Think Ahead

Proverbs 20:16-30

“Take his garment that is surety for a stranger: and take a pledge of him for a strange woman. ” (Proverbs 20:16)

A person who cosigns for loans or takes responsibility for people he doesn’t know is not careful about his business.   He may lose everything he had if the person he did it for decides not to pay.  In conducting business with him it is wise to protect yourself by making sure that you will get something in such a case.  If it was some woman he did it for that should raise a red warning flag.  Sexual desire tends to cloud one’s judgment, and it only a small step from cheating on ones mate or lying to them to lying and cheating at other things.  Make sure you are fully protected.

“Bread of deceit is sweet to a man; but afterwards his mouth shall be filled with gravel. ” (Proverbs 20:17)

If you have to cheat to win, obviously you didn’t deserve to win.  While the winning may be sweet, the consciousness that you had to cheat spoils most of the pleasure.

“Every purpose is established by counsel: and with good advice make war.” (Proverbs 20:18)

Careful research and planning ensure success.  Take the trouble to make sure you have a good and workable plan when you get into a struggle.

“He that goeth about as a talebearer revealeth secrets: therefore meddle not with him that flattereth with his lips.” (Proverbs 20:19)

Gossips and journalists hang out with people in hopes of learning some unintentional tidbit they can use.   Watch out for people who flatter you, because they may be trying to get you to betray some secret. 

“Whoso curseth his father or his mother, his lamp shall be put out in obscure darkness.” (Proverbs 20:20)

God commands us to honor our parents, promising a long life for those who do.  Those who turn against their parents will not be long remembered after their death.

“An inheritance may be gotten hastily at the beginning; but the end thereof shall not be blessed.” (Proverbs 20:21)

An inheritance or prize can be gotten without having to earn it, but most people who win the lottery or inherit a large sum wind up losing it and getting into trouble because they haven’t learned how to take care of it.

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“Say not thou, I will recompense evil; but wait on the LORD, and he shall save thee.” (Proverbs 20:22)

Don’t try to get even with people.  Trust God to do it for you.   Romans 12:19-20 says, “Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord.  Therefore if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink: for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head.” 

“Divers weights are an abomination unto the LORD; and a false balance is not good.” (Proverbs 20:23)

Once again, we are reminded that God hates dishonest business practices.   

“Man's goings are of the LORD; how can a man then understand his own way?” (Proverbs 20:24)

Man doesn’t control his destiny, God does.  How can a man plan his life out or understand what is happening?

“It is a snare to the man who devoureth that which is holy, and after vows to make inquiry. ” (Proverbs 20:25)

A person who rips off what has been given to God, then promises to investigate what happened in hopes of covering it up has trapped himself.  God already knows what happened, but he just proves it wasn’t an accident.

“A wise king scattereth the wicked, and bringeth the wheel over them.” (Proverbs 20:26)

A wise leader breaks up corrupt groups, crushing as many of the guilty as he can.  He will never eliminate them completely, but he can break up their power.  A foolish leader thinks he can control them and allows them to stay.  

“The spirit of man is the candle of the LORD, searching all the inward parts of the belly.” (Proverbs 20:27)

A person’s attitude is like a candle from God, showing just what he is really like. 

“Mercy and truth preserve the king: and his throne is upholden by mercy. ” (Proverbs 20:28)

Honesty and fairness, and consideration for his people draws people to him, and the consideration for his people, not extracting the maximum from them in taxes or compulsory service will make his administration secure.  Corruption and demonstrations of power turn the people against him.

“The glory of young men is their strength: and the beauty of old men is the grey head.” (Proverbs 20:29)

Boys and young men take great pride and pleasure in their strength.  The grey hair of an old man indicates he was strong enough and smart enough to survive for many years.   

“The blueness of a wound cleanseth away evil: so do stripes the inward parts of the belly. ” (Proverbs 20:30)

When a person is injured, the veins carrying blood back to the kidneys and heart are damaged.  As circulation is restored the bluish appearance indicated circulation has been restored and harmful things are being carried away.  Just as the blood eliminates harmful products from the wound, punishment can cause the elimination of evil attitudes and ideas.