowledge are taught...and I think we recognize that the 'place' will not be found on a map.

Have you brought your heart to God’s school of discipline and instruction?
Bring it.
Have you brought your ears to God’s school of knowledge?
Bring it.

Don't you think it is time to make a step forward?

Think. Think! THINK!

It is a well-known proverb that has prompted many motivational speeches, articles, and even books.

   “As a man thinketh in his heart, so is he.”

Just wait until you read the whole verse along with the preceding verse and the one immediately following. You are likely to get a very different picture. Ready?

   Do not eat the bread of a selfish man, 
      Or desire his delicacies;
   For as he thinks within himself, 
      so he is. 
   He says to you, "Eat and drink!" 
      But his heart is not with you.
   You will vomit up the morsel you have eaten, 
      And waste your compliments.
   --Proverbs 23:6-8

It is not a passage about the ‘power of positive thinking’ or the 'law of attraction.' It doesn’t really send you into a higher plane of thought to help you overcome the obstacles of pessimism. Nor does it sound like the beloved golden nugget of divine motivation as many have suggested. In reality, it is a simple saying that might actually turn your stomach. So, is there even a dry crumb of wisdom for us?

The proverb is about eating at the table of a selfish wealthy man. (Begin in verse 1 for the full context.) When it comes to riches and those who are rich, humans tend to be like a bug in the night that flies into the light. Most people are drawn toward wealth and they honor those who are wealthy in various ways. It is easy to be mesmerized by wealth and overlook the character of a wealthy person.

In this proverb, the simple warning is to be cautious when being entertained by a selfish wealthy person. He may speak with a generous tongue yet without a generous heart. So, do not be taken in and deceived by what your eyes see and by what your ears hear.

The point is that we must use discernment when the distraction of wealth is around us. Do not be deceived by another man’s wealth. Do not be lured in by the promises of a selfish man.

Think. Think! THINK!