Proverbs 3:1-6
3:1 My son [this expression also used in Prov. 1:8,10,15; 2:1], do not forget my teaching [Heb. “torah” or law or instruction], but keep my commands in your heart [Hebrews viewed heart as center of personality],

3:2 for they will prolong your life [by avoiding harmful behavior and dangerous circumstances] many years and bring you prosperity [well-being or peace].

3:3 Let love [kindness] and faithfulness [truth] never leave you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart.

3:4 Then you will win favor and a good name in the sight of God and man.

3:5 Trust [to put your complete confidence in] in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding [influenced by the world, the flesh, and the devil];

3:6 in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.

Proverbs 3:9-10
3:9 Honor [give weight or consideration to] the LORD with your wealth [e.g., tithe (Lev. 27:30-33), give to the poor (2 Cor. 8:1-2,11), support missions (Matt. 28:19-20; Phil. 4:18)], with the firstfruits of all your crops;

3:10 then [note that God rewards those who honor him with their finances; caution: this verse states a general principle rather than a specific promise] your barns will be filled to overflowing, and your vats will brim over with new wine.

Proverbs 5:3-14
5:3 For the lips of an adulteress [literally the Hebrew means “other woman” or “strange woman”] drip honey [honey is sweet to the taste; honey attracts; sweet and flattering talk], and her speech [uses speech (not just physical attractiveness) as a tool of seduction] is smoother than oil [oil reduces abrasion];

5:4 but in the end [note disastrous consequences of immorality…] she is bitter [not sweet like honey] as gall [or wormwood, a nonpoisonous but bitter plant common in the Middle East], sharp as a double-edged sword.

5:5 Her feet go down to death; her steps lead straight to the grave [Sheol: the place of the dead].

5:6 She gives no thought to the way of life [behavior]; her paths are crooked, but she knows it not.

5:7 Now then, my sons [parents want he best for heir children; a parental relationship is ideally one of love and care], listen [necessary for learning; cf. Prov. 1:5; more than just hearing words, this is a call to put what we have heard into action; there is danger in ignoring wise counsel] to me [father concerned about the welfare of his sons; see Prov. 4:1]; do not turn aside [a reminder that our choices either lead us toward or away from God and have consequences] from what I say [moral instruction designed to keep a son from going astray].

5:8 Keep to a path [every path leads to a destination] far [keep a distance from that which can lead us astray; proactively set boundaries before temptation strikes; see 1 Cor. 6:18] from her [the immoral woman or any situation that will tempt us to sin against God], do not [this is a choice] go near [in the direction of; toward something that will distance us from God] the door [represents an entry point; in our day this can serve as a metaphor for a webpage to a pornographic site] of her house [a visual metaphor for putting ourselves on the threshold of temptation or harmful situations],

5:9 lest you give your best strength [could refer to sexual vitality] to others and your years to one [perhaps the illicit sexual partner] who is cruel,

5:10 lest strangers [same word translated “adulteress” in verse 3] feast on your wealth [immorality can be an expensive venture and have devastating financial consequences (as in the case of divorce)] and your toil enrich another man’s house.

5:11 [the pursuit of impurity pays painful dividends] At the end [think beyond the immediate pleasures to consider the long-term consequences] of your life you will groan [anguish over a wasted life], when your flesh and body are spent [physical sin has physical results (such as sexually transmitted diseases)].

5:12 You will say [note regret over having rejected wise counsel…], “How I hated discipline! How my heart spurned correction!

5:13 I would not obey [heed and obey] my teachers or listen to my instructors.

5:14 I have come to the brink of utter ruin [literally “in all calamity”; financial, emotional, psychological, and legal ruin] in the midst of the whole assembly [may refer to a legal proceeding, public punishment, or to humiliation and loss of reputation].”

Proverbs 5:20-23
5:20 Why be captivated [infatuated (going astray, swerving, reeling as if intoxicated)], my son, by an adulteress? Why embrace the bosom [breast] of another man’s wife [compare advise in Prov. 5:15-19]?

5:21 For a man’s ways are in full view [we can never do anything behind God’s back] of the LORD, and he examines all his paths.

5:22 [a reminder that actions have consequences] The evil deeds of a wicked man ensnare him; the cords of his sin hold him fast [cf. Heb. 12:1].

5:23 He will die for lack of discipline, led astray by his own great folly [stupidity].

Proverbs 6:6-11
6:6 Go to the ant, you sluggard [or, slacker; someone indifferent to a task or project; cf. Prov. 24:30-34; 2 Thess. 3:10]; consider its ways and be wise!

