Proverbs Chapter 19 by Mark Dunagan

PROVERBS Chapter 19 Poor Yet Rich 19:1 This verse infers that one can be poor and yet righteous. Poverty doesn’t have to undermine one’s morality for the poor man can “afford” God’s moral standards just as much as the rich man. “Personal integrity, even with poverty, is far better than foolish perversion…The verse teaches people to follow honesty, even if it leads to poverty” (Gaebelein p. 1030). “A fool may try to get rich by devious means, but honesty is still a better policy, even if it means going hungry” (Bible Knowledge Comm. p. 945). The verse also reminds us that God expects us to remain faithful, even if such faithfulness becomes very costly. Yes, God expects me to be honest, even if such honesty costs me a promotion or my job. But how often does the world label as the “fool”, the man who refuses to compromise in order to get ahead? How often does the media picture as the “fool” the person who refuses to compromise their integrity, and thus loses a fortune in the process?

Getting Nowhere, Fast 19:2 This might be the OT equivalent to Romans 10:1-2, the person with zeal, but who lacks knowledge. The knowledge under consideration is of course the knowledge of God. “Haste”-“The word implies the foolishness of making snap decisions…Some people say smart carpenters, for instance, measure three times and cut once, while foolish carpenters (acting in haste) measure once and cut three times” (Alden pp. 142-143). Ambition and inner drive is a good thing, but it can become a very dangerous thing when divorced from the knowledge of God and His will. We live in a society which seems to value enthusiasm, but doesn’t value spiritual truth. God doesn’t praise the person who zealously tried to get something done, but who neglected His will in the process.

Always God’s Fault

19:3 When we start blaming God for the problems that we have only brought upon ourselves, we are playing the role of a fool. “Fools will try to blame God when they ruin their lives….The fool is not willing to accept failure as his own” (Gaebelein p. 1030). It is silly to rage against God and blame Him, for He only wants what is best for us (1 Tim. 2:4; 2 Peter 3:9).

Fair-Weather Friends 19:4 Compare with 18:23-24 and 19:6-7. Nothing is new, people have always run after the wealthy and courted their favor. “People will run after the rich, hoping to gain something; but they will avoid the poor, fearing that the poor might be trying to gain something from them” (Gaebelein p. 1031). The verse should really make us reexamine our own circle of friends. Are we ashamed of those who are less fortunate? Do we have any poor friends? Our society often talks about discrimination based on race (and rightly so), but there is also a tremendous amount of discrimination based on greed. Compare with what Jesus said in Luke 14:12-14. Instead of entirely basing friendships on what others can do for us, we should base friendships on what we can do for others. In our friendships let us try to become servants, rather than those who are being served.

Perjury 19:5 “This is a statement made in faith, for perjurers may escape human justice. Even the stern law of Deuteronomy 19:18-21 availed nothing for Naboth—or for Jesus” (Kidner p. 132). Sooner or later liars will be found out and brought to justice (Revelation 21:8). Our society is so concerned with short-term gain. We are told that it is foolish to allow your integrity to get in the way of getting ahead, or of getting out of a jam. Crime doesn’t pay—and neither does any other sin. Saving our own skin may be the first step to losing our soul.

The Fan Club 19:6 People do seek the friendship of influential people. “Flattering a ruler is often done to take advantage of other people, sometimes to pervert justice. The rich, with money to buy friends, are subject to many such offers of “friendship” (Bible Knowledge Comm. p. 946). “While most of us will never occupy such important positions of influence, we must still heed the words of advice. What abut our increasing fascination with “born again” actors, actresses, rock stars, athletes, and other newsmakers? Is our adulation and excessive praise

calculated to curry favor with rulers and make friends with people who give gifts?” (Alden p. 143).

