Friday, September 27 – Proverbs 23, 24

1. What does “For as he thinks in his heart, so is he” mean? Proverbs 23:7

2. Why should we guard our intentions? Proverbs 24:8, 9

3. Choose five of these sayings of the wise and apply them to your life.

Commentary and Reflection:

Today, we continue to delve into the beautiful and practical lessons of the Book of Proverbs, focusing on chapters 23 and 24. In the sayings of the wise, there is no loss, only spiritual gain.

The first three verses of Proverbs 23 are well-known to us, as they call for temperance, discipline, and self-control in our eating habits. Whether we are in the presence of someone important or ordinary, we must “put a knife to [our] throat” (23:2). Our body, as the temple of the Holy Spirit, must glorify God in what we eat and drink.

It is unwise to place our security in the pursuit of riches. “Do not overwork to be rich; because of your own understanding, cease! Will you set your eyes on that which is not? For riches certainly make themselves wings; they fly away like an eagle toward heaven.” (23:5)

The saying, “For as he thinks in his heart, so is he” (23:7), conveys a profound truth. Our thoughts shape who we are. “For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks” (Matthew 12:34), profoundly affecting our actions.

Verse 10 cautions against attempting to seize or encroach on the boundaries of a property, especially if it belongs to someone poor and vulnerable, such as orphans and widows. Mosaic law condemns such actions. Here, the wise reminds us that the defender of the poor is the “Supreme Redeemer,” the closest kinsman and redeemer, who is God our Father.

The advice to the son is straightforward and significant: “Listen to your father who begot you, and do not despise your mother when she is old” (23:22). The son or daughter will eventually grow old and hope for their children to continue loving them even when age brings wrinkles.

Verses 29-35 warn us of the severe harm caused by alcoholic beverages. As Mrs. White states in Ministry of Healing, “No argument is needed to show the evil effects of intoxicants on the drunkard. The bleared, besotted wrecks of humanity—souls for whom Christ died, and over whom angels weep—are everywhere. They are a blot on our boasted civilization. They are the shame and curse and peril of every land.” (Ministry of Healing, p. 331).

Proverbs 24 emphasizes that it is foolish for a child of God to envy the wicked, particularly the wealthy. There is nothing in their life worth emulating. The most incredible riches come from God, and it is the quality of life He offers us. This quality does not depend on the abundance of material goods. Jesus offers us abundant life.

The home is built on the foundations of wisdom, prudence, and knowledge from God. (vv. 3, 4) 

The wise person is superior to the strong. (v. 5) 

“If you faint in the day of adversity, your strength is small. Deliver those who are drawn toward death and hold back those stumbling to the slaughter. If you say, ‘Surely we did not know this,’ does not He who weighs the hearts consider it? He who keeps your soul, does He not know it? And will He not render to each man according to his deeds?” (vv. 10-12) 

“In the great Judgment day, those who have not worked for Christ, who have drifted along thinking of themselves, caring for themselves, will be placed by the Judge of the whole earth with those who did evil. They receive the same condemnation.” (The Desire of Ages, p. 642)

The wise provide a stern warning to the wicked and good news to the righteous: “Do not lie in wait, O wicked man, against the dwelling of the righteous; do not plunder his resting place; for a righteous man may fall seven times and rise again, but the wicked shall fall by calamity.” (24:15-16)

One of the ethical principles taught by Jesus in the Sermon on the Mount is reflected in verse 17 of this chapter: “Do not rejoice when your enemy falls, and do not let your heart be glad when he stumbles.”

The final verses of this chapter, verses 30-34, illustrate how proverbs are often formed: the wise observe the significant aspects of life, reflect on their experiences, and draw conclusions to pass on to their disciples.

Throughout our study, we have seen how valuable these wise sayings are. In His wisdom, God inspired Solomon to include them in the Scriptures. Over the years, the great truths expressed in these proverbs have been proven true, are true now, and will continue to be true. In summary, as Jeremiah said, man’s heart remains “deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked; who can know it?” (Jeremiah 17:9).

May God bless us and help us to follow the counsel given in these passages.