Prov 25:1-11
SS Lesson for 09/25/2011
Devotional Scripture: Prov 15:18-33
The concept of the outline of the lesson came from the Bible Expositor and Illuminator. It teaches how to find and get Wisdom and Discernment. The study's aim is to affirm that timely wisdom is precious in God's sight. The study's application is to know that when we apply God's wisdom in our actions, we will reap God's blessings.
Neighborly Advice
One of the best pieces of advice I ever received was from a preacher friend who would later become a key person in directing my future service to God. I had graduated from Bible college and was doing summer evangelistic work (1965) with young people in various churches and Christian service camps throughout the southern states. My friend Bill and I were in Florida in a Christian service camp, and I was preaching the sermons for morning chapels and evening vespers. The preacher friend, Jim, was the camp dean. After a couple of sermons Jim approached me very warmly but firmly and told me to tone down my criticism of other preachers, whether they were liberal or not. He pointed out that most of the young people in the camp knew only one preacher (in their home church), and that I need not condemn the whole lot just because I was arguing for truths of the gospel and against those who did not preach the truth. I was young and brash. Perhaps arrogant would be a better description. Jim tried to help me see the value of preaching more positively rather than negatively. He was right, of course, and it took me some time to adjust my thinking. I have never quit working on it. Years later, I met Jim by happenstance on Highway 1 in Illinois while we were both driving through Danville. We stopped at a fast-food restaurant to eat and catch up on our past friendship. Jim had just been inaugurated as president at a Bible college. He offered me a faculty position at the college to teach. That was the beginning of my academic life, and without the neighborly mentoring of Jim it never would have happened. The book of Proverbs provides, among other things, principles for developing good and equitable relationships. Our printed text presents five principles of behavior, positive things to do and negative things to avoid, in dealing with other people and even with God.
Lesson Background (Proverbs 25:1)
This first verse of today’s printed text provides a little background information for the rest of our lesson. After moving beyond the preamble of Proverbs 1:1-7 and the extended discourses on wisdom of 1:8-9:18, we find two collections of Solomon’s proverbs. These are found in 10:1-22:16 and 25:1-29:27; they are separated by a brief double collection of sayings of the wise in 22:17-24:22 and 24:23-34. Our text for today thus begins the second collection of proverbs by Solomon himself. Solomon spoke 3,000 proverbs (1 Kings 4:32). However, the two collections noted above contain only a little over 500 proverbs. Thus the majority of Solomon’s proverbs are lost to us, although there are a few in other places such as Ecclesiastes. Solomon reigned about 970-930 BC. Hezekiah king of Judah reigned two centuries after Solomon, about 727-696 BC. Hezekiah was considered one of the “good” kings of Judah. This second collection of Solomon’s proverbs may have been assembled in connection with Hezekiah’s efforts to reestablish the worship of the true God after the apostasy of the evil King Ahaz. (For Hezekiah’s reforms, see 2 Kings 18-20; 2 Chronicles 29-32; and Isaiah 36-39.) It is clear that a lot of the proverbs from Proverbs 25, the source of today’s text, emerge from the royal court. They are vivid in figures of speech, with many admonitions. Some scholars consider Proverbs 25:2-27 to be a small wisdom-book that was transcribed by the men of Hezekiah from a source that was a literary unit in and of itself. As with most proverbs, the application of these sayings may cover a variety of settings.
Being wise and discerning is not synonymous with being learned and well educated. It is possible to have a head filled with knowledge without any notion of how to use it. It is also possible to use learning in vicious, destructive ways. Solomon, the author of many of the proverbs in the Bible, knew what he was speaking of when he wrote about wisdom and discernment. He recognized early in his reign that he lacked the wisdom to rule well. He therefore prayed, "Give . . . thy servant an understanding heart to judge thy people, that I may discern between good and bad" (I Kings 3:9). The Lord was pleased with this humble request and amply rewarded Solomon (I Kings 3:10-13). His understanding included a breadth of knowledge that astounded his contemporaries (4:29-34). But it also included a discernment that enabled him to make the most difficult decisions, as illustrated in the case of the two women claiming the same baby (3:16-28). In his later years, however, Solomon turned from the Lord who had given him wisdom to serve the gods of his wives (I Kings 11:4-8). In this, he left his wisdom and became a fool. We all remember that very awkward time when we said something foolish at the very worst time and wished we could have taken the words back. Despite our good intentions, the words did not come out as we wanted them to, and that made all the difference for us. Our lesson this week is very insightful in this regard. It shows us that discretion with our words can make a very big difference. We are encouraged to learn that timely advice is crucial and that our words must be few and chosen well.
