Proverbs 27

Lesson 27 of 28

21. LOVE AND HATRED

The Bible teaches a lot about love and hatred, the opposite of love. Here we read only three proverbs on these subjects.

Proverbs 10.12 - Hatred stirreth up strifes: but love covere th all sins. A man stirs up trouble between friends which shows that he hates them. An angry or a proud person does the same, Proverbs 28.25 He that is of a proud heart stirreth up strife: but he that putteth his trust in the Lord shall be made fat; Proverbs 29.22 An angry man stirreth up strife, and a furious man aboundeth in tr ansgression, by talking and telling everybody what they have done, Proverbs 16.28 - A froward man soweth strife: and a whisperer separateth chief friends; Proverbs 26.20 - Where no wood is, there the fire goeth out: so where there is no talebearer, the strife ceaseth. A man of love will not spread bad reports about his friends, and we should show love to all believers, 1 Peter 4.8 - And above all things havefervent charity among yourselves: for charity shall cover the multitude of sins.

Proverbs 27.5-6 - Open rebuke is better than secret love. 6 Faithful are the wounds of a friend; but the kisses of an enemy are deceitful. This does not mean that we should let a believer continue on in sin and say nothing about it. True love is seen when we try to correct a friend if he does wrong; this would be better than to let him go on in his error. First we should speak to the person alone, and then tell only one or two others. If he refuses to listen, then you must tell the whole church, Matthew 18.15-18 - 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 neglect 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.

A friend shows his love by warning you, even though this hurts at first. An enemy may act as if he loves you, but he is only trying to harm you, like Judas, Matthew 26.48 - Now he that betrayed him gave them a sign, saying, Whomsoever I shall kiss, that same is he: hold him fast.

22. PATIENCE AND ANGER

The New Testament teaches us to be patient and not to remain angry , James 5.8 - Be ye also patient; stablish your hearts: for the coming of the Lord draweth nigh; Ephesians 4.31 - Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be pu t away from you, with all malice.

What did God say through Solomon and the wise men about these things? Proverbs 14.29 - He that is slow to wrath is of great understanding: but he that is hasty of spirit exalteth folly. Patience is the mark of a wise person, but fools get angry very easily. We all are tempted to say the wrong word, but the Lord gives both wisdom and patience, Galatians 5.22 - But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith.

Proverbs 15.1 - A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger. People say things which make us feel angry. Then a real friend can advise us not to fight about it. Someone may come to you very angry about something. You first feel like answering him in the same way. The Lord will give you help to answer him softly and soon he is ready to discuss the problem in a proper
manner.

Proverbs 12.16 - A fool's wrath is prese ntly known: but a prudent man covereth shame. Someone may insult you or say something very bad and untrue about you. A wise person can have patience and pay no attention to an insult, but a fool shows at once that he is very angry.

Proverbs 15.18 - A wrathful man stirreth u p strife: but he that is slow to anger appeaseth strife. So it goes on; the angry man starts a quarrel and it takes a man with real patience to stop it.

Proverbs 29.22 - An angry man stirreth up strife, and a furious man aboundeth in transgression. The angry person sins and causes others to sin more and more. No one wants to give in, and in a fight someone will get hurt.

Proverbs 22.24-25 - Make no friendship with an angry man; and with a furious man thou shalt not go: Lest thou learn his ways, and get a snare to thy soul. The wise man warns us not to make friends with a person who has a bad temper. You could easily learn bad habits and fall into sin.

23. PEOPLE WHO SAY THE RIGHT THING

We have read many proverbs about the tongue. Here we have four more showing the contrast between good words and bad.

Proverbs 11.13- A talebearer revealeth secrets: but he that is of a faithful spirit concealeth the matter. Some people feel they must talk and repeat all they know, even the secrets which their friends have told them in confidence. You promise not to tell something and you must be very careful not to do so.

Proverbs 17.9 - He that covereth a transgression seeketh love; but he that repeateth a matter separateth very friends. A friend shows his love by not spreading around everything he knows about you, as we saw in Proverbs 10.12 - Hatred stirreth up strifes: but love covereth all sins. Here the contrast is with the man who separates two friends by talking about them.

Proverbs 13.3 - He that keepeth his mouth keepeth his life: but he that openeth wide his lips shall have destruction. It may be dangerous to say too much. Many times people get into trouble because of what they themselves have said.

