Wisdom instructs on avoiding drunkenness, sloth, and a contentious spirit
Proverbs 20:1-30
Reminder: Pray to God to set your heart right as you engage His word. The text you are about to study was not written to you but is written for you. So, before applying we must ask the following questions:
- What did it mean to the original reader or original audience?
READ THE SCRIPTURE (Multiple times & translations and notice the words that standout)
Biblegateway (NIV) (My choice of all-round site. It is a Great app, better on computers or on smartphones)
StepBible (ESV) (Great on phone or computer with good resources.)
Literal Word (New American Standard Bible) (Works well on a smartphone or computer + for searching for words like a printed concordance)
Biblia.com (New Century Version) (Great on a computer especially if you have a logos account)
Themes
Wisdom and Discernment
The Consequences of Behavior
The Value of Honesty and Integrity
The Role of Sovereignty in Human Affairs
Work Ethic and Laziness
Topics
The dangers of alcohol
Integrity in business and work
The importance of honesty
The concept of retribution
The value of wisdom and understanding
The role of God in establishing order
Human behavior and motivations
Potential Sermon Titles: ??
Intro Questions to get us thinking:
- When you were a child, what was one forbidden activity? By whom were you caught? Why do you suppose you were always found out? Who told?
ESV Text with Highlights
#God =
#People = King, Fool, Wicked, Righteous, Sluggard
#Time =
#Place =
#Obedient faith =
#Sin =
#Key Idea =
#People = King, Fool, Wicked, Righteous, Sluggard
#Time =
#Place =
#Obedient faith =
#Sin =
#Key Idea =
Proverbs 20 ESV
1Wine is a mocker, strong drink a brawler,
Proverbs 4:25 Let thine eyes look right on, and let thine eyelids look straight before thee.
Proverbs 5:21 For the ways of man are before the eyes of the LORD, and he pondereth all his goings.
Proverbs 6:12 A naughty person, a wicked man, walketh with a froward mouth. 13 He winketh with his eyes, he speaketh with his feet, he teacheth with his fingers;
Proverbs 6:24 To keep thee from the evil woman, from the flattery of the tongue of a strange woman. 25 Lust not after her beauty in thine heart; neither let her take thee with her eyelids.
Proverbs 7:2 Keep my commandments, and live; and my law as the apple of thine eye.
Proverbs 10:10 He that winketh with the eye causeth sorrow: but a prating fool shall fall.
Proverbs 12:15 The way of a fool is right in his own eyes: but he that hearkeneth unto counsel is wise.
Proverbs 15:3 The eyes of the LORD are in every place, beholding the evil and the good.
Proverbs 15:30 The light of the eyes rejoiceth the heart: and a good report maketh the bones fat.
Proverbs 16:2 All the ways of a man are clean in his own eyes; but the LORD weigheth the spirits.
Proverbs 16:30 He shutteth his eyes to devise froward things: moving his lips he bringeth evil to pass.
Proverbs 17:8 A gift is as a precious stone in the eyes of him that hath it: whithersoever it turneth, it prospereth.
Proverbs 17:24 Wisdom is before him that hath understanding; but the eyes of a fool are in the ends of the earth.
Proverbs 20:8 A king that sitteth in the throne of judgment scattereth away all evil with his eyes.
Proverbs 20:12 The hearing ear, and the seeing eye, the LORD hath made even both of them.
Proverbs 20:13 Love not sleep, lest thou come to poverty; open thine eyes, and thou shalt be satisfied with bread.
Proverbs 21:2 Every way of a man is right in his own eyes: but the LORD pondereth the hearts.
Proverbs 21:10 The soul of the wicked desireth evil: his neighbor findeth no favor in his eyes.
Proverbs 22:9 He that hath a bountiful eye shall be blessed; for he giveth of his bread to the poor.
Proverbs 22:12 The eyes of the LORD preserve knowledge, and he overthroweth the words of the transgressor.
