Isaiah 7

Isaiah 7:1

Lesson of the Sluggard

In these verses, the wise Solomon tells of a walk he took and what he noticed. To this he connects a lesson for himself and for his son. It happened that he “passed by the field of the sluggard” (Proverbs 24:30). He did not seek out that field, but simply passed by it. Yes, that field had been a vineyard, at least he got that impression, but there was nothing left of it.

That was because its management lay in the hands “of the man lacking sense”. Only such a man, without the slightest sense of responsibility, could let his vineyard run wild like this. This is not someone without a spine, but someone without a brain, without a mind, literally without a heart. He lacked not the strength, but the will.

“And behold” (Proverbs 24:31), as he walked by there, he observed some things. The wise man was not daydreaming or sleepwalking, but taking in the situation around him. In the field there were not just a few weeds here and there, no, “it was completely overgrown with thistles”. There was no longer a patch of soil to be seen, for “its surface was covered with nettles”. Where grapes should have grown, there was an abundance of thistles and nettles. These do not appear overnight. No work had been done here for a long time.

Thus a similar situation can arise in the life of a believer who is unfaithful to the Lord and forgets Him more and more. The good fruits of faith that gladden the heart (the vineyard speaks of joy) disappear and in their place come nettles and thistles that hurt and injure. The consequences of sin in creation have made their way into the believer’s sphere of life.

The wise man also saw that “his stone wall had broken down”. All protection was gone. The property could be entered by anyone. If the house of the sluggard were also located there, any burglar could reach it with the greatest ease.

We are talking about a field that was previously a vineyard. Israel is compared to a vineyard (Isaiah 5:1-7). The vineyard is to yield wine. Wine is a picture of joy (Judges 9:13; Psalms 104:15). God wanted to rejoice in His people, but His people did not bring Him that joy. The vineyard had become a field through laziness, on which the symbols of sin (Genesis 3:18), the works of the flesh, were rampant.

We can make an application here. If we are spiritually lazy, “nettles” and “thistles”, that is, sinful things, will overgrow the vineyard of our life. God cannot then rejoice over our life, for nothing in it reminds Him of the life of the Lord Jesus. And if we allow the wall of separation from the world to crumble, the world and worldly thinking gain entrance into our lives and we will become victims of destruction.

After the observation in Proverbs 24:30-31, the wise man draws a lesson for himself and shares it with us (Proverbs 24:32-34). What he saw, he reflected upon in his heart. It held an instruction, an instruction without words. One of the best learning methods is to behold something, that is, to look at something with intense attention, and take it to heart. Then we really learn from it. If we see the evil consequences of an act or attitude, it will warn us not to do such acts nor adopt such an attitude.

What Solomon saw, which was an instruction to him, will keep him from laziness. It starts with a little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to rest. It is all just “a little”, but all those little bits are like the robber who also does not run fast, but steadily continues his way. And all those little bits together are like an armed man. All the bits sleeping and slumbering and lying with folded hands result in poverty and lack (Proverbs 6:10-11).

Isaiah 7:2

Lesson of the Sluggard

In these verses, the wise Solomon tells of a walk he took and what he noticed. To this he connects a lesson for himself and for his son. It happened that he “passed by the field of the sluggard” (Proverbs 24:30). He did not seek out that field, but simply passed by it. Yes, that field had been a vineyard, at least he got that impression, but there was nothing left of it.

That was because its management lay in the hands “of the man lacking sense”. Only such a man, without the slightest sense of responsibility, could let his vineyard run wild like this. This is not someone without a spine, but someone without a brain, without a mind, literally without a heart. He lacked not the strength, but the will.

“And behold” (Proverbs 24:31), as he walked by there, he observed some things. The wise man was not daydreaming or sleepwalking, but taking in the situation around him. In the field there were not just a few weeds here and there, no, “it was completely overgrown with thistles”. There was no longer a patch of soil to be seen, for “its surface was covered with nettles”. Where grapes should have grown, there was an abundance of thistles and nettles. These do not appear overnight. No work had been done here for a long time.

