《Everett’s Study Notes on the Holy Scriptures – Proverbs (Vol. 1)》
Download 3.1 Mb.
|
Comments- The opposite of honour is shame, and both are used in this verse. We see the contrast that the wise are promoted to honour, but the fools are promoted, or displayed before all men, in their shame. Scripture Reference- Note a similar verse: Proverbs 4:9, "She shall give to thine head an ornament of grace: a crown of glory shall she deliver to thee." Proverbs 3:35 — Comments- The final verse of this passage tells us that we can choose between two destinies, according to how we sow in the areas of spirit, mind, body and finances. One of the greatest examples of the wise inheriting glory is the Lord Jesus Christ. He chose the door that led down a path of shame and humility, but at the end of this journey was glory at the right hand of the Father ( Hebrews 12:2). Hebrews 12:2, "Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God." The fool chose the door that said "pride and promotion." This led the fool down a path of shame and dishonour. Sometimes it is the difficult path that gives the greatest honor, while the easy path leads to shame. In these ancient societies, the person that displayed God's blessings and wealth was looked upon with great honor. Abraham serves as an excellent example of this. Those who struggled in poverty and foolishness all of their lives were looked upon with shame.
Whatever a man gives his attention to, his heart follows. Proverbs 12:27 tells us that the substance, or wealth, of a diligent man is precious. Proverbs 12:27, "The slothful man roasteth not that which he took in hunting: but the substance of a diligent man is precious." Therefore, when we take great pains to search for wisdom ( Proverbs 4:1-6), the treasure that we find becomes precious to us. This means that our heart becomes attached to this treasure. The path of wisdom that transforms our heart is the path of searching always for the hidden treasures of wisdom that are found in God"s Word. This will transform our hearts to a place of exalting the wisdom that we find hidden in the Scriptures ( Proverbs 4:7-8) above our own reasonings. These truths will become the most important things in our lives. In this experience, the grace and glory of God will emanate from our lives ( Proverbs 4:9). A close study of this passage of Scripture will reveal a progression of events in the transformation of our hearts. The words of wisdom are given to us ( Proverbs 4:2) because of His great love for us ( Proverbs 4:3). We are told to humble our hearts in order to receive these teachings ( Proverbs 4:4). Allow these teachings to remain in our hearts ( Proverbs 4:5). Then a love will develop in our hearts for the things of God ( Proverbs 4:6). With this growing love for God"s Word, it will become the most important thing in our lives ( Proverbs 4:7). We will begin to seek God"s Word first in our lives in all matters and situations. As God"s Word becomes our priority, we will exalt it above all other things ( Proverbs 4:8). This practice will change our character until wisdom will grace our outward appearance as a crown of beauty ( Proverbs 4:9). Proverbs 4:1 Hear, ye children, the instruction of a father, and attend to know understanding. Proverbs 4:1 — "Hear, ye children, the instruction of a father" - Comments- A father can only give instruction to a child that is willing to receive it. A child will receive his father"s instruction only if the child believes that the father loves him. I never had my father take that time to give me instruction while growing up into adulthood. However, as a young man in August 1983, when I made a decision not to return to a Baptist seminary, he came over to ask me to finish this degree. As I look back on this unique time in my life when my father actually attempted to give me instruction, I know now why I did not receive what he said. It is because a father has to earn the respect of his children before they will heed his counsel. Because my father was not a believer and had never shown Godly love, I was unwilling to listen to him. He was disappointed in my rejection of his counsel, and he did not understand why I so quickly turned him off. It was because he has never earned my respect with a father"s love. Many people do not grow up in a well-balanced home environment. A popular phrase used today for these types of homes is "dysfunctional." Thankfully, God has made provision for this. As a Christian, we can sit at the feet of the Holy Bible, and as a father instructs his Song of Solomon , the Lord can instruct his children. God has a way of helping balance our lives. In the body of Christ, we can develop those types of family relationships in a health way, making up for what we are lacking in a family upbringing ( 1 Timothy 5:1-2). Being active in the body of Christ has helped me learn how to develop healthy, pure relationships with people. 