Proverbs 15.4 - A wholesome tongue is a tree of life: but perverseness therein is a breach in the spirit. A good word can heal quarrels, and also show the way of life. This can make sad people happy, Proverbs 12.25 - Heav iness in the heart of man maketh it stoop: but a good word maketh it glad. Some people twist their words into lies, and this can break the spirit and cause endless trouble. 

Think of all the people Paul spoke to about Christ as he travelled from Jerusalem to Illyricum in the far north Romans 15.19 - Through mighty signs and wonders, by the power of the Spirit of God; so that from Jerusalem, and round about unto Illyricum, I have fully preached the gospel of Christ.

24. GENEROUS AND GREEDY PEOPLE

Here are four more proverbs about people who always want more.

Proverbs 15.27 - He that is greedy of gain troubleth his own house; but he that hateth gifts shall live. The greedy person will get into trouble and his family with him. We have seen that a man’s family often has to suffer with him, Proverbs 14.11 - The house of the wicked shall be overthrown: but the tabernacle of the upright shall flourish; Proverbs 15.25 - The Lord will destroy the house of the proud: but he will establish the border of the widow; Proverbs 17.13 - Whoso rewardeth evil for good, evil shall not depart from his house. Greedy people expect gifts from others and are willing to do what is wrong in order to get more money. A man could lose his life for this sin.

Proverbs 28.8 - He that by usury and unjust gain increaseth his substance, he shall gather it for him that will pity the poor. Sometimes such people seem to succeed, but in the end they will lose all. Others show pity and help poor people. They will gain while the greedy persons lose what they got dishonestly.

Proverbs 20.21 - An inheritance may be gotten hastily at the beginning; but the end thereof shall not be blessed. Some people get rich quickly but dishonestly. It may seem that God has blessed them, but in the end they will be cursed, 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.

Proverbs 28.16 - The prince that wanteth understanding is also a great oppressor: but he that hateth covetousness shall prolong his days. A foolish ruler will try to get rich by forcing people to work hard for him. He may not last long. It is especially important that a ruler should be wise, generous and honest.

25. RIGHTEOUS PEOPLE AND RICH PEOPLE

We have studied many contrasts between righteous people and wicked people, and between rich and poor people. Now in the last section we have four proverbs which show the difference between righteous and rich people. In Old Testament day’s success was a sign of God’s blessing but many people tried to get rich by dishonest means, and it is the same today.

Proverbs 11.4 - Riches profit not in the day of wrath: but righteousness delivereth from death. A man’s money will not help him when he has to stand before God. Riches may keep a person from following God, Matthew 19.23 - Then said Jesus unto his disciples, Verily I say unto you, That a rich man shall hardly enter into the kingdom of heaven; 1 Timothy 6.9 - But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition. A righteous man will not be put to death by a judge, and he will be accepted by God. God Himself gives us this righteousness as a gift, Philippians 3.9 - And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith. To know your sins are all forgiven is far better than gold.

Proverbs 11.28 - He that trusteth in his riches shall fall: but the righteous shall flourish as a branch. Some rich people suppose that their money will buy anything they want, but it certainly cannot buy them a place in heaven. Matthew 13.22 - He also that received seed among the thorns is he that heareth the word; and the care of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, choke the word, and he becometh unfruitful; teaches that money can deceive a person, and the love of money can keep us from bringing glory to God. A righteous person will succeed in spiritual things, Proverbs 11.30 - The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life; and he that winneth souls is wise.

Proverbs 22.1 - A good name is rather to be chosen than great riches, and loving favour rather than silver and gold. A good reputation is more important than being rich. Many men will do anything for money, and they become known as greedy and cruel. Naturally they are not loved by all men.

Proverbs 22.2 - The rich and poor meet together: the Lord is the maker of them all. Anyway the Lord God made all men and all men must stand before Him. In Christ we are all one, Colossians 3.11 Where there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcision nor uncircumcision, Barbarian, Scythian, bond nor free: but Christ is all, and in all. So the difference between rich people and poor is not very important after all.

I. OTHER GOOD PEOPLE

THE WORD OF KING LEMUEL AND HIS MOTHER CHAPTER 31

Every mother has this important duty, teaching her children the right way. We do not know who Lemuel was or when or where he lived, but we know his mother gave him some wise advice. So in the beginning of Proverbs we have the words of a father to his son; at the end the words of a mother to her
son.

