Comment: In English we have two what appear to be diametrically opposite sayings – ‘Two many cooks spoil the broth’ and ‘many hands make light work’. Are they both true or one of them or neither of them. I would argue both are true given the appropriate time to use them. Solomon’s proverbs are often to be seen in the context of their meaning! In addition Solomon believes in an afterlife and the reality of another world co-existent with ours! A place where God and angelic beings good and bad live! To which we all go eventually, up or down, if you get my meaning! Read on…..
1 The plans of the heart belong to man, but the answer of the tongue is from the LORD. – People plan but God has the final say!
2 All the ways of a man are pure in his own eyes, but the LORD weighs the spirit. – You can think about yourself and get it all wrong. God gets it right!
3 Commit your work to the LORD, and your plans will be established. – This doesn’t mean decide for yourself and then tell God to bless you! Be in tune with His ‘thinking, as expressed in His word’ and discuss it with Him ie be prayerful!
4 The LORD has made everything for its purpose, even the wicked for the day of trouble. – This can seem cruel, but remember the wicked make decisions and God has told us what He wants.
5 Everyone who is arrogant in heart is an abomination to the LORD; be assured, he will not go unpunished. – Be arrogant, if that is your choice, but remember He has told you what He thinks of arrogance!
6 By steadfast love and faithfulness iniquity is atoned for, and by the fear of the LORD one turns away from evil. – Is this true? Obviously steadfast love and faithfulness are very good qualities and can be very healing but does it mean that by changing your lifestyle you can fully ‘atone’ for sins? I think not, or it makes the Cross unnecessary!
7 When a man’s ways please the LORD, he makes even his enemies to be at peace with him. – This is a generalization if we think only of physical life before death! Consider martyrs and those of God’s people who are kidnapped and never released. Yet this is generally true.
8 Better is a little with righteousness than great revenues with injustice. – Amen!
9 The heart of man plans his way, but the LORD establishes his steps. – So true! God is afterall Supreme!
Prayer: Help me to realize and appreciate all the different forms of literature which are used in Your Book!
As I read it! 