(Scriptural Text from the New King James Version; cross-references from the NIV)
1 These also are proverbs of Solomon which the men of Hezekiah king of Judah copied:
2 It is the glory of God to conceal a matter, But the glory of kings is to search out a matter.
3 As the heavens for height and the earth for depth, So the heart of kings is unsearchable.
4 Take away the dross from silver, And it will go to the silversmith for jewelry.
5 Take away the wicked from before the king, And his throne will be established in righteousness.
29 The secret things belong to the Lord our God, but the things revealed belong to us and to our children forever, that we may follow all the words of this law.
7 He said to them: "It is not for you to know the times or dates the Father has set by his own authority.
33 Oh, the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable his judgments, and his paths beyond tracing out! 34 "Who has known the mind of the Lord? Or who has been his counselor?"
11 For who among men knows the thoughts of a man except the man's spirit within him? In the same way no one knows the thoughts of God except the Spirit of God.
8 But Rehoboam rejected the advice the elders gave him and consulted the young men who had grown up with him and were serving him.
10 My son, if sinners entice you, do not give in to them. 11 If they say, "Come along with us; let's lie in wait for someone's blood, let's waylay some harmless soul; 12 let's swallow them alive, like the grave, and whole, like those who go down to the pit; 13 we will get all sorts of valuable things and fill our houses with plunder; 14 throw in your lot with us, and we will share a common purse" — 15 my son, do not go along with them, do not set foot on their paths; 16 for their feet rush into sin, they are swift to shed blood.
19 A gossip betrays a confidence; so avoid a man who talks too much.
17 I urge you, brothers, to watch out for those who cause divisions and put obstacles in your way that are contrary to the teaching you have learned. Keep away from them.
33 Do not be misled: "Bad company corrupts good character."
6 Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of such things God's wrath comes on those who are disobedient.
6 Do not exalt yourself in the presence of the king, And do not stand in the place of the great;
7 For it is better that he say to you, "Come up here," Than that you should be put lower in the presence of the prince, Whom your eyes have seen.
5 The Lord detests all the proud of heart. Be sure of this: They will not go unpunished.
4 In his pride the wicked does not seek him; in all his thoughts there is no room for God.
12 Do you see a man wise in his own eyes? There is more hope for a fool than for him.
2 When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom.
18 Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall.
11 The eyes of the arrogant man will be humbled and the pride of men brought low; the Lord alone will be exalted in that day.
28 All this happened to King Nebuchadnezzar. 29 Twelve months later, as the king was walking on the roof of the royal palace of Babylon, 30 he said, "Is not this the great Babylon I have built as the royal residence, by my mighty power and for the glory of my majesty?" 31 The words were still on his lips when a voice came from heaven, "This is what is decreed for you, King Nebuchadnezzar: Your royal authority has been taken from you. 32 You will be driven away from people and will live with the wild animals; you will eat grass like cattle. Seven times will pass by for you until you acknowledge that the Most High is sovereign over the kingdoms of men and gives them to anyone he wishes." 33 Immediately what had been said about Nebuchadnezzar was fulfilled. He was driven away from people and ate grass like cattle. His body was drenched with the dew of heaven until his hair grew like the feathers of an eagle and his nails like the claws of a bird. 34 At the end of that time, I, Nebuchadnezzar, raised my eyes toward heaven, and my sanity was restored. Then I praised the Most High; I honored and glorified him who lives forever. His dominion is an eternal dominion; his kingdom endures from generation to generation.
6 "'Therefore this is what the Sovereign Lord says:"'Because you think you are wise, as wise as a god, 7 I am going to bring foreigners against you, the most ruthless of nations; they will draw their swords against your beauty and wisdom and pierce your shining splendor. 8 They will bring you down to the pit, and you will die a violent death in the heart of the seas.
13 Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show it by his good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom.
17 But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere.
4 Such confidence as this is ours through Christ before God. 5 Not that we are competent in ourselves to claim anything for ourselves, but our competence comes from God. 6 He has made us competent as ministers of a new covenant- — not of the letter but of the Spirit; for the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life.
