Prov. 3:21-35 Notes & Commentaries
EW Commentaries
2. Prov. 3:21-22 - Giving attention to God's wisdom.
21 My son, let them not vanish from your sight; Keep sound wisdom and discretion,
22 So they will be life to your soul And adornment to your neck.
a. Let them not depart from your eyes: Solomon told his son the importance of constant attention to God's wisdom and discretion. This requires not only a life-diligence, but also an appropriately surrendered heart that recognizes that God's wisdom and discretion are greater than my own.
b. They will be life to your soul: Constant attention to God's wisdom and discretion brings real benefit to life.
3. Prov. 3:23-26 - The safety of walking in God's wisdom.
23 Then you will walk in your way securely And your foot will not stumble.
24 When you lie down, you will not be afraid; When you lie down, your sleep will be sweet.
25 Do not be afraid of sudden fear Nor of the onslaught of the wicked when it comes;
26 For the LORD will be your confidence And will keep your foot from being caught.
a. You will walk safely in your way: In principle, God guides those who honor His wisdom into paths of safety. There is nothing safer than living in the wisdom and will of God.
b. The LORD will be your confidence: The wise life can let go of fear (you will not be afraid) and in the release of anxiety know the blessing of sleep. Confident in God, we need not be afraid of sudden terror or trouble from the wicked.
i. Your sleep will be sweet: "Free from distracting cares and terrors, which ofttimes haunt sinners even in their sleep, because thy mind shall be composed and serene through the sense of God's favour and providence, and the conscience of thine own integrity." (Poole)
ii. "Wicked men's sleep is often troublesome, through the workings of their evil consciences; as our Richard III, after the murder of his own two innocent nephews, had fearful dreams." (Trapp)
iii. "When Peter was in prison, in chains, between two soldiers, on the eve of his expected execution, when there seemed but a step between him and death, he was able to lie down and not be afraid." (Bridges)
4. Prov. 3:27-30 - Some lessons from God's wisdom.
27 Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due, When it is in your power to do it.
28 Do not say to your neighbor, "Go, and come back, And tomorrow I will give it," When you have it with you.
29 Do not devise harm against your neighbor, While he lives securely beside you.
30 Do not contend with a man without cause, If he has done you no harm.
a. Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due: Here Solomon gave some practical examples of the lessons wisdom teaches. He began with the simple principle that we should do good when it is in the power of our hand to do so.
i. "Do not refuse a kindness when it is in thy power to perform it. If thou have the means by thee, and thy neighbour's necessities be pressing, do not put him off till the morrow. Death may take either him or thee before that time." (Clarke)
ii. Those to whom it is due: "May be laborers who have earned their pay, the poor who rightly plead for help, or suppliants at the city gates who call for justice." (Garrett)
iii. To whom it is due: "The Hebrew of 27a ('... from its owners') brings out the injustice, not merely inconsiderateness, of delay." (Kidner)
b. Do not say to your neighbor: The good we should do should be done promptly, while opportunity still exists. If we leave it to tomorrow, it may never happen - and will certainly not happen as soon as it could and should.
c. Do not devise evil against your neighbor: God's wisdom teaches us to treat others well. Since our own security and safety is connected to the good of our neighbor, then for safety's sake we should not strive with our neighbor when there is no cause (if he has done you no harm).
i. Do not devise: "Do not plan renders a verb meaning concretely 'to plow' and figuratively, always ethical, 'to prepare [i.e., plan]' good or evil deeds." (Waltke)
ii. "Do not be of a litigious, quarrelsome spirit. Be not under the influence of too nice a sense of honour. If thou must appeal to judicial authority to bring him that wrongs thee to reason, avoid all enmity, and do nothing in a spirit of revenge." (Clarke)
iii. "We must beware of becoming involved in quarrels (17:14; 18:6; 25:8-9) instead of pursuing peace (Romans 12:18). A spirit of strife is a great hindrance to holiness (Hebrews 12:14; Colossians 3:12-15) and is inconsistent for any of God's servants (2 Timothy 2:24). (Bridges)
5. Prov. 3:31-35 - The benefit of a life that loves God's wisdom.
31 Do not envy a man of violence And do not choose any of his ways.
32 For the devious are an abomination to the LORD; But He is intimate with the upright.
33 The curse of the LORD is on the house of the wicked, But He blesses the dwelling of the righteous.
34 Though He scoffs at the scoffers, Yet He gives grace to the afflicted.
35 The wise will inherit honor, But fools display dishonor.
a. Do not envy the oppressor: Wisdom teaches us that though the way of the wicked may seem good and at times enviable, we should choose none of his ways. In honor to God, in love to others, and in wisdom of life we should never oppress others (as Jesus said in Matthew 10:25-28 and other passages).
b. The perverse person is an abomination to the LORD: We should not envy or imitate the oppressor because God knows how and when to judge such wicked. God blesses the home of the just, but He also scorns the scornful. The temporary prosperity of the wicked should never make us envy or imitate them.
i. The perverse person: "The Lord abhors intrigue, but people who are candid and upright, who know the virtue of openness and simplicity, have his ear." (Waltke)
c. He scorns the scornful, but gives grace to the humble: This wonderful principle is repeated three times in the Bible (also in James 4:6 and 1 Peter 5:5). It shows how pride sets God in opposition to us, but humility invites the grace of God. We want to be humble and receive God's grace.
i. There is a sense in which Solomon spoke of wisdom and humility as being closely related. Those who are wise enough to see God as He really is and ourselves as we really are will have a natural and appropriate humility.
ii. James 4:6 and 1 Peter 5:5 quote the Septuagint translation of this verse, which - if anything - softened the force of the Hebrew phrasing here. "The verse uses a strong anthropomorphic idea: 'He mocks
the proud mockers.' The LXX has a softened interpretation: 'The Lord resists the proud'." (Ross)
d. The wise shall inherit glory: Whatever exaltation the wicked seem to have, it is only temporary. Their legacy shall be shame, but God has a destiny of glory for His wise, humble ones.
i. Inherit glory: "Not have it only, but inherit it...they shall have it as their proper, perfect, and perpetual right."
ii. "By contrast, fools are those who acquire or earn (merim; see n. 43), not inherit, by their intractability, public shame." (Waltke)
PROVERBS EXPLAINED SITE:
Proverbs 3:21-22 "My son, let not them depart from thine eyes: keep sound wisdom and discretion:" "So shall they be life unto thy soul, and grace to thy neck."
True wisdom belongs to God. God will give us wisdom if we seek it prayerfully. The grace that Jesus has provided for us has to be held in high esteem, even to the saving of our soul. We must remain in that wisdom.
Proverbs 3:23 "Then shalt thou walk in thy way safely, and thy foot shall not stumble."
If we remain in the wisdom that God hath provided for us in His Son, Jesus Christ, we shall be able to walk in His way and not stumble.
Proverbs 3:24 "When thou liest down, thou shalt not be afraid: yea, thou shalt lie down, and thy sleep shall be sweet."
Here again, if we remain in the wisdom that the Lord has given us, there is no fear of death. Death of the body would just transform us into that heavenly place with Jesus. There is no fear for the Christian with faith. So many times in these lessons, we have made the statement that fear is the opposite of faith. Sleep is sweet for those wise unto salvation. No regrets haunt us. We have gotten forgiveness and are living just as if we had never sinned: justified by Jesus. Sleep is sweet when everything is alright with you and God.
Proverbs 3:25-26 "Be not afraid of sudden fear, neither of the desolation of the wicked, when it cometh." "For the LORD shall be thy confidence, and shall keep thy foot from being taken."
We see many instances in the New Testament when the demon spirits are afraid of Jesus, because they know that He is the Judge of the world and that they have a terrible fate awaiting them.
In Matthew 8:29, "And, behold, they cried out, saying, What have we to do with thee, Jesus, thou Son of God? art thou come hither to torment us before the time?"
You see, sudden fear gripped them, because of the terrible fate they know they have awaiting them. If you know that you are saved and safe with the Lord, you have no sudden fear. The only fear permitted to those who trust in the Lord is Godly fear. You see, trust in the Lord brings confidence, a knowing that all is well.
Proverbs 3:27 "Withhold not good from them to whom it is due, when it is in the power of thine hand to do [it]."
As opportunity arises, we must help anyone and everyone that is within our power to help. It seems those full of wisdom seem to be better off financially.
We see in 1 Timothy, that having a little more than those around you carries responsibility with it.
1 Timothy 6:17-18 "Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not highminded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy;" "That they do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate;"
Proverbs 3:28 "Say not unto thy neighbor, Go, and come again, and tomorrow I will give; when thou hast it by thee."
This is saying, do not put your neighbor off until to-morrow if you have the ability to help them today. Their need is now. We should be eager to help those less fortunate. Only God has seen fit for us to be the better off.
Proverbs 3:29 "Devise not evil against thy neighbor, seeing he dwelleth securely by thee."
