January 31, 2024

Is It Wrong to Want to Seek Revenge?

Proverbs 24

Bibani Templeton
Wednesday's Devo

January 31, 2024

Wednesday's Devo

January 31, 2024

Wednesday's Devo

January 31, 2024

Wednesday's Devo

January 31, 2024

Big Book Idea

Living wisely—God's way.

Key Verse | Proverbs 24:29

Do not say, "I will do to him as he has done to me;
I will pay the man back for what he has done."

Proverbs 24

1  Be not envious of evil men,
    nor desire to be with them,
2  for their hearts devise violence,
    and their lips talk of trouble.

3  By wisdom a house is built,
    and by understanding it is established;
4  by knowledge the rooms are filled
    with all precious and pleasant riches.
5  A wise man is full of strength,
    and a man of knowledge enhances his might,
6  for by wise guidance you can wage your war,
    and in abundance of counselors there is victory.
7  Wisdom is too high for a fool;
    in the gate he does not open his mouth.

8  Whoever plans to do evil
    will be called a schemer.
9  The devising 1 24:9 Or scheming of folly is sin,
    and the scoffer is an abomination to mankind.

10  If you faint in the day of adversity,
    your strength is small.
11  Rescue those who are being taken away to death;
    hold back those who are stumbling to the slaughter.
12  If you say, “Behold, we did not know this,”
    does not he who weighs the heart perceive it?
Does not he who keeps watch over your soul know it,
    and will he not repay man according to his work?

13  My son, eat honey, for it is good,
    and the drippings of the honeycomb are sweet to your taste.
14  Know that wisdom is such to your soul;
    if you find it, there will be a future,
    and your hope will not be cut off.

15  Lie not in wait as a wicked man against the dwelling of the righteous;
    do no violence to his home;
16  for the righteous falls seven times and rises again,
    but the wicked stumble in times of calamity.

17  Do not rejoice when your enemy falls,
    and let not your heart be glad when he stumbles,
18  lest the LORD see it and be displeased,
    and turn away his anger from him.

19  Fret not yourself because of evildoers,
    and be not envious of the wicked,
20  for the evil man has no future;
    the lamp of the wicked will be put out.

21  My son, fear the LORD and the king,
    and do not join with those who do otherwise,
22  for disaster will arise suddenly from them,
    and who knows the ruin that will come from them both?

More Sayings of the Wise

23 These also are sayings of the wise.

Partiality in judging is not good.
24  Whoever says to the wicked, “You are in the right,”
    will be cursed by peoples, abhorred by nations,
25  but those who rebuke the wicked will have delight,
    and a good blessing will come upon them.
26  Whoever gives an honest answer
    kisses the lips.

27  Prepare your work outside;
    get everything ready for yourself in the field,
    and after that build your house.

28  Be not a witness against your neighbor without cause,
    and do not deceive with your lips.
29  Do not say, “I will do to him as he has done to me;
    I will pay the man back for what he has done.”

30  I passed by the field of a sluggard,
    by the vineyard of a man lacking sense,
31  and behold, it was all overgrown with thorns;
    the ground was covered with nettles,
    and its stone wall was broken down.
32  Then I saw and considered it;
    I looked and received instruction.
33  A little sleep, a little slumber,
    a little folding of the hands to rest,
34  and poverty will come upon you like a robber,
    and want like an armed man.

Footnotes

[1] 24:9 Or scheming
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 #23: Kisses the lips

Fact: Kisses the lips

The phrase kisses the lips in 24:26 probably has more to do with respect and friendly affection than with any idea of romance. The proverb teaches that speaking honestly to a person is one way of showing respect and affection.

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. 24:1–2 The young man’s friends can be the greatest threat to his moral life (see 23:17).

Study Notes

Prov. 24:3–4 The images of wisdom’s benefits (a house . . . built, established, and filled) include material provision in addition to a blessed family life. These are received by wisdom, understanding, and knowledge, which stem from the fear of the Lord. One’s priority should always be pursuing wisdom rather than riches.

