Book of Proverbs 4-6
Proverbs Chapter 4: The father had confidence in his instruction, no doubt because it was based on Scriptural wisdom. Confident that he spoke good doctrine, Solomon tenderly remembered the lessons his father taught him. This would be a special remembrance of any son with any father, but all the more so when we consider that Solomon’s father was King David, the greatest of Israel’s earthly kings. King David taught him well and Solomon received the lessons, valuing wisdom so much that he asked for it above all other things, Solomon continued in his remembrance of his father’s teaching to him. King David taught Solomon that if he remained on the path of wisdom, and loved wisdom, it would preserve him and keep him safe. King David communicated more than the facts of wisdom; he wanted Solomon to love and value and honor wisdom. We sense that Solomon received an appropriate satisfaction in fulfilling his duty to teach his son wisdom, even as his father taught him
To stay on the path of the just, one must give attention to what they speak. Deceitful and perverse words are used to cover deceitful and perverse actions and lead one further along the way of the wicked. If one could actually never speak in an impure or perverse way and determine to never do things that must be covered with a deceitful mouth, they would go a long way to avoiding the works of the wicked.In this regard, we appreciate something of the irony and tragedy of Solomon’s life.
Proverbs Chapter 5: This explains the reason why it was important for the son to hold on to discretion and knowledge – those things would be tested by the enticements of an immoral woman. Honey is sweet and oil is pleasant, and these represent the temptations of immorality. · If the sexual immorality is desired out of a perceived impulse of love, maturity and stability would say, “If I really loved this person I would not act against their interest and my own. I will reject this immorality because I do in fact love them and will express my love only in ways that would honor God and His people.” Solomon didn’t advise his son to stay in the immoral woman’s presence and test his ability to resist her seductions. The best defense was distance; to not even go near the door of her house. Adultery and sexual immorality ruin lives. God’s command that our sexual relationships remain only in the covenant of marriage was not given to take away from our life and enjoyment, but to add to it. Solomon reminded his son that God had provided his wife for his sexual needs. Instead of neglecting what God had given, he should renew his gratitude and focus upon what God has blessed. In conclusion be far from fornication and adultery.
Proverbs Chapter 6: Solomon warned his son against guaranteeing the debts of others, whether they were a friend or a stranger. This was the promise to pay the debts of the friend or stranger if they failed to pay. To promise to pay the debts of another person is to put yourself in a trap. It is a promise made with the words of your mouth but will affect and afflict your wallet or purse.
Solomon spoke wisdom to the sluggard – essentially, the lazy man or woman. That lazy person should learn from the ant, an insect proverbial for hard work. The ant is wise and worthy of imitation because she works hard without having to be told to work hard. The ethic of diligence comes from within and does not have to be imposed by a captain, overseer or ruler.
Solomon asked the lazy man to give account for his ways. The thought is, “You want to sleep – how long? There is life to be lived and work to be done.” Solomon imagined the lazy man saying this. He claimed that he only needed a little sleep, but actually he needed to work more. The lazy man will find that poverty and need come upon him quickly. The sluggard loves to procrastinate and think things can always be done later. The hard worker can look forward to later; for the lazy man it will come like a prowler.
