The Strand Study Bible

PROVERBS

949

PROVERBS

enough to change their minds when presented with the facts. For example, wisdom says: 1. If you never quit, you never fail ( Prov 24:16 )

It has been wisely said, “If you want to hit home runs, then you’ve got to be willing to strike out.” For example, *Thomas Edison, who was once called a dunce by one of his teachers, became the most successful inventor of all time. *Albert Einstein, who flunked math, became the most successful mathematician of all time. *Abraham Lincoln, who failed at almost everything he tried in life and even had a nervous breakdown, became the most successful president this nation has ever elected. *Walt Disney, who went broke seven times (he even had a nervous breakdown) became the most successful movie producer ever. *Henry Ford, who was broke at the age of forty, became the most successful automobile builder ever. It’s no disgrace to fail; it’s only a disgrace to do less than your best to keep from failing. THE ADAGE IS TRUE: The only time you truly fail is when you fail to get back up ( Prov 24:16 ) 2. For every action there is a reaction ( Gal 6:7 ) 3. If you never take a drink, you can never become a drunk ( Acts 2:15 , Prov 20:1 & 23:31,34 & 31:6 and Hab 2:15 ) 4. If the grass is greener on the other side, it’s probably because the water bill is higher (Heb 11:24-25) If it’s too good to be true, it probably isn’t true. 5. Gambling is never a risk unless, of course, you lose ( I Tim 6:10 and Prov 13:11 ) Question - Are you wise enough to change your mind when presented with the facts of God’s Word? 2:17 This is not talking about her covenant (her vows before God), but “God’s covenant” concerning marriage. 3:1 According to Deut 17:18-19, to keep (obey) God’s commandments is to fear the LORD ; to give God the last say in our life (Gen 22:9-12). Thus, the fear of the LORD has nothing to do with being “afraid” of God, and everything to do with simply choosing God’s Word above our own (Hag 1:1-12, Job 28:28 and Psa 112:1). 3:2 Living wisely “adds” to your life a longer peaceful life. Why? Because living by what God’s says keeps you from things that can harm you and shorten your life. 3:3 Like a graceful ornament ( bind them about thy neck ), we are to wear the Word of God ( mercy and truth ) proudly, openly, and unashamedly. Those who “choose” to wear the commandments of God upon their hearts gain the favor of both God and man (vs 4). Why? Because the commandments of God deal with how to treat God (moral, ceremonial, personal, and separational laws) and how to treat man (civil laws), but not how to treat self ( Mt 22: 34- 39 ). According to Dr. Harold L. Willmington in Willmington’s Guide to the Bible , there are 613 commandments found in the Old Testament, 1 which, if obeyed, bless either God or man. No wonder obeying the moral and civil laws of God gain the favor of both God and man. For example: 1. People appreciate their lost property being returned to them (Exo 23:4 and Deut 22:1-3) 2. God’s ministers appreciate those who obey God’s Word and tithe (Num 18:6,20-21 and I Cor 9:1-14) 3. God appreciates your thanks and praise of Him ( Deut 8:10 ) 3:7 The great hindrance to all true wisdom is the thought that we have already attained it. Thus we are given the admonition: Be not wise in thine own eyes (estimation). 3:13 Happy is the man “ that findeth wisdom ” (that gives God the “last say” in his life). 3:16 Whereas “long life” (Prov 3:2) refers to our days here on earth, “ length of days ” (Prov 3:2,16) refers to eternal life (Psa 16:11). One of the great benefits of wisdom is its eternal feature (Prov 8:22-31). Those who embrace wisdom now will receive eternal riches and honor later (I Cor 3:8-15 and II Cor 5:10-11 ). 3:17 This word ( pleasantness ) is the Hebrew word dar’key noam and means “ substantial delight .” Those who give God the “last say” in their life (acquire wisdom – Jms 1:5/ Job 35:13 ) enjoy the peace of God; the pleasant presence of God” (Phil 4:6-9). 3:18 Like the tree of life which conferred immortality on those who ate of its fruits, so wisdom becomes equally life-giving to those who “ lay hold upon her .” 6. Growing old is mandatory, growing up is optional (Mt 19:21) 7. If you learn to humble yourself, no one else has to ( I Ki 21:29 ) 8. Success is not an event; it’s a lifetime of good habits (Eccl 5:3) 9. Tis better to be alone than in bad company ( I Cor 15:33 )

1 Harold L. Willmington. Willmington’s Guide to the Bible , Wheaton, ILL, Tyndale House Pub, Inc.. 1981. Print.