Proverbs 23:6 Eat thou not the bread of him that hath an evil eye, neither desire thou his dainty meats:
Proverbs 23:26 My son, give me thine heart, and let thine eyes observe my ways.
Proverbs 27:20 Hell and destruction are never full; so the eyes of man are never satisfied.
Proverbs 28:22 He that hasteth to be rich hath an evil eye, and considereth not that poverty shall come upon him.
Proverbs 28:27 He that giveth unto the poor shall not lack: but he that hideth his eyes shall have many a curse.
Proverbs 29:13 The poor and the deceitful man meet together: the LORD lighteneth both their eyes.
Proverbs 30:12 There is a generation that are pure in their own eyes, and yet is not washed from their filthiness.
Proverbs 30:13 There is a generation, O how lofty are their eyes! and their eyelids are lifted up.
Proverbs 30:17 The eye that mocketh at his father, and despiseth to obey his mother, the ravens of the valley shall pick it out, and the young eagles shall eat it.
1Wine is a mocker, strong drink a brawler,
and whoever is led astray by it is not wise.a
2The terror of a king is like the growling of a lion;
whoever provokes him to anger forfeits his life.
3It is an honor for a man to keep aloof from strife,
but every fool will be quarreling.
4The sluggard does not plow in the autumn;
he will seek at harvest and have nothing.
5The purpose in a man’s heart is like deep water,
but a man of understanding will draw it out.
6Many a man proclaims his own steadfast love,
but a faithful man who can find?
7The righteous who walks in his integrity—
blessed are his children after him!
8A king who sits on the throne of judgment
winnows all evil with his eyes.
9Who can say, “I have made my heart pure;
I am clean from my sin”?
10Unequalb weights and unequal measures
are both alike an abomination to the Lord.
11Even a child makes himself known by his acts,
by whether his conduct is pure and upright.c
12The hearing ear and the seeing eye,
the Lord has made them both.
13Love not sleep, lest you come to poverty;
open your eyes, and you will have plenty of bread.
14“Bad, bad,” says the buyer,
but when he goes away, then he boasts.
15There is gold and abundance of costly stones,
but the lips of knowledge are a precious jewel.
16Take a man’s garment when he has put up security for a stranger,
and hold it in pledge when he puts up security for foreigners.d
17Bread gained by deceit is sweet to a man,
but afterward his mouth will be full of gravel.
18Plans are established by counsel;
by wise guidance wage war.
19Whoever goes about slandering reveals secrets;
therefore do not associate with a simple babbler.e
20If one curses his father or his mother,
his lamp will be put out in utter darkness.
21An inheritance gained hastily in the beginning
will not be blessed in the end.
22Do not say, “I will repay evil”;
wait for the Lord, and he will deliver you.
23Unequal weights are an abomination to the Lord,
and false scales are not good.
24A man’s steps are from the Lord;
how then can man understand his way?
25It is a snare to say rashly, “It is holy,”
and to reflect only after making vows.
26A wise king winnows the wicked
and drives the wheel over them.
27The spiritf of man is the lamp of the Lord,
searching all his innermost parts.
28Steadfast love and faithfulness preserve the king,
and by steadfast love his throne is upheld.
29The glory of young men is their strength,
but the splendor of old men is their gray hair.
30Blows that wound cleanse away evil;
strokes make clean the innermost parts.
OBSERVATIONS (Reflect on the topic and build the concept the writer is trying to communicate to the original audience)
ebible (NLT) (Best for having Bible sections divided by "pericope" or sections by thought)
Bible Project (NLT) (Helpful videos and instructions for the bigger picture)
Thematic Bible (Books and Chapters Structure)
Bible Hub = Outline, Themes, Topics, People, Locations, and Questions
Wine is a mocker, beer a brawler. Even a child is known by his deeds. The LORD hates false weights. It is a snare to make rash vows.
