Wednesday, September 25 – Proverbs 19, 20

1. What causes a man’s heart to fret against the Lord? (Proverbs 19:3)

2. What is the fate of a false witness? (Proverbs 19:9)

3. What is it for a man to overlook an offense? (Proverbs 19:11)

4. How does Solomon describe wine? (Proverbs 20:1)

Commentary and Reflection:

One theme mentioned several times in the book of Proverbs and three times in chapter 19 is false witnesses. It is evident that God does not take this matter lightly. There is a commandment that condemns it. In courts, witnesses are made to swear to tell the truth under penalty of punishment. It is a crime to lie in court and to lie to the police because the truth is necessary for justice to be served.

It is not to God when we lie because He cannot be deceived. Lies are told to deceive human beings, but the issue is that God hears it all. It is offensive to Him when we are careless with the truth, even when we speak falsely about our neighbor outside of a courtroom. The same applies when we repeat a false testimony we have heard. The same law that says, “You shall not murder” and “You shall not commit adultery” also says, “You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor.” Proverbs 19 declares that a false witness will not go unpunished.

Several proverbs in these two chapters encourage us to be reflective and not impulsive. For example:

“The soul without knowledge is not good, 
And he who hastens with his feet sins.” (Proverbs 19:2) 

“He who gets wisdom loves his own soul; 
He who keeps understanding will find good.” (Proverbs 19:8) 

“It is honorable for a man to stop striving, 
Since any fool can start a quarrel.” (Proverbs 20:3) 

“The discretion of a man makes him slow to anger, 
And his glory is to overlook a transgression.” (Proverbs 19:11) 

“It is a snare for a man to devote rashly something as holy, 
And afterward to reconsider his vows.” (Proverbs 20:25) 

What a beautiful thought is found in this next proverb:

“He who has pity on the poor lends to the Lord,
And He will pay back what he has given.” (Proverbs 19:17) 

The Lord cares about the poor and is attentive to them.

The following proverb is a classic. Liquor is a curse for humanity. How many disasters it has caused, and how much pain it continues to cause! We do well to reject alcohol with all our being and to abhor it. Notice how it mentions wine; some pretend wine to be more benign:

“Wine is a mocker, 
Strong drink is a brawler, 
And whoever is led astray by it is not wise.” (Proverbs 20:1) 

There is no easy or quick money. A business must be worked hard to start producing. As it is said, “Easy come, easy go.”

“An inheritance gained hastily at the beginning 
Will not be blessed at the end.” (Proverbs 20:21) 

Vengeance is not ours; it harms us when we seek it. Here is a beautiful promise:

“Do not say, ‘I will recompense evil’; 
Wait for the Lord, and He will save you.” (Proverbs 20:22) 

What a beautiful thought this next one is!

“The glory of young men is their strength,
And the splendor of old men is their gray head.” (Proverbs 20:29) 

The discipline God provides through trials is necessary and serves a useful purpose. We should accept it.

“Blows that hurt cleanse away evil, 
As do stripes the inner depths of the heart.” (Proverbs 20:30) 

Appreciate the Lord’s discipline today. May you be greatly blessed.