Ecc. 12: Remember God's Commands

Ecclesiastes 12:13 "The end of the matter; all has been heard. Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man."

Ecclesiastes, despite being hopelessly cynical in tone at times, wraps up with a command we've heard numerous times. "Fear God and keep his commandments." That is the source of true joy and happiness and fulfillment in a meaningless existence under the sun. God has given life for a meaning, and Ecclesiastes is all about perspective. What a joyless hopeless existence if this is all there is, if this is our one go round and there is nothing beyond.

The word of God is the fixed point.

Ecc. 11: Go Live

Ecclesiastes 11:5 "As you do not know the path of the wind, or how the body is formed in a mother's womb, so you cannot understand the work of God, the Maker of all things. "

Cast your bread upon the waters, Ecclesiastes 11 says. Go, take risks, don't concern yourself with whether it is the right time or not to take a chance, because there is a time for everything. If you wait until the right time, when the wind isn't blowing, you'll never accomplish anything. For a personal example, I wanted to wait until I could better afford to have kids, and then a brother-in-law told me if I wait for that, it will never happen, and he was right. My daughter is now about 3 and 1/2 months old. I still can't afford her, but I would in poverty without her.

You never know which actions you take will be successful, but none will be if you don't take action.

Enjoy your life, do your thing, but remember God sees all and will sit in final judgment of you.

I think a person can really be happy when they keep in mind which things are meaningless, the things that are temporary and under the sun. God intends enjoyment, and I think Ecclesiastes has commanded the reader to take an eternal view of existence.

Ecc. 10: Fulers

Ecclesiastes 10:3 "Even as he walks along the road, the fool lacks sense and shows everyone how stupid he is."

Even light foolishness denigrates solid wisdom.

I don't know how or why wisdom goes to the right and foolishness to the left. I'll leave political commentary out of it.

Rulers can put whoever they want in charge, and occasionally, they install fools. That happens, and Solomon describes it as an evil. People often occupy positions they have no business occupying. That's just the way it is.

If you dig a pit, you may fall into it...sometimes we fall victim to our own schemes.

Be careful what you say about someone...little birdies are everywhere.

Ecc. 9: Destiny

Ecclesiastes 9:9 "Enjoy life with your wife, whom you love, all the days of this meaningless life that God has given you under the sun— all your meaningless days. For this is your lot in life and in your toilsome labor under the sun."

I had this verse read as the scripture for my wedding. I know. It's a little out there. But I wanted something personal, more intensely pointed than 1 Corinthians' love chapter. (I know, that's intensely pointed too, but cliche at weddings). But the challenge is to forget about all the mindless striving and live my little life, enjoy my wife, and my time under the sun. Realize and own the idea that this isn't all there is, and that the pursuit of treasures under the sun is vanity. Loving my wife is not.

The grander point is that we all have a common destiny, and that is to return to the ground from which we came. Whether we were righteous or wicked, wise or fools. Death awaits us all, and then the unknown beyond. The difference in the righteous is that they have a certainty in the unknown. Which seems like a paradox, huh?

Man can strive and train and prepare and boast, but when it all comes down, God controls the outcome.

As for words, wisdom outruns volume, and it's not even close.

Ecc. 8: I Deserve?

Ecclesiastes 8:8 "No man has power over the wind to contain it; so no one has power over the day of his death. As no one is discharged in time of war, so wickedness will not release those who practice it."

The king is in authority, and his word is supreme. Who are you to tell him what to do, or question his motives? The king has the power to make decrees and commands, and will spare those who obey him and keep his laws.

I suppose what I get here is that true power is not in any man's hands. What we do have, however, is the illusion of power. Of course we can't contain the wind, and a man can't add any days to his life, or predict when his life will actually end. Can you imagine what life would be like, or how it would be different if you could pinpoint the exact moment you would die? Would you take chances? Would you be a different person?

Another important part of verse 8 is the realization that wickedness is a force at war, who does not discharge anyone who practices it. Wickedness needs all the people it can get, as it is in a mortal war with righteousness. Wickedness does not just cease in a person, a person has to leave it, or be rescued from it.

Wicked people with long lives will be uneasy all their life. Not so for the righteous, when wicked people live long, there is less discomfort with it, because they trust God's judgment, as odd or confusing as it may be at the time. Vanity. Meaningless.

Additionally, the wicked will get what the righteous deserve, and the righteous will get what the wicked deserve. This is just the way it happens. This seems to show God as a person who cares not for what people deserve. As it happens, every person is fallen, a sinner, has rejected God and deserves death. But he heaps favor and riches on whoever he wants, regardless of whether or not that person deserves it.

Ecc. 7: The Gravity of Life

Ecclesiastes 7:13 "Consider what God has done: Who can straighten what he has made crooked?"

