(Continued from Lesson 9)
2. COUNSEL
A wise person can give good counsel by speaking good words with his mouth.
Proverbs 20:18 - Every purpose is established by counsel: and with good advice m ake war. - A king should ask his wise men for their advice before he goes out to war, - Then said Absalom to Ahithophel, Give counsel among you what we shall do. 2 Samuel 16:20; Thou sayest, (but they are but vain words,) I have counsel and strength for the war. Now on whom dost thou trust that thou rebellest against me? 2 Kings 18:20; Or what king, going to make war against another king, sitteth not down first, and consulteth whether he be able with ten thousand to meet him that cometh against him with twenty thousand? Luke 14:31.
This is true of any great plans which we may have.
Proverbs 15:22 - Without counsel purposes are disappointed: but in the multitude of counsellors they are established. - Other plans also are more likely to succeed if wise people give good advice.
Proverbs 24:7 - Wisdom is too high for a fool: he openeth not his mouth in the gate. - In old times the men used to meet in an open place near the city gate to discuss any problems. Without wisdom a person should keep quiet when plans are being made.
3. GOSSIP
We sometimes use our tongues to talk about other people.
Proverbs 14:23 - In all labour there is profit: but the talk of the lips tendeth only to penury. - Mere talk does not produce anything of value, and some people become poor because they talk too much and work too little.
Proverbs 16:28 - A froward man soweth strife: and a whisperer separateth chief friends. - It is wicked to start quarrels among people, but just whispering little things may cause trouble between close friends. You hear something about a person and you tell others; they repeat it and everyone adds a little bit. Finally the story is not at all true, but people believe it and great harm is done, - And withal they learn to be idle, wandering about from house to house; and not only idle, but tattlers also and busybodies, speaking things which they ought not. 1 Timothy 5:13.
Proverbs 18:8 - The words of a talebearer are as wounds, and they go down into the innermost parts of the belly. - These words are passed on because people like to hear bad things about others, but they can really hurt.
Proverbs 26:22 - The words of a talebearer are as wounds, and they go down into the innermost parts of the belly. - This is the same as Proverbs 18:8 - The words of a talebearer are as wounds, and they go down into the innermost parts of the belly. The Spirit warns us twice about the sin of gossiping. Christians should be very careful what they say. We should not talk about others even if it is true, unless it is necessary to speak up. This does not mean we should cover up sin. In Matthew 18.15-18, the Lord Jesus told us what to do. - Moreover if thy brother shall trespass against thee, go and tell him his fault between thee and him alone: if he shall hear thee, thou hast gained thy brother. But if he will not hear thee, then take with thee one or two more, that in the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established. And if he shall neglect to hear them, tell it unto the church: but if he neglects to hear the church, let him be unto thee as an heathen man and a publican. Verily I say unto you, whatsoever ye shall bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever ye shall loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.
Proverbs 26:20 - Where no wood is, there the fire goeth out: so where there is no talebearer, the strife ceaseth - The story would not spread and cause trouble if people would stop repeating it. Telling more people is like adding wood to a fire.
Proverbs 20:19 - He that goeth about as a talebearer revealeth secrets: therefore meddle not with him that flattereth with his lips. - Gossip is talking about others and telling people what should be kept secret. Have nothing to do with those who try to flatter you because they want to listen to some gossip. There are more verses about flattery in the next section.
Proverbs 25:23 - The north wind driveth away rain: so doth an angry countenance a backbiting tongue - In nature we see that certain things follow others. For example, in some lands, the north wind brings rain. So telling secrets will surely be followed by making people very angry.
Proverbs 10:18 - He that hideth hatred with lying lips, and he that uttereth a slander, is a fool. - We should not hate anyone or pretend to love them when we don’t. Sometimes people will tell lies to hide the fact that they hate someone. We use our mouths and lips to tell lies and this is bad; so is repeating gossip about others. Only a fool does this.
Proverbs 16:27 - An ungodly man diggeth up evil: and in his lips there is as a burning fire. - Wicked people plan in their minds to hurt others, - they say, Come with us, let us lay wait for blood, let us lurk privily for the innocent without cause: Proverbs 1:11.
