Proverbs 20:16

Proverbs 20:16 says, Take his garment that is surety for a stranger: and take a pledge of him for a strange woman.  Matthew Henry says this refers to two ways to financial ruin.  One is to pledge security for just anyone or everyone.  The other is to pledge security for a strange woman simply to impress or endear her.  God expects those that follow Him to be responsible in using what He blesses them with.  

Verse seventeen adds, Bread of deceit is sweet to a man; but afterwards his mouth shall be filled with gravel.  Lies may temporarily seem sweet, but when the truth is made known, lies will taste bitter in our mouth.  The truth will ultimately win out, and if our life is built on lies, we will be left bitter and alone before God.  

Verse eighteen continues, Every purpose is established by counsel: and with good advice make war.  We are better off seeking the counsel of others, or at least of God, when making big decisions, especially those that will affect others.  This is especially true about going to war.  We should always do everything to bring God glory and not just to satisfy our own desires.  

Verse nineteen states, He that goeth about as a talebearer revealeth secrets: therefore meddle not with him that flattereth with his lips.  We should not tell everyone everything we think or are going to do.  Some people love to spread gossip, and we should attempt to avoid them.  

Verse twenty adds, Whoso curseth his father or his mother, his lamp shall be put out in obscure darkness.  We cannot follow God's will and hate our parents, no matter how good or bad they may be.  Respecting, or loving our parents comes from who we are as followers of Christ, and not just from what they have or haven't done.  

Verse twenty-one continues, An inheritance may be gotten hastily at the beginning; but the end thereof shall not be blessed.  Matthew Henry says this means gaining an inheritance, or wealth, through cheating others.  It may make a person feel good in this world, but will end in destruction at God's judgment.  God will never bless anything gained by cheating someone else.  

Verse twenty-two says, Say not thou, I will recompense evil; but wait on the LORD, and he shall save thee.  This is telling us that we are not to avenge evil with evil.  We, as followers of Christ, are not to have the attitude that if someone hurts us hurt them worse.  We are to wait on God to judge and punish all evil.  

Verse twenty-three adds, Divers weights are an abomination unto the LORD; and a false balance is not good.  This is once more simply a call for honesty in the way we treat others.  We are never to attempt to cheat someone else for our own gain.  

Verse twenty-four continues, Man’s goings are of the LORD; how can a man then understand his own way?  This asks how we can follow God if we continue to live by our own guidance.  We must always seek God's will as we go through life.  

Verse twenty-five states, It is a snare to the man who devoureth that which is holy, and after vows to make inquiry.  We should not practice empty worship of God.  If we pledge something to God, then we should not look for a way to keep it for ourselves.  I believe this includes everything that we are or have.  As followers of Christ, we pledge our life to Him and should never attempt to keep part of our life for ourself.  

Verse twenty-six adds, A wise king scattereth the wicked, and bringeth the wheel over them.  Those who rule wisely work against the wicked, and I believe that it is implied that they follow God.  

Verse twenty-seven continues, The spirit of man is the candle of the LORD, searching all the inward parts of the belly.  If we are followers of Christ, then we will look to all aspects of our lives to make sure that we are following God's will.  God will certainly shed light in each dark corner of our lives.  

Verse twenty-eight says, Mercy and truth preserve the king: and his throne is upholden by mercy.  When a ruler rules with mercy and truth, his or her position will be upheld.  People tend to willingly follow those in power who rule with mercy and truth.  

Verse twenty-nine adds, The glory of young men is their strength: and the beauty of old men is the gray head.  Just as young people glory in their strength, so should the older people realize that living a long life is a beauty in itself.  We cannot stay young forever, but should be content in growing older.  

Verse thirty continues, The blueness of a wound cleanseth away evil: so do stripes the inward parts of the belly.  Matthew Henry says this means that sometimes those who are obstinate in their refusal to obey the law or God need punishment to bring them into line.

Proverbs 20;1

Proverbs 20:1 says, Wine is a mocker, strong drink is raging: and whosoever is deceived thereby is not wise.  This is a warning about drinking to excess I believe.  We are not to allow drinking to cloud our judgment.  I do not think this is a statement that says avoid all alcoholic drinks, since in other parts of the Bible it is ruled as being okay to drink moderate amounts.  