This is a pretty serious chapter. The Choir have a pretty incredible song that kind of made me wonder, but as I read Ecclesiastes 7 for the first time in my life, it became clear because of it's context.



When you read something like the day of death being better than the day of birth, and that a sad face is good for the heart, that sorrow is better than laughter, what comes to mind? What is your first instinct? In my case it was a bit of incredulity. I had the consider it. I wondered if Solomon (presumably) was referring to an afterlife, and the departure of a meaningless world under the sun, with the hope of entering God's presence. I think more than that, it is a grim reminder not to forget that life is temporary. Remember the sad times, for balance, for a greater sense of joy in the good times, and hope. I think a good answer or elaboration can be found in verse 14. God creates the good and bad times.

To be quickly provoked is meaningless foolishness. Why get so angry? Why let emotion get the better of you?

God's methods and intentions are inscrutable. When God zigs when we zag, or he's crooked when we expect a straight line, its not...normal. It's unexpected. It's incredible. We don't know why he does these things, and can only count on his promise that he has our best interests in mind. Its confusing, and upsetting. Our minds are crammed in this compartment of a limited understanding of an omnipotent, eternally-wise God. Why bother attempting to figure it out? Maybe our feeble brains derive some sort of legitimacy in the attempt to connect impossibly far-flung dots or impossible combinations of possible outcomes to our perceived suffering.

There is no one on earth not culpable for sin. (V. 20) God started making man upright, but, like Adam, man searched for other schemes.

Good practical advice...don't worry about catching everything someone says about you. Someone's bound to badmouth you whether you deserve it or not. Do you always keep things to yourself?

Is the voice of a jilted lover writing verse 28? Not one upright woman in a thousand? Srsly? Maybe he is looking in the wrong thousand? Solomon had his problems with women, to be sure, and it cost him a lot.

Ecc. 6: Riches Sans Enjoyment

Ecclesiastes 6:11 "The more the words, the less the meaning, and how does that profit anyone?"

What a terrible, meaningless, grievous thing to be given great riches by God, and to not be able to enjoy them. To not attempt to enjoy them. Why did God endow a rich man with his wealth to begin with if not to enjoy it? To have all these riches and wealth at your disposal and to refuse it, ignore it, or to ... maybe be unaware of it completely?

So severe is this malfeasance that Solomon suggests that it is better that a man be stillborn than to go through life not appreciating his riches. At that point, the stillborn person still rests more. In spite of experiencing nothing, and being shrouded in darkness for his whole existence, he rests more. Hm...enjoy what you have. Everyone goes to the same place...the grave, even the fools and wise. From that perspective, a wise man has no advantage over a fool.

Ecc. 5: Riches are Meaningless

Ecclesiastes 5:18 "Then I realized that it is good and proper for a man to eat and drink, and to find satisfaction in his toilsome labor under the sun during the few days of life God has given him—for this is his lot."

Going into God's presence, his house is no half-hearted endeavor. Its best to let one's words be few, rather than babble incessantly. Who are you trying to impress? Does God need a long, flowery prayer? Uh uh. Think about what you will say. Speak what's on your heart. Speak in sincerity. This is a sweet sound in God's ear.

Even worse than mindless jabbering is an unfulfilled vow to God. Its better not to even make these vows.

When someone suggests that riches are meaningless, it makes me stop to think. Never one who has considered himself monetarily rich, I think, how could that be meaningless? Solomon makes it pretty clear. No matter how much money and power you have, there is always someone above you with more, and he has his eye on you, just as you have your eye on a lesser person, always making sure they don't garner as much wealth as you.

This fear takes away meaning.

No matter what you have, if your pursuit is still riches, you never have enough.

This dissatisfaction takes away meaning.

The more you have, the more people you have around you consuming them and needing them.

This co-opting takes away meaning.

When you have much, you have much to worry about.

This concern takes away meaning.

Naked you came, naked you depart. You take nothing with you at death.

This temporal understanding takes away meaning.

Under the sun, its toil in darkness and frustration. God, who is above the sun gives joy and meaning in life, in the labor of your life. God gives the ability to truly enjoy possessions and the labor of your life. I love the last verse. I want God to keep me occupied by the gladness of my heart. Think about that.

Ecc. 4: Oppression and Toil

Ecclesiastes 4:4 "And I saw that all labor and all achievement spring from man's envy of his neighbor. This too is meaningless, a chasing after the wind."

With all the oppression he sees in the world, the writer declares that the dead have it better than the living. Those who have come and gone are happier than those who are. But better off yet are those who have not yet come. Those who have not had to witness the wickedness in their lifetime. Pretty depressing. Everyone alive, or who has been, has suffered through wickedness. And for what? Life under the sun...