Their words burn like a fire, - And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity: so is the tongue among our members, that it defileth the whole body, and setteth on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire of hell. James 3:6.
So we see that we often say wrong things. Our talk may just be a waste of time. - In all labour there is profit: but the talk of the lips tendeth only to penury. Proverbs 14:23. It may hurt others or make them angry. Our lips may speak lies or burn like fire. Be careful what you say.
4. FLATTERY
It is good to say something nice to a person if it will encourage him or her to follow the Lord. Flattery means praising someone with words which are not true, in order to get some favour. Absalom tried to flatter the men of Israel so they would support him when he wanted to grab the throne from David, his father, - And Absalom rose up early, and stood beside the way of the gate: and it was so, that when any man that had a controversy came to the king for judgment, then Absalom called unto him, and said, Of what city art thou? And he said, Thy servant is of one of the tribes of Israel. And Absalom said unto him, See, thy matters are good and right; but there is no man deputed of the king to hear thee. Absalom said moreover, Oh that I were made judge in the land, that every man which hath any suit or cause might come unto me, and I would do him justice! And it was so, that when any man came nigh to him to do him obeisance, he put forth his hand, and took him, and kissed him. And on this manner did Absalom to all Israel that came to the king for judgment: so Absalom stole the hearts of the men of Israel. 2 Samuel 15:2-6.
Proverbs 26:28 - A lying tongue hateth those that are afflicted by it; and a flattering mouth worketh ruin. - Here a lying tongue is put with a flattering mouth; one is as bad as the other. A flatterer is also a liar and both show that they hate others.
Proverbs 29:5 - A man that flattereth his neighbour spreadeth a net for his feet. - This proverb also teaches that the flatterer is trying to trap his neighbour in a net, like a bird, fish or animal.
Proverbs 27:14 - He that blesseth his friend with a loud voice, rising early in the morning, it shall be counted a curse to him. - A man may get up early in the morning and try very hard to praise his friend. If he is not sincere, his words will sound more like a curse than a blessing. His friend will be suspicious that the flatterer wants some favour, and others will also. Herod became proud when the people flattered him, and God had to judge him, - And the people gave a shout, saying, It is the voice of a god, and not of a man. Acts 12:22.
Proverbs 27:21 - As the fining pot for silver, and the furnace for gold; so is a man to his praise. - On the other hand people may appreciate what you have done and may praise you sincerely. What effect will this have on you? This is a real test for any person, like testing silver or gold in a hot fire. Some people get proud when others speak well of them, but they should give God all the glory.
Proverbs 28:23 - He that rebuketh a man afterwards shall find more favour than he that flattereth with the tongue. - You may see a person do something wrong, and it may be necessary to correct him, Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted. Galatians 6:1. - He may be angry with you at first, but later he will see that you showed him more kindness than someone who just flattered him.
5. BOASTING
Proud people do not wait for others to praise them or flatter them. They talk about themselves and tell everyone what wonderful persons they are.
Proverbs 20:6 - Most men will proclaim everyone his own goodness: but a faithful man who can find? - Many people love to tell others how good they are, but it is hard to find someone who is truly faithful. People promise to do many things, but often fail to do any of them.
Proverbs 20:6 - Most men will proclaim everyone his own goodness: but a faithful man who can find? - Many people love to tell others how good they are, but it is hard to find someone who is truly faithful. People promise to do many things, but often fail to do any of them.
Proverbs 25:14 - Whoso boasteth himself of a false gift is like clouds and wind without rain. - They promise to give something but never fulfil their words. They are like clouds that the wind blows up, which people think, will bring rain to the dry ground. But the wind blows the clouds away again without giving any rain.
Proverbs 27:2 - Let another man praise thee, and not thine own mouth; a stranger, and not thine own lips. - It is better to wait for someone else to say that you have done well. People will not believe you if you boast about yourself, and they will think you are proud. There are more verses about pride in Proverbs.
Proverbs 27:2 - Let another man praise thee, and not thine own mouth; a stranger, and not thine own lips. - It is better to wait for someone else to say that you have done well. People will not believe you if you boast about yourself, and they will think you are proud. There are more verses about pride in Proverbs.