1 Timothy 5:1-2, "Rebuke not an elder, but intreat him as a father; and the younger men as brethren; The elder women as mothers; the younger as sisters, with all purity." Proverbs 4:2 For I give you good doctrine, forsake ye not my law. Proverbs 4:2 — Comments- A father will give a child instruction because he loves this child. This is the reason behind the act of instructing. Proverbs 4:3 For I was my father"s Song of Solomon , tender and only beloved in the sight of my mother. Proverbs 4:3 — Word Study on "tender" - Gesenius says the Hebrew word "tender" "rak" ( רַךְ) (H 7390) means, "tender, delicate, soft." Strong says it means, "tender, weak," and it comes from the primitive root "rakak" ( רָכַךְ) (H 7401), which means, "to soften." The Enhanced Strong says it is used 16 times in the Old Testament, being translated in the KJV as, "tender 9, soft 3, fainthearted + 038241, one 1, weak 1, tenderhearted + 038241." Proverbs 4:3 — Comments- In the phrase "only beloved," we see that a father gives his teachings to his son ( Proverbs 4:2) because he loves his son ( Proverbs 4:3). Note: Proverbs 13:24, "He that spareth his rod hateth his son: but he that loveth him chasteneth him betimes." Proverbs 4:4 He taught me also, and said unto me, Let thine heart retain my words: keep my commandments, and live. Proverbs 4:4 — Word Study on "retain" - Strong says the Hebrew word "retain" ( תָּמַךְ) (H 8551) means, "to sustain, to obtain, keep fast." This Hebrew word is used 21times in the Old Testament, being translated in the KJV as, "hold 7, uphold 5, retain 4, hold up 2, misc 3." It means, "to grasp, hold, support, attain, lay hold of, hold fast." Proverbs 4:4 — Comments- We are taught how to find wisdom in Proverbs 2:1-7. We are to study God"s Word, keep it in our heart, pray for understanding and make this search for wisdom a priority in our lives. Therefore, in this passage, we are now told to get this wisdom and retain it in our heart. In order to receive words of instruction we must humble our hearts. Proverbs 4:3-4 — Comments- David Instilled with His Son Solomon a Love for Wisdom of Solomon - We see in this chapter how Solomon reflects upon his father"s teachings, "For I was my father"s Song of Solomon , tender and only beloved in the sight of my mother. He taught me also, and said unto me, Let thine heart retain my words: keep my commandments, and live." ( Proverbs 4:3-4) As King David taught his son Wisdom of Solomon , he not only instilled in his son divine truths, but also the passion to seek God for divine Wisdom of Solomon , as Solomon must have seen his father seek the Lord passionately. Not only did Solomon inherit good behavior from these teachings, but he also inherited a yearning for wisdom. We also see evidence in Proverbs 4:3-4 that King David favored his son Solomon above his other sons. As he groomed him for the kingship, his other sons appear to be raised without discipline and training. We see immorality in Amnon, murder and rebellion in Absalom, and insurrection and pride in Adonijah. Solomon was corrected in the smallest of areas, while his brothers remained without discipline in their sins. Proverbs 4:5 Get Wisdom of Solomon , get understanding: forget it not; neither decline from the words of my mouth. Proverbs 4:5 — Comments- After we have humbled our hearts to receive Wisdom of Solomon , we must be careful to maintain them in our hearts, and not forget them. Proverbs 4:6 Forsake her not, and she shall preserve thee: love her, and she shall keep thee. Proverbs 4:6 — Comments- In the phrase "love her," we see that when the Word of God has time to abide in our hearts and take root, a love will develop for the Word of God. Proverbs 4:7 Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding. Proverbs 4:7 — Comments - When Christians experience a trial, they will often stand upon the Scriptures. When this does not bring immediate deliverance for them, they will seek medical advice. When this does not work to relieve their suffering, they sit down in despair and ask God what they are doing wrong. In other words, they begin to ask for His wisdom. However, the pursuit of wisdom should be the first step in facing trials. Instead of standing upon 1 Peter 2:24 and say by His stripes we were healed, we may need to first stand upon James 1:5 and ask for wisdom. The Lord will show us the cause of such trials, and lead us out of trouble. Standing upon Scriptures is good, but we must rightly divide God's Word and stand upon Scriptures that are ordained for our particular situation. It is the voice of the Holy Spirit who directs our paths. When we get Wisdom of Solomon , then we get understanding. Then the way out of the problem becomes clear. Illustration (1) - God would not ask us to do something that He Himself was not willing to do. In Proverbs 4:7 He asks us to make wisdom the priority of our lives. Proverbs 8:22-31 tells us that wisdom was the first aspect of God's acts in creating the heavens and the earth. Proverbs 8:22 says, "The LORD possessed me in the beginning of his way, before his works of old." Wisdom was God's delight and He rejoiced in it ( Proverbs 8:30). Illustration (2) - As the love of God"s Word grows in our hearts the Word will become the highest priority in our lives. A good example of this is seen in the testimony of Kenneth Copeland, who once said that when his wife was dealing with a potentially deadly disease with her liver, he was praying in as many different ways about the situation as he knew how to pray, yet they were not getting results. They had stood upon healing Scriptures and spoken the Word of