Reason God wanted to wipe out the Canaanties completely

This chapter in the second section gives the answer to the Christian paradox that if God is Love and God is Good, then how can God use the Israel to try and destroy the inhabitants of the Holy Land, not sparing women and children. This book may not be considered by the Protestants to be the Word of God - however, it is nonetheless a non-fictional historical account of the situation in the Holy Land that was inhabited by the Canaanites. They detestable practices of "sorcery and unholy rites,
their merciless slaughter of children, ..." are again being practised today.
It argues that God is completely sovereign and righteous and thus His judgment is right. However God also delivers the judgment and punishment very slowly and in small portions because of His Love and His desire for sinners to repent, even those who sinned in the above practices. An explanation was also given about God's punishment of the Egyptians. Since the Eqyptians worshipped animals as their gods, the True Lord God brought punishments through the animals whom they idolized as gods, thus making a mockery of their idols.



Wisdom 12 (RSVCE)
12 For thy immortal spirit is in all things.
2 Therefore thou dost correct little by little those who trespass,
and dost remind and warn them of the things wherein they sin,
that they may be freed from wickedness and put their trust in thee, O Lord.

The Sins of the Canaanites
3 Those who dwelt of old in thy holy land
4 thou didst hate for their detestable practices,
their works of sorcery and unholy rites,
5 their merciless slaughter[a] of children,
and their sacrificial feasting on human flesh and blood.
These initiates from the midst of a heathen cult,[b]
6 these parents who murder helpless lives,
thou didst will to destroy by the hands of our fathers,
7 that the land most precious of all to thee
might receive a worthy colony of the servants[c] of God.
8 But even these thou didst spare, since they were but men,
and didst send wasps[d] as forerunners of thy army,
to destroy them little by little,
9 though thou wast not unable to give the ungodly into the hands of the righteous in battle,
or to destroy them at one blow by dread wild beasts or thy stern word.
10 But judging them little by little thou gavest them a chance to repent,
though thou wast not unaware that their origin[e] was evil
and their wickedness inborn,
and that their way of thinking would never change.
11 For they were an accursed race from the beginning,
and it was not through fear of any one that thou didst leave them unpunished for their sins.

God Is Sovereign
12 For who will say, “What hast thou done?”
Or will resist thy judgment?
Who will accuse thee for the destruction of nations which thou didst make?
Or who will come before thee to plead as an advocate for unrighteous men?
13 For neither is there any god besides thee, whose care is for all men,[f]
to whom thou shouldst prove that thou hast not judged unjustly;
14 nor can any king or monarch confront thee about those whom thou hast punished.
15 Thou art righteous and rulest all things righteously,
deeming it alien to thy power
to condemn him who does not deserve to be punished.
16 For thy strength is the source of righteousness,
and thy sovereignty over all causes thee to spare all.
17 For thou dost show thy strength when men doubt the completeness of thy power,
and dost rebuke any insolence among those who know it.[g]
18 Thou who art sovereign in strength dost judge with mildness,
and with great forbearance thou dost govern us;
for thou hast power to act whenever thou dost choose.

God’s Lessons for Israel
19 Through such works thou has taught thy people
that the righteous man must be kind,
and thou hast filled thy sons with good hope,
because thou givest repentance for sins.
20 For if thou didst punish with such great care and indulgence[h]
the enemies of thy servants[i] and those deserving of death,
granting them time and opportunity to give up their wickedness,
21 with what strictness thou hast judged thy sons,
to whose fathers thou gavest oaths and covenants full of good promises!
22 So while chastening us thou scourgest our enemies ten thousand times more,
so that we may meditate upon thy goodness when we judge,
and when we are judged we may expect mercy.

The Punishment of the Egyptians
23 Therefore those who in folly of life lived unrighteously
thou didst torment through their own abominations.
24 For they went far astray on the paths of error,
accepting as gods those animals which even their enemies[j] despised;
they were deceived like foolish babes.
25 Therefore, as to thoughtless children,
thou didst send thy judgment to mock them.
26 But those who have not heeded the warning of light rebukes
will experience the deserved judgment of God.
27 For when in their suffering they became incensed
at those creatures which they had thought to be gods, being punished by means of them,
they saw and recognized as the true God him whom they had before refused to know.
Therefore the utmost condemnation came upon them.

