We are shown here what is of real value, far beyond gold, the object of most men, and rubies, the desired prize of rich folk. We are also taught what ensures loss and evil in Jehovah's sight.
“There is gold, and a multitude of rubies; but the lips of knowledge [are] a precious jewel.
Take his garment that is become surety [for] another, and hold him in pledge for a strange woman.
Bread of falsehood [is] sweet to man, but afterward his mouth shall be filled with gravel.
Purpose is established by counsel, and with wise guidance make war.
He that goeth about tale-bearing revealeth secrets: therefore meddle not with him that openeth (enticeth with) his lips.
Whoso curseth his father or his mother, his lamp shall be put out in the blackest darkness.
An inheritance hastily gotten at the beginning will not be blessed at the end.
Say not, I will recompense evil: wait on Jehovah, and he will save thee.
Divers weights [are] an abomination to Jehovah; and a false balance [is] not good” (vers. 15-23).
Never was there a day in the world's annals when men might more easily possess themselves of gold than when Solomon reigned, never one when precious stones so freely poured than then into Jerusalem. But knowledge duly expressed was far rarer and yet more valuable; and so it is still.
Inconsiderateness is a direct road to ruin, even if one listens to spendthrifts of one's family. But what happens when a man is so weak as to become surety for a stranger? Yet worse is it, when he listens to a strange woman. You may relieve him of his raiment at once.
Again, if one eat the bread of deceit, and instead of trembling at the sin, find it sweet, what will the end be? Surely to fill the mouth with gravel; God is not mocked.
Counsel is requisite to form and execute a purpose, and especially if one go to war. But if one needs wise guidance, what more dangerous then to listen to an active tale-bearer, unless it be to a flatterer?
To honor one's parents was the first commandment with promise: what can be the issue but deepest darkness to him that curses either?
So too the hastily gotten inheritance is apt to slip soon, having no blessing from God.
But it is a dangerous thing to keep a grudge, and hope to repay it. God is jealous, but withal gracious. On Him let one wait and prove His saving mercy, as David did.
Cheating is His abomination, and a balance of deceit is not good, but for destruction.