Poverty, The Downside 19:7 If a poor man is hated or shunned by his own relatives, how much more is he despised by his neighbors. If we drop someone when their social status drops, then we are a fair-weather friend. No one listens to the poor man. Have you ever heard this argument, “if you are so smart and if you know the truth, then why aren’t you rich?” Many people are turned off from Christianity, because so often many of the members come from the lower levels of society (1 Cor. 1:26). To worldly-minded people, it often looks as if Christianity is for losers. “The poor are shunned by strangers, friends, even relatives, still, they shouldn’t embarrass themselves or others by constantly seeking for loans or handouts. Rich people, on the other hand, ought to treat the poor not with indifference but with firmness mixed with genuine concern” (Alden p. 144). Compare with Ecc. 9:11.

Sense Pays Its Way 19:8 If you love wisdom and true knowledge, then you are properly loving yourself. Note that wisdom must be acquired (we aren’t born inherently wise), and it also must be kept. “Prosperity here really refers more to peace of mind, self-satisfaction, and fulfillment; good pay is just a side benefit of other basic senses of accomplishment” (Alden p. 144).

Perjury Again 19:9 Whatever short-term benefits are gained by lying are just as quickly lost and forfeited. Those who argue that in some situations is it all right to twist the truth need to seriously consider this verse and the advice they are giving to others. Remember, people typically lie in situations in which they feel that such lies are justified.

Pearls And Swine

19:10 “While God loves to surprise the undeserving with grace, it is to ennoble them; He has no pleasure in a misfit” (Kidner p. 132). Now, a fool can study and become wise, and the slave can become successful through hard work. “It is fools and slaves who expect and demand what they don’t deserve that get society or a nation into trouble” (Alden p. 144). If the fool doesn’t change, then prosperity will only intensify his folly. “In these reversals the fool would only make worse his bad qualities….boorishness, insensitivity, and lack of discipline —and the slave would become arrogant and cruel..” (Gaebelein p. 1032).

Priceless Patience 19:11 “It is his glory”-Overlooking a transgression in the eyes of the world often looks weak and unassertive. “Go for the throat”, is the attitude among many. God says that patience and the willingness to forgive is glorious, extremely beautiful, and far from looking unimpressive or drab. “The way a person reacts who is attacked by criticism is a good measure of his wisdom and spiritual maturity” (Alden p. 144). Our society tends to glorify the person who loses their temper. I have heard people argue that unless one uses some profanity in their speech, people won’t take one seriously. That in order to get things done one must explode and intimidate. “The virtue which is indicated here is more than a forgiving temper; it includes also the ability to shrug off insults and the absence of a brooding hypersensitivity. It is the ability to deny to an adversary the pleasure of hearing a yelp of pain even when his words have inflicted a wound, of making large allowances for human frailties and keeping the lines of communication open. It contains elements of toughness and self-discipline; it is the capacity to stifle a hot, emotional rejoinder and to sleep on an insult” (Gaebelein p. 1033).

The Lion And The Dew 19:12 Compare with 16:14-15; 20:2. “Subordinates may learn tact here, and superiors pleasantness” (Kidner p. 133). The verse may warn against kings who are fickle, but I think that the proverb stresses the mercy and wrath which any king would exercise (Romans 13:4). Our perspective of a ruler is greatly determined on whether we are doing good or evil. To the evil man, a righteous ruler is a tyrant, for such a man receives justice from such a king. We often have the choice whether we receive refreshment from those in authority, including parents and elders, or whether we receive punishment and rebuke.

Hell Or Heaven At Home 19:13 “A foolish son is like an overwhelming catastrophe that sucks a person into a deep pit. Fathers with foolish sons can testify to the engulfing agony that sinks them into depression and despair” (Bible Knowledge Comm. p. 946). “Contentions”: Quarrelsome words and nagging. “The constant dripping of the complaining woman reminds us to the ancient Chinese water torture” (Alden p. 145). Pity the man who has both problems. 19:14 “A prudent wife is from the Lord”-Suggests that one cannot find a prudent wife through manipulation or mere human wisdom. While wealth can be transferred from a father to a son, a good wife cannot be inherited. The verse certainly infers that those who want to marry need to ask God for guidance. “The decision is critical, yet by oneself (one’s own limited wisdom) a person has little chance of making the right choice” (Alden p. 145). Young men and women sometimes overlook such a prudent person, desiring rather to marry someone more on the basis of external appearance. When you are dating, rather than wondering who you want to marry, ask yourself, “who would God want me to marry?” “Those who are married ought to ask themselves whether they are naggers, complainers, or spouses who build up and encourage their mates” (Alden p. 145).