Also, a hopelessly cynical opinion that all achievement and prosperity springs from a man's envy of his neighbor. Really, do we strive and cultivate ambition just so we can be better than someone else? And is being better than someone else the only drive? Man...I have to think about that.

Verse 6 re-emphasizes how important tranquility is over riches. Riches which are gained by meaningless toil.

Being alone is sad. One person does not have a second person to pick him up when he falls. To keep him warm. Or help him not be overpowered. Two can defend themselves. A cord of three is not easily broken.

The final verses appear to me to describe David's situation. He was a wise youth, and King Saul was a knucklehead, not open to warning. Despite David's constant walk with God, the people eventually fell away from God, and away from listening to David. Which made it all meaningless.

Ecc. 3: Enjoy your Work

Ecclesiastes 3:22 "So I saw that there is nothing better for a man than to enjoy his work, because that is his lot. For who can bring him to see what will happen after him?"

Ecclesiastes 3 is probably best know for comprising a majority of the 1959 Pete Seeger tune "Turn! Turn! Turn!" The first 8 verses are a Proverbs-like set of couplets, declaring that there are times for everything. At one time, there is a time to plant, and a time to harvest. A time to kill and a time to heal. They all seem to be opposites. Something we would declare good, and something that could ostensibly be bad. There are times for all of them.

In keeping with the context of meaninglessness, of vanity, is the writer saying it doesn't really matter what you do? Maybe its not to do one thing full time. If you are going to do one thing, you should do the other.

Again there is the emphasis to find satisfaction in our toil. To be happy with that. God created man with this burden. To only know life. To only know time. To be unable to fathom the eternity of God and his works. This is why eternity is so mind blowing. It was meant to never be understood by mere men. We have one go-around. Life is temporary, while God, who transcends life, is eternal, not to be grasped.

Life under the sun, is not ideal, where judgment and justice should be rightfully, wickedness exists. God, who also transcends time, sets our time. And everything will happen in his time.

The writer has faith in God, and appears to trust God with eternity, but still doesn't know. He wonders if man and animal are truly so different. Both die (like the wise and the fool). Both are composed of the dust to which they will return. Man doesn't know what happens after him. Man can only know history, not future.

Ecc. 2: The Human Pursuit

Ecclesiastes 2:16 "For the wise man, like the fool, will not be long remembered; in days to come both will be forgotten. Like the fool, the wise man too must die!"

Solomon was a man with the means to test his Meaningless Theory. He built these great homes, buildings and parks. He drank the finest wine, ate the finest food, and probably held court with the finest women. It says he denied himself no pleasures. He was richer than the entire world put together...or something like that. Still it was all meaningless.

I see his point to an extent about how a wise man and a fool both suffer the same fate of death. Time forgets both wise and foolish equally. So what's the point then of being wise? If everything ends up in the same place? Even passing on riches to a son who didn't earn them, and then is going to die himself is pointless.

Then he makes his point clear. Eat, drink, and find pleasure in your accomplishments. Happiness comes from God. Without God, of course, everything, every accomplishment, every wisdom, every folly, every toil is meaningless. God gives this happiness to those who please him. Apparently at the expense of the sinner.

Ecc. 1: Meaningless

Ecclesiastes 1:9 "What has been will be again, what has been done will be done again; there is nothing new under the sun."

Wow, what a bleak chapter.

The teacher who was king, who I assume is Solomon, who was blessed with great wisdom and commanded the acquisition of wisdom in Proverbs, now considers its pursuit meaningless.

This idea likely comes from the idea repeated in scripture that a man's life, even the most powerful man's life, is but a vapor. It's just a brief moment in time. And the universe continues on, doing it's thing. The sun rises and sets, the wind blows back and forth, and the streams and rivers flow, in an eternal cycle. The universe completely forgets the generations of people who were here in the past, and will forget those who are yet to come. In spite of continued ideas of what we consider innovation, there is nothing new under the sun. Whatever can be seen has been. Whatever can be done has been.

So how does the one man given ultimate human wisdom now consider it's pursuit chasing after the wind? Is it sort of a "careful what you wish for" situation? Too much of a good thing? Wisdom in Proverbs was compared to honey, but even a full person is grossed out by honey.

Maybe its how the wisdom is used. Maybe its outside of a life devoted to God.

Pr. 31: A Good Wife

Proverbs 31:10 "A truly good wife is the most precious treasure a man can find!"

Here's some stuff King Lemuel's mother taught him. I don't know who King Lemuel is. He doesn't show up in the list of kings back in Kings and Chronicles. Maybe he is a king of some other country. I don't know. Israel/Judah had allies. Anyway, should I get bogged down in who he was? On to the Proverbs.