The Righteous, Ungodly and the Barren

The righteous, though may sometimes seem to be defeated in this world, are actually victorious in the Lord. They have found favour in God and will reign with over others.
On the otherhand, the ungodly will be facing many unfavourable circumstances in their lives. The last section mentions the disadvantaged including barren women and eunuchs. Though society saw these two groups unfavourably, if they obey God, God will also honour them.



Wisdom 3
The Destiny of the Righteous
3 But the souls of the righteous are in the hand of God,
and no torment will ever touch them.
2 In the eyes of the foolish they seemed to have died,
and their departure was thought to be an affliction,
3 and their going from us to be their destruction;
but they are at peace.
4 For though in the sight of men they were punished,
their hope is full of immortality.
5 Having been disciplined a little, they will receive great good,
because God tested them and found them worthy of himself;
6 like gold in the furnace he tried them,
and like a sacrificial burnt offering he accepted them.
7 In the time of their visitation they will shine forth,
and will run like sparks through the stubble.
8 They will govern nations and rule over peoples,
and the Lord will reign over them for ever.
9 Those who trust in him will understand truth,
and the faithful will abide with him in love,
because grace and mercy are upon his elect,
and he watches over his holy ones.[a]

The Destiny of the Ungodly
10 But the ungodly will be punished as their reasoning deserves,
who disregarded the righteous man[b] and rebelled against the Lord;
11 for whoever despises wisdom and instruction is miserable.
Their hope is vain, their labors are unprofitable,
and their works are useless.
12 Their wives are foolish, and their children evil;
13 their offspring are accursed.

On Childlessness
For blessed is the barren woman who is undefiled,
who has not entered into a sinful union;
she will have fruit when God examines souls.
14 Blessed also is the eunuch whose hands have done no lawless deed,
and who has not devised wicked things against the Lord;
for special favor will be shown him for his faithfulness,
and a place of great delight in the temple of the Lord.
15 For the fruit of good labors is renowned,
and the root of understanding does not fail.
16 But children of adulterers will not come to maturity,
and the offspring of an unlawful union will perish.
17 Even if they live long they will be held of no account,
and finally their old age will be without honor.
18 If they die young, they will have no hope
and no consolation in the day of decision.
19 For the end of an unrighteous generation is grievous.

Exhortation to Uprightness

In many ways this chapter in Wisdom sounds similar to the Book of Proverbs. However there are slight language variance even for the untrained linguist which may point to a different author for these two books. This chapter looks at righteousness and our relationship with God. It describes the consequences of unrighteousness and contrast it with the rewards from righteous actions.




Wisdom 1 (NRSVCE)
Exhortation to Uprightness
1 Love righteousness, you rulers of the earth,
think of the Lord in goodness
and seek him with sincerity of heart;
2 because he is found by those who do not put him to the test,
and manifests himself to those who do not distrust him.
3 For perverse thoughts separate people from God,
and when his power is tested, it exposes the foolish;
4 because wisdom will not enter a deceitful soul,
or dwell in a body enslaved to sin.
5 For a holy and disciplined spirit will flee from deceit,
and will leave foolish thoughts behind,
and will be ashamed at the approach of unrighteousness.

6 For wisdom is a kindly spirit,
but will not free blasphemers from the guilt of their words;
because God is witness of their inmost feelings,
and a true observer of their hearts, and a hearer of their tongues.
7 Because the spirit of the Lord has filled the world,
and that which holds all things together knows what is said,
8 therefore those who utter unrighteous things will not escape notice,
and justice, when it punishes, will not pass them by.
9 For inquiry will be made into the counsels of the ungodly,
and a report of their words will come to the Lord,
to convict them of their lawless deeds;
10 because a jealous ear hears all things,
and the sound of grumbling does not go unheard.
11 Beware then of useless grumbling,
and keep your tongue from slander;
because no secret word is without result,[a]
and a lying mouth destroys the soul.

12 Do not invite death by the error of your life,
or bring on destruction by the works of your hands;
13 because God did not make death,
and he does not delight in the death of the living.
14 For he created all things so that they might exist;
the generative forces[b] of the world are wholesome,
and there is no destructive poison in them,
and the dominion[c] of Hades is not on earth.
15 For righteousness is immortal.

