Continuing down Hezekiah’s recording of Solomon’s Proverbs,
vv.1-2 – Keeps our focus off of ourselves and reminds us that we do not know what tomorrow might bring and a stranger’s evaluation of a braggart is probably more accurate.
v. 3 – The fool’s annoyance is a heavy burden for those around them.
v. 4 – Jealousy is stronger than anger or cruelty.
vv.5-6 – Those who care about us will rebuke us if our foot slips off Wisdom’s Path. The Wise will see a rebuke as friendly.
vv.7-10 – Like the wisdom of verses 5-6, 7-10 teach us the value of friends and encourage us to not stray from home.
v.11 – Opens the paternal pattern of a wise father instructing his son. The Proverbs do not stray far from Deuteronomy.
vv.12-14 – Wisdom enables us to know when to fight and when to take flight; when to be courageous, and when to walk away. Wisdom enables one to safely navigate through each situation in life.
vv.15-16 – Reminds us to apply wisdom when picking a spouse. One who quarrels when dating is likely to continue that behavior throughout the marriage. Choose your spouse wisely.
v.17 – In line with verses 5-6, we learn the value of relationships that encourage faithfully walking Wisdom’s Pathway.
v.18 – An encouraging word for us as we consider walking Wisdom’s Pathway: hard work and faithfulness pay off.
v.19 – Reminds us what we have seen through considering the mouth. The heart reflects the man.
v. 20 – The lustful insatiable appetite of the heart of men is compared with the grave and hell.
v. 21 – The test of a man’s heart is how he responds when praised.
v. 22 – Lessons are hard to learn for the fool.
vv. 23-27 – Wisdom enables us to distinguish what truly matters. Ensure you are tending and keeping what will last forever.
Wisdom’s perspective provides serenity. There is an endless joy when a heart aligns its ways with seeking God’s ways. Seeking God’s ways means trusting in him with all of our hearts, forever.