Solomon is basically saying that anyone who operates with skill and success can overcome disadvantages such as being poor or being a slave.
We can find out the value of gold and silver, but only God can determine the true quality of our hearts. What does it take to melt gold or silver? It takes intense heat to removes all the impurities.
Trials in our Christian life do the same thing, they purify our hearts. In the tense heat of the moment we find out what were really like, we can lose our temper or say the wrong thing, James 1:2-4 / 1 Peter 1:7.
Gossiping has always been a problem in every community, Ephesians 4:29. The reason for this? There are always those willing to listen.
There are always people who will turn themselves into this type of ‘monster’. They actually enjoy the weaknesses and problems of others. Why do people like to make fun of others? They think they are better and it makes them feel good, Luke 18:31-33.
The ideal family is one of harmony and mutual admiration, there is no ‘generation gap’ here.
There are some things that do not belong together, but when they are together something is amiss!
Unfortunately, a bribe is a powerful and effective tool. The wise person mustn’t close their eyes to the sad ability of its usage in government and business, in all areas of life.
To charm literally means, ‘stone of favour’. In other words, this is the person’s ‘lucky charm’, their ‘ace in the hole’, that they will use to get their way.
Is Solomon teaching us that bribery is alright? Not at all, there are numerous passages which teach against offering and receiving a bribe, Exodus 23:8 / Matthew 28:11-15.
Tolerance and sensitivity, as well as being forgiving, are the pillars of every true friendship. We should be willing to forgive those who sin against us, Ephesians 4:32.
Can a marriage survive if couples aren’t willing to forgive each other? Some people bring up the past all the time, all this does is bring about destruction.
A rebuke is to use only words and the hundred blows is speaking about physical force.
Solomon says that evildoers will find evil, it will come to them, Matthew 26:52 / Galatians 6:7-8.
Solomon is teaching us that there is great danger in the presence of a fool.
We do truly reap what you have sown, Proverbs 13:21 / Galatians 6:7-8. David especially experienced the second part of this verse, 1 Samuel 25:21.
This is good advice concerning quarrels, stop them before they start! If not the ‘dam will break’ and irreparable damage will be done.
The background to this verse is of legal proceedings, God hates injustice of any kind, Proverbs 6:16-19 / Isaiah 10:1-3.
A university student has their tuition money in their hand but it will do no good if they lack the ability and discipline to learn how to use it wisely.
Are friends and brothers a parallel here? If so, real friendship has a strong and enduring quality, even during crises, 1 Corinthians 13:4-7. What is the greatest evidence of friendship? Loyalty and sacrifice, John 15:13.
This is all about common sense, the person who builds their gate is a sign of someone who is proud and relies on their own strength, Ephesians 6:10.
Solomon is saying that there is nothing pure in people with corrupt hearts, they make everything dirty.
This verse along with Proverbs 17:6, give the two sides of parenthood, joy and sorrow.
There’s nothing like hanging around with people who make us laugh, they make us feel good. On the other hand, when we spend time with others who are always, complaining and moaning about something, this can become disheartening.
Solomon says that anyone who accepts a bribe, Proverbs 17:8, or accepts a bribe is wicked, especially if the bribe is used to pervert the course of justice.
Solomon here is speaking about how wisdom comes to person who is able to concentrate and stay focused. They are able to give their attention to the task.
Is there anything wrong with having dreams and expectations? No, as long as we don’t try and put them before God, 1 John 5:14.
The idea behind this verse is that the parents of the child may wish they had never brought their child into the world.
The lesson here is very clear, we must never condemn an innocent person, Matthew 27:19 / Revelation 6:10-11.
Once again, we’re reminded to think before we speak! An even-tempered person is a composed, controlled person who is able to deal with emotional issues. Intelligence is like a river; the deeper it flows the less noise it makes.
This is ironic humour. Even fools can come across as wise if they will remain quiet. The lesson I simple enough, do not talk so much.
What are the benefits of saying nothing? Sometimes we have nothing worthwhile to say, but the real benefits are that we can listen and learn. This helps to makes us wise.
"Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will."