Proverbs of Solomon – The Mars Hill Institute

Wise Sayings of Solomon (Part 10) – Proverbs Chapter 11:16-20

Posted on February 13, 2019 by Jonathan Bennett, PE, D.GE in Proverbs of Solomon

Join us as we study the proverbs of King Solomon in the Book of Proverbs and follow up on the 21 Days to Knowing Jesus Christ Bible Study. I hope that you enjoy this study and that it will be helpful to you in building a daily Bible study habit. Click the appropriate links below to access the content for the day. You can select what version of the Bible you prefer at the top of the page in the link below (King James Version is the default):

Read The Proverbs of Solomon, Chapter 11 here

There are two links below to the Matthew Henry Commentary on Proverbs Chapter 11. There is a Concise version and a Complete version. The Concise version is a short, abbreviated version while the Complete version is typically a lot longer and can sometimes be longer than the Biblical text itself. Choose whichever one you have time for. The Complete version goes further in depth but the Concise version is illuminating while not as lengthy.

Read the Matthew Henry Commentary on Proverbs Chapter 11 (Concise) here

Read the Matthew Henry Commentary of Proverbs Chapter 11 (Complete) here

Listen to a personal reading of Proverbs Chapter 11 here

Observations from the text:

In Verses 16-20 of Proverbs Chapter 11 we continue in our reading of the wise sayings or proverbs of Solomon which began in verse 1 of Chapter 10. These wise sayings of Solomon are principles that we can put to use in our lives. A principle is a fundamental truth or proposition that serves as the foundation for a system of belief or behavior or for a chain of reasoning. In this case, these principles are the foundation for righteous living and living in a way that both works and is pleasing to the Lord. In these verses, Solomon contrasts various aspects of the lives of the righteous and the wicked and provides valuable words of wisdom to live by.

In verse 16, Solomon contrasts a gracious woman and ruthless men by saying that the gracious woman retains honor while the ruthless men retain riches. The contrast is that of exhibiting grace and thereby having honor versus the ruthless pursuit of riches or earthly wealth. A gracious woman has been described as having wisdom in earlier discussion. This contrast continues that theme in that the wise seek honor and value others while the wicked seek worldly goods and self enrichment.

In verse 17, Solomon contrasts a merciful man and a cruel one by saying that the merciful man does good for his own soul while the cruel one troubles his own flesh. A merciful man, by exhibiting mercy in his life, is blessed of God. A cruel person does himself a disservice because the Lord will not bless cruelty. God’s word promises that the merciful will be shown mercy.

In verse 18, Solomon contrasts a wicked man and a righteous one by saying that the wicked man does deceptive work while the man who sows righteousness will have a sure reward. Work that is characterized by deception and dishonesty is indicative of wickedness and will be rewarded as such. By contrast, a person who lives righteously by exhibiting honor and integrity will see the sure result of that lifestyle.

In verse 19, Solomon contrasts righteousness and the pursuit of evil by saying that as righteousness leads to life, one who pursues evil does so to his own death. What this verse is saying is that as certainly as right action leads to life, the pursuit of evil leads to destruction.

In verse 20, those who are of a perverse (or wicked) heart are contrasted with the blameless (or righteous). Solomon tells us that those who are of a perverse heart are an abomination to the Lord while the righteous are His delight. God hates evil and wickedness but loves righteousness and equity.

Let’s review Solomon’s words below:

16 A gracious woman retains honor,
But ruthless men retain riches.
17 The merciful man does good for his own soul,
But he who is cruel troubles his own flesh.
18 The wicked man does deceptive work,
But he who sows righteousness will have a sure reward.
19 As righteousness leads to life,
So he who pursues evil pursues it to his own death.
20 Those who are of a perverse heart are an abomination to the Lord,
But the blameless in their ways are His delight.

The words of wisdom of King Solomon are perfect Biblical guides to living in a way that is pleasing and acceptable to God. They also are practical guidelines for living in a way that works in the reality that God has created. Let us all embrace these truths and apply them in our lives every day.

Thank you so much for joining us in our ongoing study. I hope that it is as encouraging and enlightening to you as it is to me. Please follow the ministry of the Mars Hill Institute on our Facebook page at HERE. You can go back and visit the daily posts at any time on the website or Facebook page. Make sure to SUBSCRIBE to the website by email so that you can be directly notified when new posts or materials become available.

You can go back and listen to the audio readings of our study at any time as well at the following links on Soundcloud, iTunes, Stitcher and Google Play.