Study Notes

Prov. 24:5–6 Wisdom is the source of true strength. Strength and might apart from wisdom will be ineffective. Wise guidance obtained from an abundance of counselors is the key to victory in any circumstance.

Study Notes

Prov. 24:7 Other proverbs indicate that the fool can never stop talking (e.g., 10:19; 13:3). The point here is that he is at a loss when a situation calls for serious thought.

Study Notes

Prov. 24:11–12 The one who embraces wisdom can never be content with merely seeking the well-being of himself or his family; he will seek justice as widely as he can.

Study Notes

Prov. 24:13–14 Just as honey is sweet to the taste and good for the body, so wisdom is pleasant to the soul that feeds on it (see v. 20; see note on 23:17–18).

Study Notes

Prov. 24:15–16 This warns against joining the wicked in injustice. Acting this way forms a person’s character in a way that will be unhelpful in calamity.

Study Notes

Prov. 24:17–18 Do not rejoice reflects the heart of God, who has no pleasure in the death of the wicked (see note on Ezek. 33:11).

Study Notes

Prov. 24:19–20 See Ps. 37:1.

Study Notes

Prov. 22:17–24:22 The Thirty Sayings of “the Wise.” This section easily divides into 30 distinct teachings, as indicated in 22:20. These reflect an awareness of the Egyptian wisdom text, The Instruction of Amenemope, dated to about 1250 B.C. The most significant difference between the two is the devotion to the Lord exhibited in Proverbs. The identity of “the wise” (22:17) is unknown. Perhaps they are the scholars who assembled these proverbs (possibly under Solomon’s sponsorship).

Prov. 24:21–22 Both God and the Davidic king appear in Proverbs as agents of wrath (see 14:35; 16:10–15; 19:12; 20:2). The young man should respect authority, both human and divine.

Study Notes

Prov. 24:26 The Hebrew phrase translated kisses the lips means that an honest answer treats the other person with both respect and affection. Note the appeals to honest speech in the surrounding text (vv. 23–25, 28–29).

Proverbs Fact #23: Kisses the lips

Fact: Kisses the lips

The phrase kisses the lips in 24:26 probably has more to do with respect and friendly affection than with any idea of romance. The proverb teaches that speaking honestly to a person is one way of showing respect and affection.

Study Notes

Prov. 24:23–34 Further Sayings of “the Wise.” (See note on 22:17–24:22.) These sayings are grouped in a parallel fashion, as follows:

A: justice in court (vv. 23–26)

     B: economy lesson for the home (v. 27)

A′: justice in court (vv. 28–29)

     B′: economy lesson for the home (vv. 30–34)

Prov. 24:30–34 These verses illustrate how proverbs are applied. Upon walking by a field and vineyard that has fallen into ruin through laziness (vv. 30–31), the observer rightly recognizes (v. 32) that the wise instruction he has heard about the sluggard applies to this situation (vv. 33–34 are identical to 6:10–11). Both the observer and the reader are encouraged to believe that ongoing labor is a part of the path of wisdom.

S3:023 Proverbs 24

Listen Now

Dive Deeper | Proverbs 24

I, like y'all, have to constantly remind myself that it is not up to me to seek revenge or vengeance. Do you remember Hannah Montana? There is an episode where Jackson accidentally tears up Miley's teddy bear. Miley then "accidentally" ruins Jackson's prized possession, a baseball autographed by Joey Vitolo. Miley wants to make sure Jackson feels the same pain she does, yet when she does it, she feels worse about the situation. There is no satisfaction in destroying his baseball. 

This chapter points us toward wisdom. We are learning to discern the way the Lord wants us to live: to live wisely—God's way. 

In 1 Thessalonians 5:15 we are instructed to seek to do good to one another and to everyone. Just because someone speaks evil or lies against us does not mean that we should speak evil and lie against them. When we have a forgiving heart toward others, not only is it good for them, it is good for us, too. 

