Here Solomon reminds us that the stupid man lacks the rational ability and acts by instinct and he condemns those who think more highly of those people who want to improve themselves.
Have you ever tried to pull or dig out a hedge? It’s really difficult, to say the least, this is what Solomon says about those who try to uproot the righteous, Colossians 2:6-7 / Ephesians 3:16-21.
Have you ever had a toothache? I used to have a friend whose teeth were just pure rotten; they caused a lot of pain for him and ultimately, he would have to have them all removed.
A good wife complements a man, she enables him to realise status and success, Ephesians 5:22-24. A poor wife saps her husband’s abilities and constantly keeps him from doing his best. She disgraces and damages his reputation through incompetence and immorality.
Have you ever heard of the phrase, ‘keeping up with the Jones’’? What does that phrase mean? It’s the idea of trying to live your life whilst comparing your life to those who are better off.
These verses commend the person who enjoys a modest but sure prosperity way of life but the person who pretends to be something they aren’t and then lacks necessities because of their vanity and overspending.
When I read these verses, I think about those who stand up for animal rights. God has always stood up for animals’ rights and here He tells us He doesn’t approve of the abuse of animals. Solomon also says those who chase fantasies have no sense, this is those who seek to win the lottery, they believe that just one big deal, will set them up for life.
The stronghold is referring to speculative financial dealings. The root of the righteous endures because they are rooted in God and it flourishes because it’s well supported.
Some people have all kinds of addictions, here Solomon says that some people are addicted to lying, and just like an alcoholic who won’t admit they are one. The fool has a reliance on their own opinions, thus making them deaf to the advice of the wise.
Have you ever had those times when you say something but later regretted saying it? As Christians we must always think before we speak, Ecclesiastes 5:2-12.
The wise do not live behind a facade of falseness, that is the way of the fool. The wise man doesn’t talk too much, the wise man seeks to speak effectively, James 3:1-12.
Hard work will keep us from even harder work. A good friend once said to be concerning anxiety, ‘Christians are just too blessed to be stressed,’ there’s a lot of truth in those words, Matthew 6:25-34 / 1 Peter 5:7.
Have you ever been hurt or let down by a close friend? A real friend would never want to hurt anyone, especially a friend when they are down. Christians should be in the caring business, going out of their way to help others, Galatians 6:10.
Solomon finishes this chapter by reminding us that we won’t get anything out of something unless we put something into it, Proverbs 21:25.
"And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus."