Don’t Quit Listening IV

Thursday, July 21, 2022

23 Fear-of-God is life itself,

    a whole life, and serene—no nasty surprises.

24 Some people dig a fork into the pie

    but are too lazy to raise it to their mouth.

25 Punish the insolent—make an example of them.

    Who knows? Somebody might learn a good lesson.

26 Kids who lash out against their parents

    are an embarrassment and disgrace.

27 If you quit listening, dear child, and strike off on your own,

    you’ll soon be out of your depth.

28 An unprincipled witness desecrates justice;

    the mouths of the wicked spew malice.

29 The irreverent have to learn reverence the hard way;

    only a slap in the face brings fools to attention.

-Proverbs 19:23-29 The Message

23 The fear of the Lord leads to life,

    and whoever has it rests satisfied;

    he will not be visited by harm.

24 The sluggard buries his hand in the dish

    and will not even bring it back to his mouth.

25 Strike a scoffer, and the simple will learn prudence;

    reprove a man of understanding, and he will gain knowledge.

26 He who does violence to his father and chases away his mother

    is a son who brings shame and reproach.

27 Cease to hear instruction, my son,

    and you will stray from the words of knowledge.

28 A worthless witness mocks at justice,

    and the mouth of the wicked devours iniquity.

29 Condemnation is ready for scoffers

    and beating on the backs of fools.

-Proverbs 19:23-29 ESV

Verse 23 study: People who fear the Lord are “untouched by evil” because of their healthy habits, good lifestyle, and sometimes by God’s intervention. Not always does the fear of the Lord protects us from evil in life. Evil things can happen to those who still do good and love God. This is a general guideline and not a universal promise. These things can happen in a sinless world, and what would happen in the new earth when faithful believers are in God’s hands forever.

Verse 24 study: This verse is supposed to be humorous about the sluggard. But it points out that a person is too lazy to feed himself like the ultimate sloth. This person reflects on the situation in chapter 6, verses 10-11. One person does not have the will for self-preservation. Here is the point of a person too lazy to feed himself. The saying “buries his hand in the dish” is a common custom of eating where people will reach in the dish and grab food for themselves. This proverb says some people are so lazy that they won’t feed themselves.

A little sleep, a little slumber,
    a little folding of the hands to rest,
11 and poverty will come upon you like a robber,
    and want like an armed man. -Proverbs 6:10-11 ESV

Verse 25 study: There is a difference between a person who learns from criticism and someone who won’t correct themselves. The way we respond to criticism shows if we grow in wisdom. Listen carefully the next time someone criticizes you. There is something there you might learn from. Be simple, the mocker deserves punishment. The teachable mind will observe and learn.

Verse 26 study: The purpose of family relationship and God’s purpose is made clear in this verse.

Verse 29 study: Even if they don’t get punished because of discouragement, they deserve it.