Life as the Ungodly See It
16 But the ungodly by their words and deeds summoned death;[d]
considering him a friend, they pined away
and made a covenant with him,
because they are fit to belong to his company.

To speak evil of no one, to be peaceable, gentle, showing all humility to all men

This chapter reminds believers to live peacefully under authorities and with others. The motivation for believers is because God has loved us, even when we were disobedient, and fighting one another. It is the Holy Spirit in believers that help them change. To live godly lives also mean to avoid arguments including religious arguments unless they are truly false doctrines.
 

Titus 3
Graces of the Heirs of Grace

1 Remind them to be subject to rulers and authorities, to obey, to be ready for every good work, 2 to speak evil of no one, to be peaceable, gentle, showing all humility to all men. 3 For we ourselves were also once foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving various lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful and hating one another. 4 But when the kindness and the love of God our Savior toward man appeared, 5 not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us, through the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit, 6 whom He poured out on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Savior, 7 that having been justified by His grace we should become heirs according to the hope of eternal life.

8 This is a faithful saying, and these things I want you to affirm constantly, that those who have believed in God should be careful to maintain good works. These things are good and profitable to men.

Avoid Dissension

9 But avoid foolish disputes, genealogies, contentions, and strivings about the law; for they are unprofitable and useless. 10 Reject a divisive man after the first and second admonition, 11 knowing that such a person is warped and sinning, being self-condemned.

Final Messages

12 When I send Artemas to you, or Tychicus, be diligent to come to me at Nicopolis, for I have decided to spend the winter there. 13 Send Zenas the lawyer and Apollos on their journey with haste, that they may lack nothing. 14 And let our people also learn to maintain good works, to meet urgent needs, that they may not be unfruitful.

Farewell

15 All who are with me greet you. Greet those who love us in the faith.

Grace be with you all. Amen.

Now godliness with contentment is great gain

Paul continues the teachings on relationship. Servants and their master are to treat each other well. Believers are also to stay away from those who live in hostility with others. These people are usually proud and argumentative. Believers are called to be content with what they possess. To love money and material things is foolish and harmful.

So we are asked to flee from such things as greed, corruption, strife and instead pursue godliness, faith, love and so on. We are not to trust in riches because they are uncertain, but instead, to trust on the living God and to be rich in doing good works. Finally there was also a warning to Timothy to guard the faith against contradictions pretending to be knowledge.



1 Timothy 6
Honor Masters

1 Let as many bondservants as are under the yoke count their own masters worthy of all honor, so that the name of God and His doctrine may not be blasphemed. 2 And those who have believing masters, let them not despise them because they are brethren, but rather serve them because those who are benefited are believers and beloved. Teach and exhort these things.

Error and Greed

3 If anyone teaches otherwise and does not consent to wholesome words, even the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which accords with godliness, 4 he is proud, knowing nothing, but is obsessed with disputes and arguments over words, from which come envy, strife, reviling, evil suspicions, 5 useless wranglings[a] of men of corrupt minds and destitute of the truth, who suppose that godliness is a means of gain. From such withdraw yourself.[b]

6 Now godliness with contentment is great gain. 7 For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain[c] we can carry nothing out. 8 And having food and clothing, with these we shall be content. 9 But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and harmful lusts which drown men in destruction and perdition. 10 For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, for which some have strayed from the faith in their greediness, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.

The Good Confession

11 But you, O man of God, flee these things and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, gentleness. 12 Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, to which you were also called and have confessed the good confession in the presence of many witnesses. 13 I urge you in the sight of God who gives life to all things, and before Christ Jesus who witnessed the good confession before Pontius Pilate, 14 that you keep this commandment without spot, blameless until our Lord Jesus Christ’s appearing, 15 which He will manifest in His own time, He who is the blessed and only Potentate, the King of kings and Lord of lords, 16 who alone has immortality, dwelling in unapproachable light, whom no man has seen or can see, to whom be honor and everlasting power. Amen.

Instructions to the Rich

17 Command those who are rich in this present age not to be haughty, nor to trust in uncertain riches but in the living God, who gives us richly all things to enjoy. 18 Let them do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to give, willing to share, 19 storing up for themselves a good foundation for the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life.