Proverbs 20 contains wisdom teachings attributed to King Solomon. It consists of 30 short sayings or proverbs that offer guidance on various aspects of life, including morality, ethics, and practical advice. It continues the theme of providing practical wisdom for daily life. It covers topics such as honesty, moderation, family dynamics, wealth management, and the pursuit of wisdom. These sayings aim to guide individuals toward virtuous behavior and wise decision-making in various aspects of life.
Key Themes
- The importance of honesty and integrity:
- Verse 7 emphasizes the value of truthfulness: "As a witness in court, you give your yes-and-no answers honestly."
- Verse 10 encourages speaking truthfully even when it's difficult: "Dishonest money dwindles, honest money grows."
- Caution against excessive drinking:
- Verses 1-2 warn about the dangers of drunkenness: "Wine betrays wise men, turns prudent men into fools."
- Advice on marriage and family:
- Verse 21 offers wisdom on choosing a mate: "It is better to have a servant who shares your burdens than to have seven slack and idle hands."
- Verse 25 advises treating children fairly: "A child who misbehaves brings shame to his mother."
- Guidance on wealth and material possessions:
- Verse 15 cautions against greed: "There is gold, and a multitude of rubies, but the lips of knowledge are precious."
- Verse 21 suggests that having servants who share your burdens is preferable to having idle hands.
- Encouragement to follow wisdom:
- Verse 12 reminds readers to avoid laziness: "Prudence is its own reward; it leads to peace of mind."
- Verse 28 encourages following wisdom: "Love and faithfulness keep a king safe; through all his years."
===========
Warnings and Cautions
- Against Alcohol: The chapter opens with a strong warning about the dangers of wine and strong drink, stating that those led astray by them are not wise.
- Avoiding Conflict: It advises against quarreling and emphasizes the wisdom in avoiding strife
- Laziness: The chapter warns against loving sleep, as it can lead to poverty
Virtues and Values
- Integrity and Honesty: The importance of honesty in business dealings and personal conduct is emphasized.
- Wisdom and Understanding: Several verses highlight the value of wisdom, understanding, and good counsel.
- Work Ethic: Hard work is praised as a virtue that leads to abundance.
Divine Sovereignty and Justice
- God's Omniscience: The chapter affirms that God sees and knows all things.
- Divine Judgment: It reminds readers that God will ultimately judge wickedness.
Interpersonal Relationships
- Respect for Authority: The chapter advises caution when dealing with those in power
- Parental Respect: It warns against cursing one's parents
- Faithfulness: The rarity and value of a truly faithful person is noted.
Practical Wisdom
- Planning: The chapter encourages thoughtful planning, especially before undertaking significant actions like war
- Discipline: It acknowledges the role of discipline in cultivating wisdom.
- Legacy: The chapter touches on the idea of leaving an inheritance for future generations.
STUDY RESOURCES (This takes some work and here are more resources than you can go through completely)
NETBible (New English Translation) (Great for original text information)
BlueLetter (King James Version) (A variety of resources and good on Phones / better on Computers)
BibleHub (HCSB) (Good on computer or app/phone with lots of well-organized information.)
BibleHub (BSB) (Good on computer or app/phone with lots of well-organized information.)
BibleRef.com (New King James Version) Basic able to compare core translations.
KnowingJesus (Phone / Computer and great for comparing translations)
Bible.com (Lexham English Bible)
- God is ... What do we learn about God in this passage?
- We are ... What do we learn about people in this passage?
- If you were promoting this chapter during a 10-second sneak preview TV commercial, which verse(s) would you use as a tease to attract an audience? Why?
- "Personification" (where a thing is spoken of as a person) is another figure of speech we find in the Proverbs. Where do you see it? What is meant by a lamp being snuffed out (v. 20) or searching out (v. 27)?
- Wisdom often gives insight into the deepest recesses of human nature, as in verses 5, 8-9, 11-12, 25-27, 30. How is it that wisdom can do this? What is it about inner secrets, guilty consciences, evil motives, and rash vows that is susceptible to wisdom?
