Proverbs 17:18-20, An Unhappy Trio

November 16, Proverbs 17:18-20

2 Cor. 8:20-21; 1 Cor. 3:3-4; Jas. 3:6 “Are ye not carnal and walk as men?”

An Unhappy Trio

Luther rightly said: “I more fear what is within me, than what comes from without.” God alone sees the heart! Let us ponder this truth.

1. A Warning Echo: The warning in verse 18 takes us back to chapter 6:1-5 which deals with the dangers of co-signing for loans (11:15). A man void of understanding is one who lacks heart, the now familiar Hebrew idiom. To go security for another is to pledge to guarantee the loan. Striking hands is similar to the modern handshake. Solomon warns against such pledges. It is foolish to do so even for a neighbour, but it is the sheerest stupidity to do so for a stranger or for a strange (wayward) woman. Never promise to give what you haven’t got. It can only hurt you, yes, and your wife and family with you. “There is no true benevolence in rash engagements which may involve our name and family in disgrace or ruin” (Bridges). Yet, there’s another blessed echo here. “Christ’s becoming Surety for men, was a glorious display of Divine Wisdom, for He was able to discharge the bond” (Henry). Thank God we have one who “paid our debt in full.”

2. A Wearying Duo: In verse 19a we are reminded that sin and strife, sin and trouble, go hand in hand. Quarrelling often involves transgression, the consequences of which may be devastating (Pr. 17:14). Argumentative people often enjoy offending others. If we would have a conscience void of offence, we must prayerfully guard against all that provokes unbridled anger (2 Cor. 12:20; Jas. 1:20). In the second part of the verse gate is an opening, and may refer to the big talker with his big promises, the braggart, and thus one who invites destruction. “Could it be that ‘he that exalteth (builds high) his gate’ was an ancient idiom similar to our ʻraising the roof?” It may refer to people who show off their wealth by building huge homes and grand entrances. Jeremiah condemns the Jews of Jerusalem for doing this very thing, and then asks, Shalt thou reign because thou closest thyself in cedar? (22:13-15). He built very high and was brought down low! How many today have built high, and have mortgages that are like millstones around their necks, bringing them to ruin!

3. A Wresting Inferno: The froward heart in verse 20 is literally a wresting, perverted heart, and out of such a heart the mouth can speak only deceit (11:20). How often the Wise Man has warned us of liars! When will we learn? What folly that man’s wisdom so often lies in his ability to do evil (Eccl. 10:12). Perverse hearts and deceitful tongues reap what they sow. They wrest the truth to their own overthrow (Ps. 140:11; Jer. 23:36). Their punishment begins in this world, but will find its consummation in the eternal flames. Old Thomas Manton declared, “A tongue that is set on fire from hell shall be set on fire in hell.” God’s judgments are always according to truth (Ps. 18:26).

Thought: “Our vices have voices that testify against us” (Anon).

Prayer: “Create in me a clean heart, O God, and a right spirit within me.”