Verse two adds, The fear of a king is as the roaring of a lion: whoso provoketh him to anger sinneth against his own soul.  We are warned against provoking those in power.  To simply defy the law of those who are in power to prove that we can is not what God leads us to do.  When we rebel simply for earthly reasons, we harm our souls, or our everlasting relationship with God.  

Verse three continues, It is an honour for a man to cease from strife: but every fool will be meddling.  When we follow God's plan for our life, we will attempt to avoid creating strife with others.  We should especially attempt to avoid strife with our fellow believers.  Those who deny God will continually be attempting to create strife for those who do believe.  

Verse four states, The sluggard will not plow by reason of the cold; therefore shall he beg in harvest, and have nothing.  The sluggard, one who is lazy, will find a reason to not work and will often find himself or herself hungry.  We are to be busy doing what God has called us to do.  

Verse five adds, Counsel in the heart of man is like deep water; but a man of understanding will draw it out.  If we are looking for wise counselling, we need to go to someone who knows God.  We need not look to those who proclaim anything else than the sovereignty of God for answers.  

Verse six continues, Most men will proclaim every one his own goodness: but a faithful man who can find?  Most people tend to claim their own goodness, but instead we need to claim our faithfulness to God.  

Verse seven says, The just man walketh in his integrity: his children are blessed after him.  I believe that this means that we are to live with integrity in our relationship to God, and if we do our children are more likely to come to know God.  

Verse eight adds, A king that sitteth in the throne of judgment scattereth away all evil with his eyes.  A king, or ruler, should always do what is best for those he rules.  This is not the case too often, but it should be.  

Verse nine continues, Who can say, I have made my heart clean, I am pure from my sin?  The answer is no one except Jesus Christ.   We cannot stand before God and proclaim our goodness.  We are all but sinners saved by grace, or lost without accepting the grace of God through faith in Christ.  

Verse ten declares, Divers weights, and divers measures, both of them are alike abomination to the LORD.  God expects us to be honest in our dealings with others.  

Verse eleven adds, Even a child is known by his doings, whether his work be pure, and whether it be right.  I believe that this simply means that as followers of Christ we are expected to live under the leadership of God.  God expects us to be honest in the things we say and do.  

Verse twelve continues, The hearing ear, and the seeing eye, the LORD hath made even both of them.  God gives us sight and hearing, and I believe He expects us to see His work in the world and hear His message to us.  

Verse thirteen says, Love not sleep, lest thou come to poverty; open thine eyes, and thou shalt be satisfied with bread.  I believe this is just another statement that we are to not be lazy, but are to be at work in the world, doing what God calls us to do.  

Verse fourteen adds, It is naught, it is naught, saith the buyer: but when he is gone his way, then he boasteth.  God does not expect us to cheat others, for example by claiming something to be of little value when we buy it, but then claiming it to be of great value when we sell it.  

Verse fifteen continues, There is gold, and a multitude of rubies: but the lips of knowledge are a precious jewel.  I believe this is simply telling us that the knowledge of God is worth more than all the gold and rubies, or anything else, in the world.

Proverbs 19:16

Proverbs 19:16 says, He that keepeth the commandment keepeth his own soul; but he that despiseth his ways shall die.  If we could keep all the commandments without fail, then we would keep our soul safe forever, but since we cannot, Christ died to redeem us.  Still, we are to always strive to follow God's commandments, and we cannot follow Christ and despise or even ignore God's commandments.  

Verse seventeen adds, He that hath pity upon the poor lendeth unto the LORD; and that which he hath given will he pay him again.  God will repay us for helping the poor, though the repayment may not be in material terms or in this lifetime.  Knowing we are doing God's will should be payment enough.  

Verse eighteen continues, Chasten thy son while there is hope, and let not thy soul spare for his crying.  We are called on to discipline our children before they become hopelessly lost.  We are to not allow their crying to keep us from disciplining them.  I don't believe that this means that we are to beat them, but we may need to physically punish them, but never to the point of causing any real injury.  

