January 16, 2024

Why Christian Friends Shouldn't Be Taken for Granted

Proverbs 13

John Matlack
Tuesday's Devo

January 16, 2024

Tuesday's Devo

January 16, 2024

Tuesday's Devo

January 16, 2024

Tuesday's Devo

January 16, 2024

Big Book Idea

Living wisely; God's way.

Key Verse | Proverbs 13:20

Whoever walks with the wise becomes wise, but the companion of fools will suffer harm.

Proverbs 13

1  A wise son hears his father's instruction,
    but a scoffer does not listen to rebuke.
2  From the fruit of his mouth a man eats what is good,
    but the desire of the treacherous is for violence.
3  Whoever guards his mouth preserves his life;
    he who opens wide his lips comes to ruin.
4  The soul of the sluggard craves and gets nothing,
    while the soul of the diligent is richly supplied.
5  The righteous hates falsehood,
    but the wicked brings shame 1 13:5 Or stench and disgrace.
6  Righteousness guards him whose way is blameless,
    but sin overthrows the wicked.
7  One pretends to be rich, 2 13:7 Or One makes himself rich yet has nothing;
    another pretends to be poor, 3 13:7 Or another makes himself poor yet has great wealth.
8  The ransom of a man's life is his wealth,
    but a poor man hears no threat.
9  The light of the righteous rejoices,
    but the lamp of the wicked will be put out.
10  By insolence comes nothing but strife,
    but with those who take advice is wisdom.
11  Wealth gained hastily 4 13:11 Or by fraud will dwindle,
    but whoever gathers little by little will increase it.
12  Hope deferred makes the heart sick,
    but a desire fulfilled is a tree of life.
13  Whoever despises the word 5 13:13 Or a word brings destruction on himself,
    but he who reveres the commandment 6 13:13 Or a commandment will be rewarded.
14  The teaching of the wise is a fountain of life,
    that one may turn away from the snares of death.
15  Good sense wins favor,
    but the way of the treacherous is their ruin. 7 13:15 Probable reading (compare Septuagint, Syriac, Vulgate); Hebrew is rugged, or is an enduring rut
16  Every prudent man acts with knowledge,
    but a fool flaunts his folly.
17  A wicked messenger falls into trouble,
    but a faithful envoy brings healing.
18  Poverty and disgrace come to him who ignores instruction,
    but whoever heeds reproof is honored.
19  A desire fulfilled is sweet to the soul,
    but to turn away from evil is an abomination to fools.
20  Whoever walks with the wise becomes wise,
    but the companion of fools will suffer harm.
21  Disaster 8 13:21 Or Evil pursues sinners,
    but the righteous are rewarded with good.
22  A good man leaves an inheritance to his children's children,
    but the sinner's wealth is laid up for the righteous.
23  The fallow ground of the poor would yield much food,
    but it is swept away through injustice.
24  Whoever spares the rod hates his son,
    but he who loves him is diligent to discipline him. 9 13:24 Or who loves him disciplines him early
25  The righteous has enough to satisfy his appetite,
    but the belly of the wicked suffers want.

Footnotes

[1] 13:5 Or stench
[2] 13:7 Or One makes himself rich
[3] 13:7 Or another makes himself poor
[4] 13:11 Or by fraud
[5] 13:13 Or a word
[6] 13:13 Or a commandment
[7] 13:15 Probable reading (compare Septuagint, Syriac, Vulgate); Hebrew is rugged, or is an enduring rut
[8] 13:21 Or Evil
[9] 13:24 Or who loves him disciplines him early
Table of Contents
Introduction to Proverbs

Introduction to Proverbs

Timeline

Author and Date

Proverbs itself mentions Solomon (reigned c. 971–931 B.C.) as author or collector of its contents (1:1; 10:1), including the proverbs copied by Hezekiah’s men (25:1). There are also two batches of sayings from a group called “the wise” (22:17–24:22; 24:23–34), and “oracles” from Agur (30:1–33) and Lemuel (31:1–9). No author is named for the song in praise of the excellent wife that ends the book (31:10–31). Although Proverbs was begun in the time of Solomon, it probably was not in its present form until the time of Hezekiah (reigned c. 715–686 B.C.).