God. Then, they had consulted a doctor, who had recommended a medication that had severe side effects. The doctor had also told them that this problem was incurable, and that medication was the only solution, which would have to be taken for a lifetime. One day, the Lord spoke to him and said, "My Word says that wisdom is not a principal thing, it is the principal thing." In the book of James , when you encounter trials, you are to count it all joy. This can take place when the first prayer that you are to pray is for wisdom. Kenneth Copeland said that he began to ask God for wisdom. The next day the Lord gave him a word of wisdom about the situation, and showed him what to do. He and his wife began to look in health food stores for the product in the drug that was to cure the problem, without having to take the drug, with all of its side effects. As he followed that leading from the Holy Spirit, a path began to become visible to them about what to do. They found a particular health food to eat that quickly corrected the problem, and his wife, Gloria, has not had that problem again. 66] 66] Kenneth Copeland, Believer's Voice of Victory (Kenneth Copeland Ministries, Fort Worth, Texas), on Trinity Broadcasting Network (Santa Ana, California), television program. Proverbs 4:8 Exalt her, and she shall promote thee: she shall bring thee to honour, when thou dost embrace her. Proverbs 4:8 — Comments- As we begin to use God"s Word in our lives, the Word will begin to promote us to better things, to the blessings of God listed in chapter 3. A man came to the high priest Eli and said that those who honor God would be honored by Him and those that despise Him will be lightly esteemed by Him ( 1 Samuel 2:30). 1 Samuel 2:30, "Wherefore the LORD God of Israel saith, I said indeed that thy house, and the house of thy father, should walk before me for ever: but now the LORD saith, Be it far from me; for them that honour me I will honour, and they that despise me shall be lightly esteemed." Proverbs 4:9 She shall give to thine head an ornament of grace: a crown of glory shall she deliver to thee. Proverbs 4:9 — Word Study on "an ornament" - Gesenius says the Hebrew word ( לִוְיָה) (H 3880) means, "a garland, a wreath, so called from the idea of joining and bending." Strong says this word means, "a wreath," and it comes from the primitive root ( לָוָה) (H 3867), which means, "to twine, to unite, to remain." Baker says it means, "a garland, a wreath," and says, "It indicates, probably figuratively, a decorative headpiece worn as a sign of approval and honor, gracing a person"s features." This Hebrew word is used only two times in the Old Testament, with both occurrences being found in Proverbs ( Proverbs 1:9; Proverbs 4:9). Proverbs 4:9, "She shall give to thine head an ornament of grace: a crown of glory shall she deliver to thee." Comments - We can imagine a woven turban as a similar headdress, which would represent a position of recognition or leadership in the oriental culture, thus giving honor and authority. Comments - Modern English versions use a variety of translations for the phrase "an ornament of grace." The ASV translates it as "a chaplet of grace," which is a garland or wreath worn on the head. Rotherham reads, "a wreath of beauth." The RSV translates it as "a fair garland." The YLT reads, "a graceful wreath." Proverbs 4:9 — Comments- With divine wisdom gracing our lives, others will begin to notice this anointing. People of wisdom have a countenance about them that is attractive. The way they respond to people, the way they conduct themselves has an appeal about it. Verses 1-27 The Three Paths of Wisdom of Solomon - Once we receive the call from wisdom in chapter 1, and are shown how to answer this call in chapter 2, and what blessings come as a result of answering the call of wisdom in chapter Proverbs 3:1-18, and the power of wisdom to establish our destinies ( Proverbs 3:19-35), then take a journey of two destinies. We will first learn how wisdom transforms our lives and destines us to an abundant life ( Proverbs 4:1-27), and then see how the rejection of wisdom will destine us to destruction ( Proverbs 5:1 to Proverbs 7:27). This section will show us how wisdom is processed in our lives from the perspective of the spirit, the soul and the body of man. Wisdom will transform our hearts ( Proverbs 4:1-9), renew our minds ( Proverbs 4:10-19) and direct our bodies ( Proverbs 4:20-27); or, as is stated in 1 Thessalonians 5:23, wisdom sanctifies our whole spirit, soul, and body. 1 Thessalonians 5:23, "And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ." Our heart must first embrace and exalt Wisdom of Solomon , then our minds can be renewed, and finally our bodies can be directed to follow God's Word by our willingness to serve God rather than follow man. This is the progression of events that wisdom takes in the process of transformation our lives. Thus, wisdom is able to transform us into the image of a perfect Prayer of Manasseh , who was created in the image of God. In each of these three paths of wisdom for transforming our lives, a common procedure is repeated. Each path begins with a command to receive instruction and not to forget it ( Proverbs 4:1-2; Proverbs 4:10; Proverbs 4:20).
