This verse reminds us of the limitations of human planning. We should plan but do so with the realisation of our lack of ultimate control, James 4:13-17.
The wise person doesn’t try to build their reputation by praising themselves.
Nothing is harder to bear than the uncontrolled and misguided anger of a fool. The question asked here is a question which assumes there is no answer. We cannot adequately protect ourselves from anger and fury, but with the Lord’s help, we can.
It’s better to have a friend whose honest confrontations leave their wounds, than kisses from those who hate us. Real friendship cannot exist when a person must be constantly restrained and timed. This was how Judas betrayed Christ, Matthew 26:49. True friendship should have room for constructive criticism, Romans 12:9-10.
The application here is far-reaching. Need creates desire, while an abundance may lead to the rejection of that which is wholesome and good.
This is an observation of the stress and strain of moving. Leaving the familiar can be traumatic.
Solomon is saying that friendship is better than the joy sweet perfumes bring.
Nearby implies near enough to help a neighbour on the day of calamity. Sometimes our friend or our father’s friend can do more for us than a relative.
Solomon is simply saying that sometimes a teacher can answer critics by pointing to the accomplishments of their students.
If we are this type of person, we need to take what security we can, while we can, because even that will soon be gone, 1 Thessalonians 5:22.
This is appealing to common sense; i.e. do not call at 6 A.M.
Nobody likes a nag, especially when that’s all they do. We become dull without the sharpening of our mind and character in studying with and associating with others. We need our friends but not those who constantly nag us, we need good friends so that we can run ideas and understanding by each other and so grow in our knowledge.
We make the mistake of rebuking the wrong people. We talk to those who come to church about the importance of coming to church whilst at the same time those who don’t come to church never hear those same words spoken to them, etc, 2 Timothy 2:6.
We begin to know ourselves through our relationships with others. This is an observation of the nature of our heart’s desire, we never have enough of anything we really want. Our character is cultivated by the praise we accept from others. Also, we are judged by what others praise us for.
Who likes receiving praise? We all do. The problem comes when that praise takes over and goes to our heads.
Even though the imagery is unclear, the message is not. It is almost impossible to remove folly from a fool.
This is all about thinking ahead, preparing, and not neglecting our future responsibilities. We need to work to feed our families and pay the bills, the idea is simply this, will we have enough food in the house to feed our families next week?
"If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness."