Author: Denis Gibson

In the Hebrew word order man is first, setting him in sharp contrast to the Lord. Is man free to plan, and thus he advances God’s purposes? Man’s best plans come to naught unless the Lord guides his tongue, so some interpret this. This is true, but is it what our verse says? It does not say, “The preparations of the heart are in man, but that the answer of the tongue is from the Lord.” New versions generally favour this. RSV reads, “The plans belong to man” (so NIV, NKJV, et al). Kidner says, “AV distorts the Hebrew, in which man and God stand in contrast.” Holden, a century earlier, anticipated this. His “minute and critical examination substantially vindicated the received translation.” This proverb is not parallel to 16:9, 19:21 (devises). This is a military term for the marshalling of an army (1 Sam. 4:2). The thought is that all our fitness and successes are from the Lord.

As we have observed before the fear of the Lord, the motto of Proverbs, means true reverence for God. Where there is perfect love there will be no slavish fear (1 Jn. 4:17-18). “The fear of man weakens; the fear of God strengthens,” or, we might say, the fear of terror “kills” while the fear of reverence “thrills.”

Who or what does the unteachable person despise? He despises his own soul. How true are the words of Thomas Brooks, “Vices are more costly than virtues”! It was a common saying where we grew up, that “a nod is as good as a wink to a blind horse.” Since he can see nothing at all truly, it matters not where you might seek to lead him. Many men are exactly like that blind horse!

How hard it is to take reproofs! Thus it is a frequent topic with Proverbs. The reproof of life speaks of God’s reproving sinners. Though we give many reproofs that are undeserved, or given in ill-temper, this is never the case with God. Our consciences confirm our guilt and also the justice of God. His rebuke is to bring us to conviction and lead to salvation. Our rebukes are often unkind, but God’s never! Paul reminds Titus of the goodness and kindness of God our Saviour (3:4). He writes, Behold, therefore, the goodness and severity of God (Rom. 11:22).

The expression the light of the eyes suggests the eyes are like a lamp. This is the word used in Genesis 1:16 to designate the Sun and Moon. How thankful we should be for God’s luminaries that cast their light on our eyes and that rejoice our hearts and lives (Eccl. 11:7). A secondary meaning may refer to the light we love to see in the eyes of our friends, especially when others look kindly on us (Ps. 4:6).

We considered prayer in terms of a right or wrong relationship with God. There have been reminders of the responsibility to pray and not faint. Let us now consider the rewards of prayer. As with every godly exercise, the devil does his diabolical utmost to undermine and deprive us of our prayer-life in every way he can. “God will not hear you.” Your reply: “But He has bid me pray without ceasing.” “You are not worthy.” True, but have I not an Advocate who is? “Do you think you can change the Almighty?” Why then does He tell me to ask? He that comes to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him (Heb. 11:6). Why, you may ask, does the devil seek to keep me from prayer, if it is of no avail? Why, you may well ask again, does he tremble when he sees me on my knees? “No prayer will be without God’s fruit” (Bridges).

God’s sympathetic nearness to His own is contained in the second part of today’s proverb. It is an actual and observable tender nearness that comes through prayer. This is a token of His sympathy and loving care for His children.

The Bible has much to say on the importance of prayer for God’s people. No matter how high and holy God is, believers can enjoy real, intimate communion with God. In the Old Testament we have the prayers of Abraham for Sodom, Moses for Israel, Job for his friends, Nehemiah and Daniel for Jerusalem, and many others. How precious they are to instruct us! Then in the New Testament we have the example and precept of Jesus on communion with His Heavenly Father. Read the Book of Acts and the Epistles. Here again we recognise the vital place of prayer for the first Christians. Let us learn what our proverb today has to teach us regarding the vitality of prayer.

When it comes to words, the one studies, while the other just spews! Bring 15:2 and 28 together. Notice how wisdom and righteous agree! “Consideration is an important part of the Christian character; nowhere more important than in the discipline of the tongue” (Bridges). “Tongues seldom ache through lying still.”

This warning appeared at the beginning of Proverbs (1:19), and also near the end (28:16). The word greed and covetous are from the same word-root and bear the same wicked fruit! It is one of the most powerful temptations of which sinful hearts are capable, and also one of the most destructive morally and spiritually. Notice the sharp contrasts in our verse today, and learn to shun this evil plant and its wicked fruits (Isa. 5:8-10).