Proverbs 31:1-2 - The words of king Lemuel, the prophecy that his mother taught him. What, my son? and what, the son of my womb? and what, the son of my vows? King Lemuel's mother taught him these things and the Holy Spirit led him to write them in God’s Word. She appealed to him as her dear son whom God had given her.

Proverbs 31:3 - Give not thy strength unto women, nor thy ways to that which destroyeth kings. It was common in those days for a king to have more than one wife. Some kings spent more time with their wives than they did ruling their kingdom. It is not sinful to be married to a Christian man or woman but those who love the Lord must put Him first in their lives, 1 Corinthians 7.28 - But and if thou marry, thou hast not sinned; and if a virgin marry, she hath not sinned. Nevertheless such shall have trouble in the flesh: but I spare you.

Proverbs 31:4-7 - It is not for kings, O Lemuel, it is not for kings to drink wine; nor for princes strong drink: Lest they drink, and forget the law, and pervert the judgment of any of the afflicted. Give strong drink unto him that is ready to perish, and wine unto those that be of heavy hearts. Let him drink, and forget his poverty, and remember his misery no more. Then King Lemuel wrote
down his mother’s good advice about drinking wine. Kings and all leaders should avoid the use of alcohol in any form. It makes them forget the laws of God and do many foolish things, Proverbs 23.31-33 - Look not thou upon the wine when it is red, when it giveth his colour in the cup, when it moveth itself aright. At the last it biteth like a serpent, and stingeth like an adder. Thine eyes shall behold strange women, and thine heart shall utter perverse things. Kings and judges should have clear minds so that they can make correct decisions. Perhaps alcohol helps people to forget their troubles but later it only brings more, Proverbs 23.29-30 - Who hath woe? who hath sorrow? who hath contentions? who hath babbling? who hath wounds without cause? who hath redness of eyes? They that tarry long at the wine; they that go to seek mixed wine. We should look to the Lord to help us in time of trouble and we should pray, James 5.13 - Is any among you afflicted? let him pray. Is any merry? let him sing psalms. Sometimes wine will help a sick person but far more often it is bad for the health. It is our wonderful privilege to be filled with the Holy Spirit and sing songs of praise to the Lord, Ephesians 5.18-19 - And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit; 19 Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord. This is true joy.

Proverbs 31:8-9 - Open thy mouth for the dumb in the cause of all such as are appointed to destruction. 9 Open thy mouth, judge righteously, and plead the cause of the poor and needy. King Lemuel’s mother also warned him to judge fairly and to help poor people. Lower judges might condemn a man to death and a king might be able to get all the facts and save this person. The king should speak up at the right time. He should also save poor people from unjust treatment.

Proverbs 31:10-31 - Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies. The heart of her husband doth safely trust in her, so that he shall have no need of spoil. She will do him good and not evil all the days of her life. She seeketh wool, and flax, and worketh willingly with her hands. She is like the merchants' ships; she bringeth her food from afar. She riseth also while it is
yet night, and giveth meat to her household, and a portion to her maidens. She considereth a field, and buyeth it: with the fruit of her hands she planteth a vineyard. She girdeth her loins with strength, and strengtheneth her arms. She perceiveth that her merchandise is good: her candle goeth not out by night. She layeth her hands to the spindle, and her hands hold the distaff. She
stretcheth out her hand to the poor; yea, she reacheth forth her hands to the needy. She is not afraid of the snow for her household: for all her household are clothed with scarlet. She maketh herself coverings of tapestry; her clothing is silk and purple. Her husband is known in the gates, when he sitteth among the elders of the land. She maketh fine linen, and selleth it; and delivereth
girdles unto the merchant. Strength and honour are her clothing; and she shall rejoice in time to come. She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness. She looketh well to the ways of her household, and eateth not the bread of idleness. Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth her. Many daughters have done virtuously, but thou excellest them all. Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth the Lord, she shall be praised. Give her of the fruit of her hands; and let her own works praise her in the gates.

A GOOD WIFE

There is a great deal about evil women in the first nine chapters of Proverbs but the book ends with a song in honour of all good women. There are twenty-two letters in the Hebrew language and each verse in this section begins with a different letter in the right order. Other parts of the Old Testament are written in this way. For example, Psalm 119 and Lamentations 1-4. Perhaps Lemuel wrote these verses, we do not know, but the writer speaks about the good woman.