Now I know you are thinking, how can I ever forgive (insert name)? It's simple. We are called to forgive those who have wronged us because He first forgave us (Ephesians 4:32). Not only is this an obligation, but this should be seen as a delight to do. If we are truly thankful for our own forgiveness, we should have no issue granting forgiveness to others again and again.   

This month's memory verse

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

– Ephesians 4:2

Discussion Questions

1.  Is there someone in your life whom you need to actively seek out and ask for forgiveness? Have you prayed and asked the Lord to change your mindset to be loving and glorifying toward Him? If not, take a minute now and talk to Him about the situation and see what He is asking you to do next. 

2. Is there a story in your life when the Lord has forgiven you, and you know you don't deserve it? Take a minute to reflect on it, and let it be a mark of remembrance when you have to forgive someone for doing something wrong to you.

3. Reach out to your community group and ask them if they would be willing to share a time when they had a hard time forgiving someone. Confess to, pray for, and encourage one another as you push each other closer to our Heavenly Father. (Hebrews 3:13 ; James 5:16)

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

For introverts Subject: Reflecting on Life's Wisdom, Justice, and Virtue: A Letter to My Younger Self based on Proverbs 24 Dear Younger Selft, As I look back on the chapters of my life, I want to share some significant insights on a life welll built that I wish someone had shared with me when I was in your shoes. Embrace Wisdom (Proverbs 24:3-4): Seek knowledge, trust your conscience, and allow the word of God to shape your feelings and thoughts. True wisdom guides the choices you make and sets the course for a meaningful journey. Pursue Justice and Mercy (Proverbs 24:11-12): Treat everyone with respect, be a voice against injustice, and find strength in lifting others up. Resist the temptation to judge people solely by their worst flaws; pursue genuine justice and mercy in every situation. Cultivate Virtue (Proverbs 24:17-18): Stay humble, act with integrity, treasure relationships, and avoid hasty judgments. Virtue is the compass that defines a life well-lived, providing a moral foundation for your actions. Beware of Evil Associations (Proverbs 24:1-2): Be cautious about the company you keep. Do not envy or desire to be with those who embrace evil, for their actions can influence your moral compass. Remember, your friends shape your moral journey significantly. Learn from the Sluggard (Proverbs 24:30-34): Walking by the field of a sluggard, overgrown and neglected, taught me valuable lessons. A little sleep, a little slumber, and folding of hands lead to poverty. Embrace diligence and consistent effort. Take a cue from the ant—there's wisdom in their industrious ways. Sincerely, Present Self
MS

Michael Scaman

For extroverts Advice on doing Building Projects togerther as if by Chip and Joana Gaines Craft a Trustworthy Posse, Y'all: Chip and Joanna would tell you, "Building's like a two-step – it's all about the right partner." Choose a team as reliable as grandma's apple pie recipe. Just like Proverbs says, avoid the troublemakers; you want a crew with hearts as steady as a front porch swing. Include kids where possible. Sprinkle Wisdom on Your Blueprints Like Sweet Tea: Joanna would say, "Designing ain't just walls and windows; it's like seasoning a pot of collard greens – wisdom makes everything better!" Let your project be a feast of quality and charm, just like Sunday dinner at grandma's house. Get More Advice Than a Summer Thunderstorm: Chip’s tool belt is never lonely, and your project shouldn't be either. Seek advice like you're swapping pie recipes at a church potluck (Proverbs 24:5–6). Wise counsel is the secret sauce to victory – and don't forget to share that victory dance with your crew! Silence Speaks Louder Than a Rooster at Dawn: When troubles brew, take a page from Joanna's book – let silence be your secret weapon. It's like a quilt of resilience, stitching together a project that rises after every stumble. Just like sitting on the porch watching the sunset, sometimes a bit of quiet is the sweetest melody. Giggle Through the Hammer Swings, Friend: Chip's philosophy is as Texan as a rodeo – if you ain't laughing, you ain't living! Find the humor in the sawdust and drywall; it's the honey on your biscuit (Proverbs 24:10). Your project, like a cozy country kitchen, should be filled with joy, warmth, and maybe a little friendly teasing. With these bits of country wisdom, your building project will be more charming than a front porch full of rocking chairs and as cozy as a quilt made by Granny herself. Y'all are in for a real Southern treat!
HS

