made him for ignorance and disobedience, Word and waits for God to fulfill it.

made him for ignorance and disobedience, Word and waits for God to fulfill it.

783 PSALMS 119:83

but now I have kept your word. 68 You are good, and do good. Teach me your statutes. 69 The proud have forged a lie against me, but I will keep your precepts with my

afflicted me. 76 Let, I pray, your merciful kindness be my comfort, according to your word to your servant. 77 Let your tender mercies come to me that I may live, for your law is my delight. 78 Let the proud be ashamed, for they treated me wrongly, without a cause; but I will meditate on your precepts. 79 Let those who fear you turn to me, and those who have known your

whole heart. 70 Their heart is as fat as grease; but I delight in your law. 71 It is good for me that I have been afflicted that I might learn your statutes. 72 To me the law of your mouth is better than thousands of pieces of gold and silver.

testimonies. 80 Let my heart be blameless in your statutes, so that I may not be ashamed.

Y O D

73 Your hands have made me and formed me. Give me understanding that I may learn

KAPH

your commandments. 74 Those who fear you will be glad when they see me, because I have hoped in your word. 75 I know, O LORD, that your judgments are right, and that you in faithfulness have

81 My soul faints for your salvation; but I hope in your word. 82 My eyes fail for your word, saying, “When will you comfort me?” 83 For I have become like a bottle in the smoke;

us more conformed to God’s Word and will. 119:68 See 100:5; 106:1; 107:1; 135:3. 119:69 See 5:9; 10:7; 52:4; 109:2. In v 51 he speaks of proud people mocking him. In v 61 he speaks of persecution. Here he speaks of slander. But none of these things turned him from God’s Word. 119:70 See 17:10; 73:7. Observe the tremendous contrast between believers and unbelievers. Unbelievers are completely unmoved by that which is the great delight of believers. 119:71 Verses 65,75; Deut 8:2-5; Heb 12:5-11. Affliction, he says, is good. Good, but not pleasant. Anything is good that opens our eyes to the truth and beauty of God’s Word and helps to make us obedient to it. His troubles came from men, but God turned it all to good (notes at Gen 50:20; Rom 8:28). God brings health out of sickness, riches out of poverty, strength out of weakness. It is the cross we have to bear that moves us closer to heaven. 119:72 Verses 14,57,111,127,162; 19:10; Job 28:17; Prov 2:4,5. If we wish to progress in the spiritual life we must value the Word of God as he did. 119:73 “Formed” – 138:8; 139:13-16; Gen 1:27.

knew that even though God has permitted him to suffer at the hands of ungodly men this has been in accordance with God’s perfect righteousness and faithfulness. God will never violate His laws in dealing with His people and He afflicts them for a good purpose (Heb 12:10; Rev 3:19). 119:76 Verse 41. 119:77 His troubles were so severe he sometimes despaired of life, and felt only God’s compassion could keep him alive, but he had a joy through them all. If the Word of God is not a delight to us as it was to him we have no right to think that God should preserve us alive. Should God keep us alive only that we might violate His laws and sin against Him? 119:78 Note on such prayers at 35:8. 119:79 Perhaps some believers had been alienated from him because of his troubles. He wants perfect fellowship restored with all godly men. 119:80 “Blameless” – v 1. It was not enough for him to have a blameless outer life. He wanted his inward life, its motives, ambitions and desires to be blameless also.

“Ashamed” – vs 6,46; 1 John 2:28. Sin and disobedience will always bring shame. 119:81 In this section the writer, suffering great persecution, longs for God to act in his behalf. He knows he is trusting God’s Word and waits for God to fulfill it.

“Understanding” – vs 12, 18, 26, 27, 33, 34. His reasoning here is that God has not made him for ignorance and disobedience, but to live a wise and holy life. Any fool can sin. It takes great understanding of God’s Word to be as holy as God wants us to be. The writer pleads with God to complete the work He has begun. 119:74 See 34:2. He wanted his life to be a source of joy and blessing to others. 119:75 Verses 7,138,172; Deut 4:8. He

“Faints” – v 20; 84:2. “Hope” – vs 43,74,114,147; Rom 5:2-5. 119:82 See 6:7; 69:3; Lam 2:11. 119:83 He compares himself in his persecution to a wineskin in a tent, unused, blackened by smoke, and wrinkled by heat.

“I do not forget” – vs 51, 61, 87. Whether in the smoke or in the fire let us

PSALMS 119:84 784

yet I do not forget your statutes. 84 How many are the days of your servant? When will you execute judgment on those

for with them you have revived me. 94 I am yours; save me, for I have sought your precepts. 95 The wicked have waited for me to destroy me; but I will consider your testimonies. 96 I have seen an end of all perfection; but your commandment is exceedingly

who persecute me? 85 The proud have dug pits for me, which is not according to your law. 86 All your commandments are trustworthy. They persecute me wrongfully. Help me! 87 They almost made an end of me on earth, but I did not forsake your precepts. 88 Revive me according to your loving kindness; so I will keep the testimony of your mouth.

broad.

MEM

97 O how I love your law! It is my meditation all the day. 98 Through your commandments you have made me wiser than my enemies, for they are always with me. 99 I have more understanding than all my teachers, for your testimonies are my meditation. 100 I understand more than the ancients, because I keep your precepts. 101 I have withheld my feet from every evil way, that I might keep your word. 102 I have not departed from your judgments, for you have taught me.

LAMED

89 Forever, O LORD, your word stands firm in heaven. 90 Your faithfulness is to all generations. You have established the earth, and it

remains. 91 They continue to this day in accordance with your ordinances. For all things are your servants. 92 If your law had not been my delight, then I would have perished in my affliction. 93 I will never forget your precepts,

hold fast to God’s Word. 119:84 See 6:3; 13:1; 35:17; 89:46; 90:16; 94:3; Rev 6:10. 119:85 See 35:7; 57:6; Jer 18:20,22; Mark 12:13; Luke 11:53,54. We need, then, to be wise as serpents, harmless as doves. 119:86 “Trustworthy” – vs 138; 19:7; 111:7; Matt 5:17,18. 119:87 Verses 51, 61, 83. He had resolved to hold fast to God’s Word regardless of what men did to him. If persecution and trouble will cause us to renounce the Word of God is our faith at all genuine? 119:88 The Word of God, though written down by men, comes from the mouth of God (Matt 4:4). Life to us should mean obedience to it. 119:89 See 111:7,8; Matt 5:18; 1 Pet 1:25. Since God’s Word is eternally firm and sure in heaven, nothing that happens on earth can overthrow it. 119:90 See 36:5; 45:17; 89:1; 90:1. God works out His fixed purpose and fulfills His Word toward the earth and in the world. 119:91 “Ordinances” – Jer 33:25. Creation is governed, not by mere laws of nature, but by the laws of God.

without God how can they keep from dying of despair? God’s Word is the remedy for despair, for meaninglessness in life. 119:93 Note at v 50. 119:94 Believers belong to the Lord (1 Cor 6:19,20). He has created them, chosen them, redeemed them, given them new spiritual life, and claimed them as His own forever. They prove they belong to God by seeking to obey Him. The writer prays that God will deal with him according to this fact. So may we if we are believers. 119:95 Verses 51, 61, 85. 119:96 All that men think best on earth, all they most pride themselves in, all things that seems most perfect, have defects. God’s teaching has a perfection that is boundless and without defect (19:7). 119:97 The subject of this section is wisdom and understanding that come from God’s Word.

“Meditation” – verses 15, 47, 99. Our minds will always fasten on those things and those persons we love. 119:98-100 Verse 130; 19:7; Deut 4:6; Prov 2:1-5; 2 Tim 3:15. The Word of God is the wisdom of believers. But it is not enough to have it in the home – it must be in the heart, at the center of an obedient life. 119:101 Evil ways and the Word of God are mutually antagonistic and will not mix. 119:102 Very wonderful indeed to have God as our teacher! See also Isa 54:13; Jer 31:33,34; 1 Cor 2:13; 1 Thess 4:9; Heb 8:10,11; 10:16; 1 John 2:27. If we want God to teach us we must be believing and

“All things” – 104:2-4; Jer 31:35. All created objects from the tiny atom to the giant constellations and galaxies in space, all animals, fish, and birds obey God’s laws. In the whole universe only men together with Satan and his hordes disobey God and refuse to be His servants. 119:92 How can people live without the joy of knowing God’s Word? Without hope and

785 PSALMS 119:122

103 How sweet are your words to my taste! Yes, sweeter than honey to my mouth! 104 Through your precepts I get understanding; therefore I hate every false way.

SAMEKH

113 I hate divided thoughts , but I love your law. 114 You are my hiding place and my shield. I hope in your word. 115 Depart from me, you evildoers; for I will keep the commandments

NUN

105 Your word is a lamp to my feet, and a light to my path. 106 I have sworn that I will keep your righteous judgments,

of my God. 116 Uphold me according to your word, that I may live; and do not let me be ashamed of my hope. 117 Hold me up, and I will be safe, and I will observe your statutes continually. 118 You reject all those who go astray from your statutes, for their deceit is falsehood. 119 You put an end to all the wicked of the earth like dross; therefore I love your testimonies. 120 My flesh trembles for fear of you, and I am in awe of your judgments.

and I will perform it. 107 I am greatly afflicted. Revive me, O LORD, according to your word. 108 Accept, I pray, the freewill offerings of my mouth, O LORD, and teach me your judgments. 109 My soul is continually in my hand; yet I do not forget your law. 110 The wicked have laid a snare for me; yet I have not gone astray from your

precepts. 111 I have taken your testimonies as a heritage forever, for they are the rejoicing of my heart. 112 I have inclined my heart to perform your statutes continually, to the end.

AYIN

121 I have acted in justice and righteousness; do not leave me to my oppressors. 122 Give a pledge to your servant for good.

obedient. 119:103 See also 19:10; Prov 24:13,14. Honey is sweet to the mouth, but God’s Word when believed and obeyed brings a sweet and holy joy to the spirit. 119:104 Verse 128; Prov 13:5. Understanding God’s Word enables us to discern wrong paths and to hate them as being dishonoring to God and destructive to men. 119:105 The subject of this section is the great value of God’s Word and the writer’s determination to keep it at all costs.

Without these, because of the weakness of our nature, it is all too easy to forget God’s Word and drift away from its teachings. 119:113 1 Kings 18:21; Jam 1:6,7; 4:8. Because he had such an intense love for God’s Word, everything opposed to it was disgusting to him. If there is hesitation in obeying God’s Word, if one has two minds about it, a love of sin is at the bottom of it. 119:114 “Shield” – 3:3; 18:2; 28:7; Gen 15:1. “Hope” – vs 43, 81, 147. 119:115 6:8; 97:10; 139:19. Those who love God cannot be happy in the fellowship of those who love evil. 119:116,117 See 41:1-3; 55:22; Isa 41:10; 46:4. 119:118 Such people may think themselves very wise and great, but they cannot persuade God to have the same view of them (Gal 6:7). 119:119 Mal 4:1; Matt 25:41; Rev 21:8. He loved God’s laws because they are opposed to all wickedness, and because according to them God will purify the earth of wicked men. 119:120 Thinking of the destruction of the wicked made him tremble for himself. He was well aware that he had a sinful nature and that only the grace of God could keep him from evil. Note on the fear of God at 34:11-14; 111:10; Gen 20:11; Job 28:28; 1 Peter 1:17; 2:17. 119:121,122 He was not self-righteous like the Pharisee in Luke 18:9-12. Throughout this psalm he appears as one conscious of

“Lamp” – Prov 20:27; 2 Pet 1:19. “Light” – v 130; 19:8; Prov 6:23. The Word of God is an infallible guide to conduct. It tells us exactly how to walk and what the goal is. If we neglect or spurn God’s Word we are choosing darkness and we will not know what we’re doing or where we’re going. So we should be as the writer of this psalm was as seen in v 131. 119:106 Neh 10:29. 119:107 Verse 25; Rom 7:24. 119:108 “Teach” – v 12; 25:4,5; 143:8,10. 119:109 See 1 Cor 15:30,31; 2 Cor 6:9; 11:23. 119:110 Verses 51, 61, 83, 87. 119:111 The land of Canaan was a heritage of the people of Israel (105:11; Josh 1:6). But a far greater possession than any land, any property on earth is the Word of God. It is an eternal inheritance (Matt 24:35), a joy forever. 119:112 Verse 106. To obey the Word of God requires great determination and self-discipline.

PSALMS 119:123 786

for I longed for your commandments. 132 Look at me, and be merciful to me, as you always do to those who love

Do not let the proud oppress me. 123 My eyes fail for your salvation, and for the word of your righteousness. 124 Deal with your servant according to your mercy, and teach me your statutes. 125 I am your servant. Give me understanding so that I may

your name. 133 Direct my steps in your word, and do not let any sin get the

mastery over me. 134 Deliver me from the oppression of man; so I will keep your precepts. 135 Make your face shine on your servant, and teach me your statutes. 136 Rivers of waters run down my eyes, because they do not keep your law.

know your testimonies. 126 It is time for you, LORD, to work, for they have violated your law. 127 Therefore I love your commandments more than gold, yes, more than fine gold. 128 Therefore I regard all your precepts concerning everything to be right, and I hate every false way.

TSADE

137 You are righteous, O LORD, and your judgments are upright. 138 Your testimonies that you have commanded are righteous and very

PEY

129 Your testimonies are wonderful; therefore my soul keeps them. 130 The entrance of your words gives light; it gives understanding to the simple. 131 I opened my mouth and panted,

trustworthy. 139 My zeal has consumed me, because my enemies have forgotten

your words. 140 Your word is very pure;

his weakness and failure. A low opinion of themselves and a high quality of life should both be found in believers. But he knew that on the whole he had, by God’s grace, lived according to God’s righteous ways. He knew that he was truly a servant of God. 119:123 Verse 82; 6:7; 63:3; Lam 2:11. 119:124 “Deal” – v 88; 25:7; 69:16; 109:26. “Teach” – v 12. 119:125 If we are God’s servants we will want to understand His instructions to us, and we can pray with confidence that He will give us wisdom (Jam 1:5; 1 John 5:14,15). 119:126 Man’s sin will have God’s judgment, and when the time is ripe God will arise to judge the world. 119:127 Verses 14,57,111,162; 19:10. 119:128 “Right” – 19:8; 33:4. “False way” – vs 104,163; 97:10; Prov 13:5. 119:129 Verse 13. God’s Word is full of wonderful truth, promises, instructions, and revelations of God. But he did not imagine that it was enough to simply praise God’s Word – he wanted to obey it. It is not admiration of it that brings blessing but obedience to it. 119:130 Verse 105; 19:7,8. 119:131 Verse 20. We live in a dark world. It is filled with religions and philosophical teachings, with false speculations about God and salvation, with dark and slippery paths that lead to hell. We, like the author, should pant for understanding of God’s Word, and use every available means to study it. 119:132 See 6:4; 25:6; 69:16; 86:16. It seems sometimes to believers that God

has turned away from them and left them to their troubles and sufferings. At such times we must not trust our feelings in this matter but the unchanging promises of God. 119:133 It is a sad thing when our enemies rule over us. Far sadder it is, and more dangerous, when our greatest enemy – sin – rules us. Freedom from sin’s dominion results only from the power of the Word of God in the life (v 11; John 8:31-36; Rom 6:16). 119:134 Verse 122. To fully carry out the commands of the Word of God freedom from man’s oppression is also important (1 Tim 2:1,2). 119:135 “Shine” – 4:6; 67:1; 80:3; Num 6:25. “Teach” – v 12; 25:4,5. 119:136 He knew something of God’s punishment, the disaster, suffering and destruction which come on a disobedient and sinful people. So he wept (compare Isa 22:4; Jer 9:1; Lam 1:16; 3:48; Luke 19:41-44; Rom 9:1-3). 119:137 The subject of this section is God’s righteousness and the eternal rightness of His laws (129:4; 145:17; Isa 24:16; Jer 23:6; Dan 9:7; Zeph 3:5; John 17:25). 119:138 “Trustworthy” – v 86; 19:7; 111:7; Matt 5:17,18. 119:139 See 69:9; John 2:17. He experienced an overwhelming desire that all should honor God and submit to the authority of God’s Word, and was deeply pained when God was dishonored by disobedience. This kind of zeal is much needed among believers. 119:140 See 12:6. There is no dross, no impurity, nothing useless in God’s Word. It

787 PSALMS 119:163

152 Concerning your testimonies, I have known for a long time that you

therefore your servant loves it. 141 I am small and despised; yet I do not forget your precepts. 142 Your righteousness is an everlasting righteousness, and your law is the truth. 143 Trouble and anguish have taken hold of me; yet your commandments are my delight. 144 The righteousness of your testimonies is everlasting; give me understanding, and I will live.

have established them forever.

RESH

153 Consider my affliction, and rescue me; for I do not forget your law. 154 Plead my cause, and rescue me. Revive me according to your word. 155 Salvation is far from the wicked, for they do not seek your statutes. 156 Great are your tender mercies, O LORD. Revive me according to your judgments. 157 Many are my persecutors and my enemies; yet I do not turn away from your

KOPH

145 I cried out with my whole heart. Hear me, O LORD. I will keep your statutes. 146 I cried out to you. Save me, and I will keep your testimonies. 147 I rise before dawn in the morning, and cry out. I hope in your word. 148 My eyes remain awake through the night watches, that I might meditate on your word. 149 Hear my voice, according to your loving kindness. O LORD, revive me according to

testimonies. 158 I saw the transgressors, and was grieved because they did not keep your word. 159 Consider how I love your precepts. Revive me, O LORD, according to your

loving kindness. 160 Your word is true from the beginning, and every one of your righteous

judgments remains forever.

SHIN

161 Princes have persecuted me without a cause, but my heart stands in awe of your word. 162 I rejoice at your word, like someone who finds great plunder. 163 I hate and abhor lying,

your judgment. 150 Those who follow evil draw near; they are far from your law. 151 You are near, O LORD, and all your commandments are truth.

1 Pet 4:4). They are near believers to try to ruin them, but are far from God. 119:151 If the Lord is near He will keep His servants, and deal with the wicked in His time and way. 119:152 Verse 89; 111:8; Luke 21:33. 119:153 In this section the writer in his great trouble asks God to look into his case and deal with him according to His wisdom and grace. 119:154 See 35:1; 1 Sam 24:15; Jer 50:34. 119:155 The wicked are far from salvation because they willingly remain in ignorance of God’s Word. If they sought God and His Word they too could be saved (Isa 55:7; Jam 4:8-10). 119:156 “Tender mercies” or “compassion” – 103:8; 106:45; Lam 3:22,23.

is altogether worthy of the hearty love the author had for it, and that we should have for it. 119:141 “Small” – love for God’s Word and humility must go together.

“Forget” – vs 57, 61, 83, 87. 119:142 Verses 151, 160. 119:143 Only the believer can experience acute suffering, and joy in God’s Word at the same time (2 Cor 6:10; 7:4; Phil 2:17; Col 1:24). 119:144 Verses 34, 73, 125, 169. The fourth of five prayers in this one psalm for understanding. Nine other times he asks God to teach him. Have we ever asked it even once? 119:145 See verse 10. 119:146 See verse 77. 119:147 See 5:3; 57:8; 108:2; Mark 1:35. All believers should attempt to establish and maintain a time for prayer and meditation early in the morning. But their hope should be, not in their discipline, or prayers, but in God’s Word. 119:148 63:6; Luke 6:12. Special times of need call for special seasons of prayer. 119:149 The writer may be requesting either preservation in a time of danger, or spiritual quickening. See v 25. 119:150 Some people are so spiritually ignorant that they not merely act wickedly, they do so with great eagerness (Eph 4:19;

“Revive” – vs 25,107. 119:157 Verse 113; 3:1,2; 44:15-18. 119:158 See 5:6; 139:21,22; Lev 26:30. 119:159 He calls God as witness that he truly loves God’s Word, and makes this the ground of his prayer. 119:160 Verse 89; 111:8. 119:161 “Persecuted” – vs 23, 122, 157. “Stands in awe” – or “trembles” or “fears” – v 120; Ezra 9:4; Isa 66:2. 119:162 Verse 72; 19:10. 119:163 Verses 104,128; 97:10; Prov

PSALMS 119:164 788

but I love your law. 164 Seven times a day I praise you because of your righteous judgments. 165 Great peace have they who love your law, and nothing makes them stumble. 166 LORD, I hope for your salvation, and do your commandments. 167 My soul has kept your testimonies, and I love them exceedingly. 168 I have kept your precepts and your testimonies, for all my ways are before you.

for you teach me your statutes. 172 My tongue will speak of your word, for all your commandments are righteous. 173 Let your hand help me, for I have chosen your precepts. 174 I have longed for your salvation, O LORD, and your law is my delight. 175 Let my soul live, and it will praise you; and let your judgments help me. 176 I have gone astray like a lost sheep. Seek your servant, for I do not forget

your commandments.

TAV

169 Let my cry come before you, O LORD. Give me understanding according to

A song of ascents

your word. 170 Let my supplication come before you. Deliver me according to your word. 171 My lips will utter praise,

1 In my distress I cried out to the LORD, and he heard me. 2 Rescue my soul, O LORD, from lying lips,

13:5. Mark this down as certain – if we do not hate lies and deceit we do not love the truth. 119:164 Have we once in our whole life praised God for His just laws and judgments? 119:165 See 37:11; Isa 26:3,12; 27:5; 32:17; 57:19,21. Only those who are right with God and walk according to His Word can love God’s teaching, and only they can enjoy the peace God gives. Since the lives of such people are based on the great foundation of God’s Word they will not fall. 119:166-168 Verse 81. In time of persecution he did not wait in despair or idleness. While he waits for God to deliver him, he is active in obedience to God’s commands. He knew the truth expressed in Heb 4:13 before it was written. 119:169 See verse 144. 119:170 See 17:1; 28:2; 61:1; 86:6; 140:6; 143:1. 119:171 Nine times in this psalm he asks God to teach him. Here he expresses his confidence that God is doing so. And he considers this a matter for great praise, which indeed it is (94:12). We must always remember that if we are taught of God, the reason is that we might praise Him and not ourselves for what we have learned. 119:172 God’s righteousness should be a frequent theme of our songs – 7:17; 9:2-4; 33:3-5; 51:14; 71:22-24; 98:1,2. 119:173 “Help” – 37:24; 73:23; Isa 41:10. “Chosen” – he did not try to follow God’s commands merely because he was born an Israelite and it was expected of him. No, he heartily chose to do so, he made an earnest decision to do so. 119:174 Verse 166. 119:175 Verses 77, 116, 159. 119:176 The writer loved God’s Word. God’s commands were not grievous to him but a delight. He longed to know God’s Word better and live according to it more perfectly.

But he has to confess his failure. Sin working in him had sometimes led him astray, and he needed God to seek him and restore him (see Isa 53:6; Luke 15:4). Though he has gone astray he knows he is still God’s servant and that he still keeps God’s commandments in mind. Those who most earnestly try to live according to God’s Word are often the most conscious of how far they fall short of fully doing so (Isa 64:5; Jer 3:25; Dan 9:4,5; Rom 7:18-21; Jam 3:2). 120 Title: The fifteen psalms beginning with this one are all called songs of “ascents” (from a Hebrew word which means “to go up”). Scholars have speculated a great deal about the significance of the word as used here and have offered many diverse suggestions. Perhaps the best suggestion is this: According to Ex 34:23,24 and Deut 16:16 and the custom of the Jews, at the times of religious festivals, three times a year, the people went up to Jerusalem as pilgrims to worship the true and living God. Jerusalem was high in the hills of Judah, so that it meant that most of the people had to ascend to get there. It is likely that they sang these “songs of ascent” on the way.

Verses 1 and 4 of psalm 122 may well be key verses of this whole group of psalms. The chief concern of believers now should be to ascend spiritually, drawing nearer and nearer to God. This will surely result if we put into practice the spiritual teachings of these songs of ascent. Most of these psalms are quite short. They show that prayers need not be long to be weighty and powerful. 120:1 See 18:6; 31:7; 77:2; 120:1; 118:5. 120:2 His distress was caused by liars and slanderers (compare 5:9; 10:7; 12:2; 28:3; 36:3; 43:1; 144:8). When lies, deceit and slanders are on every side we must appeal only to God. God can use such circumstances to cause us to ascend in our spiritual lives.

789 PSALMS 122:4

The LORD is your shade at your

and from a deceitful tongue. 3 What shall be given to you? or what shall be done to you, you false tongue? 4 Sharp arrows of the mighty, with coals of fire of the broom tree! 5 Woe is me, that I live in Meshech, that I dwell in the tents of Kedar! 6 My soul has dwelt too long with him who hates peace. 7 I am for peace: but when I speak, they are for war.

right hand. 6 The sun will not strike you by day,

nor the moon by night. 7 The LORD will preserve you from all evil;

he will preserve your soul. 8 The LORD will preserve your going out

and your coming in from this time on

and forevermore.

A song of ascents by David

A song of ascents

1 I was glad when they said to me, “Let us go into the house of the LORD.” 2 Our feet stand within your gates, O Jerusalem. 3 Jerusalem is built like a city that is compacted together; 4 There the tribes go up, the tribes of the LORD, to the Testimony of Israel, to give thanks to the name of the LORD.

1 I will lift up my eyes to the hills from where my help comes. 2 My help comes from the LORD, who made heaven and earth. 3 He will not allow your foot to be moved. He who keeps you will not slumber. 4 Behold, he who keeps Israel will neither

slumber nor sleep. 5 The LORD is the one who keeps you.