You can also access our YouTube channel HERE to view videos associated with this study and the work of the Mars Hill Institute.

What are some key take-aways for you from the Chapter we reviewed today? Feel free to dig further on your own if you have time. Have a GREAT and Blessed Day!

Support: email themarshillinstitute@gmail.com if you have problems accessing the content.

Wise Sayings of Solomon (Part 9) – Proverbs Chapter 11:11-15

Posted on January 26, 2019 by Jonathan Bennett, PE, D.GE in Proverbs of Solomon

Read The Proverbs of Solomon, Chapter 11 here

Read the Matthew Henry Commentary on Proverbs Chapter 11 (Concise) here

Read the Matthew Henry Commentary of Proverbs Chapter 11 (Complete) here

Listen to a personal reading of Proverbs Chapter 11 here

Observations from the text:

In Verses 11-15 of Proverbs Chapter 11 we continue in our reading of the wise sayings or proverbs of Solomon which began in verse 1 of Chapter 10. These wise sayings of Solomon are principles that we can put to use in our lives. A principle is a fundamental truth or proposition that serves as the foundation for a system of belief or behavior or for a chain of reasoning. In this case, these principles are the foundation for righteous living and living in a way that both works and is pleasing to the Lord. In these verses, Solomon contrasts various aspects of the lives of the righteous and the wicked and provides valuable words of wisdom to live by.

All of these verses have something to do with how a person deals with others. The way that we deal with other people says a lot about what we believe about God. Gods word tells us that we should first love and respect Him with all our being and second to love others as ourselves. If we don’t treat others with love and respect, then we either don’t believe God or have consciously chosen not to follow His commands.

In verse 11, Solomon says that the city is exalted by the blessings of the upright while, by contrast, it is overthrown by the mouth of the wicked. Here the upright and wicked are compared in that the city is exalted (or elevated) by the blessings of the upright but is overthrown (or brought down) by the mouth (or verbal actions) of the wicked. The actions of an individual or group will have an effect on society as a whole because society is simply the sum total of those individuals or groups. A city can be profoundly influenced by the actions of its individual inhabitants or influential groups.

In verse 12, Solomon says that one who is devoid of understanding despises his neighbor while a man of understanding holds his peace. Understanding is directly related to wisdom. One who is lacking understanding does not love his or her neighbor. One who hates or despises their neighbor does not exhibit understanding but rather a failure of understanding of the godly concept of love. Also one who has wisdom knows when to hold their peace and uses discretion in communicating and dealing with others.

In verse 13, we are told that a talebearer reveals secrets while one who is of a faithful spirit conceals a matter. A talebearer is one who does not exercise discretion but rather exploits information exclusively to their own advantage regardless of the effect on others. A person who is of a faithful spirit is considerate of others and would not unjustly reveal information given to them in confidence.

In verse 14, it is said that where there is no counsel, the people fall; but where there are a multitude of counselors, there is safety. Godly and wise counsel is critical for right living. Ungodly counsel, by Biblical definition, is not wise counsel. Godly advise or counsel is based on truth and reality and can be counted on to guide us down the right path. Where people either don’t have good counsel or don’t listen to it, there is failure. Where people have and follow wise counsel, there is success and safety.

In verse 15, Solomon says that he who is surety for a stranger will suffer while one who hates being surety is secure. It is foolish for a person to agree to be responsible for the obligations of someone they don’t know (a stranger). In fact, it is best to not assume responsibility for the obligations of others in the first place. The Bible consistently speaks against being surety for others because we can’t control the actions of others. Assuming responsibility for the actions of others is to foolishly put yourself and your family at risk for things you have no direct control over.

Lets review the Scripture:

11 By the blessing of the upright the city is exalted,
But it is overthrown by the mouth of the wicked.
12 He who is devoid of wisdom despises his neighbor,
But a man of understanding holds his peace.
13 A talebearer reveals secrets,
But he who is of a faithful spirit conceals a matter.
14 Where there is no counsel, the people fall;
But in the multitude of counselors there is safety.
15 He who is surety for a stranger will suffer,
But one who hates being surety is secure.

The words of wisdom of King Solomon are perfect Biblical guides to living in a way that is pleasing and acceptable to God. They also are practical guidelines for living in a way that works in the reality that God has created. Let us all embrace these truths and apply them in our lives every day.

You can go back and listen to the audio readings of our study at any time as well at the following links on Soundcloud, iTunes, Stitcher and Google Play.