One of the two most important things God wants us to do is love thy neighbor as thyself. We would not figure up evil against ourselves, so we must not against the neighbor, either.
Proverbs 3:30 "Strive not with a man without cause, if he have done thee no harm."
We should not live in strife and fussing, but should learn to live peaceably with all men. If we live for the Lord, we are promised that even our enemies will be at peace with us. This does not say that there is never a time for strife. If your enemy attacks you, you may defend yourself; but you must not start strife nor keep it going.
Proverbs 3:31 "Envy thou not the oppressor, and choose none of his ways."
We must never choose the way of the oppressor. Bullies as children are not to be looked up to. We must not even fellowship with those who choose to oppress others. The worldly wealth that some acquire with their oppression of others should never be envied or desired. Evil and good are like oil and water. They cannot mix.
Proverbs 3:32 "For the froward [is] abomination to the LORD: but his secret [is] with the righteous."
"Froward" means perverted or wicked. The wicked will not know the secret, because they will not see; and hearing, they will not hear. They (the wicked), will not understand the things of God. The secret that the righteous know is that Jesus Christ is their Savior. God reveals Himself to those who love Him.
Proverbs 3:33 "The curse of the LORD [is] in the house of the wicked: but he blesseth the habitation of the just."
From Genesis throughout the Bible, God promises blessings to those who follow in God's commandments and curses to those who do not follow in the ways of God.
Proverbs 3:34 "Surely he scorneth the scorners: but he giveth grace unto the lowly."
Those who reject the teachings of the Lord are rejected themselves by Him. The scribes and Pharisees are a typical example of this. They thought too highly of themselves and turned the Lord of glory down. The lowly of the world were willing to receive and were granted grace of the Lord.
Psalms 138:6, "Though the LORD be high, yet hath he respect unto the lowly: but the proud he knoweth afar off."
Proverbs 3:35 The wise shall inherit glory: but shame shall be the promotion of fools."
The wise seek God. Those who seek God inherit glory. The glory of the only begotten Son is shared with those who live for God. This is a shared inheritance. Fools live worldly lives for the here and now. Worldly, selfish live shamefully.
SIMON'S PROVERBS STUDY
Verse 21
v21 My son, hold firmly to wisdom and right decisions. Do not let them escape from you!
v22 These things will bring you a long and beautiful life. They are like a precious stone on a chain about your neck.
v23 If you are wise, then your journey will be safe. And your foot will not trip.
v24 When you lie down, you will not be afraid. You will sleep in peace.
v25 Do not fear sudden dangers! An evil man will lose everything.
v26 But God will protect you. He will save you from dangers.
Verse 22 - True beauty
Verse 22 reminds us of verse 3. Verse 3 tells us to wear love about our necks. In many countries, women display their beautiful objects. They wear gold, silver and precious stones on chains about their necks.
Verse 22 encourages us. There are plenty of beautiful things for us. Right decisions, love and wisdom are all beautiful things. They are better than any precious stone.
Gold and silver may be beautiful. Wisdom is more beautiful than any valuable objects.
Verses 23-26
This is another passage that compares life with a journey. This passage teaches us that God will protect us. We have nothing to fear. Many Psalms teach a similar lesson. See Psalm 121, Psalm 46:1, and Psalm 62:2.
Verse 24 gives us special comfort. We cannot protect ourselves at night. In the dark, there are many dangers. Many people struggle to sleep. We should trust in God. He can keep us safe. He can protect us. 'You do not benefit if you wake early. You do not need to work at night for your food. God gives sleep to the people whom he loves.' (Psalm 127:2)
v27 Be kind to those who deserve good things. Do not refuse if you can help them.
v28 If you can help your neighbour today, then help him! Do not wait until tomorrow!
v29 Your neighbour trusts you. Do not plot against him! Do not hurt him!
v30 Do not accuse an innocent man. He is not guilty, and he has not hurt you.
Verses 27-28
Jesus said, 'Love your neighbour as much as you love yourself!' (Mark 12:31) In Luke 10:30-37, Jesus told the story of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:30-37). A Samaritan was a person from a nation that the people from Jerusalem disliked (John 4:9). Jesus told his story to explain the word 'neighbour'. In the story, a Samaritan rescued a man from Jerusalem. The Samaritan cared, because this man needed help. So, Jesus argued, this other man was the Samaritan's neighbour. We should do the same. We should care about everyone whom God sends to us.