It is no place for kings, rulers...people of high esteem to crave drink, and allow themselves to get wasted. For the poor, and those at the end of their lives, I suppose that's understandable. Alcohol gets people crazy, and a person who makes laws doesn't want to drunk-legislate. Bad idea. But these people in poverty, its not good just to forget about them and let them get drunk. Lemuel's mom tells him to stick up for them, to speak for them when they have no voice.

Then, Lemuel's mom offers advice on the right type of woman. The common view of what the bible says about women is that they should shut up, don't make waves, and generally just spit out an army of babies.

Lets take a look. Her noble character is worth more than rubies. Which, I guess are pretty valuable.

Not as valuable as a wife of noble character.

She's basically good at everything she does, she uplifts her husband, she brings him good. She fears the LORD, which is important, because the other things we value, charm and beauty, are deceptive and fleeting. This is no wimpy little housewife. She is smart, wise, careful, and attentive to detail. Diligent and hardworking, generous and giving. I wonder how many women with these characteristics are promoted on TV and in movies. I don't know. I don't see many movies.

But that sounds like my kinda woman.

Pr. 30: Agur the Oracle Says

Proverbs 30:8 "Keep falsehood and lies far from me; give me neither poverty nor riches, but give me only my daily bread."

Agur sounds like that part in Bill and Ted's Excellent Adventure where they're reading Socrates (So-crates) and they read "The only true wisdom consists in knowing that you know nothing." This is the humble place where Agur starts Proverbs 30. He admits to not having wisdom, not having a great education. But there are still things he knows, based on what he doesn't know.

God binds up and controls the winds, the waters, the land. He holds absolute power, which is mind-blowing. There is no one capable of understanding this, let alone being capable of doing this.

This power leads him to say that every word of God is flawless.

It would be bad to add to the words God said. In other words, don't attribute to God words he didn't say. God's words are flawless, and anything, any "wisdom" man purports to attach to God is filth, tainting.

The oracle asks two things from God.
1. Keep falsehood and lies far from him. He wants to live in truth and honesty.
2. Give me neither poverty nor riches. He just wants to live his normal life. And it makes sense. Too much wealth, and a man grows arrogant, not needing God. Not enough, and a man steals, besmirching the God he claims to honor and love.

I don't know who will curse you, the servant or the master, when you slander the servant, but I could see grounds for both parties wanting to do that.

A leech is like the four things which are never satisfied...never sated: The grave (death), a barren womb (See: Rachel), a dry and thirsty land, and a raging fire. They all want more, and are never satisfied with more.

Four amazements:
1. how an eagle navigates the sky
2. how a snake navigates the land
3. how a ship navigates the ocean
4. how a man navigates a maiden.

I think he's going somewhere with that. The point is, why give up a faithful wife for adultery, or for a prostitute who offers her services, feigns love, then cleans up and says "Next?" It makes no sense.

Four things the earth shouldn't bear
1. A servant becoming king
2. A fool full of food
3. An unloved woman who is married (See: Leah)
4. A girlfriend displacing a wife.

Wisdom in small things.
1. Ants store up food for winter.
2. The hapless coney, who find protection in rocky hills
3. The leaderless locust, who advances in ranks, as one
4. The lizard, who is found in the king's court. Apparently not making a pest of himself

Stately in their stride.
1. Mighty lion
2. Strutting rooster
3. He-goat
4. A king with his army

Have evil planned? Shut your lips.

3 proven facts:
Churn milk = butter.
Twist the nose = blood.
Stir up anger = strife.

Pr. 29: Righteous Ruling

Proverbs 29:4 "By justice a king gives a country stability, but one who is greedy for bribes tears it down."

The 29th chapter of Proverbs seems to emphasize the ability to rule fairly. Many proverbs offer advice on who to listen to, how to be wise, how to bring stability to your nation, and how to rule for a long time, and be good at it.

Avoid dissension by not being a jerk. Care for the poor. The chapter also emphasizes that true justice comes from God, lest any ruler kid himself.

I suppose it makes sense that if after many rebukes (chances to make things right) a man stays stubborn, that he will suddenly be destroyed. Without remedy. How many chances does a person get? A wise person takes rebuke to heart, bows his head and makes a change.

Pr. 28: Proverbs with Money

Proverbs 28:27 "He who gives to the poor will lack nothing, but he who closes his eyes to them receives many curses."

A wicked man flees though no one is pursuing. Yeah, I guess if you commit a crime or sin, you probably are watching your back, and guilt hangs heavy, causing you to think everyone knows, or everyone is watching. Not a fun feeling. You just want to turn yourself in to stop going crazy. Verse 17, also.

Verse 6 emphasizes again how important blamelessness is over wealth.

