In Today's Email:
Proverbs 22 Notes
In this chapter we continue a collection of miscellaneous proverbs.
vs. 1-29 - Further contrasts between the wise and the unwise. Some see a division in vs. 17 so that what follows are “the words of the wise”, distinct from Solomon’s writings. I do not see this but want to acknowledge the theory. The chapter opens with the worth of a good name. In vs. 6 we are reminded of the responsibility of training a child to walk in the proper way, and the need for it for such is in vs. 15. The power of the lender over the borrower is seen in vs. 7. In vs. 22 there is the first of two verses, with 23:10, warning against moving the boundary markers between the family sections in Israel. This principle can be applied to many areas.
Proverbs 23 Notes
In this chapter we continue a collection of miscellaneous proverbs.
vs. 1-35 - Further contrasts between the wise and the unwise. In vs. 7 is the universal truth that what man is on the inside is the true man. We are told to not envy sinners and their supposed success in vs. 17. One of the great sections on the dangers of alcohol is ins vs. 29-35.
Proverbs 24 Notes
In this chapter we continue a collection of miscellaneous proverbs.
vs. 1-34 - Further contrasts between the wise and the unwise. Some see a division in vs. 23 so that what follows are “things… belong to the wise”, distinct from Solomon’s writings. I do not see this but want to acknowledge the theory. The wisdom is seeking counsel from multiple sources is seen in vs. 6. In vs. 16 we see the dogged determination of the righteous who, though they fail, rise up and press onward. The dangers of laziness and slothfulness are described in vs. 30-34.
Closing Thoughts
The Book of Proverbs opened with Solomon’s fatherly advice to his own son. It is no surprise then to see him exalt the wisdom of properly training children. I read 22:6 a little differently than most. I have witnessed so many that were raised right but drifted away from the Lord in their adulthood. However, they could never escape the lessons of their youth. Much later in life, they come back to the Lord. Like the Prodigal Son they paid a heavy price for their wandering, but also like him they came to their senses and found their way home. They were trained in the right way, but only when they were old did they return and not depart from it. The middle of their life may have been messy, but all that life could teach them was the truth of the principles instilled in them as a child.
Hymn for Today
This hymn, “My Lord, I Do Not Ask to Stand” was written by Norman Richardson. It is a beautiful prayer for every heart that seeks to train up children in the ways of the Lord.
My Lord, I do not ask to stand
As king or prince of high degree,
I only pray that hand in hand
A child and I may come to Thee.
To teach a tender voice to pray,
Two childish eyes Thy face to see--
Two feet to guide in Thy straight way,
This fervently I ask of Thee.
O grant Thy patience to impart
Thy holy law, Thy words of truth,
Give, Lord, Thy grace, that my whole heart
May overflow with love of youth.
As step by step we tread the way,
Trusting, and confident, and free--
A child and I shall, day by day,
Find sweet companionship with Thee.