Thus a similar situation can arise in the life of a believer who is unfaithful to the Lord and forgets Him more and more. The good fruits of faith that gladden the heart (the vineyard speaks of joy) disappear and in their place come nettles and thistles that hurt and injure. The consequences of sin in creation have made their way into the believer’s sphere of life.

The wise man also saw that “his stone wall had broken down”. All protection was gone. The property could be entered by anyone. If the house of the sluggard were also located there, any burglar could reach it with the greatest ease.

We are talking about a field that was previously a vineyard. Israel is compared to a vineyard (Isaiah 5:1-7). The vineyard is to yield wine. Wine is a picture of joy (Judges 9:13; Psalms 104:15). God wanted to rejoice in His people, but His people did not bring Him that joy. The vineyard had become a field through laziness, on which the symbols of sin (Genesis 3:18), the works of the flesh, were rampant.

We can make an application here. If we are spiritually lazy, “nettles” and “thistles”, that is, sinful things, will overgrow the vineyard of our life. God cannot then rejoice over our life, for nothing in it reminds Him of the life of the Lord Jesus. And if we allow the wall of separation from the world to crumble, the world and worldly thinking gain entrance into our lives and we will become victims of destruction.

After the observation in Proverbs 24:30-31, the wise man draws a lesson for himself and shares it with us (Proverbs 24:32-34). What he saw, he reflected upon in his heart. It held an instruction, an instruction without words. One of the best learning methods is to behold something, that is, to look at something with intense attention, and take it to heart. Then we really learn from it. If we see the evil consequences of an act or attitude, it will warn us not to do such acts nor adopt such an attitude.

What Solomon saw, which was an instruction to him, will keep him from laziness. It starts with a little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to rest. It is all just “a little”, but all those little bits are like the robber who also does not run fast, but steadily continues his way. And all those little bits together are like an armed man. All the bits sleeping and slumbering and lying with folded hands result in poverty and lack (Proverbs 6:10-11).

Isaiah 7:3

Lesson of the Sluggard

In these verses, the wise Solomon tells of a walk he took and what he noticed. To this he connects a lesson for himself and for his son. It happened that he “passed by the field of the sluggard” (Proverbs 24:30). He did not seek out that field, but simply passed by it. Yes, that field had been a vineyard, at least he got that impression, but there was nothing left of it.

That was because its management lay in the hands “of the man lacking sense”. Only such a man, without the slightest sense of responsibility, could let his vineyard run wild like this. This is not someone without a spine, but someone without a brain, without a mind, literally without a heart. He lacked not the strength, but the will.

“And behold” (Proverbs 24:31), as he walked by there, he observed some things. The wise man was not daydreaming or sleepwalking, but taking in the situation around him. In the field there were not just a few weeds here and there, no, “it was completely overgrown with thistles”. There was no longer a patch of soil to be seen, for “its surface was covered with nettles”. Where grapes should have grown, there was an abundance of thistles and nettles. These do not appear overnight. No work had been done here for a long time.

Thus a similar situation can arise in the life of a believer who is unfaithful to the Lord and forgets Him more and more. The good fruits of faith that gladden the heart (the vineyard speaks of joy) disappear and in their place come nettles and thistles that hurt and injure. The consequences of sin in creation have made their way into the believer’s sphere of life.

The wise man also saw that “his stone wall had broken down”. All protection was gone. The property could be entered by anyone. If the house of the sluggard were also located there, any burglar could reach it with the greatest ease.

We are talking about a field that was previously a vineyard. Israel is compared to a vineyard (Isaiah 5:1-7). The vineyard is to yield wine. Wine is a picture of joy (Judges 9:13; Psalms 104:15). God wanted to rejoice in His people, but His people did not bring Him that joy. The vineyard had become a field through laziness, on which the symbols of sin (Genesis 3:18), the works of the flesh, were rampant.