Verse nineteen declares, A man of great wrath shall suffer punishment: for if thou deliver him, yet thou must do it again.  Matthew Henry says this could apply to a headstrong individual who continually gets in trouble, or to a headstrong child who continually needs correction.  Since the verse refers to a man, I believe that is what we must interpret it as meaning.  Some people just refuse to follow the law of man or God.  When a person continues to be ruled by wrath, or hatred, we cannot just give up on him or her, but must always strive for his or her redemption, which can only come through accepting Christ.  

Verse twenty adds, Hear counsel, and receive instruction, that thou mayest be wise in thy latter end.  We are called on to be wise and accept the instructions of God, so that we may be wise in the latter end, or judgment.  The only way to be wise is to accept Christ as our Savior and Lord.  

Verse twenty-one continues, There are many devices in a man’s heart; nevertheless the counsel of the LORD, that shall stand.  If we do not allow God to rule our heart. or mind, there are plenty of other things that will lead us away from Him.  It is important to follow the leadership of the Holy Spirit at all times.  

Verse twenty-two says, The desire of a man is his kindness: and a poor man is better than a liar.  I believe that this means that we are to be guided by kindness, even if it leaves us poor.  Also, it is better to be honest and poor than to be rich through lies or dishonesty.  

Verse twenty-three adds, The fear of the LORD tendeth to life: and he that hath it shall abide satisfied; he shall not be visited with evil.  When we recognize and live under the authority of God, we will be satisfied.  I don't believe this means that nothing bad will ever happen to us, but that nothing bad will happen to us as a result of our own actions under God's leadership.  

Verse twenty-four continues, A slothful man hideth his hand in his bosom, and will not so much as bring it to his mouth again.  Matthew Henry says this means the lazy man will hide his hands like he is injured or cold to avoid work.  

Verse twenty-five states, Smite a scorner, and the simple will beware: and reprove one that hath understanding, and he will understand knowledge.  We should not allow those who scorn God to go unchallenged or unpunished, but if a person has an understanding of God, then that person will accept being reproved.  

Verse twenty-six adds, He that wasteth his father, and chaseth away his mother, is a son that causeth shame, and bringeth reproach.  Children who see themselves as entitled to waste away the things of their parents are like the prodigal son.  So are we when we waste the things God blesses us with instead of using them wisely under His leadership.  

Verse twenty-seven continues, Cease, my son, to hear the instruction that causeth to err from the words of knowledge.  As followers of Christ, therefore children of God, we are not to listen to the instructions of those who would lead us away from God's truth.  This can only lead to destruction of our witnessing and good works for God.  

Verse twenty-eight says, An ungodly witness scorneth judgment: and the mouth of the wicked devoureth iniquity.  Those who deny God scorn the idea of His judgment and proclaim iniquity with their words.  

Verse twenty-nine adds, Judgments are prepared for scorners, and stripes for the back of fools.  Though those who scorn God may deny it, God's judgment is coming.  The only way to avoid everlasting punishment is to accept Jesus as our Savior and Lord.

Proverbs 19:1

Proverbs 19;1 says, Better is the poor that walketh in his integrity, than he that is perverse in his lips, and is a fool.  We are better off poor and living with integrity, or being honest in our dealings with other people, than we are lying when we talk.  I believe this is especially true when we speak about God.  We may gain the world by denying God and His commandments, but we lose our soul's everlasting redemption, and are thereby a fool.  

Verse two adds, Also, that the soul be without knowledge, it is not good; and he that hasteth with his feet sinneth.  For our soul to be without the knowledge of God is not good.  This will lead to everlasting separation from God.  When we walk or run through life without stopping to ask God what He would have us do in every situation, we are sinning.  God expects us to allow Him to guide us at all times.  

Verse three continues, The foolishness of man perverteth his way: and his heart fretteth against the LORD.  I believe this is still referring to walking without God's guidance, and instead following the ways of the world.  If we do not follow God, we pervert our path, and this begins by not acknowledging God, or at least His power in our life.  

Verse four states, Wealth maketh many friends; but the poor is separated from his neighbour.  People want to be friends with the wealthy.  They may think this makes them look better, or that some of the wealth will be passed on to them somehow.  The poor are too often looked down on by, or separated from, their neighbors.  