120:3,4 God will deal with liars and deceivers at the proper time and in a perfectly fitting way. Lying tongues are like sharp arrows (57:4; 64:3; Prov 25:18; Jer 9:8), and a burning fire (Prov 16:27; Jam 3:6). Arrows and fire will be God’s punishment for such. For God’s way of dealing in just judgment see 18:25-27; 63:9,10; 64:7,8; etc. Eventually God will deliver all His people from liars and slanderers and make the world free of them (Rev 21:8,27). 120:5 Meshech was far to the north of Israel, Kedar to the south. The writer could not live in both places at the same time. He is speaking metaphorically. It seems to him that his neighbors were like those barbaric peoples who did not know God. 120:6,7 Rom 12:18; 14:19; Heb 12:14. But it is not always possible to live at peace with all. For the sake of peace scriptural principles cannot be abandoned or compromised. 121 Title: See psalm 120. We might call this “the psalm of protection on the believer’s pilgrimage.” 121:1 The pilgrim draws near to the hills of Judea, and Jerusalem, the city of God, and knows that the God who dwells there in the temple will give him help. 121:2 The LORD (Jehovah), the mighty Creator of the universe, is the helper of all believers (33:6; 89:11-13; 96:4,5; 124:8; 134:3; 136:4-9). Safety on our earthly pilgrimage comes from Him alone. 121:3,4 “Foot” – 26:12; 38:16; 91:12; 94:18. The believer will never fall to destruction.

sleep. Life is no dream in the mind of a sleeping deity. The true God is eternally alert to watch over His own. 121:5 See 17:8; 36:7; 57:1; 91:1; Isa 25:4; 32:2. 121:6 This does not mean that believers may not feel the effects of sun or moon. It does not mean that difficulties, dangers, and death will not come to them as to everyone else. It means that believers will not be truly harmed by these things, that only what God permits for their good will come to them by day or by night (Rom 8:28). The outworking of all this is not something we can always detect and understand on this earth. 121:7,8 2 Tim 4:18; 1 Pet 1:5; 2 Pet 2:9; Deut 28:6. Throughout life’s pilgrimage and to all eternity the person who trusts in the God of the Bible has perfect protection. 122 Title: See psalm 120. 122:1 A person who loves God will love the true worship of God and the people of God. Our attitude toward the house of God is an indication of the state of our spiritual life (26:8; Acts 2:42,46,47; 3:1; 5:42; Heb 10:25). 122:2-4 Jerusalem was the capital city of Israel, the center of rule and worship, the city of God. God intended it to be a unifying force among the twelve tribes. That is one reason He instructed His people to go there at least thrice yearly for worship (Ex 34:22,23; Deut 12:4,5; 16:5,6,16; 31:11). He wanted them to have one center, one heart, one faith. Believers now have no earthly center. Their city is the Jerusalem which is above (Gal 4:26; Heb 12:22). Their center is Christ. Compare Eph 4:13-16.

“Sleep” – 1 Kings 18:25-27; Hab 2:19. The eternal God does not grow weary or

PSALMS 122:5 790

5 For thrones of judgment are set there, the thrones of the house of David.

and the contempt of the proud.

6 Pray for the peace of Jerusalem. They who love you will prosper. 7 Peace be within your walls, and prosperity within your palaces. 8 For the sake of my brethren and companions I will now say, “Peace be within you.” 9 I will seek your good because of the house of the LORD our God.

A song of ascents by David

1 “If it had not been the LORD who was on our side,” now may Israel say, 2 “If it had not been the LORD who was on our side, when men rose up against us, 3 Then they would have swallowed us up quickly, when their anger burned against us.

A song of ascents

4 Then the waters would have overwhelmed us, the stream would have gone over our soul; 5 Then the raging waters would have gone over our soul.

1 To you I lift up my eyes, O you who dwell in the heavens. 2 See, as the eyes of servants look to the hand of their masters, and as the eyes of a maid look to the

6 Blessed be the LORD, who has not given us as prey to their teeth. 7 Our soul has escaped like a bird out of the snare of the fowlers. The snare has been broken,

hand of her mistress, so our eyes look to the LORD our God,

until he has mercy on us. 3 Have mercy on us, O LORD, have mercy on us, for we have faced very great contempt. 4 Our soul endures the very great scorn of those who are at ease,

and we have escaped. 8 Our help is in the name of the LORD, who made heaven and earth.”

122:6-9 For Israel’s national unity the peace of Jerusalem was absolutely necessary. If quarreling and divisions occurred there, it would harm the whole life of the nation. The tribes would not be attracted to go up to a center filled with strife. So he prayed for peace for the sake of the people (v 8), and for the sake of God’s house (v 9). Today people are not attracted to churches and assemblies that are divided and quarreling. For the sake of the people of God and the honor of God we too must seek to maintain unity and peace in the Holy Spirit and in the truth (Rom 15:5,6; Eph 4:3; Col 3:15). 122:9 An example to every Christian. We must always think of ways to do good to Christ’s church and people (Heb 10:24). 123 Title: See psalm 120. 123:1 There are ascending steps of thought in these first four songs of ascent. In 120 he saw the sad conditions around him. In 121 he lifted his eyes to the hills around Jerusalem. In 122 he stood in the city looking about, admiring and praising. Now he lifts his eyes higher still. God was with His people in Jerusalem, but His throne is in heaven where He rules over the earth and the whole universe. Let us keep our eyes there and we will ascend in our spiritual life (25:15; Col 3:1,2; Heb 12:2). 123:2 He is a willing slave of the God of heaven, as we too should be. He leaves the rule of the world and his own

circumstances to God. In beautiful and meaningful language he expresses the utter dependence of God’s people on God alone for mercy and a change in conditions. We are to look to God humbly, obediently, continually, attentively, believingly. 123:3,4 It seems that proud and arrogant men were as numerous as the lying and deceitful he spoke of in 120 (10:2-5; 12:3,4; 86:14; 140:5). Both sorts of people are an abomination to God (Prov 6:16-19). 124 Title: See psalm 120. 124:1-5 These verses refer to a great deliverance from enemies. They attacked Israel like a raging flood, like wild beasts (v 6), like fierce hunters (v 7). Israel is now urged to declare openly that deliverance was not due to their wisdom, skill, or strength, but only to this one fact: God was on their side. The church of Christ is in a hostile world. Satan combines with evil men to try to destroy it. Believers have been and still are ridiculed, threatened, discriminated against, persecuted, tortured, killed. But Christ’s church will never be destroyed, for God is still on the side of His people (Matt 16:18; Rom 8:31). 124:6,7 Praise to the Lord for His deliverance from the evil hunter of men’s souls (25:15; 91:3). 124:8 See 20:2; 27:9; 33:20; 40:17; 46:1; 60:11. If Almighty God, the Creator of the universe, is our help, what other help do we need?

791 PSALMS 126:6

A song of ascents

A song of ascents

1 When the LORD brought back the captives

1 Those who trust in the LORD are like mount Zion, which cannot be shaken,

of Zion, we were like those who dream.

but remains forever. 2 As the mountains are around Jerusalem, so the LORD is around his people

2 Then our mouth was filled with laughter,

and our tongue with singing; then they said among the nations, “The LORD has done great things for them.” 3 The LORD has done great things for us; we are glad.

from this time on and forever. 3 For the sceptre of the wicked will not rest over the allotment of the righteous, or else the righteous might put out

their hands to wickedness. 4 Do good, O LORD, to those who do good, and to those who are upright in

4 Bring back our captives, O LORD, like the streams in the South.

their hearts. 5 As for those who turn aside to their crooked ways, the LORD will cause them to depart

5 Those who sow in tears will reap in joy. 6 He who goes out weeping, bearing precious seed, will doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him.

with those who do evil. But peace will be on Israel.

125 Title: See psalm 120. Apparently at this time the throne at Jerusalem was in the hands of evil men (v 3). But he expresses confidence that believers will be secure (vs 1,2), and that the unrighteous reign will pass away (v 3). The psalm closes with a prayer and a prophecy (vs 4,5). 125:1 Those who trust in the Lord are called the righteous in v 3, and good and upright in v 4. Righteousness, goodness, and uprightness are fruits of true faith in God.

captivity as in Jeremiah chapter 52. Or perhaps he meant a time of spiritual decline when Zion fell into evil hands as in 125:3, and experienced a spiritual captivity. The words fit either case. Release from captivity was altogether the Lord’s work and it brought great joy to those delivered. Compare Isa 61:1-3; Luke 4:17-19.

One of the great benefits of the gospel of Christ is that those who believe are released from bondage to sin, Satan, and the fear of death – John 8:32,26; Rom 8:2; Gal 5:1,13; 2 Tim 2:25,26; Heb 2:14,15. Is there any greater joy than to be released from such bondage (Luke 24:52,53; Acts 2:46,47; 1 Pet 1:8,9)? 126:3 See 71:19; 106:21; Deut 10:21; 1 Sam 12:24; Joel 2:21,26. Let us meditate on the great things the Lord Jesus has done for us. 126:4 “Bring back our captives” – could also be translated “Restore our well-being” (v 1). Either deliverance was not complete, or after the deliverance the people of God once again fell into some kind of bondage. They needed a new outpouring of God’s power and grace. The south of Israel was dry and desert-like. The streams dried up in summer and could flow again only when God sent rain from heaven. See Isa 35:6,7 for what God can do in both the natural and spiritual realms. 126:5,6 These verses naturally follow the prayer for restoration. Those delivered from bondage are the ones who will labor in the gospel fields and reap a harvest for the Lord. The tears and weeping indicate the great earnestness of God’s servants. They weep because of the opposition of sinners, the hardness of men’s hearts, the danger that faces lost men. They may be sad too because of their own

“Forever” – generations have passed, nations have arisen and fallen, wars have engulfed the earth. Mount Zion is still there unshaken. Believers are made for eternity. 125:2 Jerusalem is in a mountainous area and hills surround it. So God Himself is around believers as a shield, a refuge, a living presence, and He will never leave them (32:10; Deut 33:27; John 10:28; 17:15; Jude 1). 125:3 See 89:22; Isa 13:11; 14:5,6. God permits unrighteous rulers to be in power for only a time. When the wicked rule, the righteous must be very careful not to fall into evil ways themselves. 125:4 This prayer is in accordance with God’s revealed way of dealing with people. See 18:25-27. 125:5 “Cause. . .to depart” – Matt 7:23; 25:11,41; Luke 13:24-27; 2 Thess 1:8-10. “Peace” – 128:6; Rom 2:10; Gal 6:16; Eph 2:17,18. 126 Title: See psalm 120. Though very brief this psalm gives us a song of joy (vs 1-3), a prayer (v 4), and a promise (vs 5,6). 126:1-3 “Brought back the captives of Zion” – this could be translated “restored the well-being of Zion” (see note at 14:7). It is not clear from the Hebrew what sort of captivity is meant. Perhaps it was physical

PSALMS 127:1 792

5 Happy is the man who has his quiver full of them. They will not be ashamed, but will speak with their enemies in the gate.

A song of ascents for Solomon

1 Unless the LORD builds the house, those who build it labour in vain. Unless the LORD guards the city,

the watchman stays awake in vain. 2 It is in vain for you to rise up early, to sit up late, to eat the bread of sorrows; for he gives his beloved sleep.

A song of ascents

1 Blessed is every one who fears the LORD, who walks in his ways. 2 For you will eat the labour of your hands. You will be happy, and it will be well with you. 3 Your wife will be like a fruitful vine within your house, your children like olive plants around your table. 4 See that the man who fears the LORD will

3 See, children are a heritage from the LORD, and the fruit of the womb is his reward. 4 Like arrows in the hand of a mighty man, so are the children of one’s youth.

weakness and ineffectiveness and failure. They weep for love of Christ and compassion for lost men. Such people will certainly reap a harvest. Joy will be theirs in the end – 119:136; Isa 22:4; Jer 9:l; 13:17; 14:17; Luke 19:41; Acts 20:19,31; 1 Cor 15:58. 127 Title: Psalm 120. This psalm was either for or by Solomon the builder of the temple – the Hebrew can mean either. 127:1,2 These verses do not teach laziness, idleness, or carelessness. They teach the uselessness of human effort apart from God. Of course, we must work diligently and well (Prov 24:30-34; Eccl 9:10; 1 Cor 15:58). But we must recognize that it is God alone who can prosper the work and make it truly fruitful. Though the ungodly may build huge mansions, great fortunes, and big families, it will all come to nothing, and is what Solomon called in another place “vanity of vanities” (Eccl 2:4-11). 127:2 Here he condemns, not diligent work, but anxious care. We need not drive ourselves to exhaustion. God wants us to rest in Him, to trust Him in all our work, and to enjoy relaxing and refreshing sleep. See Matt 6:25-34; 11:28-30. He gives rest to those who have a relationship of trust and love with Him.

In these New Testament times believers are (or should be) concerned, not with worldly inheritances and defense of property rights, but with their inheritance in heaven – Matt 6:19,20; Acts 20:32; Rom 8:17; Heb 11:39,40; 1 Pet 1:3,4. Children are compared to arrows – but this means the finished product. At birth they are more like little twigs – 128:3. Arrows are made – they do not grow by themselves. To be good arrows they must be smoothed and polished. They must be aimed and will go where they are pointed (compare Prov 22:6). Eventually they must be released – they are not effective in the quiver. Do we want our children to be arrows in the Lord’s hand to fight His spiritual battles? 128 Title: See psalm 120. 128:1 This psalm gives a beautiful picture of an ideal home. The husband is a God-fearing man, successful in his work. His wife stays home and sees to the affairs of the house and the rearing of the children. The children are healthy and thriving. The blessing of God rests on them all. Notes on “blessed” at 1:1. Notes on “fear” at 34:11-14; 111:10; Job 28:28; Prov 1:7. The fear of the Lord causes us to walk in His ways. It is useless to think or say we fear the Lord or to hope for His blessing if we do not do what He says (1:1-3; 119:1-3; Jer 6:16; 7:23). 128:2 See 58:11; Isa 3:10. In the Old Testament prosperity was sometimes a sign of God’s blessing (1:3; Gen 24:35). 128:3 Happy the home where the wife honors her husband, and lovingly occupies herself with her children and household duties – 1 Tim 5:14; Titus 2:4,5; 1 Pet 3:5,6. “Children” – 52:8; 144:12. Compare 127:4. 128:4 A great blessing indeed to have a home like that described here. Observe carefully that the foundation of it all is the fear of the Lord. 128:5,6 When the foundation is right one’s whole life can be full of hope, joy, and blessing.

“He gives his beloved sleep” – this could be translated “while they sleep He provides for those He loves.” This also is true, but probably not the best translation. 127:3-5 In Old Testament days the individual Israelite’s inheritance in the land was very important to him – Num 26:53; Josh 11:23; Jud 2:6. If he had no children, at his death the inheritance would go into the hands of others (Num 27:8-11). Children were linked with the land and both were God’s gift and heritage. In that time and place a big family was a blessing. This is not necessarily true of every time and place (see 1 Cor 7:1,7,8,32-34). 127:4,5 Arrows speak of warfare and defense. Those who had children had help in the defense of their property and rights.

793 PSALMS 130:3

be blessed like this. 5 The LORD will bless you out of Zion, and you will see the good of Jerusalem

shame and turned back. 6 Let them be like the grass on the housetops, which withers before it grows up, 7 With which the reaper does not fill his hand, or he who binds sheaves, his arms. 8 And may those who go by not say, “The blessing of the LORD be on you. We bless you in the name of

all the days of your life. 6 Yes, you will see your children’s children. Peace be on Israel!

the LORD.”

A song of ascents

1 “From my youth many times they have afflicted me”, may Israel now say, 2 “From my youth many times they have afflicted me; yet they have not prevailed against me. 3 The plowmen plowed on my back; they made their furrows long.”

A song of ascents

1 Out of the depths I have cried out to you, O LORD. 2 Lord, hear my voice. Let your ears be attentive to the voice

4 The LORD is righteous. He has cut in two the cords of

of my supplications. 3 If you, LORD, should watch for sins, O Lord, who could stand?

the wicked. 5 Let all those who hate Zion be put to

128:5 “Zion” – 9:11; 20:2; 135:21. “Jerusalem” – prosperity to the capital city here means prosperity to the whole country. 128:6 See 125:5. 129 Title: See psalm 120. 129:1 From Ps 128 some people might get the false impression that the fear of the Lord always produces a prosperous and trouble-free life. This psalm should correct such an idea. The history of Israel reveals that afflictions often follow God’s people. “From my youth” is a reference to the afflictions experienced in Egypt when they began to be a numerous people and nation (Exodus chapter 1), and to the troubles with surrounding nations all through their history. 129:2-4 A great many enemies tried to destroy Israel completely, but none succeeded. The New Testament church has the same promise (Matt 16:18). Israel was not preserved because of their own righteousness but because of God’s. Their deliverance was not their work but the Lord’s. 129:3 Satan would like to pierce us, slice us, and break us up with his plow. But if God permits us to be plowed up it is because He means to have a harvest from us. He will sow His Word in the furrows, lay His healing hand on the pain, and bring fruitfulness out of our affliction. 129:4 The Lord was righteous in permitting all the affliction Israel experienced, and righteous when He came to their deliverance. 129:5 To hate Zion was to hate the people of God, and to hate God who then dwelled in His temple there. Such haters of Zion deserved nothing but shame, dishonor, and destruction. For such prayers see note at 35:8.

129:6,7 In other words, let such people be soon destroyed and little remain of them. 129:8 Compare Ruth 2:4. How can people who hate Zion expect to have the blessing of God who loved Zion and chose it for His dwelling place? They may imagine they have God’s blessing, but in the end it will prove a delusion. 130 Title: See psalm 120. This psalm takes us from the depths of depression to the heights of assurance and hope. It is indeed a psalm of ascents. 130:1 “Depths” – dark, difficult, depressing experience, the depths of a sad and struggling heart (compare 40:2; 69:2). Judging from vs 3,4 the cause of his pain was his deep conviction of sin as in psalms 32 and 51. “O LORD” – he did not simply cry to his friends or complain about his condition. He did the one thing needful in all depths of trouble – he lifted his heart and voice to God. 130:2 See 27:7; 28:2,6; 31:22; 86:6; 2 Chron 6:40; 1 John 5:14,15. 130:3,4 See 143:2; 1 Sam 6:20; Ezra 9:15; Nahum 1:6; Rev 6:17. For one sin Adam and Eve lost paradise and all their offspring became sinners. For one sin Achan lost his life, and Saul lost his kingdom. If God took our innumerable sins into account and held them against us, far from standing, we would partake of eternal darkness and destruction. But if we are true believers, if we are in Christ, there is no condemnation (Rom 8:1), our sins are not counted against us (32:1,2; Rom 4:8; 8:33; 2 Cor 5:19), we are freely and fully forgiven (notes on forgiveness at Matt 6:12,14,15; 9:5-7; 12:31; 18:23-35; Eph 1:7; 1 John 1:9).

PSALMS 130:4 794

4 But there is forgiveness with you, that you may be feared. 5 I wait for the LORD; my soul waits, and in his word

A song of ascents by David

I hope. 6 My soul waits for the Lord more than those who watch for the morning; I say, more than those who watch for

1 LORD, my heart is not haughty, nor my eyes lofty; nor do I concern myself with

the morning.

great matters, or with things too exalted for me. 2 Surely I have calmed and quieted myself, like a weaned child with his mother; my soul within me is like a weaned child. 3 Let Israel hope in the LORD from this time on and forever.

7 Let Israel hope in the LORD, for with the LORD there is mercy, and with him is abundant

redemption. 8 And he will redeem Israel from all his sins.

Some think that God’s grace in forgiving sins will lead to more sin. Their view is that people will not fear so merciful a God, but will do as they please thinking they can always get forgiveness when they want it. This whole view of things is a large error. Verse 4 teaches that God’s forgiveness leads to the fear of God. He forgives only when there is real repentance, and the forgiven sinner rejoices in God’s goodness and learns to honor, love, and reverence God (Rom 2:4,5; 6:1-4; 2 Cor 5:17). The fact is, only those who are forgiven know what the fear of God really is. Notes on this fear at 34:11-14; 111:10; etc. 130:5 “Wait” – 27:14; Isa 8:17; 26:8; 30:18; 49:23. It is the duty of believers to wait for God’s time and way of answering prayer. The writer waits for God to act, to answer, to draw near, to lead him again to happy fellowship with God.

Rom 12:16; Jam 4:6. Not everyone who says he is humble is really so, and they who think they are not may be. Was David revealing pride in speaking of his humility? No. He wrote these words by the inspiration of God’s Spirit and spoke them to God, not to men. David’s conduct throughout his life proves the truth of his words here, and in this matter is an example to us all as to how to conduct ourselves.

“Great matters” – David did not strive after position and authority. He was not trying to be “big” (compare Jer 45:5). Also he recognized that the mysteries of God’s being, plans, and actions were too profound for his intellect to grasp. He was willing to simply trust in the God who had revealed Himself to Israel (compare 139:6; Eccl 8:17; Isa 40:14,28; 55:8,9; Rom 11:33,34). 131:2 David, though he was a mighty warrior, a successful king, and a great poet compared himself to a child. He was taught by God’s Spirit a truth the Lord Jesus later put in words – Matt 18:3,4; Mark 10:15; Luke 18:16,17. But David disciplined himself to be a weaned child. An unweaned child is all taken up with his own desires. He selfishly clamors for the satisfaction and comfort his mother gives. He wants only his own will to prevail. A weaned child is beginning to learn discipline and self-control. He is learning that the mother’s will is best for him. And he starts appreciating her for herself and not merely for what she can give him. And he has left a milk diet for stronger food. We should apply all this to a believer’s relationship with God (Heb 5:11-14; 1 Cor 3:1,2; 14:20). 131:3 God’s people must learn not to hope in themselves, in their own intellect or strength. Jehovah must eternally be the object of our faith and hope (2 Cor 1:9; 3:4,5). 132 Title: See Psalm 120. This psalm was probably written by Solomon or by some poet or prophet in Solomon’s day. It was probably written for the bringing of the ark of God into the temple Solomon built (1 Kings 6:37,38; 8:1-6,62,63).

“Hope” – 119:74. In times of gloom and trouble and conviction of sin we should search out some of God’s precious promises and put our faith and hope in them. God will never reject those who hope in His Word. 130:6 The watchman longs for the dawn when the loneliness and possible dangers of the night will be past and he can return to his home for rest and refreshment. Just so the writer longed to come out of the spiritual darkness that he had been experiencing. 130:7,8 Out of the depths the author cried and has now reached the heights of hope and assurance. So may we in any depths we experience if we do as he did. 130:7 “In the LORD” – we must put our hope there and nowhere else if we want to avoid disappointment. Notes on redemption at 78:35; Matt 20:28. At the cost of the life of His Son the God of the Bible has provided full, complete, eternal redemption in the Lord Jesus Christ for all who will have it (Heb 9:12). 130:8 Matt 1:21; Luke 1:68. 131 Title: See psalm 120. Here is a small psalm with big thoughts on the proper character and conduct of a believing pilgrim. It points the way to ascent in the spiritual life. Humility is the key thought. 131:1 See 101:5; Prov 6:16,17; Isa 2:12;

795 PSALMS 132:18

and let your saints shout for joy. 10 For the sake of your servant David do not turn away the face of your anointed.

A song of ascents

11 The LORD has sworn in truth to David, and he will not turn from it: “I will set on your throne one of the

1 LORD, remember David, and all his afflictions, 2 And how he swore to the LORD, and made a vow to the mighty God

fruit of your body. 12 If your children keep my covenant and my testimony, which I will teach them, their children will also sit on your

of Jacob: 3 “Surely I will not go into a room of my house, or get into my bed, 4 And I will not give sleep to my eyes, or slumber to my eyelids, 5 Until I find a place for the LORD, a dwelling for the mighty God of Jacob.” 6 Look, we heard of it at Ephratah; we found it in the fields of the woods. 7 We will go into his tabernacle. We will worship at his footstool. 8 Arise, O LORD, into your resting place, you, and the ark of your strength. 9 Let your priests be clothed with righteousness,

throne forevermore.” 13 For the LORD has chosen Zion; he has desired it for his dwelling. 14 “This is my resting place forever; here I will dwell, for I have desired it. 15 I will abundantly bless her provisions. I will satisfy her poor with bread. 16 I will also clothe her priests with salvation, and her saints will shout aloud for joy. 17 There I will cause the horn of David to grow. I have appointed a lamp for my anointed. 18 I will clothe his enemies with shame;

132:1 Wanting God to hear his prayer, he pleads David’s name and afflictions. Believers now have a much higher name to plead in prayer – David’s Son and David’s Lord, our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. We cannot approach God in our own merit, but we can pray, “O God, remember Jesus and all His afflictions.” 132:2-5 2 Sam 7:1,2; 1 Chron 28:2. David, living in his palace, thought it not right that the ark, which was the symbol of God’s presence with Israel, should remain in a tent. This vow is not recorded in the historical record of David. Here it is recorded to show how David loved God, and was zealous for God’s dwelling place among His people. How many sleepless nights have we experienced for the sake of God’s work? 132:6 “Heard of it” probably means heard concerning the ark of God.

David’s place, but the words could also refer to all the kings who came after him. 132:11,12 David, loving God, made vows to Him. God, loving David, made promises to him. The spiritual life is mutual love between God and His children. Notes on God’s covenant with David at 89:3,4,19-37; 2 Sam 7:11-16. The Lord Jesus was born on earth in David’s royal line and is the heir to the throne of David – Luke 1:32,33. 132:13 It was not buildings or hills that caused the Lord God to choose Zion. It is people God is most concerned about, not places. 132:14 God’s resting place forever is with His people. The whole Bible is the story of His desire to dwell with them. See note at Ex 25:8. God actually forsook the literal Jerusalem and gave it up to the enemy (Ezekiel chapter 10 describes God’s glory departing, and Jeremiah chapter 52 records the fall of Jerusalem). But God has never forsaken His people. And judging from this verse, and others like it, the literal Jerusalem still figures in God’s plans for the future (Ezek 48:35; Zech 14:16-21). 132:15 See 23:1; 2 Cor 9:8; Phil 4:19. 132:16 Verse 9. In this New Testament era all believers are priests. Note at Ex 28:1. 132:17 “Horn” – 75:4,5; 89:17; 92:10. Here horn symbolizes one with authority and power, a king. See Luke 1:69 where the word refers to the Lord Jesus.

“Fields of the woods” – in Hebrew “fields of Jaar.” Jaar can also be taken as a proper name here. According to some scholars Jaar is Kiriath Jearim, the place where the ark of the covenant had been since the days of Samuel. 132:7 “Tabernacle” – or “dwelling place” – the temple in Jerusalem (5:7; 122:1,2).

“Footstool” – in Israel God was said to be enthroned over the cherubim of the ark, and the ark itself was like His footstool (80:1; 99:1; 1 Chron 28:2). 132:8 Num 10:35,36. This suggests the taking of the ark into the Most Holy Place in the temple in Solomon’s time – 1 Kings 8:6. 132:9 Isa 61:3,10; Zech 3:4; Mal 3:3; Eph 6:14. This is what God desires for all His servants and believers. True righteousness brings true joy. Sin brings grief and misery. 132:10 Verse 1. The anointed one here is probably Solomon anointed to be king in

“Lamp” – 1 Kings 11:36; 15:4. Lamp here indicates the continuance of the royal house of David. David is a type of the Lord Jesus, the light of the world. Compared to Him David’s lamp was but a dim, flickering light in the surrounding darkness (Luke 1:78; 2:32; John 8:12; Rev 21:22,23). 132:18 “Shame” – 6:10; 35:26; 44:7;

PSALMS 133:1 796

all you servants of the LORD, who stand at night in the house

but his crown will gleam on himself.”

of the LORD. 2 Lift up your hands in the sanctuary and

praise the LORD. 3 The LORD who made heaven and earth bless

A song of ascents by David

you from Zion!