Why would concealing sin lead to a lack of prosperity? Confession and renunciation of these sins lead to mercy. Is mercy to be equated with prosperity? When I think of prosperity, I think of financial wealth, not necessarily mercy. How could I not count mercy among riches?

I've considered playing the lottery, but I don't want to hassle with it. I don't know how to pick numbers or whatever, and I don't know how to find out if I won. That seems to be chasing fantasies. If my hope is winning a fortune by chance, of course I'll be in poverty. If I work hard, I'll be fine.

Sometimes I withhold rebuke in order to keep the peace. I shouldn't do that. Sometimes I pull out the ol' flattering tongue anyway. Why would I do that? If I know what's right, why not rebuke a wise man in the things that matter?

I've struggled with this idea of giving to the poor. Of course my heart breaks for the people I ride by on my bike in the morning, sleeping in doorways on Grand Rapids' streets. A lot of them want like 50 cents or whatever. I rarely carry change, so I can't give them anything. Do I write a check to charity and hope they take care of them? Or do I bring them into my home? Two extremes, I think. I have much to give.

Pr. 27: Nothing for Granted

Proverbs 27:1 "Do not boast about tomorrow, for you do not know what a day may bring forth."

We can make all these plans, but who knows anything about tomorrow? So why brag about what you are planning, and how great things are going to be? That's different than having hope for the future. Hope is rarely specific.

It's annoying when people brag about themselves.

Verse 3 seems to elevate jealousy above anger and fury on the scale of stuff that's hard to withstand. Why is that? What makes jealousy so severe? Because anger and fury are born out of jealousy? Or is it vice-versa?

When someone has wronged you, don't they seem to fall all over themselves to "multiply kisses," to appear congenial to you? I mean, sometimes.

It is interesting the disparity in how appetizing the best food is when the belly is full and when it is empty. Too much of a good thing.

A loud blessing of your neighbor in the morning is taken as a curse? When you hear yelling outside in the morning, don't you want to curse? You assume someone is getting reamed out. And then you make assumptions that person did something to warrant that berating.

That quarrelsome wife being a constant dripping? Dripping is annoying man, and it just brings you down, because you're wasting water. What is that quarrelsome wife wasting?

Iron sharpening iron. I guess I get it. Is iron so special that it is the only element capable of such things?

Pr. 26: What Happens to a Fool

Proverbs 26:23 "Like a coating of glaze over earthenware are fervent lips with an evil heart. "

Here is a pretty straightforward and generally entertaining read. Most of chapter 26 deals with the fool, and how not to be like him.

Honor is unfitting a fool. He gets a rod to the back as natural as a man uses a bridle for a horse.

You lower yourself to his level if you answer his ridiculous nonsense, and in turn make him feel wise when he's not. When he speaks, proverbs in his mouth are useless. Like legs to a lame man, like a thornbush in hand.

Does he learn? No. He's like a dog returning to its vomit. For whatever reason unbeknownst to anyone, he does it. And it makes no sense. What's worse, he thinks he's wise for it.

The sluggard takes a beating hear to. He lays in bed like a door sits on hinges. Turning occasionally, but never going anywhere.

It's not right to deceive someone, and say you're joking. If you joke, joke, but not at someone's expense or harm. Its madness. Not Sparta.

Gossip :: Quarrel as Wood :: Fire.

A coating of glaze over earthenware...very interesting metaphor for fervent lips covering an evil heart. The words someone says may sound good, but disguise his wickedness inside. The liar is sometimes hard to spot. But when it's broken, and the cheap junk is inside...you can tell. Which is why you don't always take words at face value.

Pr. 25: Solomon's Noteworthy Proverbs

Proverbs 25:11 "A word aptly spoken is like apples of gold in settings of silver. "

The men of King Hezekiah felt that the Proverbs of Solomon in this chapter were noteworthy enough to be copied and re-emphasized. Hezekiah, you'll remember, being one of the few good kings in Judah. Perhaps the content of these Proverbs in chapter 25 could shed some light on what he dealt with as king, especially his dealings with Sennacherib.

Remove impurities from your life, and what is valuable remains. What is strong remains, unweakened by junk. (v. 4-5)

It would not be fun to be put in place by someone with higher status than you, in front of other people with higher status than you. Just hold your tongue and don't act like a buffoon. (v. 6-8)

Make sure you have a leg to stand on before you bring someone to court. Another way to not look like a buffoon. (v. 8-10)

Good useful words are like apples of gold. I've heard that song. Remember the pomegranates on the temple and the priestly garb? (v. 11-12)

Don't always hang around at your neighbor's house, they'll get sick of you. (v. 17)

Singing songs to a heavy heart is like pouring vinegar on soda. It doesn't help. The heavy-hearted don't always need cheering up. Sometimes they just need someone to sit there and shut up. See Job. (v. 20)

Your enemy is still a person, and if you treat him like a person, especially when he or she is hungry and thirsty, well, that's just the right thing to do. And they will feel like jerks for being enemies with you. Plus God rewards you! (v. 21-22)

With broken down walls, everything can get in, and everything can leak out. (v. 28)

Pr. 24: Proverbs for Living

Proverbs 24:21-22 "Fear the LORD and the king, my son, and do not join with the rebellious, for those two will send sudden destruction upon them, and who knows what calamities they can bring?"