Theme

The goal of the book is stated right at the beginning (1:1–7): to describe what wisdom is and to help God’s people become wise. Wisdom is founded in the “fear of the Lord,” and it enables believers to express their faith in the practical details of everyday life.

Audience

The book is addressed to a young man. The situations he will face while he is young receive much attention. These situations supply concrete examples from which all readers can apply lessons to their own lives. Anyone who is wise and who pays attention will benefit (1:5) from this instruction.

Reading Proverbs

The reader of Proverbs must seek to understand the various types of people the book describes. The most obvious characters in the book are the wise, the fool, and the simple. Proverbs urges its readers to be wise, which means embracing God’s covenant and living out the covenant in everyday situations (compare 2:2; 10:1). The fool is the person who constantly opposes God’s covenant (1:7b). The simple is the person who is not firmly committed, either to wisdom or to folly; he is easily misled (14:15).

The first nine chapters of Proverbs are “wisdom poems” that urge the reader to pursue wisdom. The main section of Proverbs—the concise, memorable statements of two or three lines—begins in 10:1. Proverbs often seem to be mere observations about life, but their deeper meanings will reveal themselves if the following questions are kept in mind: (1) What virtue does this proverb commend? (2) What vice does it disapprove of? (3) What value does it affirm?

Key Themes

Proverbs offers wisdom on a wide array of topics from daily life: diligence and laziness (6:6–11); friendship (3:27–28; 18:24); speech (10:19–21); marriage (18:22; 19:14); child rearing (22:6); domestic peace (15:17; 17:1); work (11:1); getting along and good manners (23:1–2; 25:16–17; 26:17–19; 27:14); eternity (14:32; 23:17–18); and much more. It shows that “godliness is of value in every way, as it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come” (1 Tim. 4:8).

  1. God’s will is intensely practical, applying to every aspect of life. A proper relation to God involves trying hard to understand his truth, and then embracing and obeying that truth.
  2. A life lived by God’s will is a happy life (3:21–26).
  3. A life lived by God’s will is a useful life (3:27–28; 12:18, 25).
  4. A life lived by God’s will does not just happen. One must seek after it (9:1–6).

Outline

  1. Title, Goal, and Motto (1:1–7)
  2. A Father’s Invitation to Wisdom (1:8–9:18)
  3. Proverbs of Solomon (10:1–22:16)
  4. The Thirty Sayings of “the Wise” (22:17–24:22)
  5. Further Sayings of “the Wise” (24:23–34)
  6. Hezekiah’s Collection of Solomonic Proverbs (25:1–29:27)
  7. The Sayings of Agur (30:1–33)
  8. The Sayings of King Lemuel (31:1–9)
  9. An Alphabet of Womanly Excellence (31:10–31)
The Global Message of Proverbs

The Global Message of Proverbs

Proverbs: Wisdom for the World

The book of Proverbs is not simply a collection of “wise sayings” for life. It is heaven-sent help for stumbling sinners all over the world from every walk of life who are willing to listen to something other than their own fallen instincts. The “fool” in Proverbs is not someone who lacks intellectual capacity but one who stubbornly lives out of his own fallen intuitions, resisting instruction and correction. Likewise, the wise person in Proverbs is not someone who is intellectually superior but someone who humbly places himself beneath the authority of God. Such wisdom is for all God’s people everywhere.

In his great mercy God has clearly shown wisdom to the world—both through the instruction of his Word and in the person of his Son. The book of Proverbs summarizes true wisdom as rooted in the “fear of the LORD” (Prov. 1:7). In Jesus such wisdom takes on new clarity and glory as the one who is the “wisdom of God” (1 Cor. 1:24) and who “became to us wisdom from God” (1 Cor. 1:30). God’s global people are to receive such wise instruction, to base their wise living in the fear and worship of God, and to testify to a lost world about God’s saving wisdom.