9 But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me. 10 That is why, for Christ's sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.
8 Do not go hastily to court; For what will you do in the end, When your neighbor has put you to shame?
9 Debate your case with your neighbor, And do not disclose the secret to another;
10 Lest he who hears it expose your shame, And your reputation be ruined.
11 A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold In settings of silver.
30 The mouth of the righteous man utters wisdom, and his tongue speaks what is just.
2 The tongue of the wise commends knowledge, but the mouth of the fool gushes folly.
4 The tongue that brings healing is a tree of life, but a deceitful tongue crushes the spirit.
4 The Sovereign Lord has given me an instructed tongue, to know the word that sustains the weary. He wakens me morning by morning, wakens my ear to listen like one being taught.
23 A wise man's heart guides his mouth, and his lips promote instruction.
12 Words from a wise man's mouth are gracious, but a fool is consumed by his own lips.
17 A wicked messenger falls into trouble, but a trustworthy envoy brings healing.
10 "Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much, and whoever is dishonest with very little will also be dishonest with much. 11 So if you have not been trustworthy in handling worldly wealth, who will trust you with true riches? 12 And if you have not been trustworthy with someone else's property, who will give you property of your own? 13 "No servant can serve two masters. Either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and Money."
11 So if you have not been trustworthy in handling worldly wealth, who will trust you with true riches? 12 And if you have not been trustworthy with someone else's property, who will give you property of your own?
9 He must hold firmly to the trustworthy message as it has been taught, so that he can encourage others by sound doctrine and refute those who oppose it.
14 From the fruit of his lips a man is filled with good things as surely as the work of his hands rewards him.
26 An honest answer is like a kiss on the lips.
29 Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.
23 A man finds joy in giving an apt reply — and how good is a timely word!
Discernment is a wisdom characteristic. People of discernment can see the true nature of situations and make good judgments about them. The discerning person can evaluate others’ spirits (Proverbs 28:11) and accept the point of a rebuke (17:10). The introductory statements of Proverbs promote the discerning person (1:5, 6). Acting with discernment is to put feet and hands to any given situation where there is need for good judgment. Let us recapitulate the five principles of conduct in our lesson and note the character needed for each. First, let God be God and man be man. This takes discernment regarding the distance between God and humanity. Even kings must recognize where true wisdom comes from and that there are some concealed matters that belong only to God. The character needed is a heart that is submissive to the divine. Second, remember that good companions encourage righteousness. On the other hand, wicked companions will bring corruption and then destruction. The character needed is self-discipline to rid oneself of evil influences, whether it be so-called friends or aspects of culture. Maintain righteousness through good companions. Third, always take the humble position. By taking the best seat in the house (either literally or figuratively), one could be asked to move to the back in humiliation. Let praise of you come from others. Do not promote yourself. The character needed, of course, is genuine humility of heart and spirit. Fourth, don’t jump to conclusions. Judge not lest you be judged. Do not accuse another of wrong too quickly. Seeing is not always believing! False accusations can destroy others, but it can also bring shame upon you. The character needed is a nonjudgmental heart. Fifth, keep confidences. When you must confront a neighbor directly, make the criticism without going public. This calls for an honest heart and a tight tongue. Respect the dignity of others even when they are blameworthy. Learning to act with discernment with regard to these five principles will enhance one’s relationships with neighbors, friends, and family. The result will be peace.