Don't hang out with jerks. Not only are they jerks to you, but others. And others see you and jerks. (v. 1-2)

Wisdom builds a house.
Understanding establishes a house.
Knowledge fills a house with treasures.

Wisdom begets understanding, understanding begets knowledge, knowledge begets strength. (v. 3-6)

Step in and help if someone is being led to death. Come on! Not doing something is still doing something. (v. 11-12)

Honey is sweet to the taste, as wisdom is sweet to the soul. (v. 13)

The righteous man may fall, but he is restored. Not so for the wicked. (blamelessness) (v. 16)

Gloating over a fallen enemy is discouraged. Who gave you victory? And why be a jerk, why drive a deeper wedge between you and your enemy? (v. 17-18)

Don't worry about the evil, who worry and don't have the hope you have. (v. 19)

Lance Ito. (v. 24)

Tit-for-tat revenge is not your place. (v. 29)

Poverty is a result of laziness. (v. 30-34)

Pr. 23: Do What I Say, Not What I Do

Proverbs 23:22 "Listen to your father, who gave you life, and do not despise your mother when she is old."

This chapter appears to be David (or Solomon, whoever) telling his son not to do some of the things his father has done or experience. Both saw extreme wealth, were tempted sexually, hung out with unsavory characters, dealt with neighboring nations, etc. They want to pass on life experience.

There seems to be an emphasis on wealth. Not the acquisition of it, but not depending on it. Glance at it, and it's gone, the Proverbs say. Show restraint, not wearing yourself out to acquire it. Because there's always more. And more. And you won't have everything.

A few verses are devoted to correcting, disciplining children. As a child, the original intended reader probably experienced "the rod" from his dad. Dad didn't need to explain his actions. Dad wanted his grandson to have the same opportunity his son did.

Avoid prostitutes...yep.

Don't hang out with those who overdrink. It describes drunkenness in verse 33. You won't be yourself, and you could get beat up. What, read it!

Pr. 22: Wise Sayings

Proverbs 22:19 "So that your trust may be in the LORD, I teach you today, even you."

Protect your good name before amassing wealth. (v. 1)

Train a child in the way he should go. Kids don't raise themselves. They don't have a sense of righteousness unless it is instilled. (v. 5)

Borrowers are slaves to the lender. Don't owe money if you can help it. If you do, don't be all arrogant. (v. 6)

Then the writer sort of refocuses, like that "Are you listening?" question I periodically got from teachers in school. He emphasizes the need to listen to the wise. The rest of his proverbs in chapter 22 are about justice. Don't crush the poor, don't move boundary stones. It's not fair to be like that. He wants the student to be able to trust God.

Pr. 21: Motives

Proverbs 21:30 "There is no wisdom, no insight, no plan that can succeed against the LORD. "

The wording is "the king" in verse one. I wonder if that refers to David. If it were any king, wouldn't it say "a king?" Not all kings allow themselves to be guided by God. Of course.

Don't think your plans through? Poverty. (v. 5)

Bernie Madoff. (v. 6-8)

You don't want to be anywhere near a quarrelsome wife. Probably not because she is angry with you, but because she reflects on her husband. (v. 9, 19)

You need wisdom before you can get knowledge. (v. 11)

Does justice bring you joy or terror? (v. 15)

Wise people save, while the foolish don't have the foresight to do so. (v. 20)

God's ways are ineffable. (v. 30)

You can make all the plans you want, but God directs the outcome. (v. 31)

Pr. 20: God Knows

Proverbs 20:15 "Gold there is, and rubies in abundance, but lips that speak knowledge are a rare jewel."

Don't overdrink. You become a mocker and a brawler. Note that beer and wine are not forbidden. Just don't be led astray. (v. 1)

So many people fight for honor. Proverbs flips that. Avoiding strife is the honor. Any dope can quarrel. (v. 3)

Didn't plow or plant? Don't expect to harvest. (v. 4)

An understanding man draws his heart's purpose out of deep waters. (v. 5)

Nobody hasn't sinned. But you can be blameless. (v. 7, 9)

Unfair weights and scales are detested by God. You don't want to be a part of any activity God detests. God is well aware of what people are doing. (v. 10-12)

I love sleep. I guess I will be poor. (v. 13) No, this speaks to the sluggard, who does nothing all day.