6:7 It has no commander [or no apparent chain of command], no overseer or ruler [ants take initiative],

6:8 [ants demonstrate wisdom of planning ahead] yet it stores its provisions in summer and gathers its food at harvest [thus preparing for winter].

6:9 How long will you lie there, you sluggard [lazy compared to the ant]? When will you get up from your sleep?

6:10 A little sleep [the mantra of the lazy: “just five more minutes”], a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to rest—

6:11 [note two consequences of laziness] and [1] poverty will come on you like a bandit [robbing one of the benefits of work] and [2] scarcity like an armed man.

Proverbs 6:23-24
6:23 For these commands are a lamp [cf. Ps. 119:105], this teaching is a light, and the corrections of discipline are the way to life [sexual activity outside of marriage may lead to premature death because of disease or even murder],

6:24 keeping you from the immoral woman, from the smooth tongue of the wayward wife [the Bible will keep you from sin or sin will keep you from the Bible].

Proverbs 6:27-29
6:27 [note two rhetorical questions] [1] Can a man scoop fire [associating with an immoral individual is like playing with fire] into his lap without his clothes being burned?

6:28 [2] Can a man walk on hot coals without his feet being scorched?

6:29 So [just as fire endangers one physically, adultery endangers one morally and spiritually] is he who sleeps with another man’s wife; no one [those who participate in sexual sin] who touches her will go unpunished [consider some of the consequences of adultery: destruction of reputation, family life, and career; cf. Ex. 20:14 re: prohibition of adultery].

Proverbs 6:32-35
6:32 But a man who commits adultery lacks judgment [or, sense]; whoever does so destroys himself.

6:33 Blows and disgrace [possibly as a result of an altercation with an enraged husband (as in 6:34)] are his lot, and his shame [disgrace; shame lasts longer than a beating] will never be wiped away [although sexual sins can be forgiven, the consequences remain (as in the case of King David; cf. 2 Sam. 12:10-12)];

6:34 for jealousy arouses a husband’s fury, and he will show no mercy when he takes revenge [on the one who committed adultery with his wife].

6:35 He will not accept any compensation; he will refuse the bribe, however great it is.

Proverbs 11:24-25
11:24 One man gives freely [literally “scatters”], yet gains even more [many rewards of giving are intangible]; another [the stingy] withholds unduly, but comes to poverty.

11:25 A generous man will prosper; he who refreshes others [we should use our wealth to help others] will himself be refreshed.

Proverbs 11:28
11:28 Whoever trusts [cf. 1 Tim. 6:10] in his riches will fall [cf. Luke 16:19-31 re: the rich man and Lazarus], but the righteous will thrive like a green leaf [cf. Ps. 1:3].

Proverbs 12:4
12:4 A wife of noble character [a capable wife] is her husband’s crown [a symbol of honor], but a disgraceful wife [a wife who causes shame and lowers her husbands standing in the community] is like decay in his bones.

Proverbs 12:16
12:16 [contrast two responses to same situation…] A fool shows his annoyance at once, but a prudent [sensible] man overlooks an insult.

Proverbs 12:18
12:18 Reckless [or rash; cf. Matt. 5:22] words pierce like a sword [we can destroy others with words], but the tongue of the wise brings healing [cf. Eph. 4:29].

Proverbs 13:11

13:11 Dishonest money [wealth obtained by fraud (or through gambling)] dwindles away, but he who gathers money little by little [by honest labor] makes it grow.

Proverbs 13:24
13:24 [this is not a license to harm a child] He who spares the rod [corporal punishment is a legitimate part of parental discipline and an expression of love] hates his son, but he who loves him is careful to discipline him.

14:1 The wise woman [applicable to husbands as well; women play a key role] builds her house, but with her own hands the foolish one [e.g., Queen Jezebel (1 Kings 19:1-2)] tears hers down [foolishness is destructive].

14:2 Whoever fears the Lord walks uprightly, but those who despise him are devious in their ways.

14:3 fool’s mouth lashes out with pride, but the lips of the wise protect them.

14:4 Where there are no oxen, the manger is empty, but from the strength of an ox come abundant harvests.

14:5 An honest witness does not deceive, but a false witness pours out lies.

14:6 The mocker seeks wisdom and finds none, but knowledge comes easily to the discerning.

14:7 Stay away from a fool, for you will not find knowledge on their lips.

14:8 The wisdom of the prudent is to give thought to their ways, but the folly of fools is deception.

14:9 Fools mock at making amends for sin, but goodwill is found among the upright.

14:10 Each heart knows its own bitterness, and no one else can share its joy.

