19 July

Bible In 365 Days                                                 

Proverbs 19-21

Proverbs 19

Proverbs 19:7. This is the only case in this first collection of proverbs in which we find three clauses. It is certainly most likely that the third clause is incomplete. Something has been lost. If this be not so, then the proverb which sets forth the extremely pitiable condition of the poor ends by declaring that to him the promises of friends are not fulfilled.

Proverbs 19:16. Here "he that is careless of his ways" simply means, of course, "he that keepeth not the commandment."

Proverbs 19:21. This is a perfectly self evident assertion, but, as such, important as to warrant a pause in reading it. The one thing in the heart that may be depended upon is the counsel or guidance of Jehovah.

Proverbs 19:24. Is it possible to find anywhere a more graphic or sarcastic description of absolute laziness?

Proverbs 19:27. The meaning here is that it is better not to learn than to learn to refuse to obey.

Proverbs 20

Proverbs 20:9. This is the eternal challenge which has but one answer. When a man recognizes this he begins to inquire for a Saviour.

Proverbs 20:14. "It is bad, it is bad," is the description which the buyer gives of the article of which he wishes to possess himself. The words used today are not identical, but the same buyer is in the markets.

Proverbs 20:21. Another of the ancient proverbs to which men need to attend today. It would be well to have this plainly engraved before the eyes of all young men as they enter commercial pursuits.

Proverbs 20:25. A sane warning against adding sins to those which are certainly such in the economy of righteousness. There is a widespread tendency today to take vows of abstention, or to make promises without careful inquiry.

Proverbs 21

Proverbs 21:4. The "lamp" of a man's life is his spirit. Where that is exalted and manifests itself in the high look and the proud heart, there is sin. All of which is to say that for a man to follow a self-centered desire without recognition of guidance from God is of the essence of sin.

Proverbs 21:18. This proverb could have been written only by a man who had learned the important lesson of taking in broad expanses in his outlook. He declares the supremacy of right in the economy of the world, and that, finally, for the ransom and deliverance of the righteous and upright the wicked and transgressors must be dealt with in judgment.

Proverbs 21:27. In this proverb there is a somewhat subtle distinction which is nevertheless one of extreme importance. In any case, the sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination. That is to say, it is abominable for any man who is living wrongly to make an offering to God in the way of worship. That abomination becomes worse when in the offering of the wicked comes from an ulterior motive. For a wicked man to give for his own pleasure is an evil thing; but if he hopes by his gift to win some spiritual favor while he continues in sin, that is a still deeper evil.