Guard the Faith

20 O Timothy! Guard what was committed to your trust, avoiding the profane and idle babblings and contradictions of what is falsely called knowledge— 21 by professing it some have strayed concerning the faith.

Grace be with you. Amen.

I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness!

Jesus continues with His teachings:
- Do not judge others because non of us are righteous enough to judge.
- Ask, Seek and Knock to enquire of God. No father would not give their children good things when they ask. God, being the Heavenly Father, is able to give us even better things when we ask. Nevertheless, we must realize that what we think is good for us, may not actually be good for us and so God would not always give what we want.
- The righteous way is narrow and is not easy for many people, so be prepared.
- We will know whether people are good or bad by the fruit they bear.
- A stern and serious warning that not all who calls on the Lord are saved. Instead they need to be in the obedient will of God.

The final topic which carries from the last point is the need to be doers of the Word. It is not enough to listen but we must do according to the will of God as we learn from Him. Those who obey Him is like building a house on a rock, those who don't are like building a house on sand. It is written that the people recognized that Jesus taught with authority.





Matthew 7
Do Not Judge

1 “Judge not, that you be not judged. 2 For with what judgment you judge, you will be judged; and with the measure you use, it will be measured back to you. 3 And why do you look at the speck in your brother’s eye, but do not consider the plank in your own eye? 4 Or how can you say to your brother, ‘Let me remove the speck from your eye’; and look, a plank is in your own eye? 5 Hypocrite! First remove the plank from your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye.

6 “Do not give what is holy to the dogs; nor cast your pearls before swine, lest they trample them under their feet, and turn and tear you in pieces.

Keep Asking, Seeking, Knocking

7 “Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. 8 For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened. 9 Or what man is there among you who, if his son asks for bread, will give him a stone? 10 Or if he asks for a fish, will he give him a serpent? 11 If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask Him! 12 Therefore, whatever you want men to do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets.

The Narrow Way

13 “Enter by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it. 14 Because[a] narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it.

You Will Know Them by Their Fruits

15 “Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves. 16 You will know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes from thornbushes or figs from thistles? 17 Even so, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. 18 A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a bad tree bear good fruit. 19 Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. 20 Therefore by their fruits you will know them.

I Never Knew You

21 “Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven. 22 Many will say to Me in that day, ‘Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name, cast out demons in Your name, and done many wonders in Your name?’ 23 And then I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness!’

Build on the Rock

24 “Therefore whoever hears these sayings of Mine, and does them, I will liken him to a wise man who built his house on the rock: 25 and the rain descended, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house; and it did not fall, for it was founded on the rock.

26 “But everyone who hears these sayings of Mine, and does not do them, will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand: 27 and the rain descended, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house; and it fell. And great was its fall.”

28 And so it was, when Jesus had ended these sayings, that the people were astonished at His teaching, 29 for He taught them as one having authority, and not as the scribes.

A Threefold Cord Is Not Quickly Broken

This chapter briefly discusses four topics. The first one relates to situation where those who were oppressed had no comforters while their oppressors continue to wield great power over them. If the author of this is Solomon, then it may be that Solomon was referring to neighbouring kingdoms.
The second topic describes a man who works for his own sake. He has no companion and he works constantly. The author asks who does he work for that he has to sacrifice enjoying goodness. The implication is that such work deprives one of enjoying the fruits of the labour.
The third topic gives the famous saying "And a threefold cord is not quickly broken". It tells of the strength derived from being in companionship. They can enjoy the fruits of their labour together. If one should fall, the other will help them up again.
The fourth topic tells from an example of one from humble beginning who was made king. He became ruler over many and so gained popularity. However, he grew foolish with age, and soon was no longer remembered.


Ecclesiastes 4

1 Then I returned and considered all the oppression that is done under the sun:
And look! The tears of the oppressed,
But they have no comforter—
On the side of their oppressors there is power,
But they have no comforter.
2 Therefore I praised the dead who were already dead,
More than the living who are still alive.
3 Yet, better than both is he who has never existed,
Who has not seen the evil work that is done under the sun.