1. She helps her husband, Proverbs 31:10-12 - Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies. The heart of her husband doth safely trust in her, so that he shall have no need of spoil. She will do him good and not evil all the days of her life. She is worth more to him than riches and precious stones. He can trust her fully, not like the man in Proverbs 6.34 - For jealousy is the rage of a man: therefore he will not spare in the day of vengeance. He does not have to fear that she will spend all his money and make him poor. She will stay with him all her life.

2. She is a hard worker, Proverbs 31:13-19 - She seeketh wool, and flax, and worketh willingly with her hands. She is like the merchants' ships; she bringeth her food from afar. She riseth also while it is yet night, and giveth meat to her household, and a portion to her maidens. She considereth a field, and buyeth it: with the fruit of her hands she planteth a vineyard. She girdeth her loins with strength, and strengtheneth her arms. She perceiveth that her merchandise is good: her candle goeth not out by night. She layeth her hands to the spindle, and her hands hold the distaff. She works with her hands, Proverbs 31:13 - She seeketh wool, and flax, and worketh willingly with her hands; Proverbs 31:17-19 - She girdeth her loins with strength, and strengtheneth her arms. She perceiveth that her merchandise is good: her candle goeth not out by night. She layeth her hands to the spindle, and her hands hold the distaff; also Proverbs 31:22 She maketh herself coverings of tapestry; her clothing is silk and purple. She provides food for her family, Proverbs 31:14-15 - She is like the merchants' ships; she bringeth her food from afar. She riseth also while it is yet night, and giveth meat to her household, and a portion to her maidens; she gets up early, Proverbs 31:15 - She riseth also while it is yet night, and giveth meat to her household, and a portion to her maidens, and works late at night, Proverbs 31:18 - She perceiveth that her merchandise is good: her candle goeth not out by night. She earns money and can buy more land, Proverbs 31:16,24 She considereth a field, and buyeth it: with the fruit of her hands she planteth a vineyard. She girdeth her loins with strength, and strengtheneth her arms. She perceiveth that her merchandise is good: her candle goeth not out by night. She layeth her hands to the spindle, and her hands hold the distaff. She stretcheth out her hand to the poor; yea, she reacheth forth her hands to the needy. She is not afraid of the snow for her household: for all her household are clothed with scarlet. She maketh herself coverings of tapestry; her clothing is silk and purple. Her husband is known in the gates, when he sitteth among the elders of the land. She maketh fine linen, and selleth it; and delivereth girdles unto the merchant. She is strong, Proverbs 31:17 - She girdeth her loins with strength, and strengtheneth her arms, wise and kind, Proverbs 31:26 - She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness.

3. She saves her money and provides for her family, Proverbs 31:20-24 - She stretcheth out her hand to the poor; yea, she reacheth forth her hands to the needy. She is not afraid of the snow for her household: for all her household are clothed with scarlet. She maketh herself coverings of tapestry; her clothing is silk and purple. Her husband is known in the gates, when he sitteth among the elders of the land. She maketh fine linen, and selleth it; and delivereth girdles unto the merchant. She has enough money so that she can be kind to others, Proverbs 31:20 - She stretcheth out her hand to the poor; yea, she reacheth forth her hands to the needy. She provides clothing for herself and her family, Proverbs 31:21-22 - She is not afraid of the snow for her household: for all her household are clothed with scarlet. She maketh herself coverings of tapestry; her clothing is silk and purple. Her husband can afford to spend time helping in the affairs makes enough cloth to sell some and earn more

4. She is honoured by all, Proverbs 31:25-31 Strength and honour are her clothing; and she shall rejoice in time to come. She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness. She looketh well to the ways of her household, and eateth not the bread of idleness. Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth her. Many daughters have done virtuously, but thou excellest them all. Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth the Lord, she shall be praised. Give her of the fruit of her hands; and let her own works praise her in the gates. She wears nice clothing, Proverbs 31:22 - She maketh herself coverings of tapestry; her clothing is silk and purple, but is known for good works, Proverbs 31:25 Strength and honour are her clothing; and she shall rejoice in time to come.; 1 Timothy 2.9-10 In like manner also, that women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with shamefacedness and sobriety; not with broided hair, or gold, or pearls, or costly array; But (which becometh women professing godliness) with good works; and for kindness, Proverbs 31:26 - She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness.. She cares for her family and they call her blessed - Proverbs 31:27-28 - She looketh well to the ways of her household, and eateth not the bread of idleness. Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth her. Her husband thinks she is the best wife in the world.

What is her secret? Truth, she works hard, but faith is in the Lord, not a pretty face. She has earned her reward and the whole city knows it.