We can make an application here. If we are spiritually lazy, “nettles” and “thistles”, that is, sinful things, will overgrow the vineyard of our life. God cannot then rejoice over our life, for nothing in it reminds Him of the life of the Lord Jesus. And if we allow the wall of separation from the world to crumble, the world and worldly thinking gain entrance into our lives and we will become victims of destruction.

After the observation in Proverbs 24:30-31, the wise man draws a lesson for himself and shares it with us (Proverbs 24:32-34). What he saw, he reflected upon in his heart. It held an instruction, an instruction without words. One of the best learning methods is to behold something, that is, to look at something with intense attention, and take it to heart. Then we really learn from it. If we see the evil consequences of an act or attitude, it will warn us not to do such acts nor adopt such an attitude.

What Solomon saw, which was an instruction to him, will keep him from laziness. It starts with a little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to rest. It is all just “a little”, but all those little bits are like the robber who also does not run fast, but steadily continues his way. And all those little bits together are like an armed man. All the bits sleeping and slumbering and lying with folded hands result in poverty and lack (Proverbs 6:10-11).

Isaiah 7:4

Lesson of the Sluggard

In these verses, the wise Solomon tells of a walk he took and what he noticed. To this he connects a lesson for himself and for his son. It happened that he “passed by the field of the sluggard” (Proverbs 24:30). He did not seek out that field, but simply passed by it. Yes, that field had been a vineyard, at least he got that impression, but there was nothing left of it.

That was because its management lay in the hands “of the man lacking sense”. Only such a man, without the slightest sense of responsibility, could let his vineyard run wild like this. This is not someone without a spine, but someone without a brain, without a mind, literally without a heart. He lacked not the strength, but the will.

“And behold” (Proverbs 24:31), as he walked by there, he observed some things. The wise man was not daydreaming or sleepwalking, but taking in the situation around him. In the field there were not just a few weeds here and there, no, “it was completely overgrown with thistles”. There was no longer a patch of soil to be seen, for “its surface was covered with nettles”. Where grapes should have grown, there was an abundance of thistles and nettles. These do not appear overnight. No work had been done here for a long time.

Thus a similar situation can arise in the life of a believer who is unfaithful to the Lord and forgets Him more and more. The good fruits of faith that gladden the heart (the vineyard speaks of joy) disappear and in their place come nettles and thistles that hurt and injure. The consequences of sin in creation have made their way into the believer’s sphere of life.

The wise man also saw that “his stone wall had broken down”. All protection was gone. The property could be entered by anyone. If the house of the sluggard were also located there, any burglar could reach it with the greatest ease.

We are talking about a field that was previously a vineyard. Israel is compared to a vineyard (Isaiah 5:1-7). The vineyard is to yield wine. Wine is a picture of joy (Judges 9:13; Psalms 104:15). God wanted to rejoice in His people, but His people did not bring Him that joy. The vineyard had become a field through laziness, on which the symbols of sin (Genesis 3:18), the works of the flesh, were rampant.

We can make an application here. If we are spiritually lazy, “nettles” and “thistles”, that is, sinful things, will overgrow the vineyard of our life. God cannot then rejoice over our life, for nothing in it reminds Him of the life of the Lord Jesus. And if we allow the wall of separation from the world to crumble, the world and worldly thinking gain entrance into our lives and we will become victims of destruction.

After the observation in Proverbs 24:30-31, the wise man draws a lesson for himself and shares it with us (Proverbs 24:32-34). What he saw, he reflected upon in his heart. It held an instruction, an instruction without words. One of the best learning methods is to behold something, that is, to look at something with intense attention, and take it to heart. Then we really learn from it. If we see the evil consequences of an act or attitude, it will warn us not to do such acts nor adopt such an attitude.