Verse five adds, A false witness shall not be unpunished, and he that speaketh lies shall not escape.  We can interpret this as referring to bearing false witness or lying about worldly things, for which it should be true, but often is not.  I believe it goes further and means bearing false witness or lying about God.  This will never go unpunished.  

Verse six continues, Many will intreat the favour of the prince: and every man is a friend to him that giveth gifts.  People want to be friends with those in power to see if they can benefit from it.  We also tend to be, or at least pretend to be, friends to those who give us gifts.  

Verse seven says, All the brethren of the poor do hate him: how much more do his friends go far from him? he pursueth them with words, yet they are wanting to him. Just as people often want to be friends to the rich, they likewise want nothing to do with the poor.  We, as followers of Christ, are not to be this way.  We are to reach out to and be a friend to the poor and helpless.  

Verse eight adds, He that getteth wisdom loveth his own soul: he that keepeth understanding shall find good.  Instead of chasing after riches, we are to look to gain wisdom through following God's direction for our lives.  When we seek God's will in life, we are doing what is best spiritually, or for our soul.  

Verse nine continues, A false witness shall not be unpunished, and he that speaketh lies shall perish.  This has been stated before, and again I believe that this is more about denying God and speaking against Him than just lying about earthly matters.  One day, judgment is coming, and then those who have lied about God will be punished.  

Verse ten states, Delight is not seemly for a fool; much less for a servant to have rule over princes.  If we do not acknowledge God, we are but a fool, and it is foolish for us to take delight in the things of the world.  It is also ridiculous for a servant to rule over a prince.  This is what we attempt to do when we deny God's authority in our lives.  

Verse eleven adds, The discretion of a man deferreth his anger; and it is his glory to pass over a transgression.  As followers of Christ, we are called on to be slow to anger and quick to forgive, and not quick to anger and slow to forgive.  

Verse twelve continues, The king’s wrath is as the roaring of a lion; but his favour is as dew upon the grass.  We can expect to be punished by those in power if we make them angry.  Likewise, we can expect to be treated better if we follow the law.  If the choice becomes following man's law or God's law, we must follow God's law, even if we experience the wrath of those in power by doing so.  

Verse thirteen says, A foolish son is the calamity of his father: and the contentions of a wife are a continual dropping.  Family problems are a calamity in life.  If everyone in the family is following God's leadership, then these problems will not exist.  

Verse fourteen adds, House and riches are the inheritance of fathers: and a prudent wife is from the LORD.  The things of this world are inherited from earthly fathers, but a good wife is from God.  Marriage is not just an eathly  legal institution, but a true marriage is centered in God.  

Verse fifteen continues, Slothfulness casteth into a deep sleep; and an idle soul shall suffer hunger.  We are called on to be active witnesses for God, and not to just sit back awaiting the return of Christ.  If we are not actively involved in following Christ, then we will be spiritually hungry.

Proverbs 18:13

Proverbs 18:13 says, He that answereth a matter before he heareth it, it is folly and shame unto him.  I believe that this means that a person shouldn't speak about something before that person really knows all the facts.  This would include repeating gossip.  We should always know that what we are saying is true before we say it.  Sometimes, even if it is the truth, we may be better off not saying something if it is done so simply to hurt someone else.  

Verse fourteen adds, The spirit of a man will sustain his infirmity; but a wounded spirit who can bear?  If we are broken in spirit, which I believe would mean without faith in God, then how can we bear the difficulties that come in life?  I believe that without faith in God that we cannot.  

Verse fifteen continues, The heart of the prudent getteth knowledge; and the ear of the wise seeketh knowledge.  If we are to be prudent and wise, we will seek knowledge and understanding that can only come from God.  This is more than just being educated, and is about true knowledge of how the world works under the power of God.  We cannot gain true knowledge without first acknowledging God.  

Verse sixteen states,  A man’s gift maketh room for him, and bringeth him before great men.  This is referring to bribery.  Some people are able to get what they want by simply bribing those in power.  It doesn't even have to be called a bribe, but if the gift results in a favorable outcome in a situation, it is still a bribe.  