Jesus discussed this subject again in Matthew 5:43-48. 'You have heard the words: "Love your neighbour. Hate your enemy." I am telling you to love your enemies. Pray for anyone who attacks you.' (Matthew 5:43-44) The people in Jesus' time thought that they should hate their enemies. But the Bible does not tell us to hate our enemies. In fact, Jesus said that we should love our enemies.
Jesus even prayed for the people who killed him. 'Father, forgive them! They do not know what they are doing.' (Luke 23:34)
v31 Do not be jealous of cruel men! Do not behave like them!
v32 God hates evil men. Honest men are friends of God.
Verse 31
People like to follow a leader. They might copy a film star. They might act like their teacher. They could behave like their ruler.
We must be careful if we choose a model. If we copy an evil person, then we shall become evil. Even a holy person makes mistakes and could lead us in the wrong way.
Verse 32
God has both friends and enemies. If we are evil, God hates us as enemies. This is because he hates our evil actions. However, God wants evil people to change their lives. God has great love, even for his enemies. This is why he sent Jesus. 'Remember this! "Jesus came into the world to save evil people." I was the worst!' (1 Timothy 1:15. Paul wrote this passage.)
Honest people are God's friends. We can all become honest. First, we must trust in Jesus. Jesus' death takes away the punishment for our evil actions. Then God forgives us. He makes us his friends. Now we must learn more. God will teach us. He will use the Bible to teach us. He will also use other people. We should live God's way. We should try to be honest. God will help us.
Formerly, we opposed God. We were his enemies. But when we trusted God, God forgave us. We became God's friends. We are now God's own people. See Ephesians 3:11-22.
v33 God curses the evil man's house. He is kind to the good man's home.
v34 God insults those who insult other people. But God is kind to humble people.
v35 Wise people will receive honour. Fools will receive shame.
Verses 33-35
God deals with different people differently.
Verse 33
God will do good things for us if we obey him. He is kind to us, and he is kind to our homes too. The word 'home' shows that God will help our families also.
Contrast this with the evil man. God curses both the evil man, and those who live in the evil man's house. The evil man's family suffer, because of his evil actions.
Since Jesus died, this has changed. Each person must trust God for himself or herself. 'Then these words will become untrue: "The fathers ate sour fruit, and the children have a sour taste in their mouths!" Instead, everyone will die because of his own wrong actions. Whoever eats sour fruit will taste it for himself.' (Jeremiah 31:29-30)
Verse 34
The time for judgment is coming. God will be our judge.
We should serve God, and we should be humble. We must not be proud. When God is our judge, he will show us kindness and love.
Some people are proud. They insult other people. They must turn from their evil behaviour. Then God will forgive them. If they refuse God's love, God will punish them.
God loves us, although we do not deserve his love. He offers his kindness to everyone. We must be humble to receive it. If we trust in ourselves, we cannot receive his love. Nobody will go to heaven because they deserve it. We have all done wrong things. We all deserve God's punishment. This is why God sent Jesus. Jesus did not deserve God's punishment. Jesus suffered the punishment that we deserve. If we turn to God, he will forgive us. He saves us, because he is kind.
This verse, Proverbs 3:34, is an important Bible verse. Both James and Peter used this verse in their own books. See James 4:6 and 1 Peter 5:6.
BibleRef Commentary Prov. 3:21-35
CONTEXT: Proverbs 3:27-35 gives general principles about our relationships, both with other people and with God. Solomon instructs the reader to show honor, integrity, trustworthiness, peace, and contentment towards others. This passage also contrasts the response of God to those who defy His will, versus His actions towards those who honor Him.
v. 21: Wisdom is a term already used frequently in Proverbs. In this book, it refers to an ability to apply godly knowledge. In prior verses, Solomon depicted wisdom as a woman (Proverbs 1:20; 3:14). True wisdom includes not just intellectual prowess but also correct moral judgment. In this verse "sound judgment" means victory or the success that results from having wisdom.
Here, the concept of discretion is applauded. In English, the word discretion implies making sound decisions, especially between options-it emphasizes an ability to separate between subtly different things. In Hebrew, the word is me-zim'māh', which includes many different ideas, including plotting, planning, and careful thought. Having the quality of discretion means carefully assessing how and when to act, or not, under circumstances that require it.
Joshua urged his generation to make the right decision, the one he had made. He said he and his house would serve the Lord, and he challenged the Israelites to choose whom they would serve. He said, "Now therefore fear the LORD and serve him in sincerity and in faithfulness. Put away the gods that your fathers served beyond the River and in Egypt, and serve the LORD...choose this day whom you will serve" (Joshua 24:14-15).