- The moral wisdom of Proverbs not only permeates our inmost being, it directs us into the future. Where is this evident in this chapter? What is the end in view for the sluggard (v. 4)? The children of the righteous (v. 7)? The fraud (vv. 10,17)? The disrespectful son (v. 20)? The prodigal son (v. 21; see Luke 15:12-13)? The one who does not avenge himself (v. 22)?
- How important is it to the Lord (and you) to keep a vow once it is made (vv. 6,16,25)? What will happen in each instance if you keep the vow? And if you don't?
APPLICATION (God wants us all to arrive at action, life-changing faith)
ESV (English Standard Version) Good translation with some helpful resources.
Biblegateway (Christian Standard Bible) has some application resources.
The Message (MSG) (An easy-to-read paraphrase that helps some with application)
Heartlight (Great for practical application of scripture)
- Who in your society draws out understanding (v. 24): Clergy? Reporters? Lawyers? Counselors? TV talk show hosts? Bartenders? Wise kings? Who in your life draws out understanding? To whom can you be this kind of person?
- What kind of "security" is love (vv. 6, 28)? Why would it work for a king or other leaders? Has it worked for you?
- How would you answer the rhetorical question in verse 9? How does Job (see Job 14:4)? The psalmist (see Psalm 24:4; 119:9, 11)? The apostle Paul (see Romans 3:23)?
- In our society, talk is cheap and jewels are expensive, so how do you react to verse 15? Which would you honestly prefer: Jewels or knowledge? Why? What could you do with each? What can't you do (see Proverbs 17:16)?
- If even "a child is known by his actions" (v. 11), what does that say about the child's character? About God's character? Likewise, what can be known about you, and the child within?
- When does seeking advice (v. 18) become gossip (v. 19)? How do you decide who you will trust? Who alone is worthy of your trust?
- What is your "glory" (v. 29)? Or what glory do you covet: Gray hair? Strength? Cover-girl beauty? Olympic medal? Club trophy? Kids? How do you plan to attain your goal in this life (see vv. 24, 27)?
- I will ... What has the Holy Spirit revealed to us in this passage? How can I apply it to my life this week?
- What transformative move needs to be made?
- You can ... Who do you know who needs to hear this? Feel free to share with others by social media links at the bottom of this.
Take Away Challenges
- What has the Holy Spirit revealed to you in this passage? How will you apply it to your life this week?
- Whom do you know who needs to hear this?
- What is God bringing to your attention in this discussion? What beliefs, thoughts, or actions need to be addressed or changed?
#Eyes
Proverbs 3:7 Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the LORD, and depart from evil.Proverbs 4:25 Let thine eyes look right on, and let thine eyelids look straight before thee.
Proverbs 5:21 For the ways of man are before the eyes of the LORD, and he pondereth all his goings.
Proverbs 6:12 A naughty person, a wicked man, walketh with a froward mouth. 13 He winketh with his eyes, he speaketh with his feet, he teacheth with his fingers;
Proverbs 6:24 To keep thee from the evil woman, from the flattery of the tongue of a strange woman. 25 Lust not after her beauty in thine heart; neither let her take thee with her eyelids.
Proverbs 7:2 Keep my commandments, and live; and my law as the apple of thine eye.
Proverbs 10:10 He that winketh with the eye causeth sorrow: but a prating fool shall fall.
Proverbs 12:15 The way of a fool is right in his own eyes: but he that hearkeneth unto counsel is wise.
Proverbs 15:3 The eyes of the LORD are in every place, beholding the evil and the good.
Proverbs 15:30 The light of the eyes rejoiceth the heart: and a good report maketh the bones fat.
Proverbs 16:2 All the ways of a man are clean in his own eyes; but the LORD weigheth the spirits.