Proverbs 20:14 - It is naught, it is naught, saith the buyer: but when he is gone his way, then he boasteth. - In a market a person may want to buy something and pay a low price for it. He says it is not worth very much and points out everything bad about it, so the owner accepts a low price. Then the buyer goes away and boasts to his friends about the great bargain which he got. This is to show how clever he is, but God knows that he did not tell the truth.
Proverbs 27:1 - Boast not thyself of tomorrow; for thou knowest not what a day may bring forth - God also knows the future, He alone. We should not boast about what we are going to do tomorrow, because some trouble may happen. The New Testament also warns us about this, - Go to now, ye that say, today or tomorrow we will go into such a city, and continue there a year, and buy and sell, and get gain: Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapour that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away. For that ye ought to say, If the Lord will, we shall live, and do this, or that. But now ye rejoice in your boastings: all such rejoicing is evil. James 4:13-16
Proverbs 20:9 - Who can say, I have made my heart clean, I am pure from my sin? - Perhaps the worst kind of boasting is to say, I am clean and pure, I have no sin. God says we are all sinners and only He can make us clean, - For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; Romans 3:23; Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean: wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow. Psalms 51:7.
6. LYING
We have already learned in this book that God hates lying and false witnessing, - These six things doth the Lord hate: yea, seven are an abomination unto him: Proverbs 6:16; A false witness that speaketh lies, and he that soweth discord among brethren. Proverbs 6:19.
Now there are more proverbs about this sin.
Proverbs 26.24-26 - He that hateth dissembleth with his lips, and layeth up deceit within him; 25 When he speaketh fair, believe him not: for there are seven abominations in his heart. 26 Whose hatred is covered by deceit, his wickedness shall be shewed before the whole congregation. - Lying starts in a man’s heart; the Lord Jesus taught that false witness comes from the heart, - For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, blasphemies: Matthew 15:19.
A person hates someone secretly, but he pretends he doesn’t. Deceit is in his mind but he speaks nicely. Do not believe what he says: there are many bad things in his heart. Everyone will soon know that he is trying to cover up his hatred.
Proverbs 25:18 - A man that beareth false witness against his neighbour is a maul, and a sword, and a sharp arrow. - We should love our neighbours and tell the truth about them. A false witness is like a sharp weapon, he hurts a lot of people.
Proverbs 26.18-19 - As a mad man who casteth firebrands, arrows, and death, 19 So is the man that deceiveth his neighbour, and saith, Am not I in sport? - Some people tell lies and then say they were only joking. The Spirit says they are like a crazy man who could kill someone with dangerous weapons or could set a house on fire. We must always tell the truth.
Proverbs 24:28 - Be not a witness against thy neighbour without cause; and deceive not with thy lips. - Someone may accuse your neighbour of a crime and ask you to act as a witness. Some people do not love their neighbours and would be glad of a chance to hurt them. This is wrong and we should not lie or say anything which would make others believe what is not true.
Proverbs 29:12 - If a ruler hearken to lies, all his servants are wicked. - A ruler or judge should be very careful. If he believes false witnesses, his servants will think lying is alright and they too will follow this wicked practice.
Proverbs 17:7 - Excellent speech becometh not a fool: much less do lying lips a prince. - It is still worse if the ruler himself does not always tell the truth. People always follow their leader and especially if he does what is wrong.
Proverbs 19:28 - An ungodly witness scorneth judgment: and the mouth of the wicked devoureth iniquity. - The ruler or judge should try to make a fair judgment, condemn a guilty person and set free one who is innocent. This will keep others from crime and sin. Honest witnesses are necessary in any court of justice, so a lying witness shows he does not want the judge to give a fair decision. The words from his mouth encourage others to go on in their wickedness.
Proverbs 26:23 - Burning lips and a wicked heart are like a potsherd covered with silver dross. - The tongue of a righteous man is like pure silver, - The tongue of the just is as choice silver: the heart of the wicked is little worth.
