Author: Denis Gibson

In Proverbs 17:8 it was the importance of one’s motive in gift giving that was stressed. If it is an attempt to influence a decision, then clearly it is a bribe. We say, “money talks,” or “money makes the mare go!” God’s Word takes a different view of the place of money in verses 15 and 23. In a nutshell, it says, “money burns many. It is the servant of the wise, but the master of fools.”

2. OUTER HARMONY: A Merry heart, true Joy, comes from hearts that have been born-again, hearts that are controlled by the Holy Spirit. This medicine heals, bringing inner harmony. It also touches the lives that we contact daily. Are not miserable Christians, like Job’s comforters, a sad contradiction, and just as useless? How about you? Do people take note of the transformation in your life, and ask the reason for the hope that is within you (1 Pet. 3:15)? Is Christ’s Joy the strength and the happiness of your life?

1. INNER HARMONY: The Christian life should not be characterised as “doom and gloom.” Solomon rebukes the laughter of fools (Eccl. 7:6), for the end of that mirth is heaviness (14:13). Such mirth is not medicine but madness (Eccl. 2:2). A merry heart does good like a medicine. “Our Lord thus made a merry heart by his message of forgiveness (Mt. 9:2-8); and this doubtless was a more healing medicine to the paralytic, than the restoration of his limbs” (Bridges).

We have noted before the vital connection that exists between mind and body, between physical and spiritual health. It is also known that the one cannot suffer without affecting the other, or the contrary. Thus a merry heart, a cheerful mind, a spirit that is contented and at ease, will be a source of strength and stamina. When, however, the spirit is broken, the body and mind will both be laid low. A broken spirit drieth the bones. A distressed mind can cause a sickening and shattering of the body. How vital and valuable, then, is a merry heart. How does one secure this merry heart, and keep it, too?

The two Hebrew words rendered fool in 17:21 are not the same in Hebrew. The first is kesil, the second nabal. There are many fools in Proverbs, but three words cover them all. Yet, each has its own shade of meaning. Surely the Holy Spirit had a purpose in making these distinctions. Let us consider each in turn.

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.”

Writers of every strip have sung the praises of true friendship, but some of the most lovely thoughts every written about friendship are found in Holy Scripture (Ruth; David and Jonathan, 1 Sm. 18:3, 19:2; 20:17). Is it not most amazing, even awesome, to hear God saying, Abraham, My Friend (Isa. 41:8; Jas. 2:23)?

This touches most of us to some degree. Who does not wish that he or she could “claw back” some of the wasted opportunities of those youthful years? This proverb is also at the heart of the modern universal-education demand. Why invest education-dollars on fools in these times of economic constraint? While this is widely recognised in principle, to apply it could spell political suicide. After all, we must make allowances for under-achievers, one of the modern buzz-words for fools!

Justifying the criminal and incriminating the just, how prevalent it is, but no less wicked for all that! God, who loves righteousness, sees this injustice and declares both are an abomination to Him. His thoughts are not our thoughts.

Strife is so evil that if not quickly remedied it will burst the dam, and carry everything before it.

1. Begins So Slight: The beginning of strife is as when one lets out water. It may be just a damp spot on the dike wall at first, then a trickle, then a rivulet, then an unstoppable torrent! Truly, is not this an apt description of what happens when personal quarrels break out among us? The cause may be some slight point, a careless word or innocent gesture, but how quickly it can lead on to an all out war, between individuals or even nations! If neither side yields, feelings harden, things escalate and the break becomes fixed. One drop leads to another till it becomes a mad, rushing torrent. When the dam goes, it lets loose devastation, more terrible than anyone can predict, much less control!