Here Solomon reminds us that the stupid man lacks rational ability and acts by instinct, and he condemns those who think more highly of those people who want to improve themselves, Psalms 32:9.
This is contrasted with good people, the people who are obedient to God and who obtain favour with the Lord, as the following says, Deuteronomy 27-28 / 1 John 1:6-7.
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.
Henry, in his commentary, says the following.
‘A wife who is pious, prudent, and looks well to the ways of her household, who makes conscience of her duty, and can bear crosses; such a one is an honour and comfort to her husband. She, that is the reverse of this, preys upon him, and consumes him.’
The plans of the righteous are indeed just; their lives and their thinking reflect this, Romans 12:1-2. Have you ever heard of the phrase, ‘keeping up with the Joneses’? 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, Matthew 10:29 / Psalm 104:27.
Henry, in his commentary, says the following.
‘A godly man would not put even an animal to needless pain. But the wicked often speak of others as well used, when they would not endure like treatment for a single day.’
Solomon also says those who chase fantasies have no sense. These are 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.
Henry, in his commentary, says the following.
‘When the ungodly see others prosper by sin, they wish they could act in the same way. But the root of Divine grace, in the heart of the righteous, produces other desires and purposes.’
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.
Clarke, in his commentary, says the following.
‘A man who deals in lies and false oaths will sooner or later be found out to his own ruin. There is another proverb as true as this: A liar had need of a good memory; for as the truth is not in him, he says and unsays, and often contradicts himself.’
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.
Henry, in his commentary, says the following.
‘A foolish man is soon angry, and is hasty in expressing it; he is ever in trouble and running into mischief. It is kindness to ourselves to make light of injuries and affronts, instead of making the worst of them.’
The wise do not live behind a facade of falseness, which is the way of the fool. The application is simple: if you want to know the truth, then ask an honest person, Proverbs 8:22-31, because no one can trust anyone who lies.
Our words have the power to hurt others, Mark 14:56, but our words also have the power to heal. The wise man doesn’t talk too much, Isaiah 53:7 / Matthew 26:63; 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 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, Matthew 9:2 /Luke 7:48 / John 8:11. Christians should be in the caring business, going out of their way to help others, Galatians 6:10.
Clarke, in his commentary, says the following.
‘Our simple words of encouragement can encourage and guide beyond all our imagining. “A single good or favourable word will remove despondency.’
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 / 2 Thessalonians 3:10.
Henry, in his commentary, says the following.
‘The slothful man makes no good use of the advantages Providence puts in his way, and has no comfort in them. The substance of a diligent man, though not great, does good to him and his family. He sees that God gives it to him in answer to prayer.’