14:11 The house of the wicked will be destroyed, but the tent of the upright will flourish.

14:12 There is a way that appears to be right, but in the end it leads to death.

14:13 Even in laughter the heart may ache, and rejoicing may end in grief.

14:14 The faithless will be fully repaid for their ways, and the good rewarded for theirs.

14:15 The simple believe anything, but the prudent give thought to their steps.

14:16 The wise fear the Lord and shun evil, but a fool is hotheaded and yet feels secure.

14:17 A quick-tempered [refers to expressing inappropriate anger] person [someone with a short-fuse] does foolish things, and the one who devises evil schemes is hated.

Note: Those who fly into a rage never make a good landing.


14:18 The simple inherit folly, but the prudent are crowned with knowledge.

14:19 Evildoers will bow down in the presence of the good, and the wicked at the gates of the righteous.

14:20 The poor are shunned even by their neighbors, but the rich have many friends.

14:21 It is a sin to despise one’s neighbor, but blessed is the one who is kind to the needy.

14:22 Do not those who plot evil go astray? But those who plan what is good find love and faithfulness.

14:23 All hard work [whether physical or mental] brings a profit, but mere talk leads only to poverty.

14:24 The wealth of the wise is their crown, but the folly of fools yields folly.

14:25 A truthful witness saves lives, but a false witness is deceitful.

14:26 Whoever fears the Lord has a secure fortress, and for their children it will be a refuge.

14:27 The fear of the Lord is a fountain of life, turning a person from the snares of death.

14:28 A large population is a king’s glory, but without subjects a prince is ruined.

14:29 A patient [long or slow to anger] man has [shows] great understanding, but a quick-tempered [quick of spirit] man displays folly.

14:30 A heart at peace gives life to the body, but envy rots the bones.

14:31 Whoever oppresses [prolonged cruel and unjust treatment of others; cruel treatment born out of a mindset of devaluing others] the poor [Jesus said the poor we will always have with us (Jn. 12:8)] shows contempt for their [the One who made us also made the poor] Maker [God created us in His own image thereby endowing us with value and dignity; our view of others should reflect this truth], but whoever is kind [generous] to the needy [Jesus always moved in the direction of people in need] honors [gives weight to God’s view of the poor] God [the Maker of all people].

14:32 When calamity comes, the wicked are brought down, but even in death the righteous seek refuge in God.

14:33 Wisdom reposes in the heart of the discerning and even among fools she lets herself be known.

14:34 Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin condemns any people.

14:36 A king delights in a wise servant, but a shameful servant arouses his fury.

NIV

15:1 A gentle [the nature of the delivery] answer [gives anger time to subside and the Holy Spirit time to control our response] turns away [turns down the heat] wrath, but a harsh word [words that carry explosive and destructive potential] stirs up [fans the flames of a smoldering fire] anger [thus escalating the argument or conflict].

15:2 The tongue of the wise [one who knows how to prudently and gracefully communicate; takes into account the manner in which he speaks; knows how to appropriately express knowledge] adorns knowledge [makes knowledge look lovely], but the mouth of the fool [lacks discretion and decorum] gushes [like a fire hydrant; like a flood] folly [which the fool, in his own mind, generally considers to be knowledge].

15:3 The eyes of the Lord [his knowledge of who we are and what we do] are everywhere [omnipresent and omniscient; we can never hide from God’s gaze nor do anything behind God’s back (Psalm. 139:1-5)], keeping watch [everything we do is in the sight of the Lord, even what we do in the dark (Ps. 139:11-12)] on the wicked and the good.



Note | From a Hymn by the Christian Latin poet, Prudentius (348-505 AD)

“For God our Maker, ever nigh,

Surveys us with a watchful eye;

Our every thought and act he knows,

From early dawn to daylight’s close.”

15:4 [compare Prov. 12:18] The soothing [wholesome (Eph. 4:29); healing; gentle and mild] tongue [one that speaks good words; what lies in the well of the heart comes up in the bucket of speech (Matt. 12:34); our words reveal our character] is a tree of life [a tree is a symbol of stability, shelter, and growth; preserves and promotes life; nourishes and refreshes the listener like the fruit of a tree], but a perverse [corrupt] tongue crushes [our words have consequences; people can be crushed under the weight of negative words; wounds, corrupts, destroys; words that lead to pain and despair and cause emotional damage; harsh words create division] the spirit [of both speaker and hearer].

15:5 A fool spurns [does not regard or obey] a parent’s [who love and have authority over him; fools also despise the instruction of anyone who has authority over them] discipline [or correction; designed to keep a child from a foolish path], but whoever heeds [receives and acts on] correction shows prudence [to act in a manner that shows care and thought for the future; becomes wiser as a result].