The Vanity of Selfish Toil
4 Again, I saw that for all toil and every skillful work a man is envied by his neighbor. This also is vanity and grasping for the wind.
5 The fool folds his hands
And consumes his own flesh.
6 Better a handful with quietness
Than both hands full, together with toil and grasping for the wind.
7 Then I returned, and I saw vanity under the sun:
8 There is one alone, without companion:
He has neither son nor brother.
Yet there is no end to all his labors,
Nor is his eye satisfied with riches.
But he never asks,
“For whom do I toil and deprive myself of good?”
This also is vanity and a grave misfortune.

The Value of a Friend
9 Two are better than one,
Because they have a good reward for their labor.
10 For if they fall, one will lift up his companion.
But woe to him who is alone when he falls,
For he has no one to help him up.
11 Again, if two lie down together, they will keep warm;
But how can one be warm alone?
12 Though one may be overpowered by another, two can withstand him.
And a threefold cord is not quickly broken.

Popularity Passes Away
13 Better a poor and wise youth
Than an old and foolish king who will be admonished no more.
14 For he comes out of prison to be king,
Although he was born poor in his kingdom.
15 I saw all the living who walk under the sun;
They were with the second youth who stands in his place.
16 There was no end of all the people over whom he was made king;
Yet those who come afterward will not rejoice in him.
Surely this also is vanity and grasping for the wind.

Do Not Answer a Fool According to His Folly

This chapter contains three main topics: fools, lazy man, causing strife. The topic on fools cover the first 12 verses, some which are quite explicit; eg "As a dog returns to his own vomit, So a fool repeats his folly". It urges us not to be a fool and not to associate with a fool because both can have drastic consequences to ourselves. One warning that are the same for both fools and the lazy man is that those who think themselves as wise are worse than both a fool or a lazy man. The topic on the lazy man has 4 verses.

The last topic which is warning against being a talebearer or gossiper has another 12 verses, perhaps emphasising its importance. A talebearer in general is more malicious than a gossiper because he goes around telling lies with the purpose of causing strife. A talebearer is likened to wood or charcoal which sustains the fire to burn on. Hatred may also be the motivation of the talebearer and although hatred can be hidden, the wicked deeds that follow, will be seen by everyone.


Proverbs 26
1 As snow in summer and rain in harvest,
So honor is not fitting for a fool.

2 Like a flitting sparrow, like a flying swallow,
So a curse without cause shall not alight.

3 A whip for the horse,
A bridle for the donkey,
And a rod for the fool’s back.

4 Do not answer a fool according to his folly,
Lest you also be like him.

5 Answer a fool according to his folly,
Lest he be wise in his own eyes.

6 He who sends a message by the hand of a fool
Cuts off his own feet and drinks violence.

7 Like the legs of the lame that hang limp
Is a proverb in the mouth of fools.

8 Like one who binds a stone in a sling
Is he who gives honor to a fool.

9 Like a thorn that goes into the hand of a drunkard
Is a proverb in the mouth of fools.

10 The great God who formed everything
Gives the fool his hire and the transgressor his wages.[a]

11 As a dog returns to his own vomit,
So a fool repeats his folly.

12 Do you see a man wise in his own eyes?
There is more hope for a fool than for him.

13 The lazy man says, “There is a lion in the road!
A fierce lion is in the streets!”

14 As a door turns on its hinges,
So does the lazy man on his bed.

15 The lazy man buries his hand in the bowl;[b]
It wearies him to bring it back to his mouth.

16 The lazy man is wiser in his own eyes
Than seven men who can answer sensibly.

17 He who passes by and meddles in a quarrel not his own
Is like one who takes a dog by the ears.

18 Like a madman who throws firebrands, arrows, and death,

19 Is the man who deceives his neighbor,
And says, “I was only joking!”

20 Where there is no wood, the fire goes out;
And where there is no talebearer, strife ceases.

21 As charcoal is to burning coals, and wood to fire,
So is a contentious man to kindle strife.

22 The words of a talebearer are like tasty trifles,
And they go down into the inmost body.

23 Fervent lips with a wicked heart
Are like earthenware covered with silver dross.

24 He who hates, disguises it with his lips,
And lays up deceit within himself;

25 When he speaks kindly, do not believe him,
For there are seven abominations in his heart;

26 Though his hatred is covered by deceit,
His wickedness will be revealed before the assembly.

27 Whoever digs a pit will fall into it,
And he who rolls a stone will have it roll back on him.

28 A lying tongue hates those who are crushed by it,
And a flattering mouth works ruin.

The Fear of the Lord Leads to Life

Various sayings ranging from various topics in this chapter like before. Themes range from understanding and knowledge, to being kind to the poor, not being lazy, keeping the commandments. But the two themes picked up here are restated below.