1 See how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together

in unity! 2 It is like the precious oil on the head running down on the beard, on Aaron’s beard, running down to the

1 Praise the LORD! Praise the name of the LORD; praise him, you servants

collar of his garments. 3 It is like the dew of Hermon, the dew descending on the mountains

of the LORD, 2 You who stand in the house of the LORD, in the courts of the house

of Zion; for there the LORD commanded the

blessing, even life forevermore.

of our God, 3 Praise the LORD, for the LORD is good. Sing praises to his name,

for this is delightful. 4 For the LORD has chosen Jacob for himself, Israel as his special treasure.

A song of ascents

1 See that you praise the LORD,

53:5; 71:13. What a contrast between clothing with shame and clothing with righteousness and salvation (vs 9,16).

in Jerusalem, admired the city of God, offered his offerings and prayers, learned again the lessons of humility, hope, faith, and unity, and now sets out for home. Verses 1,2 give his parting word of exhortation and encouragement to the priests in the temple; probably v 3 is the response of the priests giving the blessing of Zion to the departing pilgrim. 134:1 “Praise the LORD” – note at 104:35. There were duties in the temple at night also (1 Chron 9:33). And the ministry of praise should never cease day or night. Remember that in the New Testament all believers the world over are the priests. Note at Ex 28:1. 134:2 See 28:2; Titus 2:8. 134:3 See 124:8; Gen 12:1-3; Num 6:22-27. If in our pilgrimage through life we have the blessing of the Maker of heaven and earth, what can we lack of any real importance? 135:1 “Praise the LORD” (also vs 3,21) – note at 104:35. Praising the name of the Lord is not a mere repetition of a name, but speaking or singing, with understanding, of His nature, attributes, and deeds. Note on praise at 33:1. 135:2 Who should praise God more than those who have the great privilege of being full time in His service? 135:3 “Good” – 118:1. The first of five reasons the writer gives for praising the LORD (Jehovah) God.

“Crown” – Heb 2:9; Rev 19:11,12. 133 Title: See Psalm 120. 133:1 Unity among God’s people is good and pleasant because it is the result of God’s love, God’s will, and God’s working, and because its fruit is sweet fellowship, peace, and strength. It is an exceedingly important thing for New Testament churches to have and to maintain. See Eph 4:1-6. So church leaders must be on the lookout lest serious heresy or sin in the church or proud individuals cause divisions (Acts 20:30,31; Rom 16:17,18; Heb 12:15,16). 133:2 Unity is compared to the oil used to anoint and consecrate Aaron to the priesthood (Ex 29:7-9). It was a special oil, holy, and sweet smelling, an oil that signified full dedication to God. See Ex 30:22-33. So good and precious is unity which has so sweet a smell to God, that so clearly speaks of dedication to His service, that is an indicator of holy lives in a holy church, that speaks of the Holy Spirit of God who anoints believers now. 133:3 “Dew” – Prov 19:12; Isa 18:4; 26:19; Hos 14:5. Unity is as cooling, refreshing, life-giving dew coming down quietly, constantly on the church. It is a gift of heaven to be treasured by God’s people.

“Zion” – God’s blessing is to be found in the midst of God’s people, united in love and truth. There God appoints the flow of His grace which results in eternal life. 134 Title: See Psalm 120. This is the last of the songs of ascent which began with 120. The pilgrim set out on his journey, arrived

“Delightful” – praising God is both good and pleasant. This is not true of many activities of life. 135:4 Ex 19:5; Deut 7:6; Mal 3:17; Titus 2:14. The third reason we should

797 PSALMS 136:2

5 For I know that the LORD is great, and that our Lord is above all gods.

15 The idols of the nations are made of silver and gold, the work of men’s hands. 16 They have mouths, but they do not speak. They have eyes, but they do not see. 17 They have ears, but they do not hear; nor is there any breath in their mouths. 18 Those who make them are like them; so is everyone who trusts in them. 19 Praise the LORD, O house of Israel. Praise the LORD, O house of Aaron. 20 Praise the LORD, O house of Levi. You who fear the LORD,

6 Whatever the LORD pleased, that he did in heaven and on earth, in the seas and all deep places. 7 He causes the vapours to ascend from the ends of the earth. He makes lightnings for the rain. He brings the wind out of his treasuries. 8 He struck down the firstborn of Egypt, both of man and beast. 9 He sent signs and wonders into your midst, O Egypt, on Pharaoh and on all his servants. 10 He struck great nations, and killed mighty kings, 11 Sihon king of the Amorites, and Og king of Bashan, and all the kingdoms of Canaan, 12 And gave their land as a heritage, a heritage to Israel his people. 13 Your name, O LORD, continues on forever, and the remembrance of you, O LORD,

praise the LORD. 21 Blessed be the LORD from Zion, who dwells in Jerusalem. Praise the LORD!

1 Oh, give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; for his mercy continues on forever. 2 Oh, give thanks to the God of gods, for his mercy continues on forever.

throughout all generations. 14 For the LORD will judge his people, and he will have compassion on his

servants.

praise God – His electing love. He did not choose Jacob and his descendants because they were good or faithful or meritorious in any way. His choice was all of grace, and it was for the benefit of the whole world. Note at Gen 12:1-3. 135:5 “Great” – the fourth reason why we should praise God – some people are good but not great, some are great but not good. Jehovah is both supremely good and supremely great. We should recognize this and praise Him.

Heb 13:8. 135:14 The fifth reason he gives for praising God – though God’s people will experience injustice on every hand in this world, God will fulfill His good purpose toward them. 135:15-20 See 115:4-11. 135:21 See 128:5; 134:3. 136:1 “Give thanks” – 7:17; 50:14,15; 56:12; Lev 7:12,13; Eph 5:20; 1 Thess 5:18. This is a psalm in praise of the grace and love of God. They flow from His goodness (v 1). They come from the great eternal God and Ruler of the universe (vs 2,3). They are revealed in creation (vs 4-9), in the redemption of His people from Egypt (vs 10-15), in shepherding His people in the desert (v 16), in giving them the promised inheritance (vs 17-22), in compassion on the lowly (v 23), in deliverance from enemies (v 24), and in sustaining the life of His creatures (v 25). In New Testament terms we can say the grace and love of the almighty Creator redeems His people from sin’s bondage, leads them through life’s pilgrimage to their heavenly inheritance, rescues them from their great enemy Satan and all his hordes, and preserves them in their life on earth and forever.

“I know” – He was fully convinced by God’s revelation of Himself in His Word and in history, and by his own experience.

“gods” – vs 15-18. 135:6 See 115:3; 96:5; 97:7; Dan 4:35. This is how great the LORD is. No one can prevent Him from doing just what He wants to do. Those called gods by men can do nothing at all. 135:7 He is in absolute control of His creation and the forces of nature. There is not one god of the rain, another of the wind, another of the sky. The one true God alone controls everything. 135:8 This was in perfect justice and avenged the Egyptian treatment of God’s children – Ex 1:15-22; 4:23; 12:12. 135:9 Ex 7:9,17; 8:5,16,24; 9:2,8,9,22; 10:12,21. 135:10,11 Num 21:21-33; Josh 12:7-24; 24:12. 135:12 Deut 26:1; Josh 11:23. 135:13 Ex 3:15. God’s nature and attributes are eternal and unchangeable – Mal 3:6;

“Good” – 100:5; 106:1; 118:1; 145:9. “Forever” – 2 Chron 5:13; Ezra 3:11. There has never been and never will be any break, any interruption in the flow of God’s grace and love. They flow from His unchangeable nature (1 John 4:8,16). 136:2 See 135:5,15; Deut 10:17. Jehovah, the God of the Bible, is far above all

PSALMS 136:3 798

3 Oh, give thanks to the Lord of lords; for his mercy continues on forever; 4 To him who alone does great wonders, for his mercy continues on forever; 5 To him who by wisdom made the heavens, for his mercy continues on forever; 6 To him who stretched out the earth over the waters, for his mercy continues on forever; 7 To him who made great lights, for his mercy continues on forever; 8 The sun to rule by day, for his mercy continues on forever; 9 The moon and stars to rule by night, for his mercy continues on forever;

wilderness, for his mercy continues on forever; 17 To him who struck down great kings, for his mercy continues on forever; 18 And killed famous kings, for his mercy continues on forever; 19 Sihon king of the Amorites, for his mercy continues on forever; 20 And Og the king of Bashan, for his mercy continues on forever; 21 And gave their land as an inheritance, for his mercy continues on forever; 22 An inheritance to Israel his servant, for his mercy continues on forever; 23 Who remembered us in our low estate, for his mercy continues on forever; 24 And rescued us from our enemies, for his mercy continues on forever; 25 Who gives food to all that has flesh; for his mercy continues on forever. 26 Oh, give thanks to the God of heaven, for his mercy continues on forever.

10 To him who struck Egypt in their firstborn, for his mercy continues on forever; 11 And brought Israel out from among them, for his mercy continues on forever; 12 With a strong hand, and with an outstretched arm, for his mercy continues on forever; 13 To him who divided the Red Sea in two, for his mercy continues on forever; 14 And caused Israel to pass through the midst of it, for his mercy continues on forever; 15 But overthrew Pharaoh and his army in the Red Sea, for his mercy continues on forever; 16 To him who led his people through the

1 By the rivers of Babylon, there we sat down; yes, we wept, when we remembered Zion. 2 We hung our harps on the willows in the midst of it. 3 For there those who carried us away

that men call gods. In reality they are not gods at all – see 96:5; 115:4-11. 136:3 See 1 Tim 6:15; Rev 19:16. He is the supreme ruler, governor, and master of the universe. 136:4 See 77:14; 107:27; Job 9:10; Dan 4:3;6:27. He alone does great wonders, and He does them alone. He needs no assistance from anyone. 136:5-9 Here are wonders in creation. See Genesis chapter 1. God’s grace and love were displayed in making the earth habitable for men and other creatures. 136:10-15 Here are wonders and grace displayed in the deliverance of His people from Egypt. But if God is so loving and gracious why did He slay all the firstborn of Egypt and destroy its army in the sea? Because He is a God of justice too, and He avenges cruelty and punishes the hardness of heart and pride which reject His grace (2:4,5; Rom 2:4,5; 2 Thess 1:6-9; Heb 2:1-3). 136:16 What great wonders and grace God displayed in the desert! The story begins in Exodus chapter 15 and concludes at the end of Deuteronomy. 136:17-20 Num 21:21-35. 136:21,22 See 78:55; Josh 12:1; 14:1. God has prepared for believers an eternal inheritance in heaven (1 Pet 1:4), and will

destroy all those who would try to prevent them from obtaining it. 136:23 See 78:39; 103:14; 1 Sam 2:8; Luke 1:47,48. God delights to give grace to the poor, the humble, the lowly. 136:24 See 107:2; Deut 6:18,19; 33:27; Josh 21:44. Note on enemies at Ps 3:7. 136:25 Gen 1:30; Matt 6:26. 136:26 This is a common name for God in Ezra, Nehemiah, and Daniel. It indicates God’s transcendence and universal rule. Let us give Him thanks (34:1; Eph 5:4,20; Col 3:17; 1 Thess 5:18; Heb 13:15). Since there is no interruption in the flow of His grace, let there be no interruption in the flow of our thanksgiving. 137:1 “Babylon” – this was written after the events described in 2 Kings chapter 25. The mighty nation of Babylonia conquered Judah, destroyed Jerusalem and God’s temple, and took the people captive to their land. The rivers Tigris and Euphrates with their many canals flowed there. Zion was destroyed and in the hands of idolaters and cruel oppressors – reason enough for weeping. 137:2-4 Their joy was completely gone. Their oppressors tried to make sport of them, demanding that they sing when their hearts were broken. Compare Jud 16:23-25. This only added to their sorrow and no doubt

799 PSALMS 138:8

captive required a song from us, and those who tormented us demanded

over against the gods I will sing

praise to you. 2 I will worship toward your holy temple, and praise your name for your loving

merry making, saying, “Sing us some of the songs of Zion.” 4 How shall we sing the LORD’s song in a foreign land? 5 If I forget you, O Jerusalem, let my right hand forget its skill. 6 If I do not remember you, if I do not prefer Jerusalem above

kindness and for your truth; for you have exalted your word above

all your name. 3 In the day that I cried out you answered me, and made me bold with

strength in my soul. 4 All the kings of the earth will praise you, O LORD, when they hear the words of

my chief joy, let my tongue cling to the roof of my mouth. 7 Remember, O LORD, the children of Edom on the day of Jerusalem’s fall, who said, “Raze it, raze it to its

your mouth. 5 Yes, they will sing of the ways of the LORD; for great is the glory of the LORD. 6 Though the LORD is exalted, yet he regards the lowly; but the proud he knows at a distance. 7 Though I walk in the midst of trouble, you will revive me. You will stretch out your hand against

very foundation!” 8 O daughter of Babylon, you who are to be destroyed, happy will he be who repays you as you

have dealt with us. 9 Happy shall he be who takes your little ones and dashes them against the stones.

the wrath of my enemies, and your right hand will save me. 8 The LORD will perfect what relates to me. Your mercy, O LORD, continues on forever. Do not forsake the works of your

A Psalm of David

1 I will praise you with my whole heart;

own hands.

was intended to do so. 137:5,6 Jerusalem was in their hearts because it was the city of God, the place of Jehovah’s temple, the dwelling place of heaven’s King. 137:7 Lam 4:21,22. The Edomites were descended from Esau, the brother of Jacob, and so were related to the Jews (Gen 25:24-34). Instead of helping them against the Babylonians they rejoiced in their defeat. 137:8,9 This language seems very harsh today to those who have believed the gospel of the Lord Jesus. But all we have here is a cry for justice – “do to them as they have done to us.” The Babylonians doubtless had done to the infants of Israel what he now wishes someone would do to their infants. He longed to see God’s retribution coming on a nation which had cruelly oppressed his people. If it was right for God to avenge them, it was also right for God to inspire a hope in their heart that He would indeed do so. This is in accordance with God’s law of retribution clearly expressed in the Bible (18:25,26; Num 31:1-3; Deut 32:35,41,43; Gal 6:7). But see the notes at 35:8; 139:19; etc. 138:1 Jehovah God had all his heart. He would not bow down to any of the many gods of the nations round about Israel, but when in those areas where they were would sing the praises of the one true God. On “gods” see 96:5; 97:7; 115:4-11; 1 Cor 8:4-6.

138:2 “Temple” – 5:7; 1 Kings 8:29. This was an acknowledgment of God’s presence there.

“Name” – 74:21; 97:12; 135:1; Ex 3:15; 34:5-7. God’s name means His nature and attributes.

“Word” – see how highly God values His word. This means His revelation in the Bible. Let those who neglect or criticize it take these words to heart. It is possible to translate the last phrase of this sentence “you have exalted your name, your word above all things.” 138:3 “Answered” – 18:6; 30:2; 99:6; 116:4; 118:5; 1 John 5:14,15. See one of God’s names in 65:2.

“Bold” – 28:7; Prov 28:1; Acts 4:29,31. 138:4,5 See 72:11; 102:15; 117:1; Rev 21:24. This is a prophecy yet to be fulfilled. 138:6 “Lowly” – 113:6; 136:23. “At a distance” – pride is so obvious to God that He does not need to come near to recognize it. Also He does not want even to get close to the proud, so much is pride an abomination to Him. 138:7 See 7:6; 20:6; 23:4; 41:1,2; 60:5; 108:6. 138:8 Believers are the special work of God, more precious to Him than all of creation (Isa 43:6,7; 60:21; Eph 2:10). He has begun His work in all of them and He will finish it (Phil 1:6). If we are believers this should be our confidence.

PSALMS 139:1 800

and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea, 10 Even there your hand will lead me, and your right hand will hold me. 11 If I say, “Surely the darkness will cover me,” even the night will become light

To the chief musician, a Psalm of David

1 O LORD, you have searched me, and known me. 2 You know my sitting down and my getting up. You understand my thought at a distance. 3 You discern my path and my lying down, and are acquainted with all my ways. 4 For there is not a word on my tongue, but, see, O LORD, you know it altogether. 5 You have hemmed me in, behind and before, and laid your hand on me. 6 Such knowledge is too wonderful for me. It is high; I cannot attain it. 7 Where can I go from your Spirit? Or where can I flee from your presence? 8 If I ascend into heaven, you are there. If I make my bed in the realm of the dead,

around me. 12 Yes, the darkness will not give concealment from you; but the night will shine like the day.

The darkness and the light are both

alike to you. 13 For you have formed my inner being. You have knit me together in my

mother’s womb. 14 I will praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Your works are marvellous, and that my soul knows very well. 15 My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in secret, and skillfully knit together in the

lower parts of the earth. 16 Your eyes saw my incomplete body, and in your book all the days ordained

see, you are there. 9 If I take the wings of the morning,

139:1 In this psalm David in beautiful language expresses the truth of God’s omniscience and omnipresence – God is everywhere and knows everything. He is not a cold, impersonal, uncaring, unseeing influence. He is the personal, loving Creator concerned with even the smallest details of His people’s lives. We may divide the psalm as follows:

omnipresence. 139:8 Jer 23:24. “Realm of the dead” – “Sheol” – note at Gen 37:35. 139:9 East or west, as far as a man might go, God is there before Him. How foolish then was Jonah’s attempt to escape (Jonah 1:3), or any attempt we might make. 139:10 David is confident that wherever he is, God’s purpose toward him is good – it is to guide and keep him. 139:11,12 Job 12:22; 34:22; Jer 23:24; Dan 2:22. Men prefer to commit their abominations in the dark. Do they vainly imagine that because men cannot see them God cannot? 139:13 David did not believe he came into existence by the mere processes of nature. He says that God had a direct hand in it all (compare 119:73; Job 10:8-12; 119:73; Isa 44:2,24; 49:5; Jer 1:5). Abortion is interfering with the work of God and so is sin. 139:14 “Made” – man’s body, soul, and spirit, and the way they are mysteriously united to form individual persons should produce in all of us a reverence and awe at God’s wonderful work in creating us. The more we understand how we are made the more wonderful the Maker will seem. And the more terrible will seem the destruction of helpless human life by abortion.

God knows everything about us (vs 1-6); He is everywhere and there is no escape from His presence (vs 712);

He is the Creator of human beings (vs 13-16);

His thoughts are a source of delight to His people (vs 17,18);

David’s stand against wickedness and for truth and righteousness (vs 19-24).

139:1 “Known” – 7:9; 17:3; 1 Kings 8:39; Job 7:17,18; Jer 12:3; John 2:24,25; 6:64; 13:11; Rom 8:27. 139:2 Not only does God know all of our outer actions He knows our innermost thoughts – 94:11; Deut 31:21; Prov 24:12; Matt 9:4; 12:25; Luke 6:8; 9:47; 11:17; Heb 4:12. 139:3 See 33:13-15; 2 Kings 19:27; 2 Chron 16:9; Job 31:4; 34:21; Prov 5:21; Jer 32:19; 16:17; Dan 5:23. 139:4 Heb 4:13. Notice that God does not simply know this, but knows it perfectly. 139:5 See 32:10; 34:7; 125:2; Job 1:9. 139:6 See 131:1; Isa 55:9; Rom 11:33. 139:7 Acts 17:27,28. David does not mean by these words that he wanted to get away from God’s presence. He is only supposing a case to bring out the truth of God’s

“Well” – 77:14; 136:4; Job 9:10. Here is a fact David knew very well and so many so-called wise men do not know at all. 139:15 “Secret,” “of the earth” – these expressions here mean the womb (v 13). 139:16 God not only made us but planned the length of our lives (39:4; 90:12; Job 14:5). He knows best when we should come

801 PSALMS 140:6

for me were written down before

there was any of them.

17 How precious also are your thoughts to me, O God! How great is the sum of them! 18 If I could count them, they would be more in number than

To the chief musician, a Psalm of David

1 Deliver me, O LORD, from the evil man, protect me from the violent man, 2 Who plot evil things in their heart; they continually gather together for war. 3 They have sharpened their tongues like a serpent’s. The poison of vipers is under their lips. Selah 4 Keep me, O LORD, from the hands of the wicked, protect me from the violent man, who intends to overthrow my footsteps. 5 The proud have hidden a snare for me, and cords; they have spread a net by the wayside; they have set traps for me.

the sand. When I awake, I am still with you. 19 Surely you will slay the wicked, O God. So depart from me, you bloodthirsty men! 20 For they speak against you wickedly, and your enemies take your name in vain. 21 Do I not hate them, O LORD, who hate you? And do I not feel a loathing for those

who rise up against you? 22 I hate them with perfect hatred. I count them my enemies. 23 Search me, O God, and know my heart. Test me, and know my thoughts; 24 And see if there is any offending way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.

Selah 6 I said to the LORD, “You are my God.”

Hear the sound of my supplications, O LORD.

already said God searched him and knew him. His words here mean that he wanted to cooperate with God in this searching and to put away anything that was offensive to God’s holy nature. Compare 2 Cor 6:14 to 7:1. There is also the suggestion that he is not capable himself to see all that is in his own heart and that he needs God to show him (Jer 17:9,10). 139:24 The everlasting way is God’s one way to eternal life and peace. It is the way of grace on God’s part and sincere faith on man’s part. It is a way of holiness, righteousness, and truth. From the beginning there has been just one way that leads to God and heaven and there will never be another. This way is Jesus Christ Himself (John 14:6).

into the world and when we should leave it. 139:17,18 David was delighted that God was constantly thinking about him and was so intimately concerned with all he was and all he did (40:5; 92:5; Jer 29:11). The reason for his delight was he had chosen the side of righteousness, holiness, and truth, and had renounced all wickedness. This appears in the following verses. 139:19 “Slay” – note at 35:8. In the Old Testament God taught His people to expect the destruction of wicked enemies – Deut 7:1,2; 28:7; 32:35,41-43. For God to destroy the wicked was a perfectly just act. But the New Testament teaches we should pray for them, for their conversion, though they are no less offensive to God now, no less an affront to His holiness.

“Offending” – the KJV has “wicked” here, but this is probably too strong a word to translate the Hebrew word. David certainly did not want any wickedness to be in his heart, but beyond that he also did not want anything there which could offend God in any way. 140 Title: This is similar to such psalms as 7, 10, 11, 17, 58, 64, 71, etc. David was often troubled by evil men and often prayed about them. 140:1 See 17:13; 25:21; 59:2; 71:4; 86:2; 142:6; 143:9. 140:2 See 36:4; 52:2; Prov 6:14; 16:27; Isa 59:4; Hos 7:15.

“Depart” – 6:8; 59:2. David could not stand to be around men who were bent on evil. 139:20-22 David would not be friends with those who were God’s enemies (compare Jam 4:4). In fact, he counted God’s enemies his own enemies. His emotions, thoughts, and will were altogether on God’s side. Evil men are an abomination to God – 5:6; 78:59; Lev 20:23; 26:30; Deut 32:19; Prov 22:14. So they were to David also. Is this consistent with the love which believers should have for their enemies (Matt 5:44)? It can be. It is possible to loathe the character, opinions, purposes, and acts of wicked men and yet desire and pray for their highest good, and be delighted when they are converted and made new people in Christ. 139:23,24 It is not enough to condemn evil in others. We must learn to condemn it in ourselves. We must be on God’s side, not merely outwardly, but inwardly. David has

“War” – 120:7. 140:3 See 57:4; 58:4; Rom 3:13; Jam 3:8. This signifies slander and the stirring up of others to attack him. 140:5 See 31:4; 38:12; 119:110. 140:6 See 16:2; 31:14; 118:28. The LORD (Jehovah) is our God if He has chosen us

PSALMS 140:7 802

7 O God the Lord, the strength of

my salvation, you have shielded my head in the day

A Psalm of David

of battle. 8 O LORD, do not grant the desires of the wicked. Do not further his wicked plan, or they will exalt themselves.

1 LORD, I cry out to you. Come quickly to me. Give ear to my voice, when I cry out to you. 2 Let my prayer be set out before you like incense, and the lifting up of my hands

Selah 9 As for the head of those who surround me, let the evil of their own lips cover

be like the evening sacrifice. 3 Set a guard, O LORD, over my mouth. Keep watch over the door of my lips. 4 Do not incline my heart to any evil thing, to practice wicked works

them. 10 Let burning coals fall on them. Let them be thrown into the fire,

into deep pits, so that they will not get up again. 11 Do not let a slanderer be established in the earth. Let evil hunt down the violent man

with men who are evildoers; and do not let me eat of their delicacies. 5 Let the righteous strike me; it is a kindness; and let him rebuke me; it is an excellent oil; my head will not refuse it. For my prayer will still be there in

to overthrow him . 12 I know that the LORD will maintain the cause of the afflicted, and the right of the poor. 13 Surely the righteous will give thanks to your name. The upright will dwell in your presence.

their distresses. 6 When their judges are thrown down at the cliffs, they will hear my words;

for they are sweet. 7 Our bones are scattered at the grave’s mouth,

and we have chosen Him. If He is our God we may safely trust Him to take care of us. 140:8 “Desires” – 10:2,3; Eph 2:3; 4:19. “Exalt themselves” – they may even imagine that God is with them and blessing them because their crooked ways bring success. This is a mistake that many people make. 140:9-11 He prays that perfect justice will fall on these violent and wicked slanderers. See 137:8,9. 140:12 72:2,4,12-14; Isa 11:4; Jer 22:3,16. The God of the Bible is always on the side of the poor and afflicted and persecuted among His people. At the proper time He will punish those who oppress them, and bring justice to work on their behalf. 140:13 This will be the result of God’s work on behalf of the afflicted – 7:17; 11:7; 32:11; 35:28; 54:6,7; 58:11. 141:1 “Quickly” – 22:9; 38:22; 70:5. David was being persecuted by wicked enemies and in grave danger – vs 7-9.

God. These sorts of prayers can be as acceptable to God as the evening sacrifice He once commanded (Ex 29:38-41). 141:3 David knew that the mouth that prayed could also say bitter, unwise, unholy words. He knew too how difficult it is to control the tongue (see Jam 3:2-12). So he prays for God Himself to be a watchman at the door of his mouth. 141:4 When the wicked are in positions of leadership and prospering, the righteous may be tempted to compromise with them. And the wicked may offer inducements (“delicacies”) to corrupt the righteous. When standards of morality are low, and everyone seems to be practicing certain evils, God’s true servants may also get entangled. At such times we would do well to pray as David did. 141:5 Far better to be flogged by the righteous than to be feasted by the wicked. Far better to be rebuked by a good man than flattered by a bad one. David realized that what the righteous did or said to him was for his correction, and he welcomed it (compare Prov 27:6).