God’s Wisdom Is Theological and Practical

In one sense wisdom is very much universal. It is difficult to find a culture or tradition without its own legacy of wise sayings. Some of these are culture-specific; others reflect the shared human experience.

Scripture’s admonition and exhortation about wisdom, however, is clear. Our faith is not to rest on man’s wisdom but is to be rooted in God’s power (1 Cor. 2:5). The wisdom of this world is “folly with God” (1 Cor. 3:19). Ultimate wisdom is from God (1 Cor. 1:30) and is revealed by God (1 Cor. 2:7). True wisdom is theological and God-given. Those who lack wisdom are to “ask God” for it (James 1:5). It is the Lord who gives wisdom (Prov. 2:6). In Proverbs 9:10 God’s people are reminded again that, “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is insight” (compare 1:7). True wisdom is not the handy tips for life that get handed down from generation to generation among those who do not know God. True wisdom is divine. It is rooted in God’s own saving revelation to his people.

God’s wisdom is not only theological; it is also practical. Indeed, wisdom is practical because it is theological. Theology impacts daily life, and this is clearly seen in the instruction of Proverbs. Everyday life issues are addressed, including parental relations (Prov. 10:1; 15:20; 19:26; 23:25), marriage (5:18; 12:4; 18:22; 19:13–14; 31:10), money (3:9; 10:4; 11:1; 15:16; 16:11), and the power and danger of words (4:5; 7:5; 10:19; 16:24; 17:27). These are life issues that affect people of every age and place. Proverbs provides a picture of both the blessed life grounded in the fear of the Lord and the danger-filled and foolish life of those who despise the Lord’s wisdom and instruction (1:7).

God’s Wisdom Is Individual and Global

Individual wisdom. For every person, in every place, in every time, the message of Proverbs rings true: “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom” (Prov. 9:10). Wisdom from above is not mere advice or pithy sayings. Rather, the worthiest and most blessed advice flows from God, when he has his proper central place in the heart and worship of each individual created by his hand and in his image.

Global wisdom. The message of Proverbs is also global. This is true, first, because only God’s wisdom comprehensively instructs and skillfully dissects with perfect insight the hearts of mankind from every place and for every time. God’s wisdom is global, second, in that God’s global people are called to global engagement and a global mission. The Lord is not a tribal god. The teaching of Proverbs is not tribal lore. God’s wisdom is eternal and global. And God’s people are called to be instruments, through word and deed, of teaching his wisdom to the world. Those who are wise in God represent God to the world. For example, the wise exhibit generosity to the poor and the needy (Prov. 14:21, 31). The wise in God speak enduring and reliable wisdom to a world desperately looking for life-giving counsel. The wise in God feed even their own enemies (25:21).

Taking God’s Saving Wisdom to the World

In the book of Proverbs the Lord has equipped his people to fulfill his global and eternal purposes. God’s purpose is to reveal himself to and then through a people who will bring eternal blessing to the world, and that purpose is still unfolding around the world today (Matt. 28:18–20). In his kindness God has made known both the path of the wicked (Prov. 4:14) and the path of righteousness (12:28). The one leads to destruction and the other to life (11:19).

When love and grace is observed by the world in the lives of God’s people and supremely in the cross of Christ, it is indeed “folly” to them (1 Cor. 1:18, 21). But “the foolishness of God is wiser than men, and the weakness of God is stronger than men” (1 Cor. 1:25). The wise in God share the good news of the wisdom of God in the gospel of Christ with nations both near and far. Such sharing, when it lands on receptive ears, is “like cold water to a thirsty soul” (Prov. 25:25).In grace God is opening blind eyes through the gospel to his glorious wisdom. In grace he has shown us and empowered us toward a life of God-honoring, upright living. In grace he will use us as his global ambassadors till the day we join in the angelic choir proclaiming, “Amen! Blessing and glory and wisdom and thanksgiving and honor and power and might be to our God forever and ever! Amen” (Rev. 7:12).