Christians, too, need the ability to make right decisions. We must refuse to let the world squeeze us into its mold and instead yield our body and mind to the Lord for the performance of His good, acceptable, and perfect will (Romans 12:1-2). That does not always come with easy, simple, clear choices-we often must use our own discretion (1 Corinthians 10:23; Romans 14:23).
v. 22: Here we see the benefits of sound wisdom and discretion: the "they" referred to here are those qualities from the prior verse. While wisdom implies the ability to act on knowledge, discretion is the capacity to closely assess something. The Hebrew word translated as "discretion" is me-zim'māh', which includes ideas like plotting, planning, and analyzing. A "wise" person knows how to apply their knowledge in a godly way. A "discerning" person is careful and precise in making decisions.
These two attributes bring the benefits of life and a good reputation. All who believe on Jesus as Savior receive abundant life (John 10:10). When Jesus promised the woman at Jacob's well that she would never thirst again if she drank from His well, He said, "Everyone who drinks of this water will be thirsty again, but whoever drinks of the water that I will give him will never be thirsty again. The water that I will give him will become a spring of water welling up to eternal life" (John 4:13-14). A spring of water differs from an ordinary well, because it is an artesian well with its source higher than its outflow. It bubbles and gushes! Similarly, the life Jesus gives has energy and force. The Christian life, therefore, is not stagnant but energetic to the benefit of all who witness it. It is like an attractive necklace that people observe with admiration.
v. 23: Solomon continues to name the benefits of sound wisdom and discretion. These traits were described in prior verses. To embrace those qualities brings security. Likely, King David told his son Solomon about the many times the Lord protected him from Saul in the wilderness. Now Solomon tells his student that God will enable him to walk securely without stumbling.
As with all statements in Proverbs, this is not meant as a universal guarantee. Danger and hardship come even to those who honor God (Proverbs 3:25). Rather, wisdom literature such as this presents general statements. Those who follow God's will, and His plan, have much less risk and greater chance for success than those who rebel. This statement, however, comes close to being an absolute prediction. When a person stumbles into sin, or strays from the path of God's will, it can only be done by failing to hold to sound wisdom and discernment.
Given all of that, it is comforting to know we do not walk alone through life. Our Good Shepherd, Jesus, walks with us. Not only does He walk with us, but He also walks in front of us. He leads us beside placid waters and in the paths of righteousness (Psalm 23:2-3). In John 10:4 Christ assures us that He goes before us.
Therefore, nothing befalls us that He has not encountered and allowed for our good. Hebrews 4:15 depicts Jesus as our great High Priest who sympathizes with our weaknesses and was tempted in every way that we are tempted. The next verse encourages us, therefore, to carry our concerns to Him in prayer, "that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need" (Hebrews 4:16).
v. 24: This promise comes in the same context as prior verses: a generally true statement of the benefits of obeying God. Obedience to the Lord is not a magical spell that prevents us from all negative things (Proverbs 3:25; John 16:1-4). However, those who follow God's Word and submit to His will don't put themselves under the same risks as those who are rebellious or depraved. Earlier verses pointed out that following the path which godly wisdom lays out will keep us from stumbling (Proverbs 3:23).
In that same sense, this verse tells us not to fear when we lie down to sleep. Even in the ancient day, fears and anxieties were a major disruption to one's sleep. Living wisely causes us to sleep soundly, because we know the Lord watches over us at night as well as during the day. David explains in Psalm 4:8, "In peace I will both lie down and sleep; for you alone, O LORD, make me dwell in safety." Also, when we honor the Lord and have a clear conscience, we aren't going to be kept awake fearing for the consequences of our actions.
Sleep comes more peacefully if we treasure the Lord's promise to be with us always (Matthew 28:20). When Herod arrested and imprisoned the apostle Peter with the likely intent to execute him the following day, Peter slept soundly. The fact that his execution was planned and guards were stationed around him did not interrupt his sleep (Acts 12:1-12). It is possible he recalled Jesus' prediction that he would die as an old man (John 21:18), and reasoned, "I am not old yet, so I have nothing to worry about. Herod cannot take my life tomorrow." Or perhaps he simply trusted that God would be with him regardless of the circumstances so there was no reason to fear. Wisdom teaches us to rely on the Lord's promises and get a good night's sleep.
v. 25: Solomon advises his son not to be afraid of sudden terror or the impending ruin of the wicked. Here, again, context matters. Prior verses explained the benefits of living by godly wisdom and discretion (Proverbs 3:21-24). Among those are natural freedom from the consequences of rebellion and depravity; a person who seeks the will of God has much less to fear and greater chances of success. This is a common interpretation of this verse: those who avoid evil also avoid the consequences of evil.