Two verses speak of the characteristics and qualities of a wife that is from God and is a blessing to the family. Another set of verses warns against false witnesses.

Wife:
13 A foolish son is the ruin of his father, And the contentions of a wife are a continual dripping.
14 Houses and riches are an inheritance from fathers, But a prudent wife is from the Lord.

False Witness:
5 A false witness will not go unpunished, And he who speaks lies will not escape.
9 A false witness will not go unpunished, And he who speaks lies shall perish.
28 A disreputable witness scorns justice, And the mouth of the wicked devours iniquity.




Proverbs 19

1 Better is the poor who walks in his integrity
Than one who is perverse in his lips, and is a fool.

2 Also it is not good for a soul to be without knowledge,
And he sins who hastens with his feet.

3 The foolishness of a man twists his way,
And his heart frets against the Lord.

4 Wealth makes many friends,
But the poor is separated from his friend.

5 A false witness will not go unpunished,
And he who speaks lies will not escape.

6 Many entreat the favor of the nobility,
And every man is a friend to one who gives gifts.

7 All the brothers of the poor hate him;
How much more do his friends go far from him!
He may pursue them with words, yet they abandon him.

8 He who gets wisdom loves his own soul;
He who keeps understanding will find good.

9 A false witness will not go unpunished,
And he who speaks lies shall perish.

10 Luxury is not fitting for a fool,
Much less for a servant to rule over princes.

11 The discretion of a man makes him slow to anger,
And his glory is to overlook a transgression.

12 The king’s wrath is like the roaring of a lion,
But his favor is like dew on the grass.

13 A foolish son is the ruin of his father,
And the contentions of a wife are a continual dripping.

14 Houses and riches are an inheritance from fathers,
But a prudent wife is from the Lord.

15 Laziness casts one into a deep sleep,
And an idle person will suffer hunger.

16 He who keeps the commandment keeps his soul,
But he who is careless[a] of his ways will die.

17 He who has pity on the poor lends to the Lord,
And He will pay back what he has given.

18 Chasten your son while there is hope,
And do not set your heart on his destruction.[b]

19 A man of great wrath will suffer punishment;
For if you rescue him, you will have to do it again.

20 Listen to counsel and receive instruction,
That you may be wise in your latter days.

21 There are many plans in a man’s heart,
Nevertheless the Lord’s counsel—that will stand.

22 What is desired in a man is kindness,
And a poor man is better than a liar.

23 The fear of the Lord leads to life,
And he who has it will abide in satisfaction;
He will not be visited with evil.

24 A lazy man buries his hand in the bowl,[c]
And will not so much as bring it to his mouth again.

25 Strike a scoffer, and the simple will become wary;
Rebuke one who has understanding, and he will discern knowledge.

26 He who mistreats his father and chases away his mother
Is a son who causes shame and brings reproach.

27 Cease listening to instruction, my son,
And you will stray from the words of knowledge.

28 A disreputable witness scorns justice,
And the mouth of the wicked devours iniquity.

29 Judgments are prepared for scoffers,
And beatings for the backs of fools.

But He Who Hates Correction Is Stupid

The widely accepted understanding is that proverbs is a book of wisdom or encouraging wisdom. However, in this chapter, as with some others, the more common occurrence is the contrast between righteousness and wickedness. As we read, we see the consistency in this because it is wisdom that leads to righteousness (from faith). On the other hand it is foolishness that prompts a man to continue in his wicked ways.

As with other chapters, it is good to meditate on these verses of how to be righteous as oppose to wicked.



Proverbs 12
1 Whoever loves instruction loves knowledge,
But he who hates correction is stupid.