What Solomon saw, which was an instruction to him, will keep him from laziness. It starts with a little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to rest. It is all just “a little”, but all those little bits are like the robber who also does not run fast, but steadily continues his way. And all those little bits together are like an armed man. All the bits sleeping and slumbering and lying with folded hands result in poverty and lack (Proverbs 6:10-11).

Isaiah 7:5

Lesson of the Sluggard

In these verses, the wise Solomon tells of a walk he took and what he noticed. To this he connects a lesson for himself and for his son. It happened that he “passed by the field of the sluggard” (Proverbs 24:30). He did not seek out that field, but simply passed by it. Yes, that field had been a vineyard, at least he got that impression, but there was nothing left of it.

That was because its management lay in the hands “of the man lacking sense”. Only such a man, without the slightest sense of responsibility, could let his vineyard run wild like this. This is not someone without a spine, but someone without a brain, without a mind, literally without a heart. He lacked not the strength, but the will.

“And behold” (Proverbs 24:31), as he walked by there, he observed some things. The wise man was not daydreaming or sleepwalking, but taking in the situation around him. In the field there were not just a few weeds here and there, no, “it was completely overgrown with thistles”. There was no longer a patch of soil to be seen, for “its surface was covered with nettles”. Where grapes should have grown, there was an abundance of thistles and nettles. These do not appear overnight. No work had been done here for a long time.

Thus a similar situation can arise in the life of a believer who is unfaithful to the Lord and forgets Him more and more. The good fruits of faith that gladden the heart (the vineyard speaks of joy) disappear and in their place come nettles and thistles that hurt and injure. The consequences of sin in creation have made their way into the believer’s sphere of life.

The wise man also saw that “his stone wall had broken down”. All protection was gone. The property could be entered by anyone. If the house of the sluggard were also located there, any burglar could reach it with the greatest ease.

We are talking about a field that was previously a vineyard. Israel is compared to a vineyard (Isaiah 5:1-7). The vineyard is to yield wine. Wine is a picture of joy (Judges 9:13; Psalms 104:15). God wanted to rejoice in His people, but His people did not bring Him that joy. The vineyard had become a field through laziness, on which the symbols of sin (Genesis 3:18), the works of the flesh, were rampant.

We can make an application here. If we are spiritually lazy, “nettles” and “thistles”, that is, sinful things, will overgrow the vineyard of our life. God cannot then rejoice over our life, for nothing in it reminds Him of the life of the Lord Jesus. And if we allow the wall of separation from the world to crumble, the world and worldly thinking gain entrance into our lives and we will become victims of destruction.

After the observation in Proverbs 24:30-31, the wise man draws a lesson for himself and shares it with us (Proverbs 24:32-34). What he saw, he reflected upon in his heart. It held an instruction, an instruction without words. One of the best learning methods is to behold something, that is, to look at something with intense attention, and take it to heart. Then we really learn from it. If we see the evil consequences of an act or attitude, it will warn us not to do such acts nor adopt such an attitude.

What Solomon saw, which was an instruction to him, will keep him from laziness. It starts with a little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to rest. It is all just “a little”, but all those little bits are like the robber who also does not run fast, but steadily continues his way. And all those little bits together are like an armed man. All the bits sleeping and slumbering and lying with folded hands result in poverty and lack (Proverbs 6:10-11).

Isaiah 7:7

Transcribed Proverbs of Solomon

Here begins a new section of the book: Proverbs 25-29. It contains additional proverbs of Solomon transcribed by the men of King Hezekiah (715-687/686 B.C.). These men lived about 270 years after Solomon’s death. Solomon spoke 3,000 proverbs (1 Kings 4:32). Some of these have been recorded in the previous chapters in God’s Word. Now follows some more proverbs from that same stock. These were transcribed by “the men of Hezekiah” and also included in God’s Word.

They are not new proverbs. They were already there in the time of Solomon, the time when the kingdom existed in glory. Hezekiah was one of the last kings of Judah, the two tribes realm. In his days, the ten tribes realm was carried away by the Assyrians. Not long after, the two tribes realm would also be carried away, by Nebuchadnezzar. This means that Hezekiah lived in an end time.