Scholars note, however, that this phrase might also mean something external. "The ruin of the wicked" mentioned here might be reference to those times when evil people trouble the righteous. Scripture is clear that following the will of God does not magically prevent believers from hardship. Such acknowledgement is typified by verses such as this. This warning would be given because even those who believe will sometimes be faced with "the onslaught of the wicked."
Nothing harmful that takes God's people by surprise should cause them to fear. Realistically, we know fear is a natural response. But it is not our only option. The Lord is with us even when unexpected trouble arrives. Rarely does the person who falls victim to a terrorist's bomb or a mass murderer's bullet expect the sudden attack, but the believer must not fear even terror. Jesus taught His followers not to fear those who kill the body. He said they cannot kill the soul (Matthew 10:28). David writes in Psalm 27:1: "The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The LORD is the stronghold of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?"
Even more importantly, believers need not be afraid of the dreadful fate of the wicked, according to Proverbs 3:25. We will not be caught in their judgment, because the Lord has saved us from it (Romans 8:1).
v. 26: According to this verse our security rests with the Lord. He will protect us. No one will be able to trap us. When we trusted in Jesus as our Savior, we became God's children and His friends, but we also became targets of the Devil and the unregenerate world. The world hates us and opposes us, but we should not be surprised or dismayed (John 15:18-21). The last several verses have emphasized the peace of mind which comes to those who follow godly wisdom and discretion. While our actions cannot save us (Ephesians 2:8-9), they do reflect our beliefs (James 2:18-20). Acting in accordance with godliness not only keeps us from the risks of sinful behavior (Prov. 3:21-24), it enhances our reassurance that God is by our side (Heb. 11:13-16).
Jesus predicted that we would have tribulation in the world, but He assured us He has overcome the world (John 16:33). The apostle Paul also predicted we would face opposition because of our commitment to lead a godly life. He wrote: "Indeed, all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted" (2 Tim. 3:12), but he also addressed believers as "more than conquerors through him who loved us" (Rom. 8:37). The apostle John, too, noted that we are overcomers because of our faith in Jesus as the Son of God (1 John 5:5).
v. 27: Solomon now directs his student's attention to others. The phrasing used here highlights this as a duty: we are not to "withhold good." That implies this "good" is something we're obligated to give others. In more relaxed English, this is like saying, "treat others right." For that reason, this first instruction touches on the modern use of the word "honor," as used for meeting an obligation. Especially when something good is expected, or owed, we should actively seek to fulfill that command. This is re-emphasized in the following verse (Proverbs 3:28). This doing good, or honoring, can take many different forms.
A child can honor parents by being obedient and respectful (Ephesians 6:1-2). Parents can honor their children by not picking on them for every little thing. Instead, they ought to consider their children a stewardship from the Lord and rear them in the discipline and instruction of the Lord (Ephesians 6:4).
Servants or employees can honor an employer by working hard and sincerely as unto the Lord (Eph. 6:5-7).
Masters or employers should treat their employees fairly (Ephesians 6:9). An employer can honor loyal, productive employees by granting a promotion, a gift of appreciation, or a raise.
Young people can honor and respect senior citizens (1 Peter 5:5).
Church members can honor their spiritual leaders by paying them well for their faithful service (1 Timothy 5:17) and by "[esteeming] them very highly in love because of their work" (1 Thess. 5:12-13).
v. 28: In this verse Solomon endorses both charity and transparency. This comment flows naturally from the prior verse, which forbids someone to "withhold good" from those to whom it is due. Doing good for others-especially when it's something expected or owed-is not to be delayed. The imagery used here also suggests someone coming with a request for help. Saying "come back later," when help is available now, is stubborn and dishonest. In the New Testament, James evokes this same idea, condemning the practice of offering words to the poor without backing them up with charitable giving (James 2:15-16).
Further context for this approach comes from other scriptural commands about helping one's neighbors. The Lord instructed Israel not to reap their fields right up to the edge but to leave some of the harvest for the poor and the sojourner (Leviticus 23:22). Being a devout Israelite, farmer Boaz observed this injunction and gave instructions to his laborers to let the widow Ruth glean "even among the sheaves" (Ruth 2:15). Ezekiel 18:12 condemns the person who "oppresses the poor and needy."