Job Fact #9: Proverbs in Job

Fact: Proverbs in Job

Proverbs in Job. In 17:5, Job may have been quoting a proverb to warn his friends not to make false accusations against him. Proverbs are an effective and memorable way of stating a truth. The book of Proverbs is a rich resource of such wisdom.

Proverbs Fact #1: Wisdom

Fact: Wisdom

Wisdom is a key term in Job, Proverbs, and Ecclesiastes. The word can mean “skilled at making sound decisions in life.” Proverbs 9:10 states that “the fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom.”

Proverbs Fact #4: Garlands

Fact: Garlands

Garlands were wreaths woven from leaves and flowers. They were worn around the head or neck during various celebrations such as weddings. They were also symbols of honor for military success. In Proverbs, they symbolize the honor that comes from following the way of wisdom (4:9).

Proverbs Fact #7: The simple person

Fact: The simple person

The simple person (7:7) is one of the primary character types described in the book of Proverbs. The term describes someone who is immature and easily misled (14:15).

Proverbs Fact #10: A different kind of security

Fact: A different kind of security

A different kind of security. In biblical times, if a person was unable to pay his debt, the consequences could be serious. The whole family could be sold into slavery. If someone put up “security” for another person, he promised to pay that person’s debt if he was unable to do so himself. Proverbs teaches that putting up security for another person is generally unwise, since those who do so risk losing everything if the other person cannot pay his debt (11:15).

Proverbs Fact #27: Gluttony

Fact: Gluttony

Gluttony refers to excessive eating. The Bible condemns gluttony as well as drunkenness. Proverbs teaches that eating and drinking in excess can lead to poverty (23:19–21).

Proverbs Fact #28: Hezekiah’s contribution to Proverbs

Fact: Hezekiah’s contribution to Proverbs

Hezekiah’s contribution to Proverbs. Although most of the Proverbs were collected or written by King Solomon, who reigned from 971–931 B.C., the book of Proverbs did not exist in its present form until the time of King Hezekiah, some 200 years later. Hezekiah and “his men,” probably his scribes, recorded chs. 25–29.

Proverbs Fact #29: Rock badgers

Fact: Rock badgers

Rock badgers are small cliff-dwelling animals closely resembling guinea pigs. They live and forage for food in large groups and are good at hiding. They are best known for posting sentries that alert the group when danger is near. Perhaps it was this mark of wisdom that earned them a mention in Proverbs (30:26).

Proverbs Fact #12: What does it mean to be prudent?

Fact: What does it mean to be prudent?

What does it mean to be prudent? The “prudent” person (13:16) is one who uses good sense. A prudent person carefully thinks through situations and their possible consequences and acts accordingly. Prudence also involves carefully managing resources so that one has what is needed in the future.

OT Testimony that All Are under Sin (3:9)

OT Testimony that All Are under Sin (3:9)

Romans 3 OT Reference
Sinful Condition
v. 10, none is righteous Ps. 14:3/53:3; Eccles. 7:20
v. 11a, no one understands Ps. 14:2/53:2
v. 11b, no one seeks for God Ps. 14:2/53:2
v. 12, all have turned aside; together they have become worthless; no one does good, not even one Ps. 14:3/53:3
Sinful Speech (note progression from throat to tongue to lips)
v. 13a, b, their throat is an open grave; they use their tongues to deceive Ps. 5:10, Septuagint (English, 5:9)
v. 13c, the venom of asps is under their lips Ps. 140:3
v. 14, their mouth is full of curses and bitterness Ps. 10:7
Sinful Action
v. 15, their feet are swift to shed blood Prov. 1:16/Isa. 59:7
v. 16, in their paths are ruin and misery Isa. 59:7
v. 17, and the way of peace they have not known Isa. 59:8
Summary Statement
v. 18, there is no fear of God before their eyes Ps. 36:1
Study Notes

Prov. 13:1–6 The present section of Proverbs (10:1–22:16) began with a call to be a wise son (compare 10:1). This present sub-section (13:1–6) uses word play (compare 10:6–32) relating to speech (hears/listen, 13:1; mouth, vv. 2–3; lips, v. 3; falsehood, v. 5) and eating or desire (eats, v. 2; desire, v. 2; craves and richly supplied, v. 4). Those who seek to guard their mouth (v. 3) through righteousness (v. 6) are assured that such a path will have a positive impact on their heart and actions.