Lips that speak knowledge are a rare jewel, even compared to gold and rubies. Wow. (v. 15)

Don't make plans on your own, it is wise to seek advice. (v. 18)

If you don't want to become a victim of gossip, avoid those who gossip. (v. 19)

Don't make hasty vows. Can you cash that check? (v. 25)

Discipline purifies. (v. 30)

Pr. 19: Good Grief, Still More Proverbs for Living

Proverbs 19:3 "A man's own folly ruins his life, yet his heart rages against the LORD. "

Blamelessness trumps wealth. (v. 1)

Zeal without knowledge...yeah, I've seen it, and often I've had it. It's ridiculous and of no substance. Also, it's a caution against doing things in such a hurry you miss "the way." (v. 2)

Boom, a man's own folly ruins his life, yet his heart rages against the LORD. So I wonder how much personal torment that God is blamed for that is a direct result of that person's own folly...foolishness, poor choices, sins... (v. 3)

How many of my relatives are shunned because of their poverty. This Proverb isn't suggesting this OK, merely stating what happens. There are several proverbs like this. (v. 7)

You care about your soul, you will acquire wisdom. (v. 8)

Fools don't belong in luxury, its dangerous. (v. 10)

Patience overlooking an offense is a result of the active pursuit of wisdom. (v. 11)

You can't inherit a prudent wife like you can houses and wealth. She is from the LORD. (v. 14)

Not disciplining your son is akin to being a willing party to his death. YOu have only so much time to contribute to his being a wise person. (v. 18)

A sluggard is too tired to eat even though his hand is full of food. That's odd. Even though you may have a provision, you still may not be able to eat it.(v. 24)

Pr. 18: Even More Proverbs for Living

Proverbs 18:15 "The heart of the discerning acquires knowledge; the ears of the wise seek it out. "

It is implied here that there is great pleasure to be had in finding understanding. It's that "Aha!" moment that I've come to enjoy when reading through these scriptures with a willing heart and a mind open to learning. I express my opinion on these after reading, not like a fool, who does so beforehand, without really knowing what he's talking about. I've been that way long enough. (v. 2, 13)

Ever say something so foolish people wanted to give you a beating? Ever heard someone say something so foolish you wanted to pound them? (v. 6-7)

Gossip is tasty at first, satisfying. Feels good. But... (v. 8)

Pride in your wealth is misplaced. It will lead to destruction. (v. 11-12)

Get a second opinion. Listen to both sides of the story before passing judgment. (v. 17)

Don't want to show favoritism and invite quarrel? Cast lots. (v. 18)

I found good when I found my wife. She is a favor to me from the LORD. (v. 22)

If you have too many friends, that can lead to ruin. You have too many people to please. There's a friend that sticks closer than a brother. Where? Who? Do they have a specific friend in mind? A best friend? (v. 24)

Pr. 17: More Proverbs for Living

Proverbs 17:10 "A rebuke impresses a man of discernment more than a hundred lashes a fool."

Once again, unity with little is of more importance than a lavish banquet and strife. (v. 1)

Wisdom will rule. (v. 2)

God tests our hearts like we test gold in a fire, or silver in a crucible. And you say, "What's a crucible?" And I say, "It's an Arthur Miller play about the Salem witch trials. But it's also a container that can be heated to extreme levels to burn away impurities." In this case, silver. God wants us to rid ourselves of impurities. Of the extraneous. Anything that doesn't contribute to our strength in his service. (v. 3)

Don't make fun of poor people, come on. (v. 5) You show contempt for God who made them. Why he would make them poor, if that is the case, is beyond me.

Arrogant lips are unsuited to a fool? A fool has no business being arrogant. (v. 7)

Someone offends you? Drop it. That's right. Forget about it. How important can something be to separate you from your close friend? (v. 9, 14)

I love verse 10. It only takes one rebuke for a man of discernment, and that's more than enough. For a fool, you can beat it into his head 100 times and he won't get it. Classic.

A friend loves at all times. There it is, Proverbs 17:17. A brother is born for adversity, though. We have people to lean on to help us get through the tough times that will come.

Pr. 16: Proverbs for Living

Proverbs 16:20 "Whoever gives heed to instruction prospers, and blessed is he who trusts in the LORD."

I would have thought the opposite of verse 1. It would seem that to the LORD belong the plans of the heart, and from man comes the reply of the tongue. What am I missing here? Man plots in his heart. What is the reply of the tongue? God answers man's plans?

There is a big difference between a person's "ways" and a person's "motives." (v. 2) Consider the motives behind a person's ways.