2 A good man obtains favor from the Lord,
But a man of wicked intentions He will condemn.

3 A man is not established by wickedness,
But the root of the righteous cannot be moved.

4 An excellent[a] wife is the crown of her husband,
But she who causes shame is like rottenness in his bones.

5 The thoughts of the righteous are right,
But the counsels of the wicked are deceitful.

6 The words of the wicked are, “Lie in wait for blood,”
But the mouth of the upright will deliver them.

7 The wicked are overthrown and are no more,
But the house of the righteous will stand.

8 A man will be commended according to his wisdom,
But he who is of a perverse heart will be despised.

9 Better is the one who is slighted but has a servant,
Than he who honors himself but lacks bread.

10 A righteous man regards the life of his animal,
But the tender mercies of the wicked are cruel.

11 He who tills his land will be satisfied with bread,
But he who follows frivolity is devoid of understanding.[b]

12 The wicked covet the catch of evil men,
But the root of the righteous yields fruit.

13 The wicked is ensnared by the transgression of his lips,
But the righteous will come through trouble.

14 A man will be satisfied with good by the fruit of his mouth,
And the recompense of a man’s hands will be rendered to him.

15 The way of a fool is right in his own eyes,
But he who heeds counsel is wise.

16 A fool’s wrath is known at once,
But a prudent man covers shame.

17 He who speaks truth declares righteousness,
But a false witness, deceit.

18 There is one who speaks like the piercings of a sword,
But the tongue of the wise promotes health.

19 The truthful lip shall be established forever,
But a lying tongue is but for a moment.

20 Deceit is in the heart of those who devise evil,
But counselors of peace have joy.

21 No grave trouble will overtake the righteous,
But the wicked shall be filled with evil.

22 Lying lips are an abomination to the Lord,
But those who deal truthfully are His delight.

23 A prudent man conceals knowledge,
But the heart of fools proclaims foolishness.

24 The hand of the diligent will rule,
But the lazy man will be put to forced labor.

25 Anxiety in the heart of man causes depression,
But a good word makes it glad.

26 The righteous should choose his friends carefully,
For the way of the wicked leads them astray.

27 The lazy man does not roast what he took in hunting,
But diligence is man’s precious possession.

28 In the way of righteousness is life,
And in its pathway there is no death.

The Fear of the Lord Prolongs Days....But Love Covers All Sins

This proverb describes in detail the actions of a wise and therefore righteous person. It also contrast this with the results of a foolish person. The various places in the Word, we understand that this righteousness is not resulting from a person's own actions but righteousness being seen by God as a faith in God.

In general, the wise (ie righteous, ie faithful) will be a well of life, have blessings from God, will be protected and makes a father glad. The foolish (i.e wicked), will fall, perish, removed and end in destruction.



Proverbs 10
Wise Sayings of Solomon
10 The proverbs of Solomon:

1. A wise son makes a glad father,
But a foolish son is the grief of his mother.

2 Treasures of wickedness profit nothing,
But righteousness delivers from death.

3 The Lord will not allow the righteous soul to famish,
But He casts away the desire of the wicked.

4 He who has a slack hand becomes poor,
But the hand of the diligent makes rich.

5 He who gathers in summer is a wise son;
He who sleeps in harvest is a son who causes shame.

6 Blessings are on the head of the righteous,
But violence covers the mouth of the wicked.

7 The memory of the righteous is blessed,
But the name of the wicked will rot.

8 The wise in heart will receive commands,
But a prating fool will fall.

9 He who walks with integrity walks securely,
But he who perverts his ways will become known.

10 He who winks with the eye causes trouble,
But a prating fool will fall.

11 The mouth of the righteous is a well of life,
But violence covers the mouth of the wicked.

12 Hatred stirs up strife,
But love covers all sins.

13 Wisdom is found on the lips of him who has understanding,
But a rod is for the back of him who is devoid of understanding.