Study Notes

Prov. 13:9 The images of light and lamp refer to a person’s joy, energy, and visible success in life, all of which cause the righteous to rejoice. For the wicked, this light will be put out. This may also imply the actual end of life for the wicked (compare 24:20).

Study Notes

Prov. 13:11 Wealth gained hastily will dwindle. The person who receives sudden wealth has not worked for it enough to understand its value and has not gained sufficient skill in managing it (see 28:20). By contrast, Proverbs prefers diligent, patient, careful labor that will increase wealth over time.

Study Notes
Proverbs Fact #12: What does it mean to be prudent?

Fact: What does it mean to be prudent?

What does it mean to be prudent? The “prudent” person (13:16) is one who uses good sense. A prudent person carefully thinks through situations and their possible consequences and acts accordingly. Prudence also involves carefully managing resources so that one has what is needed in the future.

Study Notes

Prov. 13:23 The causes of poverty are complex. It can be caused by injustice and oppression (as here; compare 22:16; 28:3, 15); by laziness (6:9–11; 28:19); by God’s punishment on wickedness (10:2–3; 13:25); or by his mysterious providence (e.g., 22:2).

Study Notes

Prov. 13:24 Physical discipline is a common theme in Proverbs (e.g., 10:13; 17:10; 22:15; 23:13–24; 29:15). It is viewed as an important part of training of a child: to teach him to avoid wrong behavior, to embrace what is right, and to build godly character. See Heb. 12:5–11.

Study Notes

Prov. 13:22–25 Walking with the wise (see vv. 20–21) includes caring for children by providing both a material inheritance and moral discipline.

S3:012 Proverbs 13

Listen Now

Dive Deeper | Proverbs 13

We all may have lots of friends and acquaintances in life, but if we're being honest, there may only be a few who fall in the category of wise. In the book of Proverbs, Solomon, the author, describes what wisdom looks like, how to gain it, and the importance of surrounding yourself with those who are wise. It is essential that you are careful when you decide whom you spend most of your time with, because your friends will influence you no matter what, whether for good or for bad.

In Proverbs 13:1, Solomon writes, "A wise son hears his father's instruction, but a scoffer does not listen to rebuke." Through wisdom from God, Solomon is instructing us to listen to and follow those who are wise. Those people could be our parents, our community groups, church leaders, biblical friends, and, most importantly, our wise Savior Jesus Christ. Paul summarizes his message in 1 Corinthians 1:23-24 by describing Jesus:

[B]ut we preach Christ crucified, a stumbling block to Jews and folly to Gentiles, but to those who are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God." (emphasis added)

It is crucial that we don't take those wise friends and family for granted. They will be there to speak the truth, give us biblical advice and insight, and warn us of pitfalls ahead that we may not see. There is an old saying that goes, "You are the company you keep." That saying really highlights for me what Solomon writes in Proverbs 13:20, "Whoever walks with the wise becomes wise, but the companion of fools will suffer harm." In my life, walking with the wise looks like surrounding myself with the wise counsel of my Bible study group, my parents, and my Shoreline leaders, who all help keep me accountable and make wise decisions.

This month's memory verse

with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love,

– Ephesians 4:2

Discussion Questions

1. Who are the biblically wise friends in your life?

2. Do you tend to seek wise counsel before you make a big decision, or do you go to them after you have already made the decision? Why?

3.  Why is it important that the people you surround yourself with be biblically wise? Use Proverbs 11:14 for reference: "Where there is no guidance, a people falls, but in an abundance of counselors there is safety."