You can also access our YouTube channel HERE to view videos associated with this study and the work of the Mars Hill Institute.

What are some key take-aways for you from the Chapter we reviewed today? Feel free to dig further on your own if you have time. Have a GREAT and Blessed Day!

Support: email themarshillinstitute@gmail.com if you have problems accessing the content.

Wise Sayings of Solomon (Part 8) – Proverbs Chapter 11:6-10

Posted on August 18, 2018 by Jonathan Bennett, PE, D.GE in Proverbs of Solomon

Read The Proverbs of Solomon, Chapter 11 here

Read the Matthew Henry Commentary on Proverbs Chapter 11 (Concise) here

Read the Matthew Henry Commentary of Proverbs Chapter 11 (Complete) here

Listen to a personal reading of Proverbs Chapter 11 here

Observations from the text:

In Verses 6-10 of Proverbs Chapter 11 we continue in our reading of the wise sayings or proverbs of Solomon which began in verse 1 of Chapter 10. These wise sayings of Solomon are principles that we can put to use in our lives. A principle is a fundamental truth or proposition that serves as the foundation for a system of belief or behavior or for a chain of reasoning. In this case, these principles are the foundation for righteous living and living in a way that both works and is pleasing to the Lord. In these verses, Solomon contrasts various aspects of the lives of the righteous and the wicked and provides valuable words of wisdom to live by.

In verse 6, Solomon contrasts the upright and the unfaithful by saying that the righteousness of the upright will deliver them while the unfaithful will be caught by their lust. In this example, the upright exhibit righteousness while the unfaithful are characterized by lust. In this context, the meaning of the word lust is that of a sinful desire. The unfaithful desire the things that God would not want them to pursue while the upright or righteous pursue the things of God. Those who pursue righteousness will be preserved while those who pursue the opposite will be destroyed by their sinful desires.

In verse 7, Solomon describes the wicked man and the unjust by saying that the expectation of the wicked man and the hope of the unjust will perish. The expectations of the wicked and the hopes of the unjust are not aligned with God’s plan for them. The expectations and hopes of the righteous are focused on things of eternal significance and will endure beyond their physical lives. The wicked and the unjust focus exclusively on the things of the world and will perish eventually. This contrast is essentially one of an eternal focus versus an earthly focus. One endures while the other does not.

In verse 8, Solomon contrasts the righteous and the wicked by saying that the righteous is delivered from trouble while it goes to the wicked instead. The actions of the righteous avoid trouble to begin with while the actions of the wicked steer them toward trouble. God favors the righteous and delivers them from calamity while the wicked cannot expect the same. The lifestyle of the righteous is aligned with how things work the best while the wicked lifestyle is at odds with the way God wants things to be.

In verse 9, Solomon contrasts the hypocrite and the righteous by saying that the hypocrite destroys his neighbor with his mouth while the righteous will be delivered through knowledge. A hypocrite is one who indulges in hypocrisy, one who is a pretender, one who says one thing but does something else. A hypocrite claims to have a moral standard that their behavior doesn’t align with. The righteous apply godly knowledge to live in a way that works. The hypocrite professes righteousness while slandering and putting others down.

In verse 10, Solomon contrasts the righteous and the wicked by saying that the city rejoices when it goes well with the righteous but that there is jubilation when the wicked perishes. The righteous are characterized by treating others as they would be treated themselves. When the righteous has success, it tends to be desirable to all. The wicked, on the other hand, generally have their success at the expense of others. Hence, when the wicked has success, it tends to have an adverse effect on others. Those around the righteous can have joy in their success while those around the wicked can have joy in seeing their efforts fail.

6 The righteousness of the upright will deliver them,
But the unfaithful will be caught by their lust.
7 When a wicked man dies, his expectation will perish,
And the hope of the unjust perishes.
8 The righteous is delivered from trouble,
And it comes to the wicked instead.
9 The hypocrite with his mouth destroys his neighbor,
But through knowledge the righteous will be delivered.
10 When it goes well with the righteous, the city rejoices;
And when the wicked perish, there is jubilation.

The words of wisdom of King Solomon are perfect Biblical guides to living in a way that is pleasing and acceptable to God. They also are practical guidelines for living in a way that works in the reality that God has created. Let us all embrace these truths and apply them in our lives every day.

You can go back and listen to the audio readings of our study at any time as well at the following links on Soundcloud, iTunes, Stitcher and Google Play.