Can God use wicked people in his plans? Oh yeah. (v. 4)

Verse 6 is pretty amazing. Sin is atoned for via love and faithfulness. Those are action words, but it isn't empty works in themselves. But whose love? Whose faithfulness?

Verse 9 seems to speak about the will of God. In a man's heart, he plots his course. Man has a destination in mind. God determines the steps. So if man has this plan, is it God in the small things bringing man to that destination? Or is this God completely overruling? When you plot a course, you still take steps. Does God say, "Nuh-uh, follow these steps instead." I tend to think not. Could I become a great man someday without following God's steps? Not great in the eyes of God.

In an authority position? Don't abuse it with dishonest words, because you are to be respected as an oracle and knowledgeable. (v. 10)

Here it is... Pride goes before a fall. (v. 18)

Work hard. Eat. That's how you do it. (v. 26)

Gossip isn't in the Bible. Yes it is. (v. 28) Why throw your friends under the bus?

Got gray hair? Thank God for a long life. (v. 31)

Gonna play the lottery? I guess that's ok, but remember that lots are cast into the lap, and decisions are from the LORD. (v. 33)

Pr. 15: Words

Proverbs 15:32 "He who ignores discipline despises himself, but whoever heeds correction gains understanding. "

A lot is said in this chapter about the power of words. Wise men's words spread knowledge. Gentle answers turn away wrath. The tongue that brings healing is a tree of life. You can kill and you can heal with your words. Likewise, you can teach and you can deceive with your words. It is abundantly clear in this chapter which type of person God commends, and which type of person He despises.

Are you going to be a jerk? A loudmouth? That is no way to make progress in a relationship or a discussion (argument). You turn the volume down, you sound wiser, and the weight is in the content of the words.

I suppose another aspect of Proverbs is to pay attention to what the fools do. They spurn discipline and wise teaching. They spread ignorance, resent correction, feed on folly. And by folly, I don't believe that's goofy humor. I believe that's mindlessness. Stupid actions.

God wasn't about the sacrifice in itself as an action. God was after the heart. This is emphasized here again in verse 8.

Resenting correction. True correction stops you from going down the wrong path. Stops you from making a fatal foolish mistake. Who could resent that? It's pride that makes one not want to change course. How could I be wrong? (v. 12)

Unity and harmony are valued higher than wealth. (v. 16-17)

Don't be afraid to ask advice on a difficult situation. (v. 22)

Pr. 14: Proverbs for Living

Proverbs 14:32 "When calamity comes, the wicked are brought down, but even in death the righteous have a refuge."

If you don't have an oxen, the manger is empty. Without the oxen, you don't fill the manger, and you don't readily feed your other livestock? Is this just practical, or is there something more behind this? An ox may be slow, but the result of it's labor is survival and sustenance for the many. I'm sure you can apply this principal to aspects of your life. (v. 4)

The pursuit of wisdom is a serious undertaking, not to be taken lightly. This is why mockers don't find it, they are insincere. The discerning find it easily. (v. 6)

Making amends for sin seems antiquated (apparently, even back a million years ago when the Proverbs were written), and therefore goofy or unnecessary. But it is very important restore that goodwill between you and God. (v. 9)

The wrong way can seem so right. But it leads to death. Maybe the right way then seems wrong? (v. 12)

There is a difference between getting repaid and rewarded. I'd rather be rewarded. Repaid sounds nice, but not when it's payback. (v. 14)

Don't take things at face value. (v. 15)

When was the last time you planned something that is good? What a concept! Go find some love and faithfulness. (v. 22)

Pr. 13: Proverbs for Living

Proverbs 13:6 "Righteousness guards the man of integrity, but wickedness overthrows the sinner. "

So if you don't go running your mouth like an idiot, people will be less intent on killing you. (v. 3)

Along with great wealth comes the chance you'll be kidnapped for ransom. Is this a warning that there may be unintended consequences for the things we dream of? (v. 8)

Pride is incongruous with unity. (v. 10)

A man is more apt to take care of the money he earns honestly than dishonestly. (v. 11)

Verse 12 is like this. "Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but a longing fulfilled is a tree of life. "
Don't stop hoping, your heart will thank you. You have to know things will get better. Longings can't be fulfilled if you don't have them. (See v. 19)

It is good to leave an inheritance. Who can take it with him? (v. 22) The sinner's wealth is stored up for the righteous? Someone will get a sinner's wealth, and it's not ultimately that sinner.

Verse 23 is heartbreaking, a poor man's field may produce abundant wealth, but injustice sweeps it away? Is this wealth too sudden, and therefore unmanageable? Is sudden wealth swindled away?

I imagine it may be hard to swat your kid when they do something bad, brainless or rude, but discipline is born out of love. If you hate your kid, you'll let them run amok. (v. 24)