Proverbs 16:30 He shutteth his eyes to devise froward things: moving his lips he bringeth evil to pass.
Proverbs 17:8 A gift is as a precious stone in the eyes of him that hath it: whithersoever it turneth, it prospereth.
Proverbs 17:24 Wisdom is before him that hath understanding; but the eyes of a fool are in the ends of the earth.
Proverbs 20:8 A king that sitteth in the throne of judgment scattereth away all evil with his eyes.
Proverbs 20:12 The hearing ear, and the seeing eye, the LORD hath made even both of them.
Proverbs 20:13 Love not sleep, lest thou come to poverty; open thine eyes, and thou shalt be satisfied with bread.
Proverbs 21:2 Every way of a man is right in his own eyes: but the LORD pondereth the hearts.
Proverbs 21:10 The soul of the wicked desireth evil: his neighbor findeth no favor in his eyes.
Proverbs 22:9 He that hath a bountiful eye shall be blessed; for he giveth of his bread to the poor.
Proverbs 22:12 The eyes of the LORD preserve knowledge, and he overthroweth the words of the transgressor.
Proverbs 23:6 Eat thou not the bread of him that hath an evil eye, neither desire thou his dainty meats:
Proverbs 23:26 My son, give me thine heart, and let thine eyes observe my ways.
Proverbs 27:20 Hell and destruction are never full; so the eyes of man are never satisfied.
Proverbs 28:22 He that hasteth to be rich hath an evil eye, and considereth not that poverty shall come upon him.
Proverbs 28:27 He that giveth unto the poor shall not lack: but he that hideth his eyes shall have many a curse.
Proverbs 29:13 The poor and the deceitful man meet together: the LORD lighteneth both their eyes.
Proverbs 30:12 There is a generation that are pure in their own eyes, and yet is not washed from their filthiness.
Proverbs 30:13 There is a generation, O how lofty are their eyes! and their eyelids are lifted up.
Proverbs 30:17 The eye that mocketh at his father, and despiseth to obey his mother, the ravens of the valley shall pick it out, and the young eagles shall eat it.
Other Resources:
Proverbs 20 offers profound wisdom on various aspects of life, character, and behavior. Here's a devotional reflection on some key themes from this chapter:
The Dangers of Intoxication
"Wine is a mocker, strong drink a brawler, and whoever is led astray by it is not wise". This verse warns us about the perils of alcohol abuse. Intoxication can lead to poor judgment, reckless behavior, and regrettable actions. As followers of Christ, we are called to be sober-minded and self-controlled. Let us be wise in our choices and avoid substances that could compromise our integrity and testimony.
The Value of Integrity
"The righteous who walks in his integrity— blessed are his children after him!". This proverb highlights the far-reaching impact of living with integrity. Our choices and character not only affect us but also influence future generations. When we walk uprightly before God and others, we leave a legacy of blessing for those who come after us. Let us strive to live lives of honesty, consistency, and moral uprightness.
Humility in Decision-Making
"A man's steps are from the LORD; how then can man understand his way?". This verse reminds us of the sovereignty of God and the limitations of human understanding. While we make plans and decisions, ultimately our path is directed by the Lord. This should cultivate humility and dependence on God's guidance in our lives. Let us seek His wisdom in prayer and Scripture as we navigate life's choices.
The Importance of Wise Counsel
"Counsel in the heart of man is like deep water, but a man of understanding will draw it out". This proverb emphasizes the value of seeking and giving wise advice. Just as it takes effort to draw water from a deep well, so it requires skill and patience to elicit wise counsel from others. Let us be both seekers of godly wisdom and those who can offer it to others in need.
As we reflect on Proverbs 20, may we be challenged to grow in wisdom, integrity, and dependence on God. Let us make choices that honor Him and bless others, always seeking His guidance in our daily lives.
Links
Please let me know if you find any broken links or corrections that need to be made. Thank you for the help to make this most useful.
No comments:
Post a Comment