“Give ear” – 4:1; 5:1,2; 27:7; 143:1. 141:2 “Incense” – Luke 1:9; Rev 5:8; 8:3. Prayer is like incense in certain clear ways. Incense was commanded by God. In order for it to be acceptable it had to be offered in accordance with God’s instructions. Then it was holy and sweet smelling to the Lord (Ex 30:7,8,34-38). David wanted his prayers to be acceptable to God.

“In their distresses” – or “against their evils.” 141:6 This was probably written when David was being pursued by Saul in the desert. He believed that Saul and his helpers would fall and that the people would then welcome his words. 141:7 In other words, David and his men were only a step from death (6:4,5; 9:13; 143:3).

“Sacrifice” – sometimes prayer can consist of bodily movement without spoken words – kneeling, lifting hands or eyes to

803 PSALMS 143:4

as when one plows and breaks up

5 I cried out to you, O LORD. I said, “You are my refuge and my

the ground. 8 But my eyes are on you, O God the Lord. My trust is in you. Do not leave my soul destitute. 9 Keep me from the snares which they have laid for me, and the traps of evildoers. 10 Let the wicked fall into their own nets, while I escape.

portion in the land of the living. 6 Be attentive to my cry, for I am brought very low. Deliver me from my persecutors,

for they are stronger than I. 7 Bring my soul out of prison, that I may praise your name. The righteous will be all around me, for you will show goodness to me.”

A maskil of David; a prayer when he was in the cave

A Psalm of David

1 I cried out to the LORD with my voice; with my voice I made my supplication

1 Hear my prayer, O LORD, give ear to my supplications. In your faithfulness and in your

to the LORD. 2 I poured out my complaint before him. I declared my trouble in his presence. 3 When my spirit was overwhelmed within me, then you knew my path. They have secretly laid a snare for

righteousness, answer me. 2 And do not enter into judgment with your servant, for in your sight no man

living is righteous. 3 For the enemy has persecuted my soul. He has crushed my life to the ground. He has made me dwell in darkness,

me in the road where I walk. 4 I looked to my right and considered, but there was no man who was willing

like those who have long been dead. 4 Therefore my spirit is overwhelmed within me.

to know me. Refuge failed me. No one cared for my soul.

take the Lord Himself for a refuge (7:1; 9:9; 37:39; 46:1; 61:3), and the person without a friend or a possession can go to the Friend of the friendless and find an eternally satisfying portion (16:5; 73:26). 142:6 See 25:20; 43:1; 71:2; 116:4. God is the strength of those who learn they have not enough of their own (18:1; 31:4; 59:17; 62:17; Hab 3:19; 2 Cor 12:9). 142:7 David was not in a literal prison. The cave he was in, the surrounding enemy forces seemed like a prison to him. God heard David’s prayer in this psalm and David did praise God for his deliverance. 143:1 A prayer that can honestly appeal to both God’s faithfulness, to His promises and to His righteousness is sure to succeed, for it is in accordance with God’s nature and will (89:1,2; 71:2; Ex 34:6; 1 John 1:9; 5:14,15). We cannot expect God to answer a prayer contrary to His Word and His righteous nature. Observe other grounds for prayer in vs 8, 9, 10, 11, 12. 143:2 David is coming before God’s mercy seat, God’s throne of grace, not God’s judgment seat. He well knows that there was so much fault in himself that he could not stand before God in his own merit (14:3; 51:5; 130:3; Eccl 7:20; Rom 3:20,23; Gal 2:16). 143:3 See 141:7. 143:4 See 142:3.

“Grave” – in Hebrew “Sheol” – note at Gen 37:35. 141:9 See 38:12; 64:5; 140:4. 141:10 A prayer that perfect justice will prevail (7:15; 35:8; 57:6. See Esther 7:10; Dan 6:24). 142 Title: See 1 Sam 22:1; 24:3. Maskil was probably a literary or musical term. 142:1,2 This is the prayer of a lonely, desperate man. It teaches us what to do if we are ever in such a state. The first and most important thing is to lay our troubles before the Lord. There may be no human being we know who can help us, but He will hear us with sympathy and compassion. It is far better to pour out our complaint to the Lord than to men (3:4; 30:8; 34:6; 50:15; 62:8; Phil 4:6,7; 1 Pet 5:7). 142:3 David was a man of exceptional courage and faith, as his history shows. But he knew times of great spiritual weakness and depression – 6:2; 38:8,17; 61:2; 143:4. But God knew all about it and had compassion on him. 142:4 “Right” – the place of a helper or intimate friend.

“No man” – Job 16:10; 19:-13-19; Jer 30:17. Many since Job and David and Jeremiah have felt they were utterly friendless in a hostile world. The next verse teaches us what to do in such a case. 142:5 A person without help or safety can

PSALMS 143:5 804

My heart within me is desolate. 5 I remember the days of old. I meditate on all your works. I ponder on the work of your hands. 6 I stretch out my hands to you. My soul thirsts for you like a

A Psalm of David

1 Blessed be the LORD my rock, who trains my hands for war,

thirsty land.

and my fingers to fight. 2 He is my merciful one, and my fortress, my high tower, and my deliverer, my shield, and the one in whom I trust,

Selah 7 Answer me quickly, O LORD. My spirit wastes away. Do not hide your face from me,

who subdues my people under me. 3 LORD, what is man, that you acknowledge him? Or the son of man, that you concern

so that I do not become like those

who go down into the pit. 8 Cause me to hear your loving kindness in the morning, for in you I trust. Cause me to know the way in which I

yourself with him? 4 Man is like a vapour. His days are like a shadow that passes away. 5 Bow your heavens, O LORD, and come down! Touch the mountains and make them smoke! 6 Hurl out lightning bolts and scatter them! Shoot out your arrows and destroy them! 7 Send down your hand from above. Rescue me, and deliver me out of great

should walk, for I lift up my soul to you. 9 Deliver me, O LORD, from my enemies; I flee to you to hide me.

10 Teach me to do your will, for you are my God. Your Spirit is good; lead me in the

land of uprightness. 11 Revive me, O LORD, for your name’s sake. For the sake of your righteousness

waters, from the hand of foreigners, 8 Whose mouth speaks vanity, and whose right hand is a right hand of falsehood.

bring my soul out of trouble. 12 And in your mercy cut off my enemies, and destroy all those who afflict

9 I will sing a new song to you, O God.

my soul; for I am your servant.

David had natural ability and practiced much with sword and bow. But he does not attribute his skill to himself, but to God. In this New Testament age the great battles of God’s people are spiritual (Eph 6:10-18). God who taught David will teach us how to fight these battles if we are willing and obedient. If we gain some success we should attribute this to God and not vainly imagine that it is our own ability or goodness that has gotten us the victory (1 Cor 4:7). 144:2 “Fortress” – 18:2. “Subdues” – 2 Sam 2:1-4; 3:1; 5:1-5. 144:3,4 See 8:4; Job 14:1,2; Heb 2:6; Isa 2:22. David included himself in this description of man. He knows that it is God alone who has made him strong, skillful, and successful, and it fills him with praise that the great God should care for puny man. 144:5-8 In all his danger David knows that safety and deliverance depend on God alone. Compare 18:7-15. David prays that God will do as He did before. 144:5 See 18:8; 104:32; Isa 64:1. 144:6 See 68:1; 18:14; 7:12,13; Hab 3:11; Zech 9:14. 144:7 See 18:16,17. 144:8 See 12:2; 36:3; 41:6. 144:9 See 33:3; 40:3; 96:1; 98:1; 149:1. New deliverances call for new songs, and every answer to prayer should bring forth

143:5 See 77:6; David’s purpose here was to encourage himself and strengthen his faith. 143:6,7 More than mere deliverance from trouble David longed for God Himself. Without God’s fellowship he felt lost and plunged in grief – 42:1,2; 63:1; 84:2. 143:8 “Morning” – desperate need longs for quick response from God.

“Trust” – David appeals to God on the grounds that he trusts Him – surely a strong basis for prayer.

“Cause me to know” – v 10; 25:45; 27:11; 119:12. 143:9 Observe the basis for this prayer. 143:10 What greater good can God’s Spirit do than to teach us to do God’s will and lead us so we do not stumble? This He will do if we are believing, willing, and obedient. 143:11 This prayer was more for the sake of God’s name and righteousness than for David’s sake – another sure ground in prayer. 143:12 Is it not the master’s business to look after his servants? When foes are implacable their destruction may be necessary to deliver the righteous from them. Note on enemies at 3:7. 144:1 Note on “Rock” at Deut 32:4. This psalm is very similar to psalm 18. David lived in a time when the people of God fought physical battles against human enemies. Skill in battle was highly desirable. No doubt

805 PSALMS 145:9

I will sing praises to you on a lyre

and a ten-stringed instrument, 10 you who give salvation to kings, who deliver his servant David

David’s Psalm of praise

from the deadly sword. 11 Rescue me, and deliver me from the hand of foreigners, whose mouth speaks vanity,

1 I will exalt you, my God, O king, and I will extol your name

forever and ever. 2 Every day I will praise you, and I will praise your name

and whose right hand is a right

hand of falsehood, 12 So that our sons may be like plants grown up in their youth, that our daughters may be like pillars,

forever and ever. 3 Great is the LORD, and greatly to be praised, and his greatness is unsearchable. 4 One generation will praise your works to another, and will proclaim your mighty acts. 5 I will speak of the glorious honour of your majesty, and of your wonderful works. 6 And men will speak of the power of your awesome acts; and I will declare your greatness. 7 They will pour forth the memory of your great goodness and sing of your

carved like palace carvings. 13 And that our barns may be full, furnishing all kinds of provisions,

and that our sheep may give birth

to thousands and ten thousands

in our fields, 14 That our oxen may be strong to labour, and that there be no breaking in,

or going out, that there be no outcry in our streets. 15 Happy are the people who are in such a condition; yes, happy are the people whose God

righteousness.

8 The LORD is gracious, and full of compassion, slow to get angry, and great in mercy.

9 The LORD is good to all,

is the LORD.

Not only so, he is confident that he will praise God forever (see 23:6; 37:18; 41:12). 145:3 The one true God is worthy of the greatest praise possible for men to give, the most sincere and wholehearted, the most intelligent and spiritual praise. It will take all eternity to understand all His greatness and to praise Him as He ought to be praised. 145:4 See 22:30; 102:18. 145:5 See 44:1; 71:16; 75:1; 77:12; 96:6; 105:2; 107:8,15; 148:13. This verse could be translated “I will meditate on the glorious splendor of your majesty and on your wonderful works.” 145:6 See 65:5; 66:3; 106:22; Deut 7:21; 10:21. 145:7 “Goodness” – 23:6; 27:13; 31:19; 33:5; 52:1; 107:8; Ex 33:19; 2 Chron 6:41; Rom 11:22. “Righteousness” – 7:9; 19:9; 145:17; John 17:25; Rom 3:21,22; Phil 3:9; 2 Tim 4:8; 1 John 2:1; Rev 16:5,7. Righteousness is one of the glorious attributes of God. Because He is absolutely just and righteous, believers can be sure that the future will turn out perfectly well. 145:8 See 86:5,15; 103:8; Ex 34:6,7; Matt 9:36; John 1:16,17; 1 John 4:8. 145:9 See 103:13,14; 136:1; Matt 5:45; Rom 2:4. All things God has made display God’s wisdom and skill. His dealings with men reveal His justice, love, grace, patience, and other attributes. God will be honored

new thanksgiving. 144:10 See 18:50; 2 Sam 8:14. 144:12-14 David does not pray for victory just for his own sake. He is thinking of all the people of God. He desires their prosperity and peace. 144:12 “Plants” – 92:12-14; 128:3. “Pillars” – the word signifies stability, usefulness, and beauty. 144:15 Deut 28:3. Notes on blessing at 1:1; Gen 12:1-3; Num 6:22-27; etc. Blessed indeed are those who have the one true God as their God. There can be no blessing higher than this. And even though we live in poverty or deadly danger we are still blessed indeed if this God is our God. 145 Title: There is praise to God in nearly every psalm, but this is the only one that is named a psalm of praise. Here David does not mention his enemies or troubles of any kind. He is completely taken up with the greatness, goodness, and righteousness of God. In Hebrew the verses begin with the successive letters of the alphabet with one letter (nun) omitted. 145:1 See 5:2; 47:2; 95:3. David the king knows his king is in heaven (see Eph 6:9). 145:2 He is resolved to praise God and repeats his resolution four times in these two verses. Not only so, he resolves to praise God every day, regardless of circumstances, whether well or sick, in comfort or in trouble, in sadness or in joy (see 1 Thess 5:18).

PSALMS 145:10 806

fear him; he will also hear their cry and save them. 20 The LORD preserves all those who love him, but he will destroy all the wicked. 21 My mouth will speak the praise of the LORD; and may all flesh extol

and his tender mercies are over all

his works. 10 All your works will praise you, O LORD, and your saints will speak your praise. 11 They will speak of the glory of your kingdom, and talk of your power, 12 To make known to the sons of men his mighty acts, and the glorious majesty of his kingdom. 13 Your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and your dominion continues on

his holy name forever and ever.

throughout all generations. 14 The LORD upholds all who fall, and lifts up all those who are

1 Praise the LORD! Praise the LORD, O my soul. 2 While I live I will praise the LORD. I will sing praises to my God while

bowed down. 15 The eyes of all look to you, and you give them their food in due season. 16 You open your hand and satisfy the desire of every living thing. 17 The LORD is righteous in all his ways, and holy in all his works. 18 The LORD is near all those who call to him, to all who call to him in truth. 19 He will fulfil the desire of those who

I have being. 3 Do not put your trust in princes, or in a son of man, in whom there is no help. 4 His spirit goes out; he returns to his ground; in that very day his plans perish. 5 Blessed is he who has the God of Jacob as his help,

by everything, even the wrath of men (76:10). But of all creation His believing people will be the means of the greatest glory to Him (Eph 1:6,12,14). 145:11-13 Here are glorious themes for believers to speak about. So many people have never yet heard of God’s kingdom, glory, and mighty acts recorded in the Bible. Telling others gets the truth to them, glorifies God, and encourages ourselves. God’s kingdom is so rich a subject that if we speak of it our whole life long we will not tell a small part of what can be told (22:28; 66:7; 103:19; Dan 4:34,35; Matt 6:33; 13:11; 25:31-34; Mark 1:14,15; 9:47; John 3:3; Acts 1:3; 8:12; 19:8; 14:22; Rom 14:17; 1 Cor 6:9,10; 15:50; Rev 12:10). 145:14 See 37:17,23,24; 146:8. God is great in power and glory, the majestic king of eternity, yet He is great in compassion and kindness also. 145:15,16 See 104:14,27; 111:5; 136:25; Gen 1:30; Job 38:41; Matt 6:26. 145:17 Perfect justice combined with perfect grace are revealed in the King of the universe. 145:18 This great King hears prayer – 65:2; 102:17; Prov 15:8,29; Matt 7:7,8,11; 1 John 5:14. But our prayers must be sincere and according to His will – 17:1; Isa 29:13; Matt 6:5-8; Jam 1:5-7. “Near” – 46:1; 119:151; Deut 4:7; Isa 55:6; Acts 17:27. 145:19 “Fulfil” – 37:4. Note on fear of the Lord at 34:11-14; 111:10; Gen 20:11.

97:10; John 10:28,29. “Destroy” – 9:5; 37:38; 73:18,19; 94:23; 2 Thess 1:8,9. God destroys the wicked because it is perfectly just to do so. They do not desire or seek His mercy and forgiveness, but delight in wickedness. 145:21 Those who heartily praise God want everyone else to do the same. They delight to hear God magnified, exalted, and praised (103:20-22; 150:6). 146:1 “Praise the LORD” (also v 10) – note at 104:35. In this and in the remaining four psalms there are no requests, no complaints, no cries for help, no grief, no tears, no shame, no depression. All is praise and joy in God, a foretaste of heaven. The author exhorts others to praise the LORD (Jehovah), and then exhorts himself. He will not get others to do what he will not heartily do. 146:2 See 63:4; 104:33; 145:1,2. 146:3 See 60:11; 108:12; 118:9; Isa 2:22. 146:4 “Ground” – 103:14; Gen 3:19; Job 7:21; Eccl 12:7. They who trust in men are leaning on a pile of dust. 146:5 “Blessed” – In Hebrew the same word as in 1:1 and 119:1.

“God of Jacob” – this name of God appears 24 times in the Old Testament. Thinking of why God chose to link His glorious holy name with Jacob can teach us some good lessons. Jacob was not the greatest of saints. He failed in many ways. A study of his history and the history of his descendants, the nation of Israel, reveals what is meant by the name “God of Jacob.”

“Save” – 7:10; 34:18; 1 Sam 10:19. 145:20 “Preserves” – 31:23; 37:28;

He is the God who chooses individuals

807 PSALMS 147:7

whose hope is in the LORD his God, 6 Who made heaven and earth, the sea and all that is in it, who preserves truth forever, 7 Who executes justice for the oppressed, who gives food to the hungry. The LORD sets the prisoners free. 8 The LORD opens the eyes of the blind. The LORD lifts up those who are

1 Praise the LORD! For it is good to sing praises to our God; for it is pleasant and praise is

beautiful.

2 The LORD builds up Jerusalem. He gathers together the exiles of Israel. 3 He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds. 4 He counts the number of the stars; he calls them all by their names. 5 Great is our Lord and mighty in power. His understanding is infinite. 6 The LORD lifts up the meek. He hurls the wicked down to the ground. 7 Sing to the LORD with thanksgiving. Sing praise on the harp to our God,

bowed down. The LORD loves the righteous.

9 The LORD watches over the foreigners. He gives relief to the fatherless

and widow, but the way of the wicked he turns

upside down.

10 The LORD will reign forever, your God, O Zion, to all generations. Praise the LORD.

and a whole people according to His own good pleasure, not because He sees some merit in them (Rom 9:10-13; Eph 1:4; Deut 7:6-8).

for His greatness as the God of creation (vs 4, 5, 8, 9, 15-18), and for His grace and kindness to His people (vs 2, 3, 6, 11, 13, 14, 19, 20). The writer praises God for what He has done, is doing, and can do.

He is the God of grace who saves people apart from their good works, or attempts to be righteous, or any such thing (Rom 11:5; Eph 2:8,9; Titus 3:3-5; etc).

“Pleasant” – 135:3. “Beautiful” – 33:1. Since it is fitting to praise Him, not to praise Him is unfitting. 147:2 “Builds” – men labored to build but the inspiration, strength, and will came from God (127:1).

He is the God who keeps His promises even when there is failure and sin on the part of His people (89:1,2; Gen 28:15; Rom 11:29; Titus 1:2; Heb 13:5).

“Gathers” – this may refer to the return of the people Israel from the Babylonian captivity. But the words would also be suitable to express the gathering of David and his men after the persecutions of Saul. Now God is building His Church and gathering those exiled from His presence by sin (Matt 16:18; John 11:52; 2 Cor 5:20,21; Eph 2:17-22). 147:3 See 6:2; 30:2; 34:18; 38:3-8; 41:3; Isa 61:1; Ezek 34:16; Rev 21:4. One name for God in the Old Testament is Jehovah Ropheka – “The LORD who heals you” (Ex 15:26). Especially He loves and heals those who have hearts broken in repentance for their sins (51:17). 147:4 God can gently lay one hand on a wounded heart and with the other hold far distant galaxies. The one who has regard for the lowly is so great He can name every star in the universe. Though there are only a few thousand stars visible to the naked eye, beyond the visible stars there are multiplied billions, crores upon crores, a host so vast that man can hardly even estimate the number. God knows them all, made them all. 147:5 “Great” – 145:3; Jer 32:17,27; 33:3. “Understanding” – Isa 40:28; Rom 11:33. 147:6 “Meek” or “humble” – 146:8,9; 2 Chron 16:9; Jam 4:6. Stars do not occupy all the attention of the Almighty. He is concerned with men and is active in their affairs.

He is the God who displays great patience (Ex 34:6; 2 Pet 3:15).

He is the God who transforms sinners into saints (Gen 32:24-28; Rom 8:29; 2 Cor 3:18; 5:17; 1 John 3:2). We see all of these divine attributes displayed in the case of Jacob, and indeed toward every individual who will ever reach heaven. Blessed indeed is he who has the God of Jacob for his help! 146:6-10 These verses give the reasons why they are blessed who have the God of Jacob as their help.

He is the almighty Creator who is completely faithful and who cannot be hindered from fulfilling His promises to His people (v 6; 18:25; 108:4; 117:2; Deut 7:9).

He is on the side of the hungry, the poor, the oppressed (v 7; 103:6; 74:21; Isa 42:6,7; Luke 4:18,19). He shows infinite compassion especially toward the righteous, the needy and helpless (vs 8,9; 10:18; Ex 22:22; Lev 19:34; 10:18; Matt 9:29,30; 12:22; Luke 13:10-13; 2 Cor 4:4-6; Jam 1:27).

And He is the eternal King. Earth’s princes go to the dust and their thoughts perish, but not God and His thoughts (v 10; 33:11). His thoughts will stand forever. Happy indeed are those who have this God, the God of Jacob, the one true God, as their God. 147:1 “Praise the LORD” (also v 20) – note at 104:35. This is a psalm of praise to God

“Ground” – 37:9,10; 145:20. 147:7 See 27:6; 30:4; 33:3; 42:4; 98:5.

PSALMS 147:8 808

8 Who covers the heavens with clouds, who prepares rain for the earth, who makes grass grow on the mountains. 9 He gives to the beast its food, and to the young ravens which cry out. 10 He does not delight in the strength of the horse; he does not take pleasure in the legs

and as for his judgments, they have not

known them. Praise the LORD!

1 Praise the LORD! Praise the LORD from the heavens. Praise him in the heights. 2 Praise him, all his angels. Praise him, all his hosts. 3 Praise him, sun and moon. Praise him, all you stars of light. 4 Praise him, you heavens of heavens, and you waters above the heavens. 5 May they praise the name of the LORD, for he commanded and they were created. 6 He has also established them forever and ever; he has made a decree which will not pass away. 7 Praise the LORD from the earth, you sea monsters, and all depths, 8 Fire and hail, snow and vapours, stormy wind fulfilling his word, 9 Mountains and all hills, fruitful trees and all cedars, 10 Beasts and all cattle, creeping things and flying birds, 11 Kings of the earth and all people, princes and all judges of the earth,

of a man. 11 The LORD takes pleasure in those who fear him, in those who hope in his mercy. 12 Praise the LORD, O Jerusalem! Praise your God, O Zion! 13 For he has strengthened the bars of your gates. He has blessed your children within you. 14 He makes peace in your borders, and fills you with the finest of

the wheat. 15 He sends out his command on earth; his word runs very swiftly. 16 He gives snow like wool; he scatters the frost like ashes. 17 He hurls out his hail like fragments; who can stand before his cold? 18 He sends out his word and melts them. He causes his wind to blow,

and the waters flow. 19 He declares his word to Jacob, his statutes and his judgments to Israel. 20 He has not done so with any other nation;

“Thanksgiving” – 7:17; 50:14,15; 56:12; Lev 7:12,13; Eph 5:20; 1 Thess 5:18. 147:8,9 After creating the world God did not withdraw to some distant place. Clouds and rain do not come merely because of some natural laws. God is active in nature (104:10-15; 135:6,7; 148:8). 147:10,11 Verses 16-18; 33:16-18; 103:11; 1 Sam 16:7; Heb 11:6. For fear of God see notes at 34:11-14; etc. God delights in good inward qualities that He produces in individuals, not in outward appearance or physical strength. 147:12-14 See 48:1. Who was there in all the earth to praise the LORD (Jehovah) if Jerusalem did not? No other people had received such blessings as Israel. Now it is the duty and privilege of believers in Christ to praise Him, for now we are the people blessed by the Lord of heaven and earth. 147:15 See 33:9; Job 37:12; Isa 55:11. God can and does give commands to any part of His creation (1 Kings 17:2-4,9; Mark 4:39-41). Only sinful men and Satan disobey Him. 147:16-18 Verses 8,9; Job 37:12; 38:22,29. 147:19 See 78:5,47; 148:8; Ex 20:1; Deut 33:4; Josh 1:8; 2 Kings 22:8; Rom 3:2; 9:4. Far better than the breeze, the

clouds, and the rain is the Word of God sent down from heaven to bless men forever. 147:20 Deut 4:7,8,32-34. Then the people of Israel were a repository for the Word of God as Christ’s church is now. 148:1 “Praise the LORD” (also v 14) – note at 104:35. Psalm 146 is one of individual praise. Psalm 147 is the praise of the people of God. This one is a psalm of universal praise. It begins in the highest heavens, then goes to the deepest deeps, ascends to inanimate and then animate things of earth, and finishes with all people everywhere. 148:2 See 103:20; Luke 2:13,14; Rev 5:11-13. 148:3 The sun and moon have no personality and no life. In this respect they are like snow, hills, and clouds which the writer also exhorts to praise God – vs 8,9. This is poetry. The writer is merely setting forth a truth that delights him – all things were created by God and for the glory of God, and that because of them praise comes to God. 148:4,5 Deut 10:14; Gen 1:7; Isa 40:26. 148:6 Jer 31:35,36; 33:25. 148:7-10 All creation on earth, animate and inanimate, are for the glory of God, and because of them all He receives praise. 148:11,12 He comes now to humanity. On the grounds that God has created them all

809 PSALMS 150:2

12 Both young men and maidens, old men and children. 13 May they praise the name of the LORD,

4 For the LORD takes pleasure in his people. He will beautify the meek with salvation. 5 May the saints be joyful in glory. May they sing aloud on their beds. 6 May the high praises of God be in their mouth, and a two-edged sword in their hand, 7 To execute vengeance on the nations, and punishment on the peoples, 8 To bind their kings with chains, and their nobles with fetters of iron, 9 To execute on them the written judgment. All his saints have this honour. Praise the LORD!

for his name alone is exalted.

His glory is above the earth and

the heavens. 14 And he exalts the horn of his people. He is the praise of all his saints,

of the children of Israel,

a people close to him. Praise the LORD!

1 Praise the LORD! Sing to the LORD a new song, his praise in the congregation of the saints. 2 May Israel rejoice in him who made him; may the children of Zion be joyful

1 Praise the LORD! Praise God in his sanctuary. Praise him in his mighty firmament. 2 Praise him for his mighty acts. Praise him according to his surpassing

in their King. 3 May they praise his name with the dance; may they sing praises to him with the

greatness.

tambourine and harp.

which will result in fullness of beauty (see Eph 5:25-27). God’s people are God’s masterpiece and He delights in them.

and preserves them all and is good to all, all should praise Him. 148:13 All men should praise Jehovah God alone, for He is the only God there is, and He is a splendid God, glorious in every way (Isa 42:8; 44:6; 45:22). 148:14 “Horn” – 75:4,5; 89:17; Luke 1:69. God did a special thing for His special people and so they should offer special praise. 149:1 “Praise the LORD” (also v 9) – note at 104:35. This is a psalm of joyful praise to God as Maker and Saviour of His people (vs 1-5), and as avenger of wickedness (vs 6-9).