Verse seventeen adds, He that is first in his own cause seemeth just; but his neighbour cometh and searcheth him.  Matthew Henry says that this means the first tale told will likely be believed until someone else contradicts it.  Then, the truth will disprove a lie generally speaking.  

Verse eighteen continues, The lot causeth contentions to cease, and parteth between the mighty.  In the Bible, disputes were often settled by casting lots.  It seems that at times today this might be the only way to settle disputes, especially between two strong sides.  Still, what we should be doing in all cases is seeking God's will, then holding firm to His truth.   

Verse nineteen says, A brother offended is harder to be won than a strong city: and their contentions are like the bars of a castle.  Sometimes, when a brother or sister has been offended by something done to them, a person would find it easier to break through the bars of a castle than to get forgiveness from the one offended.  As Christians, we should always be ready to forgive though.  

Verse twenty adds, A man’s belly shall be satisfied with the fruit of his mouth; and with the increase of his lips shall he be filled.  Matthew Henry says that the belly refers to the conscience, and that the fruit is our words.  When we speak in honesty, proclaiming God's truth, our conscience will be at ease.  

Verse twenty-one states, Death and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof.  Our tongue, or words, are powerful.  We have the power of life, when we share God's good news and proclaim His teachings about life.  We also have the power of death when we deny God and lead others to do so as well.  Of course, this could also refer to testifying about another person in court, but I believe the overall concept is about how we witness for or against God, since that is where true life and death come from.  We will be held accountable for how we use our tongue, or speak.  

Verses twenty-two adds, Whoso findeth a wife findeth a good thing, and obtaineth favour of the LORD.  God established marriage,, the union of one man and one woman into one flesh.  A man does well when he finds a good wife.  Again, God must be at the center of the marriage for it to be successful.  

Verse twenty-three continues, The poor useth intreaties; but the rich answereth roughly.  The poor will often ask, or beg, for help, and the rich will too often treat the poor badly instead of helping them.  God's word always tells us that we are to help the poor and never tells us to ignore or despise them.  

Verse twenty-four concludes, A man that hath friends must shew himself friendly: and there is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother.  If we want to have friends, then we must be friendly toward others.  If we find a true friend, he or she will stick with us through hard times, sometimes even more so than our own siblings.

Proverbs 18:1

Proverbs 18:1 says, Through desire a man, having separated himself, seeketh and intermeddleth with all wisdom.  I believe that this means that people who accept Christ into their lives have a desire to separate themselves from the world and proclaim the wisdom of God.  If we are going to proclaim God's wisdom, we cannot do so if we are guided by the same values as the lost of the world.  

Verse two adds, A fool hath no delight in understanding, but that his heart may discover itself.  We need to remember that a fool is not a person with limited intelligence, but a person who has said in his or her heart that there is no God.  Such people will never have understanding, but will follow whatever they may think up as the right way to live.  

Verse three continues, When the wicked cometh, then cometh also contempt, and with ignominy reproach.  We could see this as a contempt of other people, but I believe that we can also say that when the wicked come, they earn the contempt of God.  

Verse four states, The words of a man’s mouth are as deep waters, and the wellspring of wisdom as a flowing brook.  What we say is controlled by what we believe.  If we are going to have the gospel, the living water, flowing out of our mouth, the we must first have it within us.  

Verse five adds, It is not good to accept the person of the wicked, to overthrow the righteous in judgment.  This is a simple enough concept to understand, but often people do accept the way of the wicked in an attempt to overthrow God's wisdom and those who follow Him.  

Verse six continues, A fool’s lips enter into contention, and his mouth calleth for strokes.  A fool likes to argue his or her point, especially with those who are followers of Christ.  

Verse seven says, A fool’s mouth is his destruction, and his lips are the snare of his soul.  This is still speaking about what the fool says.  The words of the fool, a person who denies God, will lead to destruction if they are followed.  

Verse eight adds, The words of a talebearer are as wounds, and they go down into the innermost parts of the belly.  This continues to speak about the power of words.  I believe a tale bearer is someone who makes up or shares stories about other people that are not true.  This can hurt a person deeply.  Even if the stories happen to be true, they are repeated simply to hurt the person.  