15:6 The house of the righteous contains great treasure, but the income of the wicked brings ruin.

15:7 The lips of the wise spread knowledge, but the hearts of fools are not upright.

15:8 The Lord detests the sacrifice of the wicked, but the prayer of the upright pleases him.

15:9 The Lord detests the way of the wicked, but he loves those who pursue righteousness.

15:10 Stern discipline awaits anyone who leaves the path; the one who hates correction will die.

15:11 Death and Destruction lie open before the Lord— how much more do human hearts!

15:12 Mockers resent correction, so they avoid the wise.

15:13 A happy heart makes the face cheerful, but heartache crushes the spirit.

15:14 The discerning heart seeks knowledge, but the mouth of a fool feeds on folly.

15:15 All the days of the oppressed are wretched, but the cheerful heart has a continual feast.

15:16 Better a little with the fear of the Lord than great wealth with turmoil.

15:17 Better a meal of vegetables where there is love [affection] than a fattened calf with hatred [some people allow wealth to replace love].
 
15:18 A hot-tempered man stirs up dissension, but a patient [one slow to anger] man calms a quarrel [cf. Rom. 12:18].


15:19 The way of the sluggard is blocked with thorns, but the path of the upright is a highway.


15:20 A wise son brings joy to his father, but a foolish man despises his mother.

15:21 Folly brings joy to one who has no sense, but whoever has understanding keeps a straight course.

15:22 Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed.

15:23 A person finds joy in giving an apt reply— and how good is a timely word!

15:24 The path of life leads upward for the prudent to keep them from going down to the realm of the dead.

15:25 The Lord tears down the house of the proud, but he sets the widow’s boundary stones in place.

15:26 The Lord detests the thoughts of the wicked, but gracious words are pure in his sight.

15:27 A greedy man [one preoccupied with amassing wealth; one who obtains wealth by dishonesty, violence, or injustice] brings trouble to his family, but he who hates bribes will live.

15:28 The heart of the righteous weighs its answers, but the mouth of the wicked gushes evil.

15:29 The Lord is far from the wicked, but he hears the prayer of the righteous.

15:30 Light in a messenger’s eyes brings joy to the heart, and good news gives health to the bones.

15:31 Whoever heeds life-giving correction will be at home among the wise.

15:32 Those who disregard discipline despise themselves, but the one who heeds correction gains understanding.

15:33 Wisdom’s instruction is to fear the Lord, and humility comes before honor.

Proverbs 16:8
16:8 Better a little with righteousness than much gain with injustice.

Proverbs 16:16
16:16 How much better to get [acquire] wisdom than gold, to choose understanding rather than silver!

Proverbs 16:21
16:21 The wise in heart are called discerning, and pleasant [sweet (and persuasive)] words promote instruction.

Proverbs 16:23
16:23 A wise man’s heart guides his mouth [what we say and how we say it are important], and his lips promote instruction.

Proverbs 16:28

16:28 A perverse [contrary (literally “perversity” or “fraud”) or crooked] man stirs up dissension [spreads conflict] and a gossip [often distort the facts] separates close friends.

Proverbs 16:32
16:32 [patience is stronger than military strength…] Better a patient man than a warrior, a man who controls his temper than one who takes a city.

Proverbs 17:9
17:9 He who covers over an offense promotes love [cf. Prov. 10:12; Eph. 4:15; 1 Cor. 13:5; 1 Pet. 4:8], but whoever [such as a gossip] repeats the matter separates close friends.

Proverbs 17:14

17:14 Starting a quarrel is like breaching [a small breach will eventually create a flood] a dam; so drop the matter before a dispute [a legal conflict] breaks out.

Proverbs 17:17-19
17:17 A friend [can refer to a neighbor, associate, companion] loves [this is the heart of being a friend; cf. Jn. 15:13; unconditional love] at all times [such as adversity or prosperity, sickness or health, good news or bad news, optimism or pessimism], and a brother [a true friend is like a true brother] is born [meaning, “to come to the surface” or “appear”] for adversity [difficult times prove the identity of true friends; cf. 2 Tim. 4:16 re: Paul’s experience].

17:18 A man lacking in judgment [one without sense; lacking heart or thinking] strikes hands in pledge [enters an agreement] and puts up security for [or, in the presence of] his neighbor [there is danger in cosigning a note].

17:19 He who loves [has a constant desire for] a quarrel loves sin; he who builds a high gate [threshold; possibly refers to one who prefers to remain isolated from others] invites destruction.