The Word of God must not only be received, it must be able to abide and take root in our lives in order to transform us. The procedures for doing this are found in chapter four and are simple for anyone to follow. Procedures are a way of life. For example, as a manager of Lighthouse Television, I have written an operations manual. This is a set of procedures for each department in the studio. When I hire someone, I teach that person the procedures for their department. God has also given to us procedures to follow in developing our lives spiritually, mentally and physically. There is an outward manifestation in our lives when each of these processes takes effect. A person with a transformed heart ( Proverbs 4:1-9) will manifest a "crown of glory" ( Proverbs 4:9). In other words, this person will have a peace and anointing about him that others can see. For those who have a renewed mind ( Proverbs 4:10-19), their lives reflect someone who is able to make wise decisions in which they do not stumble ( Proverbs 4:12; Proverbs 4:18). Those who allow the Word of God to direct their bodies ( Proverbs 4:20-27) will be manifest as those who live a long and health life ( Proverbs 4:22). In contrast, people who are not walking with an outward peace and anointing, with the ability to make wise decision, and walking in a life of health reveal that they have not allowed God's Word to enter their hearts and change their lives. If we could find a parallel passage to Proverbs 4:1-27 in the New Testament it would be 2 Peter 1:2-11 which tells us that through God's Word we become partakers of His divine nature. 2 Peter 1:3-4, "According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue: Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust." Outline - Here is a proposed outline: 1. Transforming your heart (note Proverbs 4:4) — Proverbs 4:1-9 — 2. Renewing your mind (note Proverbs 4:18) — Proverbs 4:10-19 3. Directing your body (note Proverbs 4:22) — Proverbs 4:20-27 Verses 10-19
Making daily decisions can be likened to walking down a path. When we have received God"s Word ( Proverbs 4:10) and have been taught in His ways ( Proverbs 4:11), our decisions will keep us from falling ( Proverbs 4:12). We will begin to learn to cling to the right decisions ( Proverbs 4:13) and abhor the wrong decisions ( Proverbs 4:14-17). This path of wisdom will become clearer each day in our minds as we walk in the light of God"s Word ( Proverbs 4:18-19). We will be able to make better decisions with much more insight as the years go by. Proverbs 4:10 Hear, O my Song of Solomon , and receive my sayings; and the years of thy life shall be many. Proverbs 4:10 — Comments- The first step in allowing wisdom to renew our minds is to open our hearts to God"s Word. Proverbs 4:11 I have taught thee in the way of wisdom; I have led thee in right paths. Proverbs 4:11 — Comments- The second step in allowing wisdom to renew our minds is to study and learn God"s Word. Proverbs 4:12 When thou goest, thy steps shall not be straitened; and when thou runnest, thou shalt not stumble. Proverbs 4:12 — Comments- As we open our hearts ( Proverbs 4:10) and study God"s Word ( Proverbs 4:11), we will begin to make decisions that will keep us from falling, or failing ( Proverbs 4:12). Proverbs 4:13 Take fast hold of instruction; let her not go: keep her; for she is thy life. Proverbs 4:13 — Word Study on "instruction" - Gesenius says the Hebrew word "instruction" ( מוּסָר) (H 4148) means, "correction, admonition, discipline, instruction, doctrine." Strong says it means, "chastisement, reproof, warning, instruction, restraint." The Enhanced Strong says it is used 50 times in the Old Testament, being translated in the KJV as, "instruction 30, correction 8, chasten 4, chastisement 3, check 1, bond 1, discipline 1, doctrine 1, rebuker 1." This Hebrew word is used 30 times in the book of Proverbs. Comments- This word is most often translated as "instruction," but quiet often "chastisement." This word means any form of discipline and instruction that leads to a changed life. Proverbs 4:13 — Comments- As the process of learning to make wise decisions is developed in our lives ( Proverbs 4:12), we will begin to cling more and more to Wisdom of Solomon , and less and less to our old ways of foolishness. Proverbs 4:14 Enter not into the path of the wicked, and go not in the way of evil men. Proverbs 4:14 — Comments- The path of the wicked and the way of the evil men is the path where man takes himself without the wisdom of God. In other words, a child of God can resist the leadership of the Holy Spirit and go places that put him or her in harm's way. Then when something bad happens, Christians often blame God, who actually tried to lead us away from danger. Proverbs 4:15 Avoid it, pass not by it, turn from it, and pass away. Proverbs 4:15 — Comments- As Christians in the Church Age, we avoid the path of the wicked by