The Creeping Spread Of Sloth 19:15 The sleep here is probably more mental than physical. Lazy people often tend to live in a dream world, and tend to excuse and justify their casual attitude. “This sleep is rather the unconscious oblivion one succumbs to after long periods of avoiding work” (Alden p. 145). Obviously, laziness was a big problem in the ancient world—and still is today. The verse also contradicts the modern idea that poverty is never the result of choice, and that no man or woman would consciously choose poverty. “An idle man”, is literally, a “shiftless man”. You can still see many shiftless people who are suffering hunger. The verse sounds a warning that laziness can bring a person to the point of no return.

Life Giving Obedience 19:16 Such a passage doesn’t downplay the importance of God’s mercy, but rather harmonizes with other passages which stress that God’s mercy is extended to those who desire to obey (Exodus 20:6). The word “careless” in the side reference is defined as, “despises”, this is a “a striking reminder of the

seriousness of sins of omission, and of a Judge (not merely a natural process) to be reckoned with” (Kidner p. 134). This verse digs down into one of the root causes of rebellion against God’s Word. Such a person either despises his spiritual life and thus considers it unimportant, or has contempt for God and His values.

Lending To God 19:17 “Lends to the Lord”: Giving to the poor and lending a helping hand, are activities which God will reward (but not necessarily with money). Give to the poor and God has promised to pick up the debt (Luke 14:12-14). Compare with Matthew 25:40. The verse implies that often God’s will is done on this earth through people who are willing to be used as His tools.

Deadly Leniency 19:18 “While there is hope”: Which implies that the opportunity isn’t unlimited when it comes to properly raising our children. The verse also tells parents that there is always hope when godly discipline is being administered, and that every child needs such training. It always makes sense to try! “And do not desire his death”, which means that the discipline approved by God in this verse isn’t child abuse. “To withhold discipline is neither a compliment nor a kindness; and the opportunity passes” (Kidner p. 134). Literally, this last clause reads, “Do not lift up your life to kill him”, “meaning do not make the kind of decisions that will lead to his death (allowing him to go astray through neglect)” (Gaebelein p. 1035). The verse could also mean that withholding correction is giving up on your child and simply waiting for the inevitable.

His Own Worst Enemy 19:19 The hot-tempered person will be constantly in trouble and unless such a person changes, all your attempts to get them out of trouble will be in vain. “While his disposition is unchanged, all your efforts will be useless, and the help which you have given him will only make him think that he may continue to indulge his anger with impunity” (Hunt p. 248). The verse seems to infer that in such a situation, we need to allow such a person to hit rock bottom and suffer for their mistakes for this may be the only way that they can learn to control such a temper. The verse should also warn women about getting involved with men

who have beaten or been abusive to former girlfriends. Wives who protect their abusive husbands aren’t doing themselves or their husbands any favors.

Wisdom: A Long-Term Investment 19:20 The path of wisdom begins when one is young. Unless one is willing to listen, accept a rebuke, or some constructive criticism, wisdom will never be attained. “Verse 20 might be called the key verse of the book because it nearly summarizes what Proverbs is all about” (Alden p. 146). “Wisdom gathered and digested in youth is seen in the prudence and intelligence of manhood and of old age” (Hunt p. 248).

The Frailty Of Human Opinion 19:21 This doesn’t mean that merely human plans don’t have temporary success (i.e. consider the spread of the Muslim faith or Mormonism). But rather, in the end the only standard of judgment that will prevail is the one authorized by God. In addition, man is unable to stop the truth or the spread of Christianity (Acts 4:17). Compare with Psalm 2.