As we gear up to release even more features for Join The Journey in 2025, our staff team, unfortunately, no longer has the margin to continue to support the comment functionality. We have big things in store for Join The Journey 2025. Stay tuned!

MS

Michael Scaman

Weather Report for the twin cities of Righteous and Unrighteous - Proverbs 13 as if by Paul Bunyan In Righteous, where fair weather graces the day with wisdom showers, there's a heartwarming tale of a farmer named Ezra. His friends say despite facing adversities, Ezra's crops flourished, a testament to the bountiful harvests promised in the forecast. Contrastingly, Unrighteous is under storm warnings, and amidst the tempest of folly, there's a poignant story of a wayward soul named Clara. She navigates the turbulent waves of insolence, seeking refuge in the shadows of wisdom to find redemption in her journey. Sadly, she has no friends. Freezing weather is one thing, a cold front of coldheartedness worse. As the friendly community of Righteous revel in the joyous weather outlook, unfortunately, there's a flickering lamp in Unrighteous. Meet Samuel, a man grappling with scattered troubles, yet yearning for the light that wisdom can bring to his path. Righteous enjoys an enduring season of good and plenty, satisfying appetites like those of Amelia, a local chef renowned for creating dishes with a dash of wisdom that delight the community. Meanwhile, in Unrighteous, the famine of virtue leaves the belly of the wicked in perpetual want, a stark contrast to the abundance experienced by their righteous counterparts. In the atmospheric pressure of discipline, Righteous is guided by the story of Thomas, a home school parent and firm believer in the virtues of hard work and patience. Spare the rod and spoil the child, he says. Many an eyebrow raised over his "politically incorrect" views. On the flip side, Unrighteous faces potential storms, with tales of tornados of trouble on the horizon for those lacking guidance. According to a local saying "You don't look for trouble here. Trouble looks for you!" So, walk with the wise, and stay tuned as the personal stories of virtue and folly intricately shape the landscapes of Righteous and Unrighteous, each tale a unique thread in the glory of God.
MS

Michael Sisson

Re: Pr 13:13 Proverbs 13:13 (ESV) >>>Whoever despises the word brings destruction on himself,<<< but he who reveres the commandment will be rewarded. cf. Jn 1:1-5,11; 15:18, 25
HS

Hugh Stephenson

@Michale Scaman- keep it up. Love these posts. ------------------------------------------------------ What is an accurate definition of “inheritance”? At least part of it is whatever life wisdom the father has acquired and is able to pass on to his children- The opening verse in this chapter has my attention- 1 A wise son hears his father's instruction,
 but a scoffer does not listen to rebuke. It leads me right to this prayer from General Douglas MacArthur A FATHER’S PRAYER “ Build me a son, O Lord, who will be strong enough to know when he is weak, brave enough to face himself when he is afraid, one who will be proud and unbending in honest defeat, and humble and gentle in victory. Build me a son, O Lord, whose wishes will not take the place of deeds; a son who will know Thee - and that to know himself is the foundation stone of knowledge. Lead him I pray, not in the path of ease and comfort, but under the stress and spur of difficulties and challenge. Here let him learn and stand up in the storm, here let him learn compassion for those who fail. Build me a son whose heart will be clear, whose goals will be high, a son who will master himself before he seeks to master others... one who will reach into the future yet never forget the past. And after all these things, add, I pray, enough of a sense of humor, so that he may always be serious, yet never take himself too seriously. Give him humility so that he may always remember the simplicity of true greatness, the open mind of true wisdom, and the meekness of true strength. Then I, his father, will dare to whisper, ‘I have not lived my life in vain.’ General Douglas McArthur. ——————————- I link this prayer with verses 11 and 22- 11 Wealth gained hastily will dwindle,
 but whoever gathers little by little will increase it. 22 A good man leaves an inheritance to his children's children,
 but the sinner's wealth is laid up for the righteous. Several takeaways - Personally, I have a long list of examples of the truth of verse 11. There are many stories about people who win millions of dollars in a lottery and whose life is ruined by it. Many times in my career I have been introduced to a person who has come into a large inheritance. The truth of verse 11a is that they have acquired money but not the wisdom in handling it. Usually those persons do not wind-up being clients as we see a “proverb” of Warren Buffett playing out, (paraphrased). “Your investment success will largely be determined by your temperament”.
HS

