In this chapter, we see many great contrasts between the wise and the unwise, the righteous and the wicked.
Fathers enjoy seeing their son’s willingness to be taught and learn wisdom. A son who will not learn causes his mother to endure much suffering. Wisdom is necessary for the ‘good life’ which parents desire for their children. These ‘ill-gotten gains,’ literally ‘treasures of wickedness,’ seem profitable and sound profitable but are not.
We should be able to match our treasures with our righteousness. There is no real security in wealth acquired wickedly, and it does matter how a man acquires his money and property. Generally speaking, the Lord will not allow those who try to do right to suffer, Matthew 6:33.
Poverty is the product of indifference. During harvest, the whole family was needed in the field or vineyard. A son shows his true quality in such times. The righteous man receives blessings and leaves a good reputation behind him.
Contrasts With The Troublemaker In The Community With The One Who Contributes To Its Welfare.
Notice the word ‘winks’, this could mean the troublemaker is overlooking evil or perhaps it’s a sign showing he is not telling the truth. The man whose speech cannot be taken at face value is a source of trouble. When love is behind our actions, it has a way of producing positive results, James 5:20 / Matthew 18:15 / Matthew 18:20.
The quality of speech is determined by its results, the speech of the fool gets them into trouble. Discipline is needed since reason and logic did not work, Proverbs 26:3. Wise people are wise because they are silent, listening and storing up for good. It is quite difficult to learn when you are always talking, James 1:19.
The wise man does not underestimate the power of wealth, it provides protection. Yet he needs to be careful this wealth does not become his god, Luke 12:15. The poor man must be careful or else he will use his poverty as an excuse and thus ruin himself, Romans 6:23. This is the person who has been instructed and disciplined but has forsaken it.
The word, ‘conceals’ means they talk like a friend but they are not. Even concealed hatred is wrong. Do you engage in gossip? Solomon says you are a fool! If we continue to talk so much, we are bound to say something that will offend or damage another. There is much power in speech and good speech is very valuable. We ‘nourish many’ through counsel and guidance, Hosea 4:6.
The idea here seems to be that the way wealth is acquired is important. When we acquire wealth in the right way, the Lord sends no sorrow with it. To a fool, wickedness is like fun and playtime.
So also, is learning to one of understanding, Matthew 7:24-25. The lazy performance of one sent on a mission brings unpleasantness and irritation.
How did the fear of the Lord prolong life? Proverbs 8:13 / Proverbs 14:27 / Proverbs 15:33.
1. It kept one from trouble, sin and evil.
2. It encouraged one to keep specifics of Old Law (including cleanliness laws).
3. It will bring special blessings from God.
The fear of the Lord provides a certain confidence and assurance. If the people are righteous, they will be allowed to stay in the land. If not, they will be removed. This also states the conditions of the land promise given to Abraham.
This is acceptable to whom? God first, then men.
"So Paul stayed for a year and a half, teaching them the word of God."