Hugh Stephenson

Michael - Love the way you frame your comments!! --------------------------------------------------------------------- My key verse today is the opening verse: “If you faint in the day of adversity, your strength is small.” Paul speaks to adversity. I link also to Isaiah 30:20-21 and James 1:2-4 Romans 5:1 Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. 2 Through him we have also obtained access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and we rejoice in hope of the glory of God. 3 Not only that, but we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, 4 and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, 5 and hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us. This verse is a deep probe for me. I align strength with faith/trust. Where in my life is my strength/faith/trust small? Where has God tested me and seen me lacking? What work does He want me to do but I am not yet ready? My heart tells me my strength is small in letting go of the outcomes of my kids’ bad decisions. Too much of my identity is still wrapped up in how they are doing - and this is after almost 11 years in Prodigal! From Dr. C. - “Whereas this proverb appears on the surface to be a simple statement, it is really an earnest admonition to persevere. Elijah fled when Jezebel threatened him (1 Kings 19:2-4), but David strengthened himself in the Lord, and pressed on, when the people spoke of stoning him (1 Sam. 30:6).”
HS

Hugh Stephenson

Thinking a lot lately about “identity”. What is the story I am telling myself about myself? How accurate is it? How is it colored by past experiences as “sluggard, simpleton, fool, scoffer and even wicked? Or am I embracing what Paul tells me in Ephesians chapters 1-3? And David in Psalm 23 and Psalm 139? This goes to the heart of my journey in discipleship. I am consistently “pondering” the Three Big Questions, (TBQs). Who is God? Who am I? Why am I here? The core of my reflection is based on some version of these questions. Here are the verses that are the center of my reflections- 24:3-4 3 By wisdom a house is built,
 and by understanding it is established;
 4 by knowledge the rooms are filled
 with all precious and pleasant riches. 24:30-34 30 I passed by the field of a sluggard,
 by the vineyard of a man lacking sense,
 31 and behold, it was all overgrown with thorns;
 the ground was covered with nettles,
 and its stone wall was broken down.
 32 Then I saw and considered it;
 I looked and received instruction.
 33 A little sleep, a little slumber,
 a little folding of the hands to rest,
 34 and poverty will come upon you like a robber,
 and want like an armed man. Who is God? In this context God is my provider. He gives me everything I need but nothing that I deserve. Thank God. He has gifted me with skills and talents so that I can work diligently to provide for myself. My family, and everyone in my team and their families. As a recovering sluggard I no longer bury my talents in fear but use them to multiply His Kingdom. Using the knowledge he has taught me AND the wisdom that comes from it AND the guidance from the Holy Spirit I am able to build a physical house as well as a spiritual house. (In 2012 the spiritual house was in terrible shape and ended a major renovation.) An undivided heart leads to trust, surrender, and obedience- which can result in a “blessed family life”. The study notes offer this- 24:3-4 The images of wisdom’s benefits (a house . . . built, established, and filled) include material provision in addition to a blessed family life. These are received by wisdom, understanding, and knowledge, which stem from the fear of the Lord. One’s priority should always be pursuing wisdom rather than riches. Constable adds- 24:3-4 The "house" in view is probably a figure for one's life experience—including literal houses, one's household, his business, etc. (cf. Matt. 7:24-27). If it takes "wisdom" to build a house, it takes even more wisdom to build a household. Wisdom is essential for all domestic enterprises. "The wise man built his house upon a rock," as the song goes, and that Rock is Christ Jesus (cf. Matt. 7:24-27; 1 Cor. 10:4). Abraham built his household and his dynasty with wisdom, by habitually trusting and obeying the LORD. "It is wisdom, viz. that which originates from God, which is rooted in fellowship with Him, by which every household, be it great or small, prospers and attains to a successful and flourishing state ..."[677] "The replacement of book shelves by television sets and of the study by the 'den' [or man- cave] in modern homes (regressing from human to bestial habitats!) is a sad commentary on our times."[678] (PS- I have a den/man-cave like he describes with a big TV and several dead animals on the wall.) :)
HS

