Tag: Understanding Warning Signs V

Friday, September 9, 2022

23 In the end, a severe reprimand is appreciated

    far more than bootlicking flattery.

24 Anyone who robs father and mother

    and says, “So, what’s wrong with that?”

    is worse than a pirate.

25 A grasping person stirs trouble,

    but trust in God brings a sense of well-being.

26 If you think you know it all, you’re a fool for sure;

    real survivors learn wisdom from others.

27 Be generous to the poor—you’ll never go hungry;

    shut your eyes to their needs, and run a gauntlet of curses.

28 When corruption takes over, good people go underground,

    but when the crooks are thrown out, it’s safe to come out.

-Proverbs 28:23-28 The Message

23 Whoever rebukes a man will afterward find more favor

    than he who flatters with his tongue.

24 Whoever robs his father or his mother

    and says, “That is no transgression,”

    is a companion to a man who destroys.

25 A greedy man stirs up strife,

    but the one who trusts in the Lord will be enriched.

26 Whoever trusts in his own mind is a fool,

    but he who walks in wisdom will be delivered.

27 Whoever gives to the poor will not want,

    but he who hides his eyes will get many a curse.

28 When the wicked rise, people hide,

    but when they perish, the righteous increase.

-Proverbs 28:23-28 ESV

Verse 23 study: Honesty wins the long-term reward regardless of how painful it is. A needed rebuke positively affects personal relationships, while flattery only undermines them.

Verse 24 study: Family relationships are at the hub of all human ties. To steal from a parent without shame shows the usual depravity that undermines all relationships.

Verse 25 study: Trust in the Lord that dependence and faith fear the Lord.

Verse 26 study: Rugged individualist is heroes. We admire the bold, self-directed men and women who know what they want and fight for it. They are self-reliant, not giving or sharing advice, not asking for advice. This is an example of contrast to God’s way. A person can’t know the future and can’t predict the consequences of their choices with certainty. The self-reliant person is doomed to failure. The wise person depends on God. Trusting in your mind and self is the destructive opposite of trusting the Lord. A person walking in wisdom knows the correct way and that the fear of the Lord is correlated.

Verse 27 study: God wants us to identify with the needy, not ignore them. The second part of the proverb could relate to positivity. Those who open their eyes to the poor will be blessed. If we help others in trouble, they will do whatever to return the favor. Paul promises that God will supply our needs. He usually does this through others. What can you do to help God provide for someone’s needs?

24 One gives freely, yet grows all the richer;
    another withholds what he should give, and only suffers want.
25 Whoever brings blessing will be enriched,
    and one who waters will himself be watered. -Proverbs 11:24-25 ESV

19 And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus. -Philippians 4:19 ESV

Verse 28 study: The righteous may have to cycle between inactivity and activity, but his persistence brings success.