A Man’s True Worth 19:22 “Kindness”: The side reference is “loyalty”, which is the Hebrew word hesed. This word is often used of God’s steadfast or loyal love to those who keep His covenant. Points To Note: 1. Lying is the opposite of loyalty or a steadfast devotion to what is right. 2. People argue that in some situations lying would be the “kind” thing to do, but God sees it differently. Lying is the abandonment of true kindness and is so despicable that poverty is preferred to it. 3. God isn’t impressed with people who can’t keep their agreements or who can’t tell the truth. 4. Since God is a God of steadfast love, this means that God will always honor His covenants. God won’t act contrary to His revealed will.

Peaceful Fear 19:23 When you have a healthy respect for God, you don’t have to fear anything else. Evil cannot truly harm the faithful child of God. Evil men can only kill the body, they cannot harm the soul (Matthew 10:28). So much for the claim that faithful Christians, people who fear God, live a miserable existence. Note, one can fear God and be extremely happy, contented, and satisfied. Don’t believe the mockers who claim that every faithful Christian would really like to engage in evil, or that such people are living a lie. The person who truly fears the Lord is at peace with himself. And what more could any of us ask? Happiness, security, and long life are benefits which cannot be bought. Compare with Romans 8:31 and Hebrews 13:6.

Now That’s Being Lazy 19:24 I believe that here we can see that God has a definite sense of humor. The sluggard is pictured as being so lazy that he is too lazy to lift his hand to his mouth so he can eat. The sluggard refuses to finish what he starts. “The rare effort of beginning has been too much; the impulse dies…and his meal goes cold on him” (Kidner p. 42). If we think that this verse is an exaggeration, we might change our mind when actually we run into this type of person. “All of life becomes a burden to the ambitionless person” (Hunt p. 251).

The Wake Up Call 19:25 Here we find three varieties of mind: We have the closed mind (a scoffer), the empty mind (the naïve), and the open mind (one who has understanding). Points To Note: 1. While the scoffer might learn nothing-even the hard way, at least such punishment may make an impression upon a naïve individual. “Seeing another person publicly punished for his crime can serve was a warning to others” (Alden p. 147). 2. The naïve individual must be startled into attention. 2. Note, a wise man accepts even truth which is painful.

The Unnatural Son 8

19:26 Ungrateful and rebellious children are nothing new. “The proverb may have in mind the son who wishes to take over his father’s lands prematurely” (Gaebelein p. 1038), but it would clearly apply to the child who steals from their parents. In light of such behavior, we might be tempted to think that the punishment given to such a son in the Law (the death penalty) wasn’t harsh enough!

Trifling With The Truth 19:27 Being wise isn’t a static state. One is either increasing in knowledge or losing what knowledge they do possess. A closed mind has definite consequences. The verse also infers that one cannot simply retain a percentage of the truth. Doctrines are like dominos, reject one and others must also be rejected. Compare with 2 Thess. 2:10-12.

Deliberate Distortion 19:28 “Spreads”-side reference, “swallows”. “One may see here, far advanced, the spiritual morbidity which betrays its presence whenever one enjoys giving a malicious twist to a story” (Kidner pp. 135-136). There is great motivation here to change! If I am a wicked person, then I will infect others—my wife, children, grandchildren, etc….Wickedness cannot be hidden and neither can it be managed. The choice is clear, either be the cause why other people will end up destroyed and lost---or forsake selfishness and humbly submit yourself to God.

When Warnings Fail 19:29 The scoffer will be confronted with the God who he or she had mocked all these years. The verse seems to suggest that it is very hard to break from a mocking mode once you have given into such a temptation. There is nothing glamorous or intellectual about being a skeptic of God’s truth. You’re not at the top, rather, such a category places you at the bottom of the honesty barrel.