14 Wise people store up knowledge,
But the mouth of the foolish is near destruction.

15 The rich man’s wealth is his strong city;
The destruction of the poor is their poverty.

16 The labor of the righteous leads to life,
The wages of the wicked to sin.

17 He who keeps instruction is in the way of life,
But he who refuses correction goes astray.

18 Whoever hides hatred has lying lips,
And whoever spreads slander is a fool.

19 In the multitude of words sin is not lacking,
But he who restrains his lips is wise.

20 The tongue of the righteous is choice silver;
The heart of the wicked is worth little.

21 The lips of the righteous feed many,
But fools die for lack of wisdom.[a]

22 The blessing of the Lord makes one rich,
And He adds no sorrow with it.

23 To do evil is like sport to a fool,
But a man of understanding has wisdom.

24 The fear of the wicked will come upon him,
And the desire of the righteous will be granted.

25 When the whirlwind passes by, the wicked is no more,
But the righteous has an everlasting foundation.

26 As vinegar to the teeth and smoke to the eyes,
So is the lazy man to those who send him.

27 The fear of the Lord prolongs days,
But the years of the wicked will be shortened.

28 The hope of the righteous will be gladness,
But the expectation of the wicked will perish.

29 The way of the Lord is strength for the upright,
But destruction will come to the workers of iniquity.

30 The righteous will never be removed,
But the wicked will not inhabit the earth.

31 The mouth of the righteous brings forth wisdom,
But the perverse tongue will be cut out.

32 The lips of the righteous know what is acceptable,
But the mouth of the wicked what is perverse.

O God, Why Have You Cast Us Off Forever?

The psalm starts with the question to God asking Him why has he abandoned His people whom he had redeemed. Interesting reminder that God had purchased the congregation and also the reference of redeemed. This may be pointing towards our Lord Jesus redemptive work on the Cross, since at the time the psalm was written, the idea of a Purchased people has only a vague connection.

The sense of God's abandonment arose because of the victories and destruction by their enemies over Israel. It seemed that God's Temple or holy places have been overrun by the enemies. Some of these have been set on fire. In addition the prophets are no longer there, adding to the sense of abandonment by God. So they remembered a time when they regarded God as their King, and God used to deliver them from their enemies. And they acknowledged that God is the creator of the universe, including light and day.

So the desperate people plea to God to remember the Covenant and deal with the enemies who blaspheme God's name.


Psalm 74
A Contemplation[a] of Asaph.

 1 O God, why have You cast us off forever?
         Why does Your anger smoke against the sheep of Your pasture?
 2 Remember Your congregation, which You have purchased of old,
         The tribe of Your inheritance, which You have redeemed—
         This Mount Zion where You have dwelt.
 3 Lift up Your feet to the perpetual desolations.
         The enemy has damaged everything in the sanctuary.
 4 Your enemies roar in the midst of Your meeting place;
         They set up their banners for signs.
 5 They seem like men who lift up
         Axes among the thick trees.
 6 And now they break down its carved work, all at once,
         With axes and hammers.
 7 They have set fire to Your sanctuary;
         They have defiled the dwelling place of Your name to the ground.
 8 They said in their hearts,
         “Let us destroy them altogether.”
         They have burned up all the meeting places of God in the land.
        
 9 We do not see our signs;
         There is no longer any prophet;
         Nor is there any among us who knows how long.
 10 O God, how long will the adversary reproach?
         Will the enemy blaspheme Your name forever?
 11 Why do You withdraw Your hand, even Your right hand?
         Take it out of Your bosom and destroy them.
 12 For God is my King from of old,
         Working salvation in the midst of the earth.
 13 You divided the sea by Your strength;
         You broke the heads of the sea serpents in the waters.
 14 You broke the heads of Leviathan in pieces,
         And gave him as food to the people inhabiting the wilderness.
 15 You broke open the fountain and the flood;
         You dried up mighty rivers.
 16 The day is Yours, the night also is Yours;
         You have prepared the light and the sun.
 17 You have set all the borders of the earth;
         You have made summer and winter.
        
 18 Remember this, that the enemy has reproached, O LORD,
         And that a foolish people has blasphemed Your name.
 19 Oh, do not deliver the life of Your turtledove to the wild beast!
         Do not forget the life of Your poor forever.
 20 Have respect to the covenant;
         For the dark places of the earth are full of the haunts of cruelty.
 21 Oh, do not let the oppressed return ashamed!
         Let the poor and needy praise Your name.
        
 22 Arise, O God, plead Your own cause;
         Remember how the foolish man reproaches You daily.
 23 Do not forget the voice of Your enemies;
         The tumult of those who rise up against You increases continually.