being led by the Holy Spirit. Proverbs 4:14-15 — Comments- The Enticement of Sinners- Lost sinners do not mind a bit of fellowship with Christians. They even think that Christians are self-righteous for avoiding fellowship with sinners. They will entice and ask you to fellowship with them. Note in a similar passage in Proverbs 1:10-16 how the sinners entice the righteous. Proverbs 4:16 For they sleep not, except they have done mischief; and their sleep is taken away, unless they cause some to fall. Proverbs 4:16 — Comments- Proverbs 4:16 reflects the bondage that develops in the lifestyles of a sinner. Proverbs 4:17 For they eat the bread of wickedness, and drink the wine of violence. Proverbs 4:17 — Comments- In Rick Joyner's book The Final Quest, he describes a vision in which hoards of Christians had been taken captive by demons of hell. He says that the only food provided from them was the vomit from the vultures. He continues: "Those who refused to eat it simply weakened until they fell. Those who did eat it were strengthened for a time, but with the strength of the evil one. Then they would weaken unless they would drink the waters of bitterness that were constantly being offered to them. After drinking the bitter waters they would then begin to vomit on the others. When one of the prisoners began to do this, a demon that was waiting for a ride would climb up on him, and would ride him up to one of the front divisions." 67] 67] Rick Joyner, The Final Quest (Charlotte, North Carolina: Morning Star Publications, 1977), 21. The author then describes a scene that is even worse than the vomit from the vultures. He says that the demons would urinate and defecate a repulsive slime onto these fallen Christians that they rode. This slime, which was the pride, selfish ambition, etc, that characterized the nature of this army division made the Christians feel better than those who partook of vomit and bitter water. Thus, they believed that these demons were messengers of God and that the slime was the anointing of the Holy Spirit. Proverbs 4:16-17 — Comments- The Addiction of the Wicked to His Sins- We can see in these two verses how a wicked person literally becomes addicted to the habits that will eventually destroy him. He cannot go through the day without causing affliction in someone's life. He will realize this addiction at some point in his life, but will not be able to free himself without the divine intervention of an Almighty God. Proverbs 4:14-17 — Comments- Cling to Wisdom of Solomon , Abhor the Ways of the Fool- As we learn to cling to wise counsel, we will begin to abhor the ways of the fool. As we walk down the path of Wisdom of Solomon , these wicked ways will become more and more obvious to us as destructive ways. Proverbs 4:18 But the path of the just is as the shining light, that shineth more and more unto the perfect day. Proverbs 4:18 — "But the path of the just is as the shining light" - Comments- The NASB translates the phrase "the shinning light" as "light of dawn." The new day begins with dim light, which grows brighter and brighter until noon time, here referred to as the "perfect day." As we grow as Christians, we begin to understand more and more spiritual truths, and why things happen around us, until finally in heaven we shall understand all things. 2 Peter 1:19, "We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts:" Proverbs 4:18 — "that shineth more and more unto the perfect day" - Comments- As a new Christian, we find this path a challenge to walk. However, as we learn to walk this path of Wisdom of Solomon , it becomes easier. We find that making the right choices is easier as the years go by. Proverbs 4:19 The way of the wicked is as darkness: they know not at what they stumble. Proverbs 4:19 — Comments- In Proverbs 4:19 the dark path of the wicked is contrasted with the bright path of the righteous. The wicked do not understand why their life is filled with so many problems. This verse reflects the darkness that a sinner walks in daily. They have no idea why their lives are full of problems. They do not understand how to deliver themselves out of these bondages of sin that are destroying their lives. It is contrasted with the light in which the wise walk. The brighter the light, the easier it is to see the darkness of sin. For example, if I am in a house during the night and turn all of the lights off inside the home, I can easily see outside. However, the minute I turn on the lights in the house, the darkness outside becomes utter darkness, too dark to seen past the windowpane. This is what it is like walking in the light. The brighter the light, the greater the intensity of darkness that we see around us. If we are also in the dark, then this darkness seems to give to us light enough to follow, but we do not know that we are really walking in the darkness. Verses 20-27
Download 3.1 Mb. Share with your friends:
|