He was a God-fearing king for whom the Word of God had authority again. As a result, God gave a revival in His people through him. The “proverbs of Solomon which the men of Hezekiah, king of Judah, transcribed”, are additional evidence of this. It shows us that it is important for us, who also live in an end time world, to acknowledge the authority of God’s Word and apply that ‘ancient’ Word in our life. We do not have an interest in ‘new truths’. In an end time, it is about returning to “what was from the beginning” (1 John 1:1), that we ask for “the ancient paths, where the good way is”, so that we may walk them (Jeremiah 6:16).

The truths entrusted to the church are already 2,000 years old, but they are as relevant today as they were then. It is not about new truths, but a renewed experience of old truths. It is a good service to the church when writings are published that have long gone unnoticed, but which turn out to be of current content.

Isaiah 7:8

Kings and Those Who Are With Them

The men of Hezekiah, under the guidance of God’s Spirit, begin with a number of proverbs about kings. Above all, they begin by presenting the exaltedness of God above all earthly kings. Proverbs 25:2 emphasizes a contrast between God and kings. It is the magnificent nature of God “to conceal a matter”. If God does not explain His government of the universe and His purposes and actions to man, it is His glory, His majesty, His sovereignty. He does not have to account to man for any plan or any action.

The most powerful people on earth, kings, are a great contrast to Him. God does not have to find out anything, He knows everything, but it is the glory of kings to search out, to discover, expose things (cf. Deuteronomy 29:29; Romans 11:33-34). As much as possible, kings should search out everything. They should also make things open and understandable to their subjects, especially when it is about judicial matters.

Kings rule as God’s representatives. They must try to make His will visible in human affairs. Therefore, they must ask God to reveal His will, that He make known the mystery of His will in the situation at hand. The subjects of a king are in awe of him and honor him when he diligently searches out a matter and does not make his decisions based on a superficial knowledge of a matter.

We can apply this to us as believers. We too are kings (Revelation 1:6; Revelation 5:10). It is a work of royal dignity, an honor and a challenge, to fathom what God has hidden in Scripture. He wants to reveal mysteries. However, they can only be discovered and understood by spiritually minded believers, that is, believers who are led by God’s Spirit, for to them the Spirit can reveal hidden things (1 Corinthians 2:10-12).

While a king must make judicial matters especially clear to the people (Proverbs 25:2b), there are many things he keeps hidden in his heart (Proverbs 25:3). He occupies a position where he does not have to account for everything he does or does not do. The comparison with the heavens being high and the earth being deep shows the nature of the king. He must be wise, inventive and unsearchable, always staying one step ahead of everyone to maintain a firm grip on power.

Man must recognize that “the heavens for height and the earth for depth” are unsearchable (cf. Jeremiah 31:37). What they contain is far beyond the comprehension of all researchers. So it is with “the heart of kings”: it is unsearchable to another. And certainly the heart of the believer is unsearchable to the unbeliever (1 Corinthians 2:15). Only God knows the heart of every person fully (Jeremiah 17:9-10).

Proverbs 25:4 is an illustration to clarify Proverbs 25:5. Proverbs 25:4 means that after the dross is removed, the blacksmith can produce a pure silver work of art. This is applied in Proverbs 25:5 to the removal of a wicked person from the presence of a king, establishing his throne in righteousness. A king may have great ideals for his government and his conduct may be blameless, but it is of no avail if he is surrounded by unscrupulous courtiers who deceive him. When these are got rid of, the government consists only of righteous counselors and the government will be established in righteousness.

It is about getting rid of what would make the firmness of the throne impossible. As dross is separated from silver, so bad people must be removed for a king’s government to be righteous (Proverbs 17:3; Proverbs 20:8; Malachi 3:3). It is not enough for a ruler to be righteous; his associates must also be upright people for his government to be good. King Solomon had to judge several evildoers before he could sit on the throne in safety and peace (1 Kings 2:23-25; 29-34; 41-46).

