Today’s Bible Translation

Bible translation used in today’s episode: Ch. 11 GNT, Ch. 12 CEB

Executive Producer

John Train

Podcast Introduction

Today is Poetry Thursday. We’ll read Proverbs 11-12. I’m calling this episode “The Way That Leads To Life.”

Comments on Proverbs 12

Let’s spend a few moments on some of these verses, shall we?

1Those who love discipline love knowledge, and those who hate correction are stupid.

The book of Proverbs contrasts wisdom vs foolishness. In this verse, we are instructed that it is the wise who keep learning, and have a willingness to receive instruction. 

Eighteenth century theologian Charles Bridges wrote of this verse: “If we find that we are upset when our faults are pointed out to us, that shows we lack not only grace but understanding. We are behaving as if we were stupid…. Oh, for a teachable spirit to sit at the feet of our divine Master and learn from him.”

3No one is established by wicked acts, but the roots of the righteous can’t be disturbed.

The fool, the wicked person often seeks to gain power or wealth by cutting corners or cheating, lying and stealing. These people will never have God’s blessing. Adam Clarke, the 19th century theologian and author of the highly regarded Clarke’s Commentary wrote this: “Evil is always variable: it has no fixed principle, except the root that is in the human heart; and even that is ever assuming new forms. Nothing is permanent but goodness; and that is unchangeable, because it comes from GOD.”

Regarding the second half of this verse, “…but the roots of the righteous can’t be disturbed.” We have several Scriptures that promise this truth. John Trapp, the 17th century Bible commentator wrote, “‘God is my rock, I shall not be greatly moved.’ [Psalms 62:2] Nay, ‘I shall not be moved at all.’ [Proverbs 12:3] ‘The gates of hell cannot do it.’ [Matthew 16:18] ‘None can pluck them out of God’s hands,’ [John 10:28] for he ‘hath laid help upon one that is mighty.’ [Psalms 89:19]”

13The wicked are trapped by the transgressions of their lips, but the righteous escape from distress.

The one who lies must have a good memory in order to remember his lies, doesn’t he? But he inevitably slips up and is caught…trapped in his lies.

15Fools see their own way as right, but the wise listen to advice.

Fools see their own way as right. My goodness, we have many examples of this every day in the news, don’t we? They will never listen to opposing views, but instead display their foolishness at ever higher decibels. 

18Some chatter on like a stabbing sword, but a wise tongue heals.

Some people delight in cutting others with their words. We often see this on display in the various social media platforms. Today we call them trolls. And how refreshing it is when we hear wise words of healing.

23The shrewd conceal their knowledge, but the heart of fools proclaims their stupidity.

The wise person knows not to show all of his cards, so to speak. James Garrett, the 20th century theologian wrote: “Someone who is careful in what he says will be equally careful about whom he confides in.” But on the other side of the coin, Charles Bridges wrote this: “Fools, however, proclaim their folly everywhere. They are dogmatic in arguments when wiser men are cautious. They teach when they should be learning.” 

28The way of the righteous leads to life, but the detestable path leads to death.

The enemy of our souls tries to sell the lie that living a life pleasing to the Lord is unexciting and dreary. But the truth is that it is in fact fulfilling and rewarding. Matthew Poole, the 17th century theologian wrote: “The practice of justice and godliness, though it expose a man to some dangers and inconveniences in the world, yet it will certainly lead him to life and happiness, whereas the end of all wicked courses is death and destruction.”

Oh beloved, there are great rewards for the wise, and nothing but misery for the fool. Blessed is the man or woman who thirsts for the wisdom of God!

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