Author: Denis Gibson

These two proverbs deal with the consequences of goodness or wisdom. This is the last verse in Proverbs to refer directly to the Lord for some time to come. The proverbs concentrate on the practical issues of life here. All moral duties proceed from the Creator alone, and the foundation of wisdom is over and over again stated to be in the fear of the Lord. Moral teachers have failed because they try to persuade men to act right. This, however, sinful men cannot do until first his heart is made right with his Creator.

Hear Ye! “Sin kisses, but kills!” It is a glittering sword, bright to the eye but dark as death to the heart! Do we really need more proofs that sin is folly and failure? This chapter continues to pile proverb on proverb to support the main theme of the Book, namely, to know wisdom and instruction (1:2). Wisdom sums up the whole purpose of the book of Proverbs. The fear of the Lord, that is wisdom! The word Instruction means discipline, correction, sometimes chastening, for it not only coaches but also corrects! All men divide into two classes: the righteous, who learn wisdom, and the wicked, the fools, who despise both wisdom and instruction (1:7). “Wise men change their minds; fools have none to change.” There may seem to be exceptions to this, but experience justifies its truth.

Does shall be recompensed mean that the righteous receive rewards, as in 13:13, where the same word is used, and the wicked punished (Jer. 18:20)? If so, why does it say much more the wicked? Recompensed should be applied in both places. If the righteous are liable for their sins, how much more the wicked?

Billy Bray (1794-1864), the converted Cornish miner, turned evangelist, was once preaching with great effect to a large congregation, principally miners. In that district there were two mines, one very prosperous and the other quite the reverse, for the work was hard and the wages low. He represented himself as working at that mine but on payday he went to the prosperous one for his wages. Had he not been at work at the other mine, the manager inquired. He had, but he liked the wages of the good mine the best. He pleaded very earnestly but in vain. He was dismissed at last with the remark, from which there was no appeal, that he must come there to work if he came there for his wages. And then he turned upon the congregation, and the effect was almost irresistible, that they, too, must serve Christ here if they would share His glory hereafter; but if they would serve the devil now, to him they must go for their wages by-and-by.

3. God’s Wisdom is for us to win souls by taking or catching them. This does not mean forcing the gospel down unwilling throats. Many children attend services with their parents, but once they enter their teens they begin to balk. Such parents must either go alone, or, find a church where their teenagers will be catered to by the aid of rock music! Something is wrong when the fruit of righteousness does not attract those nearest and dearest to us! Much soul-winning is filled with gimmickry that discredits the Gospel. Numbers and professions, however distorted or extorted, is the name of the game. Saved today, even though there is little or no evidence of the fruit tomorrow (Titus 1:16)!

2. God’s Way: He that winneth souls is wise. The key word is winneth. What a comfort to know that in this sinful world God’s way is to win fallen souls! Christ has made sure of that. He came to seek and save that which was lost through the shedding of His precious Blood. Before His departure He gave His disciples, what has come to be called, the Great Commission: Go ye into all the world and make disciples. Jesus clearly taught that salvation is a universal need, for all have sinned and come short of the glory of God (Rom. 3:23). The early Christians did just that, and we must follow in their train.

1. God’s Work: Most aim at winning something of value, worldly wealth, earthly honours, Olympic medals, or a lottery! Paul had an aim, but it was to win Christ and be found in Him (Phil.3:8-9). He then had an insatiable longing to do God’s work, to share Christ with others, whatever the cost (Rom.1:14-16)! This should be the aim of every Christian. First, you must know Christ as your own personal Saviour, and then you must tell others of the wonderful Saviour that found you! This proverb will show how soul-winning relates to God’s work, not to possessing the fortune or favour of the world.

The home is the first institution of God in the Garden. The devil attacked it then; he has been doing so ever since. This is a crime without boundaries.

Wealth never was a fit foundation for the soul. “Golden cups may carry deadly draughts.” Riches, fame, and honour, have been ruinous temptations for many. Still there are those who trust in riches, but they “will fail us when we are in the greatest need” (Henry). How fleeting will such a trust prove (Pr. 23:5).