It can be applied to the heart of man. Who sits there on the throne? If sin and iniquity are present in it, they must be judged. Then it is possible to live a life subject to the authority of the Lord Jesus.

The same principle is true regarding the coming kingdom of our Lord Jesus Christ. When He returns to earth in triumph, in power and majesty, the wicked will be exterminated and all transgressors eradicated from the land. This judgment heralds the great day of the Lord (2 Thessalonians 1:3-12; 2 Thessalonians 2:1-12; Revelation 19:11-21).

Proverbs 25:6-7 also belong together. It is wiser to wait to be promoted than to risk being demoted because of self-promotion. It is an overestimation of one’s own importance. “Claim” (Proverbs 25:6) means ‘to behave presumptuously’. Proverbs 25:7 indicates the motive for the warning given in the previous verse: someone reckons himself to the “great men”.

The lesson is simple. Commending oneself in court, “in the presence of the prince”, carries the risk of public humiliation. In contrast, it will be an honor for someone if everyone in the courtroom hears his promotion from the mouth of the prince himself. This lesson is also taught in Luke 14 (Luke 14:8-11).

Here it may concern a recommendation of oneself, putting oneself forward as the most suitable candidate for a post near the king, for example as one of his counselors (cf. Matthew 20:20-29). A person may feel of himself that he belongs “in the place of great men”. This self-aggrandizement can end in public humiliation. “the prince, whom your eyes have seen” may be a distinguished person who comes later than the one addressed, entitled to the place that the latter had already taken of his own accord.

Isaiah 7:9

Kings and Those Who Are With Them

The men of Hezekiah, under the guidance of God’s Spirit, begin with a number of proverbs about kings. Above all, they begin by presenting the exaltedness of God above all earthly kings. Proverbs 25:2 emphasizes a contrast between God and kings. It is the magnificent nature of God “to conceal a matter”. If God does not explain His government of the universe and His purposes and actions to man, it is His glory, His majesty, His sovereignty. He does not have to account to man for any plan or any action.

The most powerful people on earth, kings, are a great contrast to Him. God does not have to find out anything, He knows everything, but it is the glory of kings to search out, to discover, expose things (cf. Deuteronomy 29:29; Romans 11:33-34). As much as possible, kings should search out everything. They should also make things open and understandable to their subjects, especially when it is about judicial matters.

Kings rule as God’s representatives. They must try to make His will visible in human affairs. Therefore, they must ask God to reveal His will, that He make known the mystery of His will in the situation at hand. The subjects of a king are in awe of him and honor him when he diligently searches out a matter and does not make his decisions based on a superficial knowledge of a matter.

We can apply this to us as believers. We too are kings (Revelation 1:6; Revelation 5:10). It is a work of royal dignity, an honor and a challenge, to fathom what God has hidden in Scripture. He wants to reveal mysteries. However, they can only be discovered and understood by spiritually minded believers, that is, believers who are led by God’s Spirit, for to them the Spirit can reveal hidden things (1 Corinthians 2:10-12).

While a king must make judicial matters especially clear to the people (Proverbs 25:2b), there are many things he keeps hidden in his heart (Proverbs 25:3). He occupies a position where he does not have to account for everything he does or does not do. The comparison with the heavens being high and the earth being deep shows the nature of the king. He must be wise, inventive and unsearchable, always staying one step ahead of everyone to maintain a firm grip on power.

Man must recognize that “the heavens for height and the earth for depth” are unsearchable (cf. Jeremiah 31:37). What they contain is far beyond the comprehension of all researchers. So it is with “the heart of kings”: it is unsearchable to another. And certainly the heart of the believer is unsearchable to the unbeliever (1 Corinthians 2:15). Only God knows the heart of every person fully (Jeremiah 17:9-10).