The early church diligently cared for the poor. At Pentecost the believers sold their possessions and belongings and distributed the proceeds to the needy (Acts 2:45). The needy at the time were Jews from foreign countries who had come to observe the Feast of Pentecost and had become believers in Jesus. Far from home, they had no means of support. Later, in a time of famine, the apostle Paul initiated an offering for the poor (1 Corinthians 16:1-4; 2 Corinthians 9:1-2).
v. 29: Verses 27 and 28 warned against withholding good from those to whom it was due. This, it seems, includes the idea of not delaying charity for those who are in need (Proverbs 3:27-28). The instruction of this verse continues that progression of thought. This verse condemns actively planning to harm or cause trouble for someone's neighbor. The Hebrew word translated as "plan" here has an interesting set of meanings. It mostly refers to plowing a field by digging furrows. Yet it is also used for engraving, and as a noun it can refer to a skilled artist. Used here, this suggests purposeful, premeditated evil against one's neighbor.
This is especially wicked because the neighbor is totally unsuspecting. He presumes his neighbor will treat him respectfully. Exodus 20:16 -17 defends a neighbor's right to be honored and protected. These verses command: "You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor. You shall not covet your neighbor's house; you shall not covet your neighbor's wife, or his male servant, or his female servant, or his ox, or his donkey, or anything that is your neighbor's." To purposely plot evil against a trusting neighbor is to transgress everything these commandments stand for.
Perhaps, when writing Proverbs 3:29, Solomon recalled his father David's evil plot against his neighbor Uriah. After stealing Uriah's wife, Bathsheba, and committing adultery with her, David ordered his general Joab to place Uriah on the front line against the enemy, knowing Uriah would be killed. The plot worked, but the Lord would soon expose David's sin (2 Samuel 11:1-12:7).
v. 30: A "proverb" is a general-case statement of advice. In the ancient day, as today, these are not understood as absolute guarantees. Instead, they explain the best course of action, along with the most typical result. In this case, Solomon teaches that a wise person doesn't pick fights. If a person has not grievously wronged us, we have no reason to quarrel with him. Note, however, this verse allows that some conflicts with others are justified-what's condemned is strife without a compelling reason.
In some parts of America, this is summed up with the English idiom "don't start none, won't be none," referring to trouble as something one ought not stir up without a good reason. That idiom is just a rephrasing of Romans 12:18, which instructs: "If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all." Common sense says that it's better not to start fights and arguments than to be constantly embroiled in them.
Those who live according to the sinful nature stir up strife and dissensions (Galatians 5:20), whereas those who walk in the Spirit manifest peace in their lives (Galatians 5:16, 22). Paul rebuked the contentious members of the Galatian churches and warned them about the consequences of their actions. He wrote: "If you bite and devour one another, watch out that you are not consumed by one another" (Galatians 5:15).
In listing the requirements of an overseer, Paul wrote they should be "not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome" (1 Timothy 3:3). Near the end of his life, Paul called out by name Alexander the coppersmith. He charged: "Alexander the coppersmith did me great harm; the Lord will repay him according to his deeds" (2 Tim. 4:14).
Can you imagine how much less strife and bitterness there would be in the church-let alone the world-if every believer obeyed the injunction of this verse?
v. 31: Prior verses followed a progression. The reader is commanded not to delay in doing good to others, not to withhold help from a neighbor, not to plan evil against a neighbor, and then to avoid unnecessary conflict (Proverbs 3:27-30). The command given here follows that chain by warning against looking to "a man of violence" either as a role model or with jealousy. In context, this means something more than a person who engages in fistfights or mayhem. It also refers to something more than simply being jealous of what such a person has gained.
As used here, the "man of violence" would be someone who does the opposite of the commands just given. Those who are selfish, cruel, plotting, or greedy towards others might seem to gain material wealth. The instruction Solomon gives here is that such actions should not be echoed. In Psalm 37:1, David, Solomon's father, gives similar advice. He writes: "Fret not yourself because of evildoers; be not envious of wrongdoers." Instead of envying wrongdoers, believers should trust in the Lord. In verse 16 David reasons, "Better is a little that the righteous has than the abundance of many wicked."
The other meaning of this verse is that godly people should not become bitter or jealous when evildoers appear to prosper. Asaph, the writer of Psalm 73, almost made shipwreck of the faith because he envied the arrogant wicked because they were prosperous (Psalm 73:1-3). He saw them as trouble free, fat, malicious, blasphemous, and growing richer and richer (Psalm 73:3-12). However, he stopped envying the wicked when the Lord revealed their disastrous fate to him (Psalm 73:17-20, 27). The way of the wicked may look easy and prosperous, but disaster waits at the end of the road. It is far better to follow the road that
leads to endless blessings.
v. 32: The Hebrew word translated as "devious" here implies something bent, turned aside, or perverse. The term evokes some of the same feelings as the modern English word "crooked." This is directly contrasted with a Hebrew word which implies something stretched, straight, and smooth: someone who is "upright." This verse makes a strong claim about God's view of those who are dishonest and fraudulent: they are "an abomination" to God.