You can also access our YouTube channel HERE to view videos associated with this study and the work of the Mars Hill Institute.

What are some key take-aways for you from the Chapter we reviewed today? Feel free to dig further on your own if you have time. Have a GREAT and Blessed Day!

Support: email themarshillinstitute@gmail.com if you have problems accessing the content.

Wise Sayings of Solomon (Part 7) – Proverbs Chapter 11:1-5

Posted on July 21, 2018 by Jonathan Bennett, PE, D.GE in Proverbs of Solomon

Read The Proverbs of Solomon, Chapter 11 here

Read the Matthew Henry Commentary on Proverbs Chapter 11 (Concise) here

Read the Matthew Henry Commentary of Proverbs Chapter 11 (Complete) here

Listen to a personal reading of Proverbs Chapter 11 here

Observations from the text:

In Verses 1-5 of Proverbs Chapter 11 we continue in our reading of the wise sayings or proverbs of Solomon which began in verse 1 of Chapter 10. These wise sayings of Solomon are principles that we can put to use in our lives. A principle is a fundamental truth or proposition that serves as the foundation for a system of belief or behavior or for a chain of reasoning. In this case, these principles are the foundation for righteous living and living in a way that both works and is pleasing to the Lord. In these verses, Solomon contrasts various aspects of the lives of the righteous and the wicked and provides valuable words of wisdom to live by.

In verse 1, Solomon says that dishonest scales are an abomination to the Lord but that a just weight is His delight. God abhors dishonesty and deceit but delights in fair dealing. God’s law revolves around the concepts of 1) honoring Him and 2) loving and respecting others. We ought to live our lives in a way that we honor God by following His commandments and treat others as He would have us to.

In verse 2, Solomon contrasts the prideful and the humble by saying that when pride comes, then comes shame; but with the humble is wisdom. He is saying that shame can come as a result of excessive pride but that the humble exhibit wisdom. The application of wisdom and understanding produces the opposite results of unwarranted pride. One who is wise in their dealings will likely not be shamed for it, at least not justly shamed.

In verse 3, Solomon contrasts the upright and the unfaithful by saying that the integrity of the upright will guide them but that the perversity of the unfaithful will destroy them. In referring to the upright, he is talking about those who are righteous and are ones who respect and fear God. The unfaithful are those who reject the ways of God and righteousness. Integrity is the quality of being honest and having strong moral principles; moral uprightness. The upright will be guided by righteous principles while the unfaithfulness of those who reject God’s ways will destroy them.

In verse 4, Solomon contrasts the benefits of riches and righteousness by saying that riches do not profit in the day of wrath, but righteousness delivers from death. While wealth has it’s benefits, no amount of earthly riches or wealth can save one from the day of God’s wrath and judgment. However, righteousness is of value in staving off death. Righteousness can preserve one in an eternal perspective and has vastly more value from God’s perspective than material wealth.

In verse 5, Solomon contrasts righteousness and wickedness by saying the righteousness of the blameless will direct his way aright, but the wicked will fall by his own wickedness. Following the ways of God will always direct one in the right direction. However, ignoring God’s direction will lead to certain destruction. The wicked destroy themselves through their own choice to ignore the ways of righteousness.

1 Dishonest scales are an abomination to the Lord,
But a just weight is His delight.
2 When pride comes, then comes shame;
But with the humble is wisdom.
3 The integrity of the upright will guide them,
But the perversity of the unfaithful will destroy them.
4 Riches do not profit in the day of wrath,
But righteousness delivers from death.
5 The righteousness of the blameless will direct his way aright,
But the wicked will fall by his own wickedness.

The words of wisdom of King Solomon are perfect Biblical guides to living in a way that is pleasing and acceptable to God. They also are practical guidelines for living in a way that works in the reality that God has created. Let us all embrace these truths and apply them in our lives every day.

You can go back and listen to the audio readings of our study at any time as well at the following links on Soundcloud, iTunes, Stitcher and Google Play.

You can also access our YouTube channel HERE to view videos associated with this study and the work of the Mars Hill Institute.

What are some key take-aways for you from the Chapter we reviewed today? Feel free to dig further on your own if you have time. Have a GREAT and Blessed Day!

Support: email themarshillinstitute@gmail.com if you have problems accessing the content.

