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In contrast to the last Proverb that described characteristics of the life of wisdom, the first six verses of Proverbs 20 give characteristics of foolish living.
The fool:
v.1 – Is addicted to wine.
v.2 – Provokes authorities.
v.3 – Seeks out a quarrel.
v.4 – Is lazy and procrastinates.
v.5 – Lacks understanding.
The next set of individual proverbs involve the benefit of discernment. As we will see, true discernment comes from being familiar with the straight and narrow pathway called Wisdom’s Way. Unlike the foreigner who is unfamiliar with the path, the wise and discerning knows the way.
v.6 – Describes the rarity of a faithful man.
v.7 – Integrity is a gift passed to the next generation.
v.8 – A righteous king winnows evil away.
v.9 – Reminds us that our own judgment of ourselves is fraught with a narrowed focus, therefore we need something else to guide our steps other than our own ways. Thus the importance of revelation. Revelation is God’s voice piercing through the darkness saying, “This is the way walk in it.” Further, from verse 9, we also see the importance of redemption. Only the blood of Jesus can wash away all our sins.
v.10 – The Lord loves justice.
v.11 – We make ourselves known by the way we act.
v.12 – God controls the senses; therefore, he can be trusted to direct our steps.
v.13 - An encouraging word for new parents (just kidding). Verse 13 encourages us to enjoy life at its best. Life at its best comes from walking Wisdom’s Way.
v.14 – The buyer always seeks a deal.
v.15 – Lips of knowledge are better than gold
v.16 – Encourages accountability. The Hebrew at the end of verse 16 means an adulteress. The foreigner is the forbidden woman. True friends hold one another accountable by encouraging each other to stay on Wisdom’s Way.
v.17 - Reminds us that honest leaves a sweet taste in our mouths.
v.18 – Encourages us to weigh our actions carefully.
v.19 – We learn to stay away from one who has babbling lips.
v.20 – Is another way of saying, honor father and mother.
v.21 – There is no substitute for hard work.
v.22 – Encourages us to put our entire trust in the Lord.
v.23 – Why do we put our trust in the Lord? He always seeks what is just and true.
v.24 – Like verse 9, and in the context of verses 22 and 23, God knows our way, therefore he is absolutely trustworthy.
v. 25 – Because what is holy is serious, our words shouldn’t be rash or flippant.
v.26 – The repeated theme of verse 8. This time the wisdom of the king is pointed out. How do we know he is wise? He winnows the wicked and pulverizes them to dust.
v.27 – True discernment comes from within. The Lord put a conscience in man to help direct his steps towards Wisdom’s Way.
v. 28 – Highlights the value of steadfast love.
v. 29 – We see the contrast of the old and the young. Both are encouraged to continue on Wisdom’s Way no matter what stage they may find themselves.
v.30 – We again focus on the internal.
Verse 9 asked us who can cleanse us from the inside out? Verse 30 makes sure we care about what only the Lord knows – our inmost part – the heart. A concern for the heart means living with a determined purpose to commit your ways to the Lord and trust him to direct your steps. The principle of Proverbs 3:5-6 all the way here at Proverbs 20.