Proverbs 10:20 and God wants us to tell the truth. Silver is often mixed with other cheaper metals called dross. A silver pot would be very beautiful and expensive. A man might cover a clay pot with silver and it would shine and look nice. But of course it would not be of real value and especially if the silver was only a mixture. This proverb says that a wicked heart can bring forth nice words, but it is like a pot which may appear beautiful but is really false.
Proverbs 19:22 - The desire of a man is his kindness: and a poor man is better than a liar. - People like anyone who shows mercy and is kind to others, and rich men should be loyal to those who are in need. Sometimes they promise to help but fail to do so. Most of us would rather have a friend who cannot give anything, rather than one who could help, makes many promises, but does not keep them.
Proverbs 21:6 - The getting of treasures by a lying tongue is a vanity tossed to and fro of them that seek death. - Many people will tell lies in order to get rich, but God will punish them. They are not seeking for death, but that will be their end, and after death, Gods judgment, - And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment: Hebrews 9:27.
Proverbs 16:11 - A just weight and balance are the Lord’s: all the weights of the bag are his work. - Some dishonest people will cheat their neighbours when they sell their merchandise. They do this by using false weights and charging for a kilo of their product and giving them less than a kilo. God knows all about this and He hates this form of lying, - Divers weights, and divers measures, both of them are alike abomination to the Lord. Proverbs 20:10; Divers weights are an abomination unto the Lord; and a false balance is not good. Proverbs 20:23.
Proverbs 23:4-5 - Labour not to be rich: cease from thine own wisdom. 5 Wilt thou set thine eyes upon that which is not? For riches certainly make themselves wings; they fly away as an eagle toward heaven. - We should not seek to be rich, - Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content. - Some people think they are clever enough to get money by deceiving others. The Bible says, don’t do it. Money is not important in itself and may soon be lost. Certainly no man can take it with him when he dies.
Proverbs 20:17 - Bread of deceit is sweet to a man; but afterwards his mouth shall be filled with gravel. - The liar may think he is very clever and his words are like sweet bread in his mouth. Later his words will hurt him, as if his mouth was filled with sand or little stones.
Proverbs 17:20 - He that hath a froward heart findeth no good: and he that hath a perverse tongue falleth into mischief. - Here again we see the heart and the tongue, as in - Burning lips and a wicked heart are like a potsherd covered with silver dross. Proverbs 26:23, and now the end result is seen. God will not bless a man with a bad heart, and a wicked tongue leads a person into real trouble.
Proverbs 19:5-9 - A false witness shall not be unpunished, and he that speaketh lies shall not escape. Many will intreat the favour of the prince: and every man is a friend to him that giveth gifts. All the brethren of the poor do hate him: how much more do his friends go far from him? He pursueth them with words, yet they are wanting to him. He that getteth wisdom loveth his own soul: he that keepeth understanding shall find good. A false witness shall not be unpunished, and he that speaketh lies shall perish. - God will surely punish false witnesses and all liars. But He Himself has provided a way of escape, the only way.
Most liars find it hard to give up their wicked ways, but even if they could, God will judge them for past sins, and - then every one of us shall give account of himself to God. Romans 14:12. Now He wants to show His grace, and He is able to help us get rid of all bad habits, - And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God. 1 Corinthians 6:11.
Proverbs 17:4 - A wicked doer giveth heed to false lips; and a liar giveth ear to a naughty tongue. - A liar hurts his neighbour, - A man that beareth false witness against his neighbour is a maul, and a sword, and a sharp arrow. Proverbs 25:18, and himself, - Bread of deceit is sweet to a man; but
afterwards his mouth shall be filled with gravel. Proverbs 20:17, and has a bad effect on others, - If a ruler hearken to lies, all his servants are wicked. Proverbs 29:12.
Worse still, he will believe lies told him by others. He will listen to false teachers who will tell lies about God and Christ, - Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils; Speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron; 1 Timothy 4:1-2.
We should love the truth, - And with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved. 2 Thessalonians 2:10.
Proverbs 30:7-8 - Two things have I required of thee; deny me them not before I die: 8 Remove far from me vanity and lies: give me neither poverty nor riches; feed me with food convenient for me: - We might do well to pray with Agur that the Lord should remove far from us all falsehood and lying.
