Mighty words of wisdom for the daily life fill this chapter. How much we miss through neglecting the study of the Book of Proverbs! It furnishes a complete guide past the pitfalls and dangers, the rocks and shoals encountered in the voyage of life.
Wholesome is the advice given in the first verse, through divinely given know ledge of the frailty of poor fallen man. Many have been proving the truth of verse 5 in the present depression, having been reduced from plenty to poverty in a short time. Treasures laid up for ourselves in heaven are far more enduring investments,
“For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.” Matthew 6:19-21.
Verses 10-11. God will judge those who take advantage of others; ours is a day when there is much of the spirit of “might is right,” and the removal of the ancient landmark may be an easy way secretly to shift the boundary of my farm to take in land which is someone’s else. The “fields of the fatherless” speak of feeble folk, easily robbed, but their Redeemer is mighty and He will plead their cause with the oppressor.
Verse 12. By nature we do not like to be corrected; yet it is only by diligence in reading and study of the Scriptures, and by taking earnest heed to the ministry of servants of the Lord more intelligent in and acquainted with the Scriptures than ourselves, that we grow spiritually.
Verses 15-16, 24-25. Christian fathers and mothers are happy when they are able to see their children saved and growing in the Christian life.
Verses 17-18. .“All the day long,” not just at bed-time, kneeling in prayer, nor only on rising after a night’s rest. It is the believer’s privilege to be in the fear of the Lord all of the day, moment by moment. And “surely there is an end” (or result) or future. (Titus 2:12-14; Colossians 3:23, 24; Hebrews 6:10-12; Philippians 3:20, 21.)
Verse 23. That would be a poor bargain, to sell the truth and wisdom and instruction and intelligence, for the passing things of life. Nothing in this world could compensate for the loss of the fear of God and the enjoyment of His Word as the food of the soul and mind.
Verses 26-35 consider two of the world's attractions that have occasioned the ruin of many. It is only in God's Word that we learn the true character of evil. The "dek3 ditch" and "narrow pit" (verse 27), once fallen into are hard, if not impossible to escape. And by indulgence in sin, in things forbidden in the Word of God, the conscience is weakened, the sense of wrong is perverted, and the man (or woman) becomes a willing slave. Note the last words of the chapter,—buffeted and suffering because of drunkenness, but "I will seek it yet again." Such is man, with all his boasting and pride!