“Meek” or “humble” – 9:12; 10:17; Prov 16:19; Isa 57:15; Matt 18:4; Jam 4:6,10. 149:5 What an honor it is to be the people of the one true God, made beautiful with His salvation! No one has more cause for joy and song. 149:6-9 Israel in the Old Testament was an instrument in God’s hand to inflict God’s vengeance on wicked people. See Num 31:2; Deut 7:1,2. In these New Testament days the weapons of our warfare are not physical but spiritual (2 Cor 10:4; Eph 6:17). We fight wickedness by proclaiming the Word of God, by faith and by prayer. At the end of this age Christ will appear to take vengeance on God’s enemies (2 Thess 1:5-10; Rev 19:11-16). At that time His people will be with Him and share in His judgment of the earth (1 Cor 6:2,3). 150:1 “Praise the LORD” (also v 6) – note at 104:35. He is filled with praise to God and wants the whole universe to sound and resound with praise. The first and last psalm each has only six verses. The first has blessing as its subject and the last has the result of blessing – praise to God.

“New song” – 40:3; 96:1; Rev 5:9. God’s mercies are new every morning (Lam 3:22,23), so there are daily reasons for making new songs of praise for all the saints to sing. 149:2 “Who made him” – that is, Israel should rejoice in God who made them into a nation when they had been but slaves in Egypt.

“King” – not the earthly but the heavenly one (10:16; 47:6; Zech 9:9; Rev 19:16). 149:3 Ex 15:20; 2 Sam 6:14,15. Sometimes believers have such joy in God that the body too becomes involved in the expression of it. 149:4 “Pleasure” – 147:11. Here is a reason for great joy and praise. Though we are poor and sinful the Lord delights in us, not for what we are in ourselves but for what He is making us to be in Christ (Eph 2:10; Phil 1:6). He saves us from the ugliness of sin and gives us the holy beauty of salvation and begins the work of sanctification

“Sanctuary” – 68:24-26; 73:17; 102:19. Praise should begin where God is best known and truly worshiped.

“Firmament” or “Expanse” – see Genesis 1:6-8. 150:2 “Mighty acts” – 106:2; 145:12; Deut 3:24.

PSALMS 150:3 810

3 Praise him with the sound of the trumpet. Praise him with the lyre and harp. 4 Praise him with the tambourine and dance. Praise him with stringed instruments

5 Praise him with the loud cymbals. Praise him with the high sounding cymbals. 6 May everything that has breath praise the LORD. Praise the LORD!

and flutes.

“Greatness” – 47:2; 48:1; 86:10; 95:3; 145:3; 1 Tim 6:15,16. 150:3-5 See 45:8; 57:8; 149:3; 2 Sam 6:5; 1 Chron 13:8; 15:24; 16:42. Praise God with all the musical instruments available, with all joyous sounds.

invented when this psalm was written. 150:6 He is so convinced of the fitness of praise by all created beings that he longs to hear every breathing thing joining the mighty chorus. This is what heaven will be like (Rev 4:8-11; 5:8-14; 7:9-12; 14:1-3; 15:2-4; 19:1-8).

“Flutes” – organs (KJV) had not yet been

PROVERBS

Authors:

Solomon wrote most of the proverbs in this book, but others wrote some of them. See 1:1; 22:17; 24:23; 30:1; 31:1. See also 1 Kings 4:32.

Date:

Solomon reigned 970-930 BC, so most and possibly all of these proverbs were written down during that time.

Themes:

Solomon himself gave the reasons why he wrote down his proverbs, and so indicated the themes. See 1:2-6. He wanted people to know how to live in this world, how to behave in the various circumstances they face. In 1:7 he gives a very important theme – the fear of the LORD. Throughout the book there is a vivid contrast between wise people and fools. The wise are those who fear God and follow His ways; fools are those who do not fear God, and follow their own ways. True wisdom results in righteousness; foolishness leads to sin. In fact, we may say that wickedness is foolishness, true righteousness is wisdom.

Contents:

Purposes and themes ................................................................................... 1:1-7 Exhortations to avoid evil men ....................................................................... 1:8-19 Wisdom calls and warns of disaster ................................................................ 1:20-33 Searching for wisdom and finding it ................................................................ 2:1-8 Some benefits of wisdom .............................................................................. 2:9 - 3:2 How to walk in a wise way ............................................................................. 3:3-12 Wisdom is more precious than gold ................................................................. 3:13-18 Further benefits of wisdom ........................................................................... 3:21-26 Wise behavior towards others ....................................................................... 3:27-32 God’s curse ................................................................................................. 3:33-35 An exhortation to get the supreme thing ........................................................ 4:1-27 An exhortation to avoid sexual immorality ....................................................... 5:1-23 Warnings against foolishness and laziness ....................................................... 6:1-15 Seven things God hates ................................................................................ 6:16-19 More exhortations to avoid sexual immorality .................................................. 6:20 - 7:27 Wisdom calls out again .................................................................................. 8:1-20 Wisdom is eternal ......................................................................................... 8:21-31 Life and death ............................................................................................. 8:32-36 Wisdom gives an invitation ............................................................................ 9:1-12 Folly also invites men .................................................................................... 9:13-18 Proverbs about various matters ..................................................................... 10:1 - 22:16

about the wise — 10:1,8,19; 11:30; 13:1,14; 14:1,16; 15:7,24 about the righteous — 10:6,11,20,21,25,28,29-32; 11:19,23,30; 12:21; 13:5,9; 14:32;

15:29; 18:10; 20:7 about fools — 10:18,23; 12:15; 13:19; 14:8,9; 15:2,5; 17:10,12; 18:2 about the wicked — 10:7,16,32; 11:7,21,23; 12:5,10; 15:8,9; 16:4; 17:23; 21:4,27 Other striking proverbs — 11:2,20; 12:1,22,28; 14:2,12,26,27,31,34; 15:4,32; 16:2,3,4,5,

16:8,9,16,18; 17:1,9, 22; 18:19,21; 19:3,5,17, 21,24; 20:27; 21:1,3,6,30; 22:6,13 Some more proverbs of Solomon .................................................................... 25:1 - 29:27

Some striking ones ................................................................................... 25:21,22,28;

26:11,15,17,27; 27:1,17,20,21; 28:1,13,14; 29:1,5 The sayings of Agur ..................................................................................... 30:1-33 The sayings of King Lemuel ........................................................................... 31:1-9 Description of a wife with noble character ....................................................... 31:10-31

PROVERBS 1:1 812

The proverbs of Solomon, the son of David, king of Israel: 2 To know wisdom and instruction; to discern words of understanding; 3 To receive the instruction of wisdom, justice, and judgment, and fairness; 4 To give shrewdness to the simple, knowledge and discretion to the young 5 (A wise person will hear and increase learning, and a man of understanding will attain

9 For they will be an ornament of grace to your head, and necklaces around your neck.

10 My son, if sinners entice you, do not consent. 11 If they say, “Come with us. Let us lie in wait for blood. Let us lurk secretly for the innocent

without cause. 12 Let us swallow them up alive like the grave, and whole, like those who go down into the pit. 13 We will get all kinds of valuable stuff. We will fill our houses with plunder. 14 Throw in your lot among us. Let us all have one purse.” 15 My son, do not walk in the way with them. Keep your foot from their path. 16 For their feet run to evil, and hurry to shed blood. 17 Surely in vain the net is spread in the

to wise counsels); 6 To understand a proverb, and the interpretation, the words of the wise, and their riddles.

7 The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction.

8 My son, hear the instruction of your father, and do not forsake the law of your mother;

1:1 Altogether Solomon spoke 3000 proverbs (1 Kings 4:32). There are less than 1000 proverbs in this book and not all of them were written by Solomon (30:1; 31:1), so many of his proverbs are lost. Only those God wanted to remain have remained. Solomon had more practical wisdom and discernment than any man who ever lived (except for the Lord Jesus), because they were a special gift from God (1 Kings 3:10-12). The proverbs recorded in this book were chosen from Solomon’s proverbs by God’s Spirit for our instruction. 1:2-6 Here are the several reasons why Solomon wrote his proverbs and why the Holy Spirit has included them in the Bible. The principal reason is that we might gain practical wisdom and know how to conduct ourselves in the various affairs of life. But knowledge alone is not enough – it must be put into practice. Unfortunately Solomon himself did not always do so (1 Kings 11:1-6). 1:4 “Simple” – Ps 19:7; 119:130; Prov 8:5. In the Bible, the Word of God, we have a great storehouse of wisdom and understanding. But we need to believe it, receive it into our heart, meditate on it, and practice it.

is a key thought. Observe carefully how different the wisdom the Bible presents is from the wisdom that philosophy speaks about.

“Fools” – the word is used 61 times in this book, far more than in any other book of the Bible. It does not mean people who are uneducated, or lacking in brains or ability. It indicates those lacking in morals, those who are perverse and disobedient to righteous standards, those who do not know God and who try to live without Him their lives. See also Ps 14:1. Fools are not interested in learning the fear of God and the wisdom which comes from it. They follow thier own thoughts. They want only to satisfy their desires and behave as they please. In this book fools are everywhere contrasted with the wise. The fools are the wicked; the wise are the righteous. To sin is foolishness; to live righteously is wisdom. 1:8 It is the duty of parents to properly teach their children how to live in this world (Gen 18:19; Deut 6:7; Prov 13:24; 22:6; Eph 6:4). If they do not, they should not be surprised if their children turn out badly. 1:9 3:21,22; 4:7-9. 1:10-16 It is possible for the children of even good parents to fall into the companionship of evil men. When this happens they are on the slippery path that may lead to violence, robbery, and crime (compare 22:24,25; 1 Cor 15:33). Everyone, and especially the young, must be very careful about making friends, for friendships have a powerful effect on our behavior, and can lead either to great good or to much evil.

“Young” – even the young can attain to wisdom by God’s Word. Much of this book of Proverbs is addressed to the young (1:8,10; 2:2; 3:1; 4:1; etc). 1:7 “Fear” – Solomon comes to the main point right away. Without a reverential awe and fear of God there is no true wisdom. Without it one cannot even begin to be what God calls wise. See notes at Gen 20:11; Job 28:28; Ps 34:11-14; 111:10; 130:3,4. Without this fear of God men may be educated, intellectual, and brilliant, and may even know much of the Bible, but they will not be wise. The phrase “fear of the LORD” (Jehovah) is used 14 times in Proverbs and

“Grave” (v 12) – in Hebrew “Sheol” – Gen 37:35. 1:16 Isa 59:7; Rom 3:15. 1:17 A hunter used nets to catch birds, but if the birds were watching him start to work they would fly away (6:5; 7:23; Ps 91:3). If we are alert to the plans and tricks of evil

813 PROVERBS 2:3

sight of any bird. 18 And they lie in wait for their own blood! They lurk secretly for their own lives! 19 Such are the ways of everyone who is greedy for gain. It takes away the life of its owners.

I will mock when your fear comes. 27 When your fear comes like desolation, and your destruction comes like a whirlwind, when distress and anguish come on you. 28 Then they will call on me, but I will not answer. They will seek me early,

20 Wisdom cries out in the public square; she utters her voice in the streets; 21 She cries out in the principal thoroughfares, at the entrance of the gates of the city

but they will not find me, 29 For they hated knowledge, and did not choose the fear of the LORD. 30 They would have none of my counsel. They despised all my rebuke. 31 Therefore they will eat the fruit of their own way, and be filled with

she utters her words, saying, 22 “How long, you simple ones, will you love simple ways? And the scorners delight in their scorning,

their own schemes. 32 For the turning away of the simple will kill them, and the prosperity of fools will destroy them. 33 But whoever listens to me will dwell in safety, and will securely rest from fear of disaster.”

and fools hate knowledge? 23 Turn at my rebuke. See, I will pour out my spirit to you, I will make my words known to you.

24 “But since I have called, and you refused; I have stretched out my hand,

My son, if you will receive my words, and store up my commands with you, 2 So that you turn your ear to wisdom,

and no one paid attention, 25 But you have ignored all my counsel, and were not willing for any of my rebuke, 26 I also will laugh at your calamity.

and apply your heart to understanding, 3 Yes, if you cry out after knowledge, men we can escape. 1:18 An evil man will be caught in his own schemes to catch others (26:27; Ps 7:15; 35:7,8; 40:2; 94:13). By becoming ensnared in his own net he shows he has not as much sense as birds. 1:19 4:14-17; 11:19; 1 Tim 6:6-10. 1:20,21 There are two principal voices calling to men – the voice of wisdom which is the Word of God (8:12,22-31), and the voice of folly which is the counsel of the wicked (9:13; Ps 1:1). The one we obey will determine the nature of our life on earth and our eternal state. 1:22 The voice of wisdom is heard until the end of this chapter. Indeed, the voice of wisdom is heard all through the Bible and wherever the Bible has gone and wherever God speaks to men. Most are unwilling to listen to the voice of wisdom, and so show themselves to be foolish. It is a strange but true thing that foolish people love their foolish ways and delight to mock at wisdom and hate knowledge (Ps 50:17). Hence the terrible warning which follows.

foolish, arrogant, and dangerous thing any human being can do is to refuse to listen to the voice of wisdom, the voice of God. Compare 2 Thess 2:10,11. 1:26-32 Here are the sad results of refusing wisdom’s voice. 1:26,27 Ps 2:4; Deut 28:62,63. 1:28 There is such a thing as calling too late for help. When justice demands punishment and is already in the process of executing it, men may call in vain (Deut 1:45; 1 Sam 8:18; Isa 1:15; Jer 11:11; Hos 5:6). For example, once Noah and his family were in the ark and the judgment of the flood had begun it was too late to call for mercy. 1:29 Verse 7. The fear of the Lord is something which must be chosen by men. It must also be cultivated and practiced. 1:31 2 Chron 36:16; Ps 18:25,26; Prov 14:14; 22:8; Jer 6:19; 21:14; 30:15; 34:17; Gal 6:7. 1:32 Men destroy themselves by their wickedness and folly. Let them not blame God for something they do themselves.

“Simple” – in Hebrew this word in Proverbs does not mean someone who is innocent and uncomplicated. It usually indicates a person who does not have good sense in the area of morals, a person who is likely to run after the wrong things. 1:23 This is what God longs to do for people if only they will respond to Him. For this reason He gave the Bible to mankind. Our whole lifetime should be spent in learning more and more of God’s heart and God’s thoughts. 1:24,25 Isa 65:12; 66:4; Jer 7:13; 26:5; 35:17; 36:31; Heb 12:25. The most

“Prosperity” – or “complacency.” 1:33 Num 24:21; Deut 33:28; Ps 23:4; 112:8; Isa 32:17,18. 2:1-4 Wisdom and understanding are not gained by the careless or the lazy or the worldly. It must be valued according to its worth, and sought as some people seek for riches (Job 28:12-28; Ps 19:9,10; 119:72; Prov 8:10; 1 Cor 1:30; Col 2:2,3). How sad it is when men spend their whole lives in the pursuit of riches, and go to their graves in their folly, without that priceless wisdom they might have had if they had sought it. Whatever else we may or may

PROVERBS 2:4 814

and lift up your voice for understanding, 4 If you seek her as for silver,

from the stranger who flatters with her words, 17 Who forsakes the guide of her youth, and forgets the covenant of her God. 18 For her house goes down to death, and her paths to the dead. 19 None who go to her return again or reach the paths of life.

and search for her as for hidden treasures, 5 Then you will understand the fear of the LORD,

and find the knowledge of God. 6 For the LORD gives wisdom. Out of his mouth come knowledge and

understanding. 7 He stores up sound wisdom for the righteous. He is a shield to those who walk uprightly.

20 Thus you may walk in the way of good men, and keep to the paths of the righteous. 21 For the upright will live in the land, and the blameless will remain in it. 22 But the wicked will be cut off from the earth, and transgressors will be uprooted from it.

8 He guards the paths of justice, and preserves the way of his saints. 9 Then you will understand righteousness and justice and fairness, yes, every good path. 10 When wisdom enters your heart and knowledge is pleasant to your soul, 11 Discretion will preserve you, understanding will keep you, 12 To deliver you from the way of the evil man, from the man who speaks perverse things, 13 Who leave the right paths to walk in the ways of darkness, 14 Who rejoice in doing evil and delight in the perversity of the wicked, 15 Whose ways are crooked, and who are devious in their paths.

My son, do not forget my law, but let your heart keep my commands, 2 For they will add to you length of days and long life, and peace. 3 Do not let mercy and truth leave you. Bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart. 4 So you will find favour and good understanding in the sight of God

and man.

5 Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. 6 In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will direct your paths.

16 It will save you from the strange woman,

not seek for, let us seek for wisdom with diligence and zeal! 2:5 Here is the reward that comes to those who search diligently for wisdom. They gain the highest, brightest, and best treasure men can ever have – the knowledge of God. 2:6 But we must seek wisdom where it is – not in books of philosophers, nor in writings of men about their gods, not in some so-called jnana marg but in the LORD (Jehovah), the God of the Bible, the only living and true God. He alone gives wisdom. 2:7,8 Gen 15:1; Deut 33:29; 2 Sam 22:3,31; Ps 3:3; 7:1; 18:25; 97:10. Observe that after speaking of wisdom he turns our attention to our way of living. True wisdom is always practical, always related to morality and ethics and holiness of life.

Eph 5:3; Col 3:5,6; Rev 21:8). That is why the wise father here counsels his son against it, as all wise fathers should do. 2:18 5:5; 7:27; 9:18; Eccl 7:26; Rom 6:23; 1 Tim 5:6. 2:19 Adultery is a sin that so captures those engaging in it, so overpowers their reason and conscience, that escape is exceedingly difficult. Those who practice it will never, in their own strength, arrive in the path of life and holiness. But God in His mercy can bring them there if they repent and turn to Him (1 Cor 6:9,11). 2:20-22 Compare Ps 37:9-11,20,27-29,35-38. 3:1 The peril of forgetting God’s truth is often pointed out in the Bible (Deut 4:23,24; Ps 78:11; 106:13; Heb 12:5; 2 Pet 1:9). 3:2 Though the rewards of the righteous are given in the next world, even in this world they will benefit from good behavior. 3:3 Deut 6:6; Prov 6:21; 7:3; 2 Cor 3:3; Col 3:16; Heb 8:10. If the Word of God is not written on our hearts, if it does not become the inner spring for our behavior, it is useless to have it on our lips, or to profess to be pious. 3:4 1 Sam 2:26; Luke 2:52. 3:5,6 Here are three essentials to a walk directed by God – full trust, renunciation of one’s own wisdom, and acknowledging God in everything. Such a walk is contrasted in Proverbs with “dark ways” (2:13), stumbling (4:11,12), wickedness (11:5), and foolishness (15:21). So David prayed that God

“Wisdom” (v 7) – or “success.” 2:10 14:33. 2:11-17 True wisdom protects from all evil – evil words (v 12), evil ways (v 13), evil deeds (v 14), evil temptations (v 16). 2:13 4:19; John 3:19. 2:14 10:23; 15:21; Rom 1:32; 2 Thess 2:12. 2:15 Ps 125:5; Prov 21:8; Isa 59:8; Matt 7:13. 2:16,17 “Strange woman” – used several times in Proverbs to indicate an immoral woman. Adultery is one of the most terrible of sins. God repeatedly warns against it in His Word (Ex 20:14; Lev 18:20; 20:10; Num 5:12,13,29; Prov 6:29,32; 1 Cor 6:9,10,18;

815 PROVERBS 3:32

7 Do not be wise in your own eyes. Fear the LORD and depart from evil. 8 It will be health to your navel, and marrow to your bones.

20 By his knowledge the depths are broken open, and the clouds let drop the dew.

21 My son, keep sound wisdom and discretion, not letting them depart from your eyes. 22 So they will be life to your soul, and grace to your neck. 23 Then you will walk in your way in safety, and your foot will not stumble. 24 When you lie down, you will not be afraid; yes, you will lie down and your sleep

9 Honour the LORD with your possessions, and with the firstfruits of all your harvests; 10 Then your barns will be filled with plenty, and your winepresses will burst open

with new wine.

11 My son, do not despise the discipline of the LORD, nor be weary of his correction, 12 For whom the LORD loves he corrects, as a father the son in whom he delights.

will be sweet. 25 Be not afraid of something causing sudden terror, or of the ruin of the wicked, when it comes. 26 For the LORD will be your confidence, and will keep your foot from being captured.

13 Happy is the man who finds wisdom, and the man who gets understanding. 14 For profit from it is more valuable than the profit of silver, and its yield better than fine gold. 15 She is more precious than rubies, and all the things you can desire are

27 Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due, when it is in the

power of your hand to do it. 28 Do not say to your neighbour, “Go and come again”, and “Tomorrow I will give”,

not to be compared to her. 16 Length of days is in her right hand, and in her left hand are riches and

when you have it with you. 29 Do not plot to do evil against your neighbour, living securely near you. 30 Do not strive with a man without cause, if he has done no harm to you. 31 Do not envy the oppressor, and do not choose any of his ways. 32 For the perverse man is an abomination to the LORD, but his secret is with the righteous.

honour. 17 Her ways are pleasant ways, and all her paths are peace. 18 She is a tree of life to those who take hold of her; and happy is everyone who retains her.

19 By wisdom the LORD founded the earth, by understanding he established the heavens.

would lead him in a straight way (Ps 27:1). So should we all. A straight way is a way of integrity and uprightness. It is a way full of God’s blessing. It is a way that will lead to the right goal – God Himself.

philosophy, or of Advaita Vedanta. The Bible presents the true wisdom, far more valuable than anything one can gain on earth. The principal fruit of wisdom is found in v 18. That wisdom which is a knowledge of the true God and awe and reverence for Him results in eternal life and blessing (John 17:3). On blessing or blessed see notes at Gen 12:3; Num 6:22-27; Ps 1:1,2; 119:1; Matt 5:3-10; etc. 3:18 “Tree of life” – 10:11; Gen 2:9; Rev 2:7. 3:19,20 8:27-29; Gen 1:31; Ps 136:5-9. 3:21-26 Here are more fruits of true wisdom – a life that is gracious, secure, upright, fearless, restful. True wisdom will cause us to trust the Lord God, not ourselves (v 26). 3:27-32 True wisdom will cause us to behave righteously and compassionately in this world. 3:27 Jam 4:17. 3:28 Lev 19:13; Deut 24:15; Luke 10:25-37. 3:29 Zech 8:17. 3:31 Ps 37:1; 73:2,3. 3:32 “An abomination” – note at Ps 5:5.

“And He will direct your paths” – or it could be translated “and he will make your paths straight.” 3:7 “Own eyes” – 26:12; Isa 5:21; 47:10; Rom 12:3; 1 Cor 3:18-20. This is a fault of many men. They are so wise in their own eyes they will not listen to God’s Word. Their pride keeps them from the truth, shut up in ignorance.

“Fear” – notes at Gen 20:11; Job 28:28; Ps 34:11-14; 111:10; etc. 3:8 Compare Ps 38:3. See Prov 4:20-22. 3:9,10 Ex 22:29; Deut 26:1-15; Mal 3:1012; Luke 6:38. If we offer nothing to God and His service we are dishonoring Him and cannot have His full blessing in our lives. 3:11,12 See Job 5:17; Ps 73:14; Heb 12:5,6 (where these words are quoted). 3:13-18 1:7,33; 2:1-6. Once again the value and fruits of true wisdom are placed before us. Remember that this wisdom has nothing to do with the so-called wisdom of

PROVERBS 3:33 816

33 The curse of the LORD is on the house of the wicked, but he blesses the home of the just. 34 Surely he scorns the scorners, but he gives grace to the lowly. 35 The wise will inherit glory, but fools will be held up to shame.

11 I have taught you in the way of wisdom; I have led you in right paths. 12 When you walk, your steps will not be cramped, and when you run, you will not stumble. 13 Take firm hold of instruction. Do not let her go. Keep her, for she is your life. 14 Do not enter the path of the wicked, and do not go in the way of evil people. 15 Avoid it. Do not travel on it. Turn from it and pass on. 16 For they do not sleep unless they have done evil, and their sleep is taken away,

Hear, you children, the instruction of a father, and pay attention so as to find

understanding. 2 For I give you good teaching. Do not forsake my law.

3 For I was my father’s son, tender and the only one in the sight of my mother. 4 And he taught me, and said to me, “Let your heart retain my words. Keep my commands, and live. 5 Get wisdom, get understanding. Do not forget it or turn away from the

unless they cause someone to fall. 17 For they eat the bread of wickedness, and drink the wine of violence.

18 But the path of the just is like the shining light, that shines more and

more to the perfect day. 19 The way of the wicked is like darkness. They do not know what they stumble at.

words of my mouth. 6 Do not forsake her, and she will preserve you. Love her, and she will keep you. 7 Wisdom is the principal thing. Therefore get wisdom, and with all

20 My son, pay attention to my words. Turn your ear to what I say. 21 Do not let them depart from your eyes. Keep them in the center of your heart. 22 For they are life to those who find them, and health to their whole body.

your getting get understanding. 8 Exalt her, and she will set you on high. She will bring you to honour,

when you embrace her. 9 She will give an ornament of grace for your head; she will provide a crown of glory to you.” 10 Hear, O my son, and receive my words, and the years of your life will be many.

23 Keep your heart with all watchfulness, for out of it come the issues of life.

24 Put a crooked mouth away from you, and put perverse lips far from you.

something we value so little? 4:9 1:8,9. 4:10 Under the old covenant God promised long life to those who obeyed Him (9:11). 4:11,12 3:6; Ps 5:8. 4:13 3:18,22; 4:4. 4:14,15 1:15; Ps 1:1. 4:16,17 Wickedness is so natural to some people that it is like their food and drink, and trying to sleep without it is useless. 4:18 Ps 18:28; 37:6. 4:19 2:13; John 3:19,20; 2 Cor 4:4; 1 John 2:11. 4:20-22 3:8,18; 4:13. 4:23 Here is one of those gem-like maxims of profound meaning which appear frequently in this book. Our hearts are like storehouses and what is in them will come out some time, some way (Matt 12:34,35). They are like gardens which will produce a good crop if the seed and water and care are good, but which will produce evil weeds if left to themselves (24:30,31). Our hearts are like fountains and will pour our sweet living water or bitter deadly water, depending on what we have in them. 4:24 Eph 5:4; Col 3:8.