Proverbs 25:4 is an illustration to clarify Proverbs 25:5. Proverbs 25:4 means that after the dross is removed, the blacksmith can produce a pure silver work of art. This is applied in Proverbs 25:5 to the removal of a wicked person from the presence of a king, establishing his throne in righteousness. A king may have great ideals for his government and his conduct may be blameless, but it is of no avail if he is surrounded by unscrupulous courtiers who deceive him. When these are got rid of, the government consists only of righteous counselors and the government will be established in righteousness.

It is about getting rid of what would make the firmness of the throne impossible. As dross is separated from silver, so bad people must be removed for a king’s government to be righteous (Proverbs 17:3; Proverbs 20:8; Malachi 3:3). It is not enough for a ruler to be righteous; his associates must also be upright people for his government to be good. King Solomon had to judge several evildoers before he could sit on the throne in safety and peace (1 Kings 2:23-25; 29-34; 41-46).

It can be applied to the heart of man. Who sits there on the throne? If sin and iniquity are present in it, they must be judged. Then it is possible to live a life subject to the authority of the Lord Jesus.

The same principle is true regarding the coming kingdom of our Lord Jesus Christ. When He returns to earth in triumph, in power and majesty, the wicked will be exterminated and all transgressors eradicated from the land. This judgment heralds the great day of the Lord (2 Thessalonians 1:3-12; 2 Thessalonians 2:1-12; Revelation 19:11-21).

Proverbs 25:6-7 also belong together. It is wiser to wait to be promoted than to risk being demoted because of self-promotion. It is an overestimation of one’s own importance. “Claim” (Proverbs 25:6) means ‘to behave presumptuously’. Proverbs 25:7 indicates the motive for the warning given in the previous verse: someone reckons himself to the “great men”.

The lesson is simple. Commending oneself in court, “in the presence of the prince”, carries the risk of public humiliation. In contrast, it will be an honor for someone if everyone in the courtroom hears his promotion from the mouth of the prince himself. This lesson is also taught in Luke 14 (Luke 14:8-11).

Here it may concern a recommendation of oneself, putting oneself forward as the most suitable candidate for a post near the king, for example as one of his counselors (cf. Matthew 20:20-29). A person may feel of himself that he belongs “in the place of great men”. This self-aggrandizement can end in public humiliation. “the prince, whom your eyes have seen” may be a distinguished person who comes later than the one addressed, entitled to the place that the latter had already taken of his own accord.

Isaiah 7:10

Kings and Those Who Are With Them

The men of Hezekiah, under the guidance of God’s Spirit, begin with a number of proverbs about kings. Above all, they begin by presenting the exaltedness of God above all earthly kings. Proverbs 25:2 emphasizes a contrast between God and kings. It is the magnificent nature of God “to conceal a matter”. If God does not explain His government of the universe and His purposes and actions to man, it is His glory, His majesty, His sovereignty. He does not have to account to man for any plan or any action.

The most powerful people on earth, kings, are a great contrast to Him. God does not have to find out anything, He knows everything, but it is the glory of kings to search out, to discover, expose things (cf. Deuteronomy 29:29; Romans 11:33-34). As much as possible, kings should search out everything. They should also make things open and understandable to their subjects, especially when it is about judicial matters.

Kings rule as God’s representatives. They must try to make His will visible in human affairs. Therefore, they must ask God to reveal His will, that He make known the mystery of His will in the situation at hand. The subjects of a king are in awe of him and honor him when he diligently searches out a matter and does not make his decisions based on a superficial knowledge of a matter.

We can apply this to us as believers. We too are kings (Revelation 1:6; Revelation 5:10). It is a work of royal dignity, an honor and a challenge, to fathom what God has hidden in Scripture. He wants to reveal mysteries. However, they can only be discovered and understood by spiritually minded believers, that is, believers who are led by God’s Spirit, for to them the Spirit can reveal hidden things (1 Corinthians 