Hugh Stephenson

So MacArthur’s prayer is largely dependent on two factors- -How dedicated was the father in acquiring and passing on wisdom. -How receptive was the son in learning it. Adding a tragic example- Solomon clearly had wisdom but lost focus via his accumulation of wives and wealth. Regardless of his efforts to educate his son Rehoboam…it didn’t take. Neither did any efforts with his official, Jeroboam. The results were disastrous. https://www.gotquestions.org/King-Rehoboam.html https://www.gotquestions.org/Rehoboam-and-Jeroboam.html John Rockefeller was quoted as saying that he tried to learn from his mistakes. And also that he tried to learn from others’ mistakes because he wouldn’t make them all himself. Constable on this subject- "It is part of true wisdom to own that the more experienced may save me much by instructing me as a result of what has been learned of a road already trodden, and which to me is all new ground. The self-confident scorner will pass on, indifferent to the words of the wise, to learn for himself by bitter experience of the snares and pitfalls he might have been saved from, had he been humble enough to accept counsel from those competent to teach."[378] ——————————————————— Back to defining an inheritance- I am taught that in the ancient world an inheritance was arable land that could be used to produce food for the son’s family. I like this idea because it requires the son and his family to work the land with skill, knowledge, and prudence. Randy Alcorn posits that in the current day the equivalent is providing an education that enables the son to provide for himself and his family. I like this idea also. “The "inheritance" that "a good person leaves" to his grandchildren is an honorable reputation and a good example—at least. Money is not necessarily involved. Cecil Rhodes is reported to have said that the worst thing parents can do for their children is to leave them a lot of money. He evidently believed that everyone should have to learn to make his or her own money, rather than living off what someone else had made.[393] However, the second line of this proverb intimates that "wealth" is at least part of the inheritance that was in the mind of Solomon. David left a godly legacy by which all of the succeeding kings of Judah were measured (1 Kings 11:4; et al). He also left Solomon great wealth, which proved to be a mixed blessing.” Constable’s Notes https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cecil_Rhodes
HS

Hugh Stephenson

So, I think Proverbs advocates viewing an “inheritance” as much, much more than material wealth. A father and mother must make every effort to teach wisdom. And not secular wisdom but God’s wisdom. Importantly, they can only control their efforts, i.e., “the inputs”. They don’t control how the child responds to the teaching and examples. Those are “outputs” and they’re God’s job, not the parents’. In the final analysis that is all they can do. The rest is up to the child and to the sovereignty of God. Constable notes- “Outcomes are contrasted again in this proverb. The result of making friends with, and keeping company with, wise people is that one becomes wiser himself. But the result of spending a lot of time with (being a "companion of") "fools," is that "harm" eventually befalls him or her (cf. 1 Cor. 15:33). Paul's fellow missionaries demonstrated wisdom that they learned in part from keeping company with him (cf. 2 Tim. 2:2). King Jehoshaphat got into trouble for keeping too close company with wicked King Ahab (1 Kings 22).” ————————————————————————————————————————————————————— Our children are 33, 31, and 26. We are still very attentive to our role regarding “inputs”. I’d say the “outcomes” are positive at this point as the chaos of the prodigal season seems to have waned. God gets 100% of the credit for that. But it’s still too early to tell. Which is why I orient to MacArthur’s prayer.
GJ