3:33-35 One of many examples in this book of the contrast between the reward of the righteous and of the wicked. God’s curse or blessing, His scorn or His grace, honor or shame are dependent on our state before God. 3:33 See Deut 11:26-28 and 28:1-68 for this principle at work for a whole nation. 3:34 To some extent at least God, in perfect justice, acts toward people as they act toward Him and others. Note at Ps 18:25,26. 4:1,2 1:8; 19:20. 4:3-9 Father and mother were David and Bathsheba (1 Kings 1:2830). Solomon was the son who was to succeed David on the throne of Israel. 4:4 7:2; Deut 30:15-20; 32:45-47. 4:5 2:12; 3:13-18. 4:6 True wisdom has such influence because God is behind it working with it. 4:7 Since wisdom is far more precious than wealth, then one must be willing to give all one’s wealth to get it. It is hardly obtained otherwise (compare Matt 13:44-46; Mark 10:21-25; Luke 14:33). If there is something we will not give our wealth for, then it is plain that we value our wealth more than that thing. And why should God give us

817 PROVERBS 6:3

25 Let your eyes look right ahead, and let your eyelids look straight before you. 26 Consider the path of your feet, and let all your ways be established. 27 Do not turn to the right hand or to the left. Turn away your foot from evil.

or turned my ear to those who instructed me! 14 I was almost in total misery in the midst of the congregation

and assembly.”

15 Drink water out of your own cistern, and running water out of your own well. 16 Should your springs flow outside and be like rivers of water in the streets? 17 Let them be only your own, and not strangers sharing with you. 18 Let your fountain be blessed, and rejoice with the wife of your youth. 19 Let her be like a loving doe and graceful deer; let her breasts satisfy you at all times, and always be captivated by her love. 20 And why will you, my son, be captivated by a strange woman, and embrace the bosom of a stranger?

My son, give attention to my wisdom, and turn your ear to my understanding, 2 That you may regard discretion and that your lips may keep knowledge. 3 For the lips of a strange woman drip like a honeycomb, and her mouth is smoother than oil, 4 But the result with her is as bitter as wormwood, sharp as a two-edged sword. 5 Her feet go down to death; her steps hold to the path of the grave. 6 Lest you should ponder the path of life, her ways are unstable, so that you cannot understand them. 7 Therefore, listen to me now, O you children, and do not depart from the

21 For the ways of man are before the eyes of the LORD, and he ponders all his goings. 22 The iniquities of the wicked will capture him, and he will be held by the cords of his sins. 23 He will die without instruction, and in the greatness of his folly he will

words of my mouth. 8 Keep your way far from her, and do not come near the door of her house, 9 Lest you give your honour to others, and your years to those who are cruel, 10 Lest strangers be filled with your wealth, and your labours be for the house of a

go astray.

My son, if you act as security for your friend, if you have struck your hand in pledge

with that of a stranger, 2 You are ensnared by the words of your mouth, you are captured by the words of your mouth. 3 Do this now, my son, and rescue yourself, when you have come into

stranger, 11 And you mourn at the last, when your flesh and your body are consumed, 12 And say, “How I hated instruction! And my heart despised rebuke! 13 And I have not obeyed the voice of my teachers,

your friend’s hands: go, humble yourself, and make sure

seems to escape in this life the deserved punishment, escape will not be forever (1 Cor 6:9,10; Heb 13:4; Rev 21:8). 5:15-19 Each verse here exhorts the son to be satisfied with his own wife and not to go looking for pleasures forbidden outside the marriage relationship. 5:20 Since adultery leads to ruin and destruction why even consider engaging in this deadly sin? 5:21 Men may not find out the sin of the adulterer or punish him, but God will (Jer 29:23; Heb 4:13). 5:22 Num 32:23; Ps 7:15,16; 9:16. If we sin we are creating bonds that will hold us in slavery. See John 8:34; Rom 6:16. 5:23 If false ways that lead to death are the result of a lack of instruction how we should welcome and value instruction in our lives. See Ps 25:4,5. 6:1-5 This refers to taking the responsibility of paying someone else’s debts if he should fail to do so, or any other obligation of a similar nature. The wise man says this

4:25 If we do not do so we may stumble and fall. 4:27 Deut 5:32; 17:11,20; 28:14; Josh 1:7; 1 Kings 15:5; 2 Kings 22:2. Going to right or left means to go out of the path of complete obedience to God’s Word. Out of the straight and narrow way there is only sin. 5:1,2 Verse 7; 1:8; 4:1,20. 5:3-23 He returns to the theme of adultery which he referred to in 2:16-19 and which he takes up again in 6:23-35 and 7:6-27. He shows it for what it is – one of the most dangerous and deadly of sins. It may seem sweet in the beginning (v 3), but the end will be bitterness and death (vs 4,5), and condemnation by one’s own thoughts, by others, and by God (vs 11-14,21). 5:3 7:5. 5:4 Eccl 7:26. 5:5 2:18; 7:27. “Grave” – in Hebrew “Sheol” – Gen 37:35. 5:6 9:13; 30:20; Eph 4:17-19. 5:9-14 The practice of adultery will bring a person to utter ruin. Even if he (or she)

PROVERBS 6:4 818

your friend. 4 Do not give sleep to your eyes, or slumber to your eyelids. 5 Rescue yourself like a roe from the hand of the hunter, and like a bird from the hand of the fowler.

20 My son, keep your father’s command, and do not forsake the law of your mother. 21 Bind them continually on your heart, and tie them about your neck. 22 When you go about, it will lead you. When you sleep, it will keep you, and when you wake up, it will talk with you. 23 For the command is a lamp, and the law is light, and the rebukes of

6 Go to the ant, you lazy one. Consider its ways, and be wise. 7 It has no guide, overseer, or ruler, 8 But arranges for its provisions in the summer, and gathers its food in the harvest. 9 How long will you sleep, O lazy one? When will you arise from your sleep? 10 Yet a little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to sleep, 11 So your poverty will come like a traveller, and your scarcity like an armed man.

instruction are the way of life, 24 To keep you from the evil woman, from the flattery of the tongue of a

strange woman. 25 Do not lust in your heart for her beauty, nor let her take you with her eyelids. 26 For through a prostitute a man is brought to a piece of bread, and the adulteress will hunt for the

12 A worthless person, a wicked man, walks about with a perverse mouth. 13 He winks with his eyes, he speaks with his feet, he teaches with his fingers. 14 Perversity is in his heart. He plots evil continually. He sows discord. 15 Therefore his calamity will come suddenly. Suddenly he will be broken without remedy.

precious life. 27 Can a man take fire to his chest, and his clothes not be burned? 28 Can one go on hot coals, and his feet not be burned? 29 So is he who goes in to his neighbor’s wife. Whoever touches her will not be free

from punishment. 30 People do not despise a thief, if he steals to satisfy his soul when he

is hungry; 31 But if he is found out, he must restore sevenfold, even though he must give

16 These six things the LORD hates, yes, seven are an abomination to him: 17 A proud look, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood, 18 A heart that devises wicked schemes, feet that are swift in running to evil, 19 A false witness who speaks lies, and he who sows discord among brethren.

all the resources of his house. 32 But whoever commits adultery with a woman lacks understanding. He who does it destroys his own soul. 33 A wound and dishonour is what he will get,

is a foolish thing to do (17:18), and could result in complete poverty (11:15; 22:26,27), and bondage. Striking hands was a sign of agreement. 6:6-11 There is much about laziness in Proverbs. We learn the character of the lazy man and the results of his laziness. See 10:26; 13:4; 15:19; 19:24; 20:4; 22:13; 24:30-34; 26:13-16. Even small and insignificant creatures like ants have more sense than the lazy man (v 6). 6:12-15 This particular kind of scoundrel tries to destroy others by hypocrisy, deceitfulness and plots. His end will be in accordance with perfect justice. Note at Ps 18:25,26. 6:16-19 Let us write these words on our hearts and read them there daily. It is a terrible folly to practice what is detestable to God, or to love what He hates. 6:17 “Proud” – Ps 10:4,5; 18:27; 101:5; Isa 2:10-17; 13:11.

very detestable to the God of truth (Ps 31:5) who is the only God there is.

“Blood” – Deut 19:10; Prov 1:16; Isa 1:21; 59:7. 6:18 “Heart” – 24:2; Isa 32:6; 65:2; Gen 6:5. “Feet” – 1:16; Isa 59:7; Rom 3:15. 6:19 “Lies” – 12:17,18; 25:18; Ex 20:16. God hates seven things and two of them are telling lies. So emphatically is lying condemned in the Bible.

“Discord” – 15:18; Zech 8:17; 1 Cor 3:3; Gal 5:19,20; Phil 2:2; Ps 133:1. 6:20 1:8; 3:21. 6:21 6:8; 3:3; 7:1-3; Deut 6:8. 6:22 4:11. 6:23 10:17; Ps 19:8; 119:105. 6:24-35 See 5:9-21. 6:25 “Lust” – Ex 20:17; Matt 5:28; 2 Pet 1:4. 6:26 5:10; 7:22,23. 6:32 7:7; 9:4,16; 1 Cor 6:18. An adulterer breaks the law of God, rushes into danger of disgrace and punishment by both man and God, and sins against his own body, all for a brief passing pleasure. Is he not a fool?

“Lying” – see 12:22; 19:22; Ps 58:3; 62:4; 63:11; 101:7; John 8:44; Col 3:9; Rev 21:8. A very common sin and

819 PROVERBS 8:4

to seek your face earnestly; and I have found you. 16 I have spread my bed with coverings, with coloured linen from Egypt. 17 I have perfumed my bed with myrrh, aloes, and cinnamon. 18 Come, let us take our fill of love until the morning. Let us delight ourselves with love. 19 For the man is not at home, he has gone on a long journey. 20 He has taken a bag of money with him, and will come home on the appointed

and his disgrace will not be wiped away. 34 For jealousy is the rage of a man; therefore he will not spare in the day

of vengeance. 35 He will not show regard for any compensation, nor will he rest content, though you

give many gifts.

My son, keep my words, and store up

my command with you. 2 Keep my command and live, and keep my teaching as the apple of

your eye. 3 Bind them on your fingers. Write them on the tablet of your heart. 4 Say to wisdom, “You are my sister”, and call understanding your relative, 5 That they may keep you from the adulteress, from the stranger who flatters with her

day.” 21 With her great persuasiveness she enticed him, with her flattering lips she drew him on. 22 Suddenly he goes after her, as an ox goes to the slaughter, or like a fool to the correction of the stocks, 23 Till an arrow pierces through his liver, like a bird hurrying into the snare,

words.

6 For at the window of my house I looked out through my lattice, 7 And I saw among the simple ones, I discerned among the youths, a young

and does not know that it is

at the risk of his life.

24 Now therefore, listen to me, my children, and be attentive to the words of my mouth. 25 Do not let your heart turn to her ways. Do not go astray in her paths. 26 For many are the wounded she has thrown down; yes, many strong men have been killed by her. 27 Her house is the way to the realm of the dead, going down to the chambers of death.

man lacking understanding, 8 Passing through the street near her corner; and he went along the way to her house, 9 In the twilight, in the evening, in the black and dark night. 10 And then a woman met him, dressed like a prostitute, and with a cunning heart. 11 (She is loud and stubborn. Her feet do not stay in her house; 12 Now she is in the public square, now in the streets,

Does not wisdom call out, and understanding raise her voice? 2 She stands on the top of heights, beside the way where the paths meet. 3 She cries out at the gates, at the entrance of the city,

and lurks at every corner.) 13 So she took hold of him, and kissed him, and with a brazen face said to him, 14 “I have peace offerings with me. Today I have paid my vows. 15 Therefore I came out to meet you,

at the entry of the doors:

4 “To you, O men, I call, and my voice is to the sons of men.

7:1-4 1:8; 3:3; 4:4; 6:21; Deut 6:8; 32:47. 7:5-27 5:9-21; 6:24-35. 7:5 2:16; 6:24. 7:7 1:22; 6:32. 7:14 Those who give themselves to the deadly sin of adultery may try to give offerings to God. Prostitutes sometimes profess to be pious, and rascals are often religious (Rom 2:21-24). 7:14-21 Sin appears in beautiful colors to deceive the unwary and the foolish. 7:22,23 5:11,14,22,23; 6:26-29. 7:26 Saul has slain his thousands and David his tens of thousands, but who can number the countless victims of adultery?

7:27 2:18; 5:5; 1 Tim 5:6. “Realm of the dead” – in Hebrew “Sheol” – see Gen 37:35. 8:1-3 Job 28:12; Prov 1:20,21. Solomon here emphasizes the availability of wisdom to all who will seek for it. It is not remote and unattainable.

“On the top the heights” – where all can see and hear.

“Where the paths meet” – where changes of direction are possible and decisions must be made.

“At the gates” – where city leaders met for discussion and making judgments. 8:4-11 Several important things are said

PROVERBS 8:5 820

5 O you simple ones, obtain wisdom! And you fools, obtain an understanding

15 By me kings reign, and princes decree justice. 16 By me rulers govern, and nobles, all who judge righteously. 17 I love those who love me, and those who search for me will find me. 18 Riches and honour are with me, yes, lasting riches and righteousness. 19 My fruit is better than gold, yes, than fine gold; and my revenue is better than choice silver. 20 I lead in the way of righteousness, in the midst of the paths of justice, 21 That I may bestow riches on those who love me; and I will fill their treasuries.

heart! 6 Listen, for I will speak of excellent things, and right things will come from the

opening of my lips. 7 For my mouth will speak truth, and wickedness is an abomination to my lips. 8 All the words of my mouth are in righteousness. There is nothing crooked or perverse in them. 9 They are all plain to the one who understands, and right to those who find knowledge.

10 “Receive my instruction, and not silver; and knowledge rather than choice gold. 11 For wisdom is better than rubies, and all the things that may be desired

22 “The LORD possessed me in the beginning of his way, before his works of old. 23 I was established from everlasting, from the beginning, before the earth was. 24 When there were no depths, I was brought forth, when there were no springs abounding

are not to be compared with it. 12 I, wisdom, dwell with prudence, and am the discoverer of knowledge

and discretion.

13 “The fear of the LORD is to hate evil. I hate pride and arrogance and the

with water. 25 Before the mountains were settled, before the hills, I was brought forth, 26 While he still had not made the earth,

evil way and the perverse mouth. 14 Counsel is mine, and sound judgment. I am understanding. I have strength.

about wisdom here. It can be gained by anyone, even by the simple and foolish (vs 4,5). Wisdom is related to the right, the true, the holy, the just (vs 6-9), and everything contrary to these is foolishness. Wisdom is more precious than any material possession a man may gain (vs 10,11).

who have true wisdom will lay up treasures in heaven, not on this earth (Matt 6:19-21). 8:13 See notes at Gen 20:11; Job 28:28; Ps 34:11-14; 111:10. Wisdom hates evil, pride, and crookedness because God hates them, and because they ruin and destroy men. 8:15,16 If kings, leaders, and others in authority do not have God-given wisdom they will be bad rulers. So king Solomon prayed for wisdom above everything else (1 Kings 3:7-9; 2 Chron 1:8-10). 8:17 “Find” – Matt 7:7-11; Jam 1:5-8. Should we not seek earnestly for something so valuable when it is attainable? 8:22 “The LORD possessed me” – or “the LORD brought me forth.” 8:22-31 Wisdom speaks as if it were a person, as it does also in 1:20-33; 3:1518; 9:1-12. Some scholars think Christ is meant here, other scholars think that Solomon is speaking in poetic language of an attribute of God. It is not right to be dogmatic about doubtful things, but it certainly seems possible that Christ is meant. In 1 Cor 1:24 Christ is called the wisdom of God, and we are told that all creation was made through Him (John 1:3,10; 1 Cor 8:6; Col 1:16; Heb 1:8). 8:23-26 Micah 5:2; John 1:1. Christ is eternal. Wisdom, as an attribute of God, is also eternal. There was never a moment when God did not have wisdom. Therefore the expression translated “I was brought forth” (v 24) cannot be taken to mean

In the Bible the way to gain wisdom is to turn from evil to God, meditate on His Word, obey His instructions, and seek Him for it (Jam 1:5-8). The believer in Christ is at the source of all true wisdom, and no one else in the world is. For Christ is the wisdom of God, and He is in believers, and He is made to them wisdom, and they are complete in Him (1 Cor 1:24,30; Col 2:3,8-10). They who believe Christ and know Christ have the true enlightenment, the true wisdom of God. What they need to do is to look to Christ, yield to Christ, and learn from Christ. They who are now unbelievers can also obtain true wisdom if they will humble themselves, repent, turn to God and believe in the Lord Jesus. 8:12-21 Further facts about the nature and fruits of wisdom. Wisdom is not some philosophical speculation or impractical thing dealing with matters which do not concern our daily lives. Wisdom is closely related to an understanding of how to behave in this real world (vs 12-16). Wisdom (as all lovers do) will rush to the one who loves it (v 17). Wisdom sometimes may lead to material wealth (vs 18,21), but gives something far better than such wealth (vs 19,20). They

821 PROVERBS 9:10

or the fields, or the first dust of the world. 27 When he prepared the heavens, I was there. When he drew a circle on the face of

All those who hate me love death.”

Wisdom has built her house; she has hewn out its seven pillars. 2 She has slaughtered her animals; she has mixed her wine; she has also set her table. 3 She has sent out her maidens. She calls out on the highest places of

the deep, 28 When he established the clouds above, when he firmly set the springs of the deep, 29 When he appointed to the sea its boundary, that the waters would not

the city: 4 “Whoever is simple, let him turn in here!” As for the one who lacks understanding,

pass over his command, when he marked out the foundations

of the earth, 30 Then I was beside him, as one brought up with him, and I was daily his delight,

she says to him: 5 “Come, eat my bread, and drink the wine which I have mixed. 6 Forsake folly, and live, and go in the way of understanding.”

rejoicing always in his presence, 31 Rejoicing in the inhabited world, his earth, and my delight was in the sons of men.

7 He who corrects a scorner gets contempt for himself, and he who rebukes a wicked man gets

32 Now, therefore, listen to me, you children! For blessed are those who keep my ways. 33 Listen to instruction, and be wise, and do not refuse it. 34 Blessed is the man who hears me, watching daily at my gates, waiting at the posts of my doors. 35 For whoever finds me finds life, and will obtain favour from the LORD. 36 But he who sins against me harms his own soul.

an insult for himself. 8 Do not rebuke a scorner, lest he hate you. Rebuke a wise man, and he will love you. 9 Give instruction to a wise man, and he will be even wiser. Teach a just man, and he will increase

in learning.

10 The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the holy is

literally came into existence. 8:27-31 All of God’s works were created with the utmost skill and wisdom (Gen 1:9,12,18,25,31; Ps 104:24; 136:5), and they were all a reason for great rejoicing. In Job 38:4-38 we see God describing His works with joy. All was good – until man fell into sin and brought grief to God’s heart (Gen 6:5-7). 8:32-36 Wisdom is still speaking and saying that men may, and should, partake of God’s wisdom. Man was made in the image of God, and men are capable of great things if they will gain wisdom. 8:32 “Blessed” – notes at Gen 12:1-3; Num 6:22-27; Ps 1:1,2. 8:34 Gaining wisdom is not a once and for all event but a continuing process. 8:35 9:6. 8:36 “Harms his own soul” – 15:32; Isa 3:9; 2 Pet 2:1. Ignorance will keep us from Christ, from spiritual life, from God’s blessings, from heaven itself (Eph 4:18). So it is a great destroyer of people. They who hate wisdom are hating heaven and God’s blessing and Christ who is the wisdom of God, and such people really love only death. Hating God’s wisdom is spiritual suicide. 9:1 This chapter gives the great contrast between wisdom and folly. Both have prepared something for men, both call out the

same invitation (vs 4,16). But the one calls to life, to understanding, and to righteousness. The other calls to sin and death. Both call from the highest point of the city where all can see and hear them. Every person will answer the call of one or the other of these. Wisdom’s house with its seven pillars is large and perfect (seven is the Biblical number of perfection and completeness). Folly’s house is just a house (v 14) – no perfection, no completeness will ever be found there, unless it be the completeness of utter foolishness. 9:2 Luke 14:16-23. 9:3 1:20; 8:1-3. 9:4-6 This calling to the simple means that the way is open for them to become wise. And life, eternal spiritual life, comes to those who abandon their ignorant ways and receive Christ the wisdom of God. 9:7 23:9; Matt 7:6. 9:8 Willingness or unwillingness to take a rebuke reveals something of a man’s character. The wise man, unlike the foolish mocker, knows a rebuke is for his correction, for his good (Ps 141:5). 9:9 1:5; 12:15; 13:10; 14:6; 15:31; 19:25. 9:10 “Fear” – 1:7. “The holy” – or, “the Holy One.” What men need above all is the knowledge of the holy God – not a theoretical knowledge, but

PROVERBS 9:11 822

understanding. 11 For by me your days will be multiplied, and the years of your life will be increased. 12 If you are wise, you will be wise for your benefit, but if you scorn, you alone will bear it.

2 Treasures wickedly obtained profit nothing, but righteousness delivers from death.

3 The LORD will not let the righteous go hungry, but he thrusts aside the craving of the

wicked. 4 He who works with a slack hand becomes poor, but the hand of the diligent makes rich. 5 He who gathers in summer is a wise son, but he who sleeps in harvest is a son

13 The woman Folly is loud. She is a simpleton, and knows nothing. 14 And she sits at the door of her house, on a seat on the heights of the city, 15 To call to those who pass by, going straight on their ways: 16 “Whoever is simple, let him turn in here!” And as for the one who lacks

who causes shame. 6 Blessings are on the head of the just, but violence covers the mouth of the wicked. 7 The remembrance of the just is blessed, but the name of the wicked will rot. 8 The wise in heart will accept commands, but a chattering fool will fall. 9 He who walks uprightly walks securely, but he who perverts his ways will be found out. 10 He who winks the eye causes trouble, and a chattering fool will fall.

understanding, she says to him: 17 “Stolen water is sweet, and bread eaten in secret is pleasant.”

18 But he does not know that the dead are there, and that her guests go to the depths of hell.

The proverbs of Solomon. A wise son makes a glad father, but a foolish son is the heaviness of

11 The mouth of a righteous person is a fountain of life, but violence covers the mouth of the wicked. 12 Hatred stirs up strife,

his mother.

the knowledge that comes from experiencing God. This is eternal life (John 17:3), and this is the only way to a holy life. Note on “holy” at Lev 20:7. 9:11 This was an Old Testament promise often repeated to those who feared God (Deut 5:16; 11:9,21; Prov 3:2; 10:27). It is not much emphasized in this New Testament age when to depart and be with Christ is often the longing of believers (Phil 1:21-24). But in any age the fear of the Lord will lead to clean, disciplined living which will tend to produce longer life than selfindulgence and sinful ways will do. 9:12 “Benefit” – 3:16-18; 4:22; 8:35; 14:14. “Scorn” – wisdom will scorn those who scorn her (1:22,26) and God will act toward them as they deserve (Ps 18:25,26; Gal 6:7). 9:13-16 “Loud” – 7:11. Foolishness will always make more noise than wisdom, and can make a great show to attract people to her. To deceive people she uses some of the same words wisdom uses. 9:17 Compare 9:2,5. Wisdom has food of her own. Folly must steal it. Wisdom wants people to leave their foolish ways (v 6). Folly wants them to plunge further into them by sins done in secret. She does not give them the truth of 20:17. 9:18 2:18; 7:26,27; Rom 6:23. By nature we are all the “guests” of folly (Titus 3:3; Eph 2:3; Rom 3:9). If we have escaped from its house to wisdom’s palace it is all because of God’s grace.

10:2 “Profit nothing” – 21:6; Ps 49:10-12; Eccl 5:15; 1 Tim 6:6-9.

“Delivers” – v 16; 11:4,19; 12:28. The righteousness of Christ freely given by God to all who trust in Him delivers from eternal death (Rom 3:22; 5:21; 2 Cor 5:21; etc). 10:3 “Righteous” – Ps 37:19,25; 111:5; Matt 6:25-27.

“Wicked” – 13:25; Num 11:33,34; Ps 112:10. 10:4 “Slack hand” – 6:6-11. “Diligent” – 12:24; 21:5. 10:6 “Blessings” – Ps 1:1. 10:7 “Remembrance” – Ps 112:6; Phil 1:3,4; 2 Tim 1:4,5; Hebrews chapter 11; 13:7. “Rot” – Gen 17:4; Job 18:17; Ps 9:6; 34:16. 10:8 “Commands” – 9:8,9; Deut 4:5,6. The wise know something of the value of God’s commands and will keep them especially. 10:9 “Securely” – 2:7; Gen 15:1; Ps 7:10; 37:23,24; Ps 91. “Found out” – Num 32:23; Matt 10:26; 2 Tim 3:9. 10:10 “Winks” – 6:13; Ps 35:19. 10:11 “Life” – vs 20,21; 3:18; 11:30; 13:14. The righteous teach others the way of the good life here on earth and eternal life with God hereafter. 10:12 “Strife” – 6:14,19. “Covers” – Jam 5:20; 1 Pet 4:8. Love will lead the sinner to God who covers and forgives his sin (note at Ps 32:1). Also love will not want to expose the sins of others unless there is a very good reason for doing so. Sometimes when the word of God is hindered or God’s people endangered it must be done (compare Joshua chapter 7;

“Hell” – in Hebrew “Sheol” – Gen 37:35. 10:1 15:20; 17:21; 19:13; 23:22-25; 27:11; 29:3.

823 PROVERBS 11:6

but love covers all sins. 13 In the lips of him who has understanding wisdom is found, but a rod is for the back of him who

and like smoke to the eyes, so is the lazy one to those who send him.

27 The fear of the LORD prolongs days, but the years of the wicked will be

lacks understanding. 14 Wise men store up knowledge, but the mouth of the foolish is near

shortened. 28 The hope of the righteous will be joy, but the expectation of the wicked will perish.

destruction. 15 The rich man’s wealth is his strong city; the ruin of the poor is their poverty. 16 The labour of the righteous tends to life; the fruit of the wicked to sin.

29 The way of the LORD is a stronghold to the upright, but destruction to evildoers. 30 The righteous will never be shaken, but the wicked will not inhabit the earth. 31 The mouth of the just brings forth wisdom, but the perverse tongue will be cut out. 32 The lips of the righteous know what is suitable, but the mouth of the wicked speaks perversity.

17 He who heeds instruction is in the way of life, but he who refuses correction goes astray. 18 He who hides hatred with lying lips, and he who utters a slander, is a fool. 19 In the multitude of words sin is not lacking, but he who refrains his lips is wise. 20 The tongue of the just is like choice silver; the heart of the wicked is of little worth. 21 The lips of the righteous feed many, but fools die for lack of wisdom.