Verse nine continues, He also that is slothful in his work is brother to him that is a great waster.  Being lazy in the way we work is the same as being wasteful.  We, as followers of Christ, are to do our jobs the best that we can, and not to do only as little as possible.  

Verse ten states, The name of the LORD is a strong tower: the righteous runneth into it, and is safe.  When we believe in God, we have safety in life, now and forever.  Even if we lose our life in this world, we have everlasting security with God.  This should cause us to run to God for security, whatever is going on in life.  

Verse eleven adds, The rich man’s wealth is his strong city, and as an high wall in his own conceit.  I believe this refers to those who put their faith in riches instead of God.  They believe that their riches are like a strong city, and their conceit, or belief in themselves is like a high wall protecting them.  

Verse twelve continues, Before destruction the heart of man is haughty, and before honour is humility.  When we are haughty, or filled with self-pride, instead of humbling ourselves before God, we are setting ourselves up for destruction.

Proverbs 17:16

Proverbs 17:16 says, Wherefore is there a price in the hand of a fool to get wisdom, seeing he hath no heart to it?  There is no way for a fool to buy wisdom, no matter how much he might be willing to pay for it.  Wisdom begins with accepting Christ in our lives.  Without this, we have no heart for wisdom.  

Verse seventeen adds, A friend loveth at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.  A true friend will love a person at all times, and a brother will stand with a person through adversity.  

Verse eighteen continues, A man void of understanding striketh hands, and becometh surety in the presence of his friend.  Matthew Henry says this is another warning about acting as surety for a friend's debt.  We act foolishly when we do so.  

Verse nineteen states, He loveth transgression that loveth strife: and he that exalteth his gate seeketh destruction.  If we love sin, it is always going to bring strife into our lives, whether we want to admit it or not.  

Verse twenty adds, He that hath a froward heart findeth no good: and he that hath a perverse tongue falleth into mischief.  When our hearts, or innermost being, is not following God's direction, we will find no true good in life.  

Verse twenty-one continues, He that begetteth a fool doeth it to his sorrow: and the father of a fool hath no joy.  I don't believe this means having a child with mental problems, but means having one who will not acknowledge God and follow His guidance.  

Verse twenty-two says, A merry heart doeth good like a medicine: but a broken spirit drieth the bones.  I believe that this is once more referring to having a positive attitude about life as opposed to having a negative attitude.  As followers of Christ, we should always have joy in our heart.  

Verse twenty-three says, A wicked man taketh a gift out of the bosom to pervert the ways of judgment.  Wicked people can have their judgment bought for a price.  

Verse twenty-four adds,  Wisdom is before him that hath understanding; but the eyes of a fool are in the ends of the earth.  Matthew Henry relates this to wise people being successful in life by being able to concentrate on what at hand, whereas foolish people are always looking in too many directions.  I believe that it can also mean that people who are wise acknowledge and follow God now, but the foolish will not acknowledge God until His judgment.  

Verse twenty-five continues, A foolish son is a grief to his father, and bitterness to her that bare him.  Foolish children disappoint their parents.  This is simple enough to understand.  Parents really want their children to be smart, but even more so Christian parents want their children to acknowledge and accept God as the guide of their lives.  

Verse twenty-six states, Also to punish the just is not good, nor to strike princes for equity.  The just, those that follow God's guidance in life, should not be struck, or punished. Sometimes though, God's people are punished because of their faith.  

Verse twenty-seven adds, He that hath knowledge spareth his words: and a man of understanding is of an excellent spirit.  People who are knowledgeable do not just continually talk or bring attention to themselves.  Also, if we have understanding, or know that we are God's people forever through our faith in Christ, the we should have an excellent spirit.  

Verse twenty-eight continues, Even a fool, when he holdeth his peace, is counted wise: and he that shutteth his lips is esteemed a man of understanding.  This is just like the old saying that it is better to remain silent and be thought a fool than to open one's mouth and remove all doubt.  If we have nothing intelligent to say, then we are better off saying nothing.