greg jones

Hey John, some question the wisdom of running when you’re not being chased…just kidding. I’m a huge old xc fan. I miss early fall Saturday mornings and driving across the metroplex to watch a cross country meet and making an annual pilgrimage in November to Round Rock for the state meet. Great deeper dive this morning. In response to Q1 I have a friend who I share a connection with through a group who is both biblically wise and biblically knowledgeable. Her name is Cynthia Schafer-Elliot she’s an Associate Professor Hebrew Bible/Old Testament at Baylor University. She is also a field archaeologist and is over a section of the dig at Tel Abel Beth Maacah in Israel (2 Samuel 20, 1 Kings 15:20, 2 Kings 15:29) which makes her pretty cool although she primarily considers herself just a bible nerd. Her primary research focuses on how the everyday people of Israel and Judah lived their lives and how aware they are of written records being recorded about them during the time of the monarchies. Who is Proverbs written for and taught to would fall under that domain as well. Most researchers agree that the book was originally intended for certain young men or adolescent boys who were about to enter into a life that would reflect some kind of elite court service. Another thing researchers notice is that there is a section of Proverbs that reads too closely to a section of a widely known (widely known to researchers) Egyptian wisdom text written by a guy named Amenemope to be just a coincidence. I consider knowledge of an originally small limited readership secondary to what John has been taught and is teaching today. But knowing that Proverbs in its original forms probably had a narrow specific audience in mind rather than a more general audience helps me process some of the sections of proverbs a little better. It’s the same with the idea that a portion might have come from an outside Egyptian text. In my mind it doesn’t make it any less inspired than allowing Hagar, Abraham’s Egyptian wife, to give God a name. (Genesis 16:13.) Thanks again for a great deeper dive this morning.
LD

Lindsey Driscoll

@hughstephenson1611 Great comments today regarding parenting. My husband Steve just started memorizing Proverbs 13:20 with our 4 year old son. We see the affects of parenting separate from Gods wisdom in our immediate family - specifically all the things Proverbs 13 addresses -and this passage brings hope for me but also so much sadness. Thank you for the encouragement as parents in “little land.” John, thanks for sharing how you see walking with those wise in Gods ways to be a great blessing. Praise God that you see this at a young age! I pray that over my children as well. Q3 - why is it important that the people I surround myself with are biblically wise? In all of Proverbs 13 I see these things addressed: pride, diligence, stewardship, our words, parenting, friendships. Surrounding myself with biblically wise people will change the outcomes of these areas in my life. A question for me to ask myself is which of these areas am I not listening to wisdom? Or am I imputing voices that are outside Gods wisdom? (Read: podcasts, blogs, etc.)
SB

Sue Bohlin

Your devo shows that you've been hanging out with wise people, John. Well done! I appreciate vs. 24, "Whoever spares the rod hates their children, but the one who loves their children is careful to discipline them." The Bible has a wide range of meanings of "hate" that we need to take into account, rather than being twisted by the current usage in our culture (which has come down to "disagree with"). Here we see that hating children can mean taking the easy path of avoiding the conflict of disciplining them (because of not understanding the call to DISCIPLE them). "Sparing the rod" isn't limited to corporal punishment; it can also refer to letting painful consequences of foolish choices be the best teacher. The problem is that when we let our children experience painful consequences, the pain isn't limited to them! It tends to overflow and make our lives difficult as well. When parents and others in authority allow children (of various ages) to get away with poor choices and behaviors in the short run, it is not loving or kind. It's a biblical kind of hate. Because those poor choices and behaviors will create bad thinking habits, bad character, and later misery. Unfortunately, not limited to themselves. It affects the people around them as well.
AL

Amy Lowther

1. God and Jesus are wise friends. They are willing to help anyone and everyone when everything seems impossible. 2. Going to God is best and is always a priority for me. God helps me place life amongst the grass, trees, sun, and sky. God helps me be healthier and less materialistic. 3. It’s a great option for everybody to use. It’s a better option than one person trying to help everybody. Everybody can help each other and go to God if something goes wrong. John - Thank you for sharing your ideas. You make a good point in saying “It is essential that you are careful when you decide whom you spend most of your time with, because your friends will influence you no matter what, whether for good or for bad”. Incorporating God’s advice in your decisions can help ensure you are taking care of yourself, your opportunities, and others.