Wise Sayings of Solomon (Part 6) – Proverbs Chapter 10:26-32

Posted on June 30, 2018 by Jonathan Bennett, PE, D.GE in Proverbs of Solomon

Read The Proverbs of Solomon, Chapter 10 here

There are two links below to the Matthew Henry Commentary on Proverbs Chapter 10. There is a Concise version and a Complete version. The Concise version is a short, abbreviated version while the Complete version is typically a lot longer and can sometimes be longer than the Biblical text itself. Choose whichever one you have time for. The Complete version goes further in depth but the Concise version is illuminating while not as lengthy.

Read the Matthew Henry Commentary on Proverbs Chapter 10 (Concise) here

Read the Matthew Henry Commentary of Proverbs Chapter 10 (Complete) here

Listen to a personal reading of Proverbs Chapter 10 here

Observations from the text:

In Verses 26-32 of Proverbs Chapter 10 we continue in our reading of the wise sayings or proverbs of Solomon which began in verse 1 of this chapter. These wise sayings of Solomon are principles that we can put to use in our lives. A principle is a fundamental truth or proposition that serves as the foundation for a system of belief or behavior or for a chain of reasoning. In this case, these principles are the foundation for righteous living and living in a way that both works and is pleasing to the Lord. In these particular verses, Solomon contrasts various aspects of the lives of the righteous and the wicked.

In verse 26, Solomon describes the lazy person by saying that the lazy man is like vinegar to the teeth and smoke to the eyes to those who send him. Vinegar to the teeth and smoke to the eyes are unpleasant and sometimes harmful sensations. A lazy person is unpleasant and useless to those who require service or action from him. Diligence is a virtue and is valued by God. Laziness is the antithesis of diligence.

In verse 27, Solomon contrasts the way of the righteous and the wicked by saying that the fear of the Lord prolongs days but the years of the wicked will be shortened. Fear of the Lord is recognizing God for Who and What He is and giving due reverence and respect to Him and His ways. Following God’s instructions and guidance results in life. The wicked shorten their days by refusing to hear and apply God’s instructions.

In verse 28, Solomon says that the hope of the righteous will be gladness but that the expectations of the wicked will perish. The righteous have much to look forward to and to be thankful for. Following God’s ways gives one a reason to have hope and produces life and goodness. God blesses the righteous and allows them to have gladness in their lives. The wicked reject the ways of God and rely on their own ways to achieve their own goals. God cannot and will not bless the wicked and so their hopes typically will not be as fulfilling as the lives of the righteous.

In verse 29, Solomon says that the way of the Lord is strength for the upright but that destruction will come to the workers of iniquity. Following God’s ways and instruction is protective and results in safety. The wicked reject the wisdom of God’s instruction and receive destruction as opposed to protection.

In verse 30, Solomon says that the righteous will never be removed but that the wicked will not inhabit the earth. God protects and establishes the righteous. The wicked have chosen their own path that is not the same as what God has planned for His own. The wicked cannot rely on God’s protection and provision in the same way that the righteous can.

In verse 31, Solomon says that the mouth of the righteous brings forth wisdom but that the perverse tongue will be cut out. The righteous speak words of wisdom and words that edify. The tongue that is motivated by wickedness is repulsive and should be removed.

In verse 32, Solomon says that the lips of the righteous know what is acceptable but that the mouth of the wicked knows what is perverse. The righteous use words that are true and appropriate while the wicked use words that are based on deception and division.

26 As vinegar to the teeth and smoke to the eyes,
So is the lazy man to those who send him.
27 The fear of the Lord prolongs days,
But the years of the wicked will be shortened.
28 The hope of the righteous will be gladness,
But the expectation of the wicked will perish.
29 The way of the Lord is strength for the upright,
But destruction will come to the workers of iniquity.
30 The righteous will never be removed,
But the wicked will not inhabit the earth.
31 The mouth of the righteous brings forth wisdom,
But the perverse tongue will be cut out.
32 The lips of the righteous know what is acceptable,
But the mouth of the wicked what is perverse.

The words of wisdom of King Solomon are perfect Biblical guides to living in a way that is pleasing and acceptable to God. They also are practical guidelines for living in a way that works in the reality that God has created. Let us all embrace these truths and apply them in our lives every day.

You can go back and listen to the audio readings of our study at any time as well at the following links on Soundcloud, iTunes, Stitcher and Google Play.

You can also access our YouTube channel HERE to view videos associated with this study and the work of the Mars Hill Institute.

What are some key take-aways for you from the Chapter we reviewed today? Feel free to dig further on your own if you have time. Have a GREAT and Blessed Day!

Support: email themarshillinstitute@gmail.com if you have problems accessing the content.