 |
| PROVERBS |
| Explanatory Footnotes |
| 1:22 Three Problem People Mockers, fools, the simple: Proverbs keeps using these words to define the "bad characters" we should stay away from. What kind of people are they? The "simple" are the least harmful group; they live without thinking and are too lazy to change. But they, like the others, will end up sorry. "Fools" have more smarts but have made a conscious decision to live by their own lights, independent of God and independent of advice. "Mockers," worst of all, are rebels against God who make their prideful position known to everyone. They mock God, but God will mock them in the end (1:26). 3:6 Walking with God In the original Hebrew, "in all your ways acknowledge him" is more literally "in all your ways know him." This fundamental statement of how to relate to God implies more than mere reverence. Nodding in God's direction is not enough; you must know him by living closely with him, relating to him personally in every aspect of your life. 4:8 A Lifelong Quest A father's advice can easily degenerate into, "Don't do this, don't do that." But the fatherly advice of Proverbs isn't preoccupied with rules. Instead, this father tries to help his son develop a love for the best things in life - just as his father did for him. This love for the best - and most of all for wisdom - begins with listening to your father's advice, but it goes beyond taking instructions. The love of wisdom becomes a lifelong quest that may make you wiser than your father. 7:2 The Apple of your Eye The "apple of your eye" is an Old English expression for the eye's center, or pupil. The whole body is tuned to protect that pupil from harm: eyelids reflexively snap shut at the slightest hint of danger; tear ducts bathe your eye |