A false balance is abomination to the LORD, but a just weight is his delight. 2 When pride comes, then comes shame; but with the lowly is wisdom. 3 The integrity of the upright will guide them, but the perverseness of transgressors

22 The blessing of the LORD is what makes rich, and he adds no sorrow with it. 23 Doing evil is like sport to a fool, but a man of understanding has wisdom. 24 What the wicked fear will come on him, but the desire of the righteous will be granted. 25 When the whirlwind passes, the wicked is no more ; but the righteous has an everlasting

will destroy them. 4 Riches do not profit in the day of wrath, but righteousness delivers from death. 5 The righteousness of the blameless will direct his way, but the wicked will fall by his own wickedness. 6 The righteousness of the upright will rescue them, but transgressors will be caught in

foundation. 26 Like vinegar to the teeth,

their own greed.

deeds will come on them and more besides.

Acts 5:1-11; 2 Cor 11:13; 1 Tim 1:20; 2 Tim 1:15; 4:14,15). 10:13 “Rod” – 14:3; 19:29; 26:3; Deut 25:2. 10:14 “Store up” – Luke 6:45. A wise man will want to learn all he can about everything – except, of course, the experience of sinning (1 Cor 14:20). 10:15 Wealth brings a certain amount of worldly power which the poor cannot have (18:23; 22:7). But they should recognize that real security depends on God alone (18:2; Ps 52:1-7). 10:16 See 11:18,19; Deut 30:15,16; 32:46,47; Rom 6:23. 10:17 6:23; 15:5; Heb 12:5-11. Because we are sinful by nature and ignorant of God’s holy ways, correction and discipline are very important. We ignore them to our peril. 10:18 Ps 31:18. 10:19 Jam 1:19; 3:2-12. 10:22 Gen 24:34,35; Ps 1:3; 128:1,2; Matt 6:19-21. 10:23 2:14; 15:21; Eph 4:19; Phil 3:19; 2 Thess 2:12. 10:24 “Fear” – Isa 66:4; Ezek 11:8. Whatever, in their more rational moments, they fear regarding God’s punishment for their

“Desire” Ps 37:4; 145:17-19; Matt 7:7-11; John 15:7. 10:25 “Wicked” – 12:7; Ps 37:10,35,36; Matt 7:24-27. 10:26 26:6. 10:27 Verse 11; 9:10,11; Deut 11:9. 10:28 11:7; Job 8:13; Ps 112:10. 10:29 So we should earnestly pray the prayers of Ps 25:4,5; 27:11; 119:12. 10:30 Ps 37:9,28,29. 10:31 Verse 13; 15:2; Ps 52:2-5. 10:32 2:12; Eccl 10:12; Ps 59:7. 11:1 Lev 19:35,36; Deut 25:13-16; Amos 8:5; Micah 6:11. Any kind of dishonesty or crookedness is an abomination to God. 11:2 3:34; 16:18; 18:12; 29:23; Jam 4:6. 11:3 Verse 5. A person who is upright and has unmixed motives, and wants to walk in the right path, will be able to know what the right path is. The wicked will fall into the trap he has made for others (5:22; Ps 9:16). 11:4 “Riches” – Ps 49:5-15; Rev 6:15-17; 18:9-17. “Day of wrath” – Rom 2:5. “Righteousness” – 10:2. 11:6 Greed brings people into the bondage

PROVERBS 11:7 824

7 When a wicked man dies, his expectation perishes, and the hope of unjust men also perishes. 8 The righteous is rescued from trouble, and the wicked meets it instead. 9 A hypocrite with his mouth destroys his neighbour, but through knowledge the just will be rescued.

his own death.

20 Those who are of a perverse heart are abomination to the LORD, but those who are upright in their way

are his delight. 21 Though hand join in hand, the wicked will not be unpunished, but the offspring of the righteous will

be rescued. 22 Like a gold jewel in a pig’s snout, is a beautiful woman who is without

10 When it goes well with the righteous, the city rejoices; and when the wicked perish,

discretion. 23 The desire of the righteous ends only in good, but the expectation of the wicked in wrath.

there is joyful shouting. 11 By the blessing of the upright the city is exalted, but it is overthrown by the mouth of

24 There is that which scatters, and yet increases; and there is that which withholds

the wicked. 12 He who lacks wisdom despises his neighbour, but a man of understanding keeps silent. 13 A talebearer reveals secrets, but he who is trustworthy conceals a matter.

more than is right, but it results in poverty. 25 The generous soul will be made prosperous, and he who waters will also be watered himself. 26 The people will curse the one who withholds grain, but blessing will be on the head of the

14 Where there is no counsel, the people fall; but having many counsellors promotes safety. 15 He who puts up security for a stranger will suffer for it , but he who hates putting up security is safe.

one who sells it. 27 He who diligently seeks good gains favour, but he who searches for evil,

16 A gracious woman wins honour; and strong men gain riches. 17 The merciful man does good to his own soul, but he who is cruel brings harm on himself. 18 The wicked earns deceitful wages, but to him who sows righteousness will

will have it come to him.

28 He who trusts in his riches will fall, but the righteous will flourish like a branch. 29 He who troubles his own house will inherit the wind, and the fool will be servant to the wise

come a sure reward. 19 As righteousness tends to life, so he who pursues evil pursues it to

of heart. 30 The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life,

of sin (John 8:34; Rom 6:16; Jam 1:14,15). 11:7 10:28; 11:23. Though there may be riches, fame, and pleasure in a wicked life, it is a vain and empty life which comes to nothing. 11:8 An example of this is found in Esther 5:14; 7:10. 11:9 Slander is a very evil thing. It is an attempt to destroy the name, reputation, and usefulness of another person (Ps 101:5). 11:10 28:12; 29:2; 2 Kings 11:20; Isa 30:32; Nahum 3:19; Rev 19:1-4. 11:11 14:34; 29:8. 11:12 14:21; Matt 22:37-40; Rom 13:9; Jam 2:8. 11:13 20:19. 11:14 2 Sam 15:34; 16:23; Prov 15:22; 20:18; 24:6. 11:15 Note at 6:1-5. 11:16 Respect is better than wealth – 22:1. 11:17 14:14; Matt 5:7; Luke 6:37,38; Gal 6:7-10. 11:18 Ps 126:5,6; 1 Cor 15:58; Heb 6:10. 11:19 Deut 30:15-18; Ezek 18:30-32;

Rom 5:17. 11:20 “Abomination” – 3:32; 6:16-19. “Delight” – 12:22; 15:8; Ps 16:3; Jer 9:24. The wise person will try to do those things that God delights in, not the things He hates. 11:21 “Not be unpunished” – Lev 26:18,24; Isa 13:11; 26:20,21; Hos 4:9; Matt 25:46; 2 Thess 1:9; Heb 10:29. 11:23 “Good” – Rom 8:28. “Wrath” – Rom 2:8,9. 11:24,25 22:9; Mal 3:10; Matt 7:2; Luke 6:38; 2 Cor 9:6-11. Here is a principle we should never forget. Why should God give His blessings to us if we will not give anything to Him and to others? Note and references on giving at 2 Cor 9:15. 11:28 “Fall” – Ps 52:5-7; 62:10; Jer 9:23; Luke 16:19,22,23; Jam 5:1-3.

“Flourish” – Ps 1:3; 52:8; 92:12-14. 11:30 “Tree of life” – 3:18; Gen 2:9; 3:24; Rev 2:7. Through the efforts of God’s righteous people others are brought to God and receive eternal life through Christ.

“Wise” – Dan 12:3; Jam 5:20. Here is

825 PROVERBS 12:26

and he who wins souls is wise. 31 See that if the righteous get their due on the earth, much more the wicked and the sinner.

but he who follows vain things lacks

understanding. 12 The wicked desires the plunder of evil men, but the root of the righteous yields fruit. 13 The wicked is ensnared by the transgression of his lips, but the just will come out of trouble. 14 A man will be satisfied with good by the fruit of his mouth, and the reward of a man’s hands will

Whoever loves instruction loves knowledge, but he who hates correction is stupid. 2 A good man obtains favour from the LORD, but he will condemn a man who devises evil. 3 A man will not be established by wickedness, but the root of the righteous will not be

be given to him.

shaken. 4 A virtuous woman is a crown to her husband, but she who makes him ashamed is

15 The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, but he who listens to counsel is wise. 16 A fool’s wrath becomes known at once, but a prudent man conceals dishonour. 17 He who speaks truth declares what is right, but a false witness deceit. 18 There is speaking that pierces like a sword, but the tongue of the wise brings health. 19 The truthful lip will be established for ever, but a lying tongue is but for a moment. 20 Deceit is in the heart of those who plan evil, but joy is in the counsellors of peace. 21 No harm happens to the just, but the wicked will be filled with trouble. 22 Lying lips are detestable to the LORD, but they who deal truly are his delight. 23 A prudent man conceals knowledge, but the heart of fools proclaims foolishness. 24 The hand of the diligent will rule, but the lazy will be under forced labour. 25 Anxiety in the heart of man weighs it down, but a good word makes it glad. 26 The righteous finds the best way for his neighbour,

like rottenness in his bones.

5 The thoughts of the righteous are right, but the counsels of the wicked are deceitful. 6 The words of the wicked lie in wait for blood, but the mouth of the upright will rescue them. 7 The wicked are overthrown, and are no more, but the house of the righteous will stand. 8 A man will be commended according to his wisdom, but he who has a perverse heart will be

despised. 9 He who is despised and has a servant is better off than he who honours

himself and lacks bread. 10 A righteous man has regard for the life of his beast, but the tender mercies of the wicked

are cruel. 11 He who tills his land will have an abundance of bread,

a part of wisdom that many seem to be ignorant of. 11:31 Jer 25:29; 1 Pet 4:18. 12:1 “Correction” – 6:23; 10:17; Ps 119:67,71. By God’s training we learn more of Him, more of ourselves, more of the proper way to behave.

separated from God by their proud ignorance (Eph 4:18). How things would change if only they would earnestly pray David’s prayer in Ps 25:4,5! 12:16 The quality praised here is selfcontrol – 29:11. 12:18 “Sword” – Ps 55:21; 57:4; 59:7; 64:3. “Health” – the wise can speak the comforting, healing Word of God to those with wounded hearts. 12:19 God is a God of truth (Ps 31:5). He will see to it that truth will prevail. Lovers of God’s truth will dwell with God forever (Ps 15:1,2). Liars will have their part in the lake of fire (Rev 21:8). 12:21 “Harm” – 1:33; Ps 91:9-12; 121:7,8; Rom 8:28; Gen 50:20. 12:22 “Abomination” – 6:16,17. There can be few things the God of truth hates more than lying. Mark it down. Write it on the tablets of your heart. Above all things get truth implanted in your inner man (Ps 51:6), and speak it from the heart (Ps 15:2; Eph 4:15). 12:24 Note at 6:6-11. 12:25 15:13; Ps 94:19; Phil 4:6,7.

“Stupid” – 1:7; 5:11-14; 15:5,10,12,32. He is stupid because he is rejecting the way to the knowledge he needs most. 12:3 See 10:25. 12:4 31:10-12. 12:5,6 So we can tell the difference between the righteous and wicked by their words and plans. We should never take the advice of a wicked person (Ps 1:1,2). 12:10 27:23; Deut 25:4. A good man will be kind to man or beast; a wicked person doesn’t even know what true kindness is and there will be a mixture of evil in even his best acts. 12:13 1:18; 18:7; 29:6; Ps 59:12. 12:14 Everything a righteous man does will be rewarded – 14:14; Ps 1:3; Matt 10:42. 12:15 “Right” – 14:12; 16:2,25. This is a tragedy. Fools do not think they need God’s light or wisdom or advice. They are

PROVERBS 12:27 826

11 Wealth gotten by dishonesty will dwindle away, but he who gathers by labour will increase.

but the way of the wicked seduces them. 27 The lazy man does not roast what he gets in hunting, but the possessions of a diligent man

12 Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but the desire fulfilled is a tree of life. 13 Whoever despises the word will be destroyed, but he who fears the commandment

are precious. 28 In the way of righteousness is life, and in its pathway there is no death.

will be rewarded. 14 The teaching of the wise is a fountain of life, turning people aside from the snares of death. 15 Good understanding gains favour, but the way of the transgressor is hard. 16 Every prudent man deals with knowledge, but a fool exposes his folly. 17 A wicked messenger falls into trouble, but a faithful ambassador brings health. 18 Poverty and shame will be to him who refuses instruction, but he who has regard for correction

A wise son listens to his father’s

instruction, but a scorner does not listen to rebuke. 2 A man will enjoy good by the fruit of his mouth, but the soul of transgressors feeds on violence.

3 He who keeps his mouth keeps his life, but he who opens wide his lips will come to ruin. 4 The soul of the lazy man desires but has nothing, but the soul of the diligent will prosper. 5 A righteous man hates lying, but a wicked man is loathsome

will be honoured. 19 The desire fulfilled is sweet to the soul, but departing from evil is an

and comes to shame. 6 Righteousness keeps him who is upright in the way, but wickedness overthrows the sinner. 7 There is one who pretends to be rich, yet who has nothing; there is one who pretends to be poor,

abomination to fools. 20 He who walks with wise men will become wise, but a companion of fools will be destroyed. 21 Trouble pursues sinners, but good will be the reward of the righteous. 22 A good man leaves an inheritance to his children’s children, and the wealth of the sinner is stored

yet who has great riches. 8 A man’s riches may be the ransom for his life, but the poor hears no threat. 9 The light of the righteous rejoices, but the lamp of the wicked will be put out. 10 Only by pride comes strife, but with the well-advised is wisdom.

up for the just. 23 Abundant food is in the plowed land of the poor, but lack of justice sweeps it away.

24 He who does not use his rod hates his son,

12:27 “Roast” – the meaning of the Hebrew word here is uncertain. 12:28 10:2; Deut 30:15. Eternal life and justification (God’s counting men righteous when they believe Him) are intimately connected (Rom 5:18). 13:1 1:8,22; 4:1; 9:7,8; 12:1. 13:2 12:14. 13:3 10:6; 18:7,20,21; 21:23; Matt 12:36,37. 13:4 Note at 6:6-11. 13:7 Either sort of pretense, indeed all deception whatever the kind, is wrong and foolish. 13:8 If the rich get into troubles and dangers, sometimes they can save themselves by paying money. 13:9 “Light” – Matt 5:14-16; Eph 5:8. “Lamp” – 20:20; 24:20. 13:10 “Strife” – how much division among brethren, how many church disputes are caused by nothing but pride. 13:12 “Life” – v 19. He means a proper, righteous desire. The fulfillment of it brings a revival of hope and strength. 13:13 “Despises” – v 18; 1:29-31; Num

15:31-36. “Rewarded” – Ps 19:11. 13:14 10:11; 14:27. Such teaching will guide others to God Himself the giver of eternal life, and will produce the fear of the Lord. 13:15 The last sentence of this verse may also be translated “but the unfaithful does not endure.” See note on the Hebrew language at Ps 14:7. 13:19 Evil is all that fools know or desire. It is their life. Leaving it is the hardest thing they can imagine. Notes on fools at 1:7; Ps 14:1. 13:20 How careful, then, we should be in the choice of friends (1:10; 2:12,20; 12:26; 16:29; 22:24,25; 1 Cor 15:33). 13:21 “Pursues” – Gen 4:7; Num 32:23; Ps 7:14-16. 13:22 “For the just” – Esther 8:2; Eccl 2:26. 13:24 Without discipline and correction children often grow up to be spoiled, foolish, self-centered, and ignorant of God’s ways of dealing with men. Withholding discipline is the same as hating one’s children and wanting them to turn out badly. Those who neglect giving discipline to their children love

827 PROVERBS 14:22

but he who loves him disciplines him carefully. 25 The righteous eats to his heart’s satisfaction, but the stomach of the wicked will be in want.

10 The heart knows its own bitterness, and a stranger does not share its joy.

11 The house of the wicked will be overthrown, but the tent of the upright will flourish.

Every wise woman builds her house, but the foolish pulls it down with her hands. 2 He who walks in his uprightness fears the LORD, but he who is perverse in his ways

12 There is a way which seems right to a man, but its end is the ways of death. 13 Even in laughter the heart may be sorrowful, and the end of that joy may be grief.

despises him. 3 In the mouth of the foolish is a rod of pride, but the lips of the wise will preserve them. 4 Where there are no oxen the manger is clean, but much increase comes by the

14 The backslider in heart will be filled with his own ways, and a good man will find satisfaction with his. 15 The simple believes every word, but the prudent man considers his steps. 16 A wise person fears and departs from evil, but the fool confidently rushes ahead. 17 He who becomes angry quickly deals foolishly, and a man who devises evil is hated. 18 The simple inherit folly, but the prudent are crowned with knowledge. 19 The evil will bow before the good, and the wicked at the gates of the righteous. 20 The poor is hated even by his own neighbour, but the rich has many friends. 21 He who despises his neighbour sins, but happy is he who has mercy on the poor. 22 Do those who devise evil not go astray? But those who plan good will find mercy

strength of the ox. 5 A faithful witness will not lie, but a false witness will utter lies. 6 A scorner seeks wisdom but does not find it, but knowledge is easy to him who has

understanding. 7 Leave the presence of a foolish man, when you do not see the lips of

knowledge in him. 8 The wisdom of the prudent is to

understand his way, but the folly of fools is deceit.

9 Fools make a mock at sin, but among the righteous there is good will.

themselves, not their children. Real love always gives discipline – 3:11,12; 19:18; 22:15; 23:13,14; 29:15,17; Heb 12:6. 14:1 “Wise” – 24:3; 31:10-31. Her work edifies the family, builds character in her children, and stability in the home.

may seem right to the people taking them, because Satan has deceived them, and they are ignorant of the true way (John 12:35; 2 Cor 4:3,4; 1 John 2:11; Rev 12:9). Did Solomon have one particular false way in mind? If so, it was probably the way of the fool who rejects the fear of the Lord and has no heart to walk in God’s way. For this is the way that is the basis of all false ways. 14:14 1:31; Rev 22:12 – a principle found everywhere in the Bible. 14:15 If people do not have the wisdom the Bible speaks about they are easily deceived. This accounts for the fact of so much false religion in the world. 14:16 8:13; Gen 20:11. This is the highest kind of wisdom. 14:19 This could mean that evil, wicked men will come to ruin and will need to come to the righteous for help. Or it could mean that God will eventually cause this to happen as in Rev 3:9. 14:20 19:4. But how false are those friends who are attracted only by money! 14:21 “Neighbour” – 11:12; Lev 19:17; 1 John 2:9,11; 3:10,15,16. “Poor” – v 31; 11:25; 19:17; 22:9; Ex 23:11; Lev 19:10; Ps 41:1. Kindness to the poor is a great virtue in God’s sight. 14:22 “Evil” – 3:29; 6:14,18; Micah 2:1. “Find” – certainly from God, often from men too. The meaning here might be “show” love and faithfulness. There is no

“Foolish” – the foolish woman is one who does not know the Lord and has no fear of God. She will contribute to the destruction of the character of her family, though she may vainly imagine she is doing good to it. 14:2 “Fears” – 1:7; Gen 20:11; Ps 34:1114; 111:10. “Despises” – devious and deceitful people may not be conscious of this, but it is still a fact (Rom 8:7). 14:5 “Lies” – 12:17; Ps 12:2. A stream of lies is all that comes from some people. 14:6 “Scorner” – 1:22. He will never find wisdom because he refuses the fear of the Lord which is the beginning of wisdom. 14:8 “Deceit” – the fool thinks himself clever and wise to be able to deceive others, little knowing that such behavior is his folly and his ruin. 14:9 “Mock” – in nothing do they show their foolishness more than in this. 14:10 1 Sam 1:7-10; 1 Kings 8:38; Matt 26:38,75; Rom 9:2,3. 14:12 12:15; 16:25; Matt 7:13,14,22,23. There is only one way which leads to eternal life and heaven. There are many ways that lead to death and hell. Each of those ways

PROVERBS 14:23 828

and truth. 23 In all labour there is profit, but the talk of the lips results only in poverty. 24 The crown of the wise is their riches, but the foolishness of fools is folly. 25 A true witness rescues souls, but a deceitful witness speaks lies.

A gentle answer turns away wrath, but harsh words stir up anger. 2 The tongue of the wise uses knowledge rightly, but the mouth of fools pours out foolishness.

3 The eyes of the LORD are in every place, seeing the evil and the good.

26 In the fear of the LORD is strong confidence, and his children will have a place of refuge. 27 The fear of the LORD is a fountain of life, turning people aside from

4 A wholesome tongue is a tree of life, but crookedness in it crushes the spirit. 5 A fool despises his father’s instruction, but he who has regard for correction

the snares of death.

is prudent. 6 In the house of the righteous is much treasure, but in the income of the wicked is trouble. 7 The lips of the wise disperse knowledge, but the heart of the foolish is not so.

28 A large population is the king’s glory, but a lack of people is the ruin of the prince. 29 He who is slow to get angry has great understanding, but he who is quick-tempered exalts folly. 30 A sound heart is the life of the body, but envy the rottenness of the bones. 31 He who oppresses the poor insults his Maker, but he who honours him has mercy on

8 The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination to the LORD, but the prayer of the upright is his delight. 9 The way of the wicked is an abomination to the LORD, but he loves him who follows righteousness.

the needy. 32 The wicked is overthrown by his wickedness, but the righteous has hope in his death. 33 Wisdom rests in the heart of him who has understanding, but the heart of fools becomes known. 34 Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a reproach to any people. 35 The king shows favour to a wise servant, but his wrath is against him who causes shame.

10 Correction is grievous to him who forsakes the way, and he who hates discipline will die.

11 Hell and destruction lie open before the LORD; how much more then the hearts of the

children of men?

verb at all here in Hebrew. 14:23 Eccl 9:10; 11:6; 1 Thess 4:11; 2 Thess 3:10-12. In the church also there are far too many talkers, too few workers. 14:25 This is most abundantly true regarding spiritual matters. A witness to God’s truth saves people from eternal death. 14:26 He who fears God does not need to fear anything or anyone else. 14:27 It is a fountain of life because by it a person turns from evil deeds and false paths. 14:29 “Slow to get angry” – 15:18; 16:32; 19:11; Jam 1:19. 14:30 Our state of mind and desires affect the health of the body. 14:31 Verse 21. God is the Maker of both poor and rich – 22:2; Jam 3:9. He who oppresses the poor oppresses a part of God’s creation and thus shows contempt for the Creator. 14:34 11:11. Israel was exalted when it stood for justice and right. It fell to ruin when it abandoned them. 14:35 True too of the King of heaven – Matt 25:21,26; Luke 19:17,22. 15:1 Verse 18. Examples at Josh 22:9-30; Jud 8:1-3; 1 Kings 12:1-19. 15:3 5:21; 2 Chron 16:9; Ps 94:9; Jer 16:17; 32:19; Heb 4:13.

15:4 3:18; 10:11; 12:18; 18:21. 15:5 The fool, unlike the wise, does not understand that discipline and correction are only for his good. 15:6 Not all righteous people are rich in material things, but the house of every one of them will contain spiritual treasures not found anywhere else on earth. 15:8 “Wicked” – Ps 51:17; Isa 1:13; Jer 6:20,21; Micah 6:6-8. Nothing the wicked does, and certainly not his religious acts can please God (Rom 8:8). God detests their sacrifices, their thoughts (v 26), and their prayers (28:9). However, this will not keep them from offering them.

“Prayer of the upright” – v 29; Ps 145:18; John 9:31. God commands His people to pray because prayer is one way He has chosen to bless them and work in and through them. He wants to hear them and commune with them. So He is delighted when His people, who are living uprightly, pray to Him. 15:9 “Way” – Ps 1:1,6. “Righteousness” – 11:20; Deut 7:12,13. 15:10 Verses 5,12; 1:31,32; 5:23; 12:1. 15:11 1 Sam 2:3; 16:7; 2 Chron 6:30; Ps 44:21; 139:8; Jer 17:9,10; Heb 4:13; Rev 2:23. “Hell and destruction” – in Hebrew “Sheol” and “Abaddon.”

829 PROVERBS 15:33

12 A scorner does not love one who corrects him, nor will he go to the wise. 13 A merry heart makes a cheerful countenance, but sorrow of heart crushes the spirit. 14 The heart of the one who has understanding seeks knowledge, but the mouth of fools feeds on foolishness. 15 All the days of the afflicted are bad, but he who has a merry heart has a

and how good is a timely word! 24 The way of life leads upward for the wise, that he may keep from

the realm of the dead below. 25 The LORD will destroy the house of the proud, but he will establish the boundary of the widow.

26 The thoughts of the wicked are an abomination to the LORD, but the words of the pure are pleasing

continual feast.

to him. 27 He who is greedy for profit troubles his own house, but he who hates bribes will live. 28 The heart of the righteous studies to answer, but the mouth of the wicked pours out

16 Better is little with the fear of the LORD than great treasure and

trouble with it. 17 Better a dinner of vegetables where there is love than a fattened ox and

hatred with it. 18 An angry man stirs up strife, but he who is slow to get angry calms strife. 19 The way of the lazy person is like a hedge of thorns, but the way of the upright is made plain. 20 A wise son makes a glad father, but a foolish man despises his mother. 21 Folly is joy to him who is destitute of wisdom, but a man of understanding walks uprightly. 22 Without counsel plans meet with disappointment, but with many counsellors they are fulfilled. 23 A man has joy by the proper answer of his mouth,

evil things. 29 The LORD is far from the wicked, but he hears the prayer of the righteous. 30 The light of the eyes rejoices the heart, and good news brings fat to the bones.

31 The ear that listens to the correction of life abides among the wise. 32 He who refuses instruction despises his own soul, but he who heeds correction gets

understanding.

33 The fear of the LORD is the instruction of wisdom, and before honour is humility.

15:15 “Feast” – the food of happiness, contentment, satisfaction with God’s plan, and peace of mind. 15:16 16:8; 17:1; Ps 37:16. The person who truly fears the Lord has the beginning of wisdom, has eternal life, has an inheritance in heaven, has the LORD Himself – far, far better than any material wealth. When will we all thoroughly learn this? 15:17 “Love” – most true when the love is God’s love. 15:19 Everything seems too difficult to the lazy person and he can accomplish nothing. The upright can always make progress toward the goal. Observe that here the contrast is between the lazy and the upright – signifying that the lazy are not upright and the upright are not lazy. 15:23 “Word” – 24:26; 25:11; Isa 50:4. 15:24 Verses 19,21. “Realm of the dead” – in Hebrew “Sheol” – Gen 37:35. 15:25 2:22; 12:7; 14:11; Ps 37:35-38; 127:1; Matt 7:26,27. 15:26 “Abomination” – everything about wicked persons is detestable to God, though He loves them in the sense that He desires their highest good and would save them and make them His own dear children if they would repent and trust in Christ.