Hugh Stephenson

I link all of this with verses 30-34- 30 I passed by the field of a sluggard,
 by the vineyard of a man lacking sense,
 31 and behold, it was all overgrown with thorns;
 the ground was covered with nettles,
 and its stone wall was broken down.
 32 Then I saw and considered it;
 I looked and received instruction.
 33 A little sleep, a little slumber,
 a little folding of the hands to rest,
 34 and poverty will come upon you like a robber,
 and want like an armed man. God gave this sluggard a field as part of His provision. I get the analogy as I was this sluggard for most of my life. My “field” was marriage, kids, family, siblings, friends etc. And it looked like the one described in these verses. Again, despite the consequences of what I should have gotten, God gave me mercy via a second chance. I have made every effort to not waste it. I will continue running this race at full sprint until He calls me home.
MS

Michael Sisson

Re: Pv 21:11-12 Proverbs 24:11-12 (NASB) >>>Deliver those who are being taken away to death, And those who are staggering to slaughter, Oh hold them back.<<< If you say, “See, we did not know this,” Does He not consider it who weighs the hearts? And does He not know it who keeps your soul? And will He not render to man according to his work? In our age, this could be considered a call to action to protect the unborn.
SB

Sue Bohlin

Thank you, Bibani! I have heard a recovery leader repeat Proverbs 24:16 SO many times: "The righteous man falls seven times, and rises again . . ." What an encouragement for when we stumble and fall. The number seven in the Bible symbolizes wholeness and completeness, so this is saying (I think) that *every* time a righteous person falls, they get up again. Every time. The "getting up again" is the most important part of this scenario. Not the falling, it's the getting up. So we can pre-decide that when the inevitable stumbles and falls happen, we won't stay down, focused on our mistakes or our sins, wallowing in shame and guilt. We take Jesus' outstretched hand and let Him help us stand on our feet again.
AL

Amy Lowther

1. At this time, life is pretty good. In my lifetime I have prayed to God to ensure I am loving and glorifying Him. It helps me know God is with me and will go everywhere with me, to work, to school, and to social activities. 2. When I make mistakes in activities with my friends, it is amazing to see God alive in them and the forgiveness they give me. 3. Prayer - God, let us draw near to you and live life as you prefer. Be with everyone to do their best and to forgive others when appropriate. Amen. Bibani - Thank you for sharing your ideas. You make a good point in saying, “Just because someone speaks evil or lies against us does not mean that we should speak evil and lie against them”. God prefers we live to His ways and provides choice for each of us to use our strengths and to do our best.
LD

Lindsey Driscoll

Bibani! Great to see your smiling face on the journey you are doing a great job with your little girl by living out Proverbs 24:3-4 and Proverbs 24:14. As a mom these 2 years assuages really jumped off the page to me today. Proverbs 24:3 says “by wisdom a house is built, through understanding it is established” and Proverbs 24:4 continues the house building metaphor by saying “through knowledge its rooms are filled with rare and beautiful treasures.” As someone who sets the culture of our home for my family, it’s clear the Lords call is to set our home with a foundation of Gods wisdom and the Bible as knowledge. I am also encouraged by Proverbs 24:14 which reminds we when we choose Gods wisdom is it sweet and brings hope! I pray as a mom I show my kids that following Gods way is sweet! (Not easy) but it will go well with them because we have a good and loving God!