In our text, we are reminded that the right use of speech is beautiful and pleasing to God. Literally, this proverb praises "a word spoken on its wheels." Since the Hebrew idiom "on its wheels" occurs nowhere else in the Bible, scholars differ on its precise meaning. They are mostly agreed, however, that this spoken word has two main characteristics: it is the right word, and it is spoken at the right occasion. The importance of both of these characteristics is communicated by the image of "apples of gold" in "pictures of silver." Although we do not know exactly what kind of artistic work this image is referring to, it pictures a piece of art ("apples") placed in a beautiful setting ("pictures of silver"). The artwork itself represents a good word, and the setting represents the occasion on which the word is spoken. Both are crucial. A mismatched setting can diminish the value of an otherwise beautiful piece. So too a good word must be spoken in the appropriate circumstance if it is to be truly wise. Other proverbs in the surrounding context (Prov. 25:2-21) expand on the theme of wise words spoken at the right time. Verse 12 highlights the importance of rebuke, a crucial example of wise speech. Verse 15 reminds us that patient words can even break bones. Verse 18 shows us the destructive power of false words in court. Proverbs 25:20 is particularly pertinent to understanding our text. Expanding on the vital importance of the right circumstance for everything, it warns that even something as wonderful as joyful songs can be destructive spoken to the wrong person at the wrong time. The beauty of words appropriate to the occasion is well illuminated by Solomon's ruling in the dispute between two prostitutes over who was the mother of a child. Solomon spoke words that would be terribly inappropriate and even evil in other circumstances but that were perfect for the occasion: "Divide the living child in two" (I Kings 3:25)! Although we are initially shocked by this order, it enabled Solomon to determine the true mother; thus we understand that his words were perfectly chosen for the task at hand. Far more than Solomon, Jesus knew exactly the right word to speak at exactly the right time. Time and again the Jewish leaders pressed Him with hard questions in order to trap Him in debate (cf. Matt. 22:15), but He always responded flawlessly. Jesus' response to the chief priests and elders after cleansing the temple highlights His wisdom of speech (Matt. 21:23-27). When they asked Him to identify the authority by which He cleansed the temple, Jesus found a way to answer their question without giving them grounds for a legal accusation. His answer implied that, like John the Baptist, His authority came directly from God. But by phrasing His answer as a question that the Jewish leaders could not answer, He stopped them in their tracks. We too are called to speak the right word at the right time. We do so not in our strength but in the wisdom of God and in thankfulness to God, who sent us Jesus, who is the Word sent at exactly the right time to atone for our sin.
1. God has not made all things apparent. It is His pleasure that mankind should seek out His truths (Prov. 25:1-3)
2. Wicked counsel will always be a stumbling block to living a righteous life (vs. 4-5)
3. One who lacks humility risks being humbled by others (vs. 6-7)
4. Sacrificing truth for speed will bring consequences (vs. 8)
5. People need to know that a person can keep a private matter confidential (vs. 9-10)
6. One of the most valuable skills you can learn is to say the right thing at the right time (vs. 11)
The proverbs in this lesson focus on two topics. As Israel's third king and the son of a king, Solomon certainly was qualified to speak about kings and kingship. As one who had a rival to the throne when he came to power (I Kings 1), he also knew about personal conflict.
The section of Proverbs that begins with 25:1 is titled "proverbs of Solomon, which the men of Hezekiah king of Judah copied out." Solomon died in 931 B.C. Hezekiah's reign as king of Judah began a little over two hundred years later. Many of Solomon's wise sayings were still around at that time, and some men, presumably in Hezekiah's court, collected these proverbs and copied them down for inclusion in this book. These proverbs seem to be grouped by topic. Solomon made it clear that kings are not to be equated with God, as was the case in some nations. It is to God's glory that He conceals some things. Since God does not reveal everything about Himself or His creation, a king who wishes to rule well and make proper decisions must "search out a matter" (Prov. 25:2). That is, he must carefully investigate matters, explore evidence, and weigh advice. He must not presume that "might makes right" and that he can rely solely on his own thoughts to make wise decisions. At the same time, a king is not obligated to reveal everything about himself or his rule. Wise is the person, whether a king or not, who does not disclose things spoken to him in confidence. Like the heaven above and the earth beneath, a king's thoughts should be unsearchable. Solomon also noted that just as silver cannot be pure until the dross is removed, so a king's throne cannot be established in righteousness until the wicked are removed from him. One can tell a lot about a leader by the people he surrounds himself with. If his advisers are wicked people, we can expect nothing better from the king. A king who wishes to rule well must not compromise righteousness for the sake of pleasing some group. The whole nation will suffer as a result. A king who follows this advice will be well served. Finally, Solomon offered advice to those who would approach a king. A person should not seek to elevate himself before the king or to claim a place among the great. This may impress some people—but not a good king. It is better for a person to wait for the king to recognize his abilities and elevate him.
We should not be hasty in taking someone to court. It will only bring shame on us. It is always best to seek resolution privately. This prevents the possibility of revealing things spoken to us in confidence in order to vindicate ourselves. Instead of solving problems, this may create more by ruining a friendship. While the specific metaphor of "apples of gold in pictures of silver" (Prov. 25:11) is obscure, the meaning of the proverb is not. Truthful words used fittingly are both beautiful and valuable. One who practices this art will avoid much trouble and solve much conflict.