“Pleasing” – the sacrifices, prayers, and thoughts of the righteous are pleasing to God (v 8; Rom 12:1; Heb 13:12,13). The God of the Bible, the only God there is, loves righteousness and hates wickedness. 15:27 “Greedy” – 1:19; Josh 7:24-26; Col 3:5,6; 1 Tim 6:9,10. “Bribes” – bribes corrupt people and pervert justice – Deut 16:19; 1 Sam 12:3; Ps 26:10; Eccl 7:7; Isa 33:17. See note at Amos 5:12. 15:29 “Hears” – v 8; Ps 66:2; 145:18,19; Isa 59:1,2; Jer 33:3; John 9:31. 15:30 14:30; 25:25. 15:31 1:23; 6:23; 9:7-9; 12:1. 15:32 “Despises his own soul” – 8:36. Rejecting the way to correct and save oneself from ruin is the same as hating oneself. 15:33 “Fear” – 1:7. There is no other way to learn wisdom. This is why the unbeliever, the wicked person will never gain it, no matter how much education and learning he may gain. The first sentence of this verse may also be translated “Wisdom teaches the fear of the LORD.”

“Humility” – 18:12; 22:4; 25:6,7; 29:23; Isa 66:2; Matt 23:12; Luke 14:11; 18:14; 1 Pet 5:6. This is true of the honor God gives – which is the only honor worth having.

PROVERBS 16:1 830

but the LORD directs his steps.

The plans of the heart belong to man, but the answer of the tongue is from

10 A divine sentence is in the lips of the king; his mouth must not transgress in judgment. 11 A just weight and balance are the LORD’s; all the weights in the bag are his business. 12 It is an abomination for kings to commit wickedness, for the throne is established by righteousness. 13 Righteous lips are the delight of kings, and they love him who speaks the right thing. 14 The wrath of a king is like messengers of death, but a wise man will pacify it. 15 In the light of the king’s countenance is life, and his favour is like a cloud of spring rain.

the LORD.

2 All the ways of a man are clean in his own eyes, but the LORD weighs the spirits.

3 Commit your works to the LORD, and your thoughts will be established.

4 The LORD has made all things to answer for his purpose; yes, even the wicked for the day of disaster.

5 Everyone who has a proud of heart is an abomination to the LORD; though hand join in hand, he will not

be unpunished.

16 How much better it is to get wisdom than gold! And to get understanding is to be

6 By mercy and truth wickedness is atoned for, and by the fear of the LORD people

chosen rather than silver!

depart from evil.

17 The highway of the upright is to depart from evil; he who keeps his way preserves his soul.

7 When a man’s ways please the LORD, he makes even his enemies to be at

peace with him.

18 Pride appears before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall. 19 It is better to have a humble spirit with the lowly,

8 Better is a little with righteousness than great income without right.

9 A man’s heart plans his way,

16:1 Verse 9; 19:21; 20:24; Jer 10:23. A person plans what he wants to do but without God’s working he cannot even utter those plans, let alone fulfill them. 16:2 “Clean” – 12:15; 14:12; 30:12; Jer 17:9. This is one reason why it is so difficult to turn people from false ways.

10:21,22,34-36; John 15:18-21). 16:8 10:2; 15:16; 17:1; Ps 37:16; Eccl 4:6. There are things far more important than prosperity and wealth – things such as honesty, integrity, purity, just and wise behavior, and the fear of God. 16:9 God can and does control the activities of men to fulfill His will. The freedom of individuals and whole nations is only within the bounds of God’s purposes. 16:10 Rulers are appointed by God, and in some measure are His representatives (Rom 13:1-5). They should be very careful in giving judgments that affect the people (17:7).

“Spirits” – God sees the inward intentions and desires of a man which are the source of his actions (20:27; 2 Chron 6:30; 21:2; Jer 17:10; Luke 16:15; 1 Cor 4:4,5). 16:3 3:5,6; 2 Chron 20:20; Ps 1:3; 20:4; 37:5,6; 90:17. Only God can give true and lasting success, and bring about the fulfillment of our plans and hopes. This verse makes it clear what we must do to see this. 16:4 There is no purposeless activity with God. He infallibly fulfills His plans including the eventual punishment of the wicked.

“Divine sentence” – or “oracle,” that is, a pronouncement from God. 16:11 11:1; Deut 25:15; Ezek 45:10; Amos 8:4-6. 16:12 Righteousness and justice are the foundation of God’s throne – Ps 97:2. He will bring down any throne based on unrighteousness and injustice. History shows this again and again. 16:13 “The right thing” – certainly the King of heaven values such a man (Ps 15:1-3; 51:6). 16:14 19:12; 19:12; 20:2; Matt 22:7; Luke 19:27. 16:16 3:13,14; 8:10; Ps 19:10; 49:20; 119:72. 16:17 15:19; 19:16; 22:5. 16:18 11:2; 1 Sam 17:41,42,48,49; 2 Chron 26:16; 32:25; Jam 4:6. 16:19 “Better” – why? Because God is with the lowly and will eventually bless and exalt

“To answer to his purpose” – in Hebrew there is just one word here, meaning answer. 16:5 6:16; 11:20,21; Ps 40:4. Then surely anything that humbles us is for our good. 16:6 “Atoned” – notes at Ex 25:17; 29:33. By mercy and truth God provided a way for guilty men to be forgiven. And mercy and truth are the qualities which will enable us to lead others to God for this forgiveness.

“Fear” – notes at Gen 20:11; Job 28:28; Ps 34:11-14; 111:10; etc. 16:7 3:17; Gen 39:21; 2 Chron 14:6,7; 17:10; Rom 12:18; Heb 12:14. Such a person will be seeking peace with others and will find it. But with some kinds of enemies this will not be easy (compare Matt

831 PROVERBS 17:11

takes a city.

than to divide the plunder with the proud.

33 The lot is cast into the lap, but each one of its decisions is from the LORD.

20 He who handles a matter wisely will find good, and happy is the one who trusts in the LORD. 21 The wise in heart will be called discerning, and sweetness of speech increases

Better is a dry crust, and quietness with it, than a house full of feasting from

persuasiveness.

sacrifices with strife. 2 A wise servant will rule a son who causes shame,

22 Understanding is a fountain of life to him who has it, but the instruction of fools is folly. 23 The heart of the wise teaches his mouth, and adds learning to his lips. 24 Pleasant words are like a honeycomb, sweet to the soul, and health to the bones.

and will have part of the inheritance

among the brothers.

3 The refining pot is for silver and the furnace for gold, but the LORD tests the hearts.

4 An evildoer pays heed to false lips, and a liar listens to a slandering tongue. 5 Whoever mocks the poor insults his Maker, and he who is glad at calamities will

25 There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the ways of death.

26 A labourer’s appetite works for him, for his hunger urges him on. 27 An ungodly man digs up evil, and his lips are like a burning fire. 28 A perverse man sows strife, and a talebearer separates chief friends. 29 A violent man entices his neighbour and leads him into a way that is not good. 30 He shuts his eyes to plot perverse things; moving his lips he causes evil to take place. 31 The gray head is a crown of glory, if it is found in the way of righteousness.

not be unpunished. 6 Children’s children are the crown of old men, and the glory of children is their fathers. 7 Fine talk is not fitting for a fool; much less are lying lips for a prince. 8 A bribe is like a charm in the eyes of the one who has it; wherever he turns, he succeeds.

9 He who conceals a transgression seeks love, but he who repeats a matter separates

close friends.

10 A rebuke goes more deeply into a wise man than a hundred lashes into a fool. 11 An evil person seeks only rebellion;

32 He who is slow to get angry is better than the mighty, and he who rules his spirit than he who

“Sacrifices” – probably indicates an abundance of meat after animals had been sacrificed. 17:2 11:29. 17:3 Note at Ps 66:10-12. God’s purpose toward us is to make us pure, and His testing can be like fire (Isa 1:25; Mal 3:2-4). 17:5 “Maker” – 14:31. “Not be unpunished” – 24:17; Ezek 25:6,7; Ps 35:26. To be happy at another’s sorrow, to rejoice when the poor meet disaster, shows one of the qualities of Satan. 17:7 “Prince” – 16:10; 12:22. 17:8 “Bribe” – this is not a recommendation for bribery, but only a statement of how things are in this fallen sinful world. Everywhere the Bible condemns taking or giving bribes with a view to pervert justice and truth. Note at 15:27. 17:9 “Conceals” – this does not mean covering one’s own offense, but keeping quiet about someone else’s offense instead of spreading the news of it to others. Compare 28:13.

him (3:34; Isa 57:15; Matt 5:3). He is against the proud and will destroy him (v 18). Both the humble circumstances of the one and the ill-gotten gain of the other are only temporary. 16:20 “Happy” – 3:3-5; Ps 1:1,2; 2:12. 16:22-24 24:13,14; Ps 19:10. Certain types of instruction should be given in a pleasant manner rather than in a stern, forbidding one. 16:25 14:12. 16:27 Jam 3:6. 16:28 6:14; 11:13; 14:9. 16:30 6:13. 16:31 3:1,2,16; Lev 19:32. 16:32 “Slow to get angry” – 14:29; 15:18; 19:11. “Rules” – conquering oneself is the most difficult of all things and far more rewarding than conquering cities. 16:33 “Lot” – in Old Testament days the lot was often used to make decisions, and nothing is said against it anywhere in the Bible (18:18; Num 26:53,55; Josh 13:6; 1 Sam 14:41,42; 1 Chron 26:13; Neh 11:1; Ps 22:18; Jonah 1:7; Acts 1:26). God had no problem in causing the right decision to be made by that method. 17:1 15:16,17; 16:8.

“Love” – 10:12; 1 Cor 13:4-7; Jam 5:19,20; 1 Pet 4:8. “Separates” – 16:28. 17:10 9:8,9; Ps 141:5.

PROVERBS 17:12 832

therefore a cruel messenger will be

25 A foolish son is a grief to his father, and bitterness to her who gave him birth. 26 It is also not good to punish the righteous, or to strike princes for their integrity. 27 He who has knowledge is sparing with his words, and a man of understanding has a rare spirit. 28 Even a fool is considered wise if he keeps quiet; and he who keeps his lips shut is

sent against him. 12 Let a bear robbed of her cubs meet a man, rather than a fool in his folly.

13 Whoever repays evil for good, evil will not depart from his house. 14 The beginning of strife is like letting out water; therefore break off before the quarrel begins.

regarded as a man of understanding.

15 He who justifies the wicked and he who condemns the righteous, both of these are abomination to the LORD. 16 Why is there a price in the hand of a fool to get wisdom, since he has

A man who separates himself seeks

to fulfil his own desire ; he bursts out against all wisdom. 2 A fool has no delight in understanding, but only in displaying his own heart. 3 When the wicked comes, contempt also comes, and with disgrace comes reproach.

no heart for it ? 17 A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity. 18 A man lacking understanding strikes hands in pledge, and puts up security in the presence

4 The words of a man’s mouth are deep waters, and the fountain of wisdom is a flowing brook.

of his friend. 19 He who loves quarreling loves transgression, and he who exalts his gate seeks destruction. 20 He who has a crooked heart finds no good, and he who has a perverse tongue falls

5 It is not good to show favoritism to the wicked, to deprive the righteous

of justice. 6 A fool’s lips bring contention, and his mouth invites blows. 7 A fool’s mouth is his ruin, and his lips are the snare of his soul. 8 The words of a talebearer are like wounds, and they go down into the

into trouble. 21 He who begets a fool does so to his sorrow, and the father of a fool has no joy. 22 A merry heart does good like a medicine; but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.

23 A wicked person accepts a bribe from the bosom to pervert the ways of justice. 24 He who has understanding has wisdom before him, but the eyes of a fool are on the ends

inmost parts of the body.

9 He who is lazy in his work is a brother to him who is a great waster.

10 The name of the LORD is a strong tower; the righteous runs into it, and is safe.

of the earth.

17:12 A fool is more dangerous than an enraged bear. A bear can only hurt people physically, but a fool can injure them in many ways. 17:13 1 Sam 19:4; Ps 35:12; 38:20; 109:5; Jer 18:20. Repaying evil for good is devilish. Repaying good for evil is divine and the only proper behavior for a Christian (Luke 6:27-31,35,36; Rom 12:21). So we know which of these wise people will practice. 17:14 Matt 5:25,26. Quarrels are much easier to start than to stop. 17:15 18:5; 24:23-25; Ex 23:6,7; Ps 94:21; Isa 5:23; Matt 12:7. 17:16 No matter how much money a fool has he is still a fool, so his money will be spent foolishly. 17:17 John 15:13-15; Heb 2:11,12. 17:18 6:1-5. 17:19 “Transgression” – quarreling is sin in itself and will lead to other sins (1 Cor 3:3; Gal 5:20). “His gate” – indicates pride (compare Gen 11:4,8; Dan 4:28-32. See Isa 2:12-18). 17:22 14:30; 15:13,30; 18:14; Ps 32:3,4; 51:8.

17:23 Verse 8; 15:27 (note). 17:24 “Ends of the earth” – the grass always looks greener on the other side of the fence. The fool is not willing to face reality and get on with the job at hand. 17:27,28 10:19; 14:29; 16:32; Job 13:5. 18:1 A man who is interested only in his own advantage will not be likely to form true and close friendships. 18:4 20:5. Who can tell what strange things may lurk in the unseen depths of men’s sinful hearts? On the other hand, true wisdom is always springing up with new sparkling clean water, becoming a flowing stream, producing life wherever it flows. 18:5 17:15,26. 18:7 10:14; 12:13; 13:3; Ps 64:7,8. 18:8 26:22. Gossip becomes a part of those who hear and believe it. 18:9 See 6:6-11; Eccl 9:10. This is true in the things of this world, and true also in the Lord’s service. 18:10 The name means the person. “Tower” – Ps 61:3; 144:2.

833 PROVERBS 19:13

11 The rich man’s wealth is his stronghold and like a high wall,

Better is the poor man who walks in

his integrity than he who is perverse in speech and is a fool. 2 Also it is not good for the soul to be without knowledge, and he who makes haste with his feet

in his own imagination. 12 Before destruction the heart of man is haughty, and before honour is humility. 13 He who answers a matter before he hears it, it is folly and shame to him. 14 The spirit of a man will sustain his infirmity, but a wounded spirit who can bear? 15 The heart of the prudent gets knowledge, and the ear of the wise seeks knowledge. 16 A man’s gift makes room for him, and brings him before great men. 17 The first one to present his case seems right, until another comes forward and examines him. 18 Casting the lot ends disputes, and decides between the mighty. 19 A brother offended is harder to win than a strong city, and disputes are like the bars of a castle. 20 A man’s stomach will be satisfied with the fruit of his mouth, and with the harvest of his lips he

misses the way.

3 The foolishness of a man perverts his way, and his heart frets against the LORD. 4 Wealth makes many friends, but the poor man is separated from his

neighbour. 5 A false witness will not be unpunished, and he who speaks lies will not escape. 6 Many will beg favours from the prince, and every man is a friend to the one

who gives gifts. 7 All the brothers of the poor man hate him; how much more do his friends keep

their distance from him! He pursues them with words, but they are not there for him. 8 He who gets wisdom loves his own soul; he who has regard for understanding

will be filled.

will find good. 9 A false witness will not be unpunished, and he who speaks lies will perish. 10 Luxury is not fitting for a fool; much less for a servant to rule princes.

21 Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and they who love it will eat its fruit.

22 He who finds a wife finds good, and obtains favour from the LORD. 23 The poor man uses entreaties, but the rich man answers roughly. 24 A man who has friends may be broken, but there is a friend who sticks

11 A man’s discretion makes him slow to get angry, and it is his glory to overlook a transgression. 12 The king’s wrath is like the roaring of a lion, but his favour is like dew on the grass. 13 A foolish son is the calamity of his father,

closer than a brother.

“Safe” – 14:26; 29:25; Ps 18:2; 20:1; 27:5; 32:7; 2 Tim 4:18. In the Lord Himself is the only safe place in the entire universe. There is no security anywhere else either for time or for eternity, but there is perfect security there. 18:11 So they think they do not need the Lord. But see 17:19. 18:12 11:2; 15:33; 16:18. 18:14 15:13; 17:22. 18:16 Gen 32:13; 43:11; 1 Kings 10:1,2. 18:18 Note at 16:33. 18:20 12:14. 18:21 “Death and life” – we must be careful what we say. Words can kill reputations, can stir up quarrels which result in fighting and killing, can pronounce death sentences, and false words about God and salvation can cause eternal death (separation from God). Other kinds of words can reverse the effect of killing words, can result in life, even eternal life (10:11; 13:14; 15:4). In the end, God will judge us all by the words we have spoken (Matt 12:37).

18:22 “Good” – (12:4; 19:14; 31:10; Gen 2:18), but not best in every time and in every case (Jer 16:1,2; 1 Cor 7:1,2,8,38). 18:24 “Closer” – Jesus does. John 15:15. 19:1 28:6; 16:8; 15:16. Blamelessness will receive an eternal reward. Everything of this world is passing away – 1 John 2:17. 19:3 In other words, he blames God for what he has brought on himself by his own folly or wickedness. This is the tendency of human nature since the fall of Adam (Gen 3:12; 4:5; Isa 8:19-21; Rev 16:10,11). 19:5 Verse 9; 21:28; Deut 19:19; Isa 29:20,21; Rev 21:8. 19:7 The meaning of the Hebrew for the last sentence of this verse is uncertain. 19:8 “Loves” – such a person has sought the most valuable thing for himself. Contrast with 8:36; 15:32. 19:11 “Slow to get angry” – 14:29; 15:18; 16:32; Eccl 7:9. “Overlook” – Gen 45:4-7; 50:19-21; 2 Sam 1:17-19; 16:5-7,11,12; Matt 5:3941; 1 Cor 13:5.

PROVERBS 19:14 834

and the quarrels of a wife are a

and a poor man is better than a liar. 23 The fear of the LORD leads to life, and he who has it will rest satisfied,

continual dripping. 14 House and riches are the inheritance of fathers, and an understanding wife is from the LORD. 15 Laziness casts into a deep sleep, and an idle soul will suffer hunger. 16 He who keeps the commandment keeps his own soul, but he who despises his ways will die.

untouched by evil. 24 A lazy man buries his hand in the dish, and will not so much as bring it back

to his mouth. 25 Strike a scorner and the simple will beware, and rebuke one who has understanding,

and he will understand knowledge. 26 He who despoils his father and chases his mother away is a son who causes

17 He who is generous to the poor lends to the LORD, and he will repay him what he has given.

shame and brings disgrace. 27 My son, stop listening to the instruction that causes one to stray

18 Discipline your son while there is hope, and do not let your soul remove it

from the words of knowledge. 28 An ungodly witness scorns justice, and the mouth of the wicked feeds on evil. 29 Judgments are prepared for scorners, and blows for the back of fools.

because of his crying. 19 A man of great anger will pay the penalty; for if you rescue him, yet you must do

it again. 20 Listen to advice and receive instruction, so that you may be wise

Wine is a mocker, strong drink rages, and whoever is deceived by it is not wise. 2 The fear of a king is like the roaring of a lion; whoever provokes him to anger wrongs

in the end of your days.

21 There are many plans in a man’s heart; nevertheless the counsel of the LORD

his own soul. 3 It is an honour for a man to avoid strife,

is what will stand. 22 What is desirable in a man is his kindness,

19:14 Verse 13; 12:4; 18:22. 19:15 6:6-11. 19:16 13:13; 15:10; 16:17. 19:17 14:21,31; Deut 24:19-22; Ps 41:1. We may be sure that God will pay his “debts”, and with good interest! And those who give to the poor will be laying up treasures in heaven (Matt 6:19,20. Note and references on giving at 2 Cor 9:15). 19:18 13:24; 23:13,14. Discipline is one means of keeping children from evil ways which lead to death. So refusing to discipline children is the same as agreeing to their destruction.

or “greed” (what a person greedily desires or lusts after may be called his greed). See the note on some of the difficulties encountered in translation at Ps 14:6,7.

“Better to be a poor man than a liar” – 15:16; 16:8; 28:6 – a thousand times better! A liar sins against God, is doing something God hates, and is in danger of terrible punishment (Rev 21:8). The poverty of a poor man who trusts in Christ is only temporary, and at death he will enter into an eternal rich inheritance with God. Many are placed in positions where this choice between poverty and lying must be made. Alas that then so many start practicing lying and deception to get money. We should tremble for the future of such persons. 19:23 “Fear” – 1:7; 8:13; 9:10; 10:27; 14:27. “Satisfied” – 1:33; Phil 4:11; 1 Tim 6:6-8; Heb 13:5. How much better this is than lying and deceiving to get uncertain gain. 19:24 6:6-11. “Dish” – the KJV has “bosom”, which is an unlikely translation of the Hebrew. 19:25 9:9; 21:11; Ps 141:5. 19:26 Ex 20:12. 20:1 “Mocker”, “rages” – the Bible frequently speaks about over-indulgence in alcoholic beverages. It leads to folly, wickedness, and punishment (23:20,21,29,30; 31:4,5; Gen 9:21; Ps 69:12; Isa 28:7; Hab 2:5; Rom 13:13; 1 Cor 5:11; 6:10; Gal 5:21; Eph 5:18). Far better not to touch them at all than to run the risks involved in indulging. 20:3 6:14; 17:14,19; 18:6.

“Crying” – the Hebrew word means “to die” and the meaning seems to be “Do not be responsible for your son’s premature death by refusing to discipline him.” 19:19 Inability to control anger will get men into trouble again and again. 19:20 4:1; 9:8,9. 19:21 16:1,9; Ps 33:11; Isa 8:10; 14:24,27; 46:10; 55:11. God is working His purposes out on earth no matter what men may plan to do. To accomplish His will He uses men’s plans, or overturns them as He wishes. 19:22 “Kindness” – or the Hebrew could also be translated “What a man desires is unfailing love” – or even “a man’s greed is his shame.” But is it possible that the same Hebrew words can give such widely different meanings? In this case, the answer is, yes. The Hebrew word translated here “kindness” also means love, goodness, and faithfulness. But it also means reproach or shame. So it could be translated “greedily desires” or “lusts”

835 PROVERBS 20:27

15 There is gold, and an abundance of rubies, but the lips of knowledge are a precious jewel. 16 Take the garment of the one who puts up security for a stranger, and take a pledge from him for a strange woman.

but every fool will quarrel. 4 The lazy man will not plow because of the cold; therefore he will beg in harvest,

and have nothing.

5 Counsel in the heart of man is like deep water, but a man of understanding will draw it out.

17 Bread obtained by deceit is sweet to a man, but afterwards his mouth will be filled with gravel. 18 Prepare plans by getting counsel, and make war through good advice. 19 He who goes around as a talebearer reveals secrets; therefore have nothing to do with him

6 Most men will proclaim each his own goodness, but a faithful man who can find? 7 The just man walks in his integrity; his children are blessed after him. 8 A king who sits on the throne of judgment dispels all evil with his eyes.

who flatters with his lips. 20 Whoever curses his father or his mother, his lamp will be put out in deep darkness. 21 An inheritance may be quickly obtained in the beginning, but in the end it will not be blessed.

9 Who can say, “I have made my heart clean, I am pure from my sin?”

10 Varying weights and varying measures, both of them alike are abomination to

22 Do not say, “I will repay evil,” but wait on the LORD, and he will save you. 23 Varying weights are an abomination to the LORD, and a false balance is not good.

the LORD. 11 Even a child is known by his actions, whether his deeds are pure and right. 12 The hearing ear, and the seeing eye, the LORD has made both of them. 13 Do not love sleep, so that you do not come to poverty; open your eyes, and you will have

24 Man’s steps are directed by the LORD; how then can a man understand his own way? 25 It is a snare for a man to rashly dedicate what is holy, and after vows to reconsider. 26 A wise king winnows the wicked, and drives the threshing wheel over them.

enough food to be satisfied. 14 “It is nothing, it is nothing!” says the buyer, but when he has gone his way,

27 The spirit of man is the lamp of the Lord,

then he boasts.

20:4 6:6-11. 20:5 16:1,2; 18:4. 20:6 Ps 12:1; Eccl 7:28,29; Micah 7:2. There is one who is eternally faithful – Deut 7:9; Ps 36:5; 89:1; 92:2; Isa 11:5; 25:1; Lam 3:23; 1 Cor 1:9; 10:13; 1 Thess 5:24; 2 Thess 3:3; Heb 2:17; 1 Pet 4:19; 1 John 1:9; Rev 19:11. And God can and does make His people faithful – Num 12:7; Neh 7:2; Matt 25:21; Luke 16:10; 1 Cor 4:2; 7:25; Eph 1:1; Col 1:2,7; 1 Tim 1:12; 2 Tim 2:2; Rev 2:10; 17:14. 20:7 13:22; 14:26; Ps 26:1; 37:25,26; 112:2. 20:9 The Lord Jesus alone of all who ever lived on earth could truthfully claim to be sinless (John 8:46; 2 Cor 5:21; Heb 4:15; 7:26; 1 Pet 2:22,24; 1 John 3:5). All the rest of us are born with a sinful nature and have sinned (Job 14:4; Ps 14:2,3; 51:5; Rom 3:9,23). But God can cleanse us from sin and make us pure in His sight (Ps 51:2,7,10; Isa 1:18; Zech 13:1; Titus 2:1114; Heb 9:14; 1 John 1:9), and can enable us to live the blameless life mentioned in v 7. See notes on psalms 14 and 15. 20:10 Verse 23; 11:1; 16:11. 20:11 Matt 7:16; 12:33-35; Luke 6:43-

45; 1 John 2:3-6; 3:10. 20:12 Ps 94:9; 14:1. 20:15 3:14,15; 8:10,11. 20:16 6:1-4; Deut 24:10-13. 20:17 The pleasures of sin are only for a little while. 20:19 11:13. 20:20 19:26; 30:11,17; Ex 20:12; 21:17; Lev 20:9. 20:21 Compare Luke 15:11-16. 20:22 Deut 32:35,43; Ps 94:1; Rom 12:19; Heb 10:30. 20:23 Verse 10. 20:24 16:9; 21:1; Jer 10:23. God’s ways are beyond tracing out (Rom 11:33). He makes man’s way also past tracing out. No man understands very much of what he really is and why he does what he does, and what the whole meaning of his life is, and how it is all interwoven with God’s purposes. But God understands it all (Jer 17:9,10). 20:25 Perhaps a translation just as good as, or possibly better than this would be “It is a snare for a man to say rashly ‘This is dedicated’ and after vows to reconsider it.” 20:26 See notes on psalm 101. 20:27 1 Cor 2:11. The Lord uses this “lamp” to search men and make them

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