Instead of walking the straight and narrow road the Lord has marked out in Scripture, the devious person travels his own way, the way of lawlessness, selfishness, and violence. Proverbs 14:2 says the devious person despises the Lord. The word "abomination" applies to whatever and whoever is offensive in the moral sense. Sinful pride, lying, shedding of innocent blood, a heart that makes wicked plans, feet that hurry to do evil, and anyone who sows discord among brothers are all abominations to the Lord (Proverbs 6:16-19).
Believers need to stay clear of this kind of person and reject his ways. They have nothing to gain from fellowshipping with him. However, they have everything to gain from fellowshipping with the Lord. He holds believers "in his confidence." This phrase, in Hebrew, implies an inner circle of trust and intimacy.
v. 33: Scripture is not naïve about the world. Following good wisdom is more likely to bring success, but it's not an ironclad guarantee of prosperity. This very passage warns that fear and hardship will still come (Proverbs 3:25-26). In the same way, Proverbs does not shy away from the fact that those who blatantly defy God sometimes seem to have great earthly prosperity (Proverbs 3:31).
What separates the value of those approaches is a long-term perspective, especially one that looks into eternity. In Matthew 7:24-27 Jesus described the difference between a house built on sand and one built on a rock. The house on the sand fell victim to a flood, whereas the house on the rock stood firm. The house on the sand represents a life without Jesus' words as its foundation. The house on a rock represents a life built on the foundation of Jesus' words.
In another passage of Scripture, Jesus spoke about a rich man who must have lived in a beautiful house. He lived the so-called good life. He wore expensive clothes and ate extremely well every day, but his life was not founded on the Lord, and at the end of his life he suffered the anguish of fire (Luke 16:19-24). His fate should serve as a warning to the wicked.
v. 34: The English verb "scorn" or "scoff" or "mock" comes from the Hebrew word yā'lis', referring to the behavior of one who sneers at others. The noun "scoffer" is from the word lē'sim, meaning one who is derisive or arrogant. Those with overly inflated opinions of themselves will be humiliated in the face of a supreme God. In contrast, those who admit their own weakness and limitations can find mercy and grace in God (Hebrews 4:15-16). This concept is often repeated in teachings of the New Testament (James 4:6; 1 Peter 5:5).
Even a self-labelled "religious" person can scorn God's grace and mercy by proudly relying on his own righteousness. This is illustrated in Jesus' story about two men who entered the temple to pray (Luke 18:9-14). One man, a proud Pharisee, recited his religious deeds and compared himself favorably to other men, including the tax collector. But the tax collector's humility found favor in God' sight. The tax collector stood far off, would not raise his eyes to heaven, but beat his beast and prayed humbly, "God, be merciful to me, a sinner" (Luke 18:13). Jesus said the publican went home justified rather than the proud Pharisee. He concluded the story by saying, "For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but the one who humbles himself will be exalted" (Luke 18:14).
v. 35: Wisdom leads to honor, whereas foolishness leads to disgrace. In Proverbs, "wisdom" is the ability to act according to godly knowledge. "Foolishness" does not mean stupidity, or a lack of information. Rather, "fools" are closedminded, stubborn, arrogant, hardened to spiritual truth, and they ridicule godly perspectives. These consequences of godliness versus foolishness are generally true in earthly life (Proverbs 3:31; Psalm 73:16-20), but they are absolutely the case in eternity.
Philippians 3:18 describes many who despise spiritual truth as enemies of the cross of Christ. The following verse says plainly, "their end is destruction" (Philippians 3:19). Someday, all who are foolish in God's sight will end up like the rich farmer who put his confidence in material possessions instead of in God. When he boasted that he could eat, drink, and be merry because he had so many goods stored up, God called him a fool and required his soul that very night (Luke 12:20).
The wise, by contrast, are those who trust in God and do His will. They will receive honor. The apostle Paul, for example, obeyed God's will and looked forward to receiving the crown of righteousness (2 Timothy 4:8). He added in the same verse that the crown of righteousness would also be awarded to all who have loved Jesus' appearing. Fools have nothing to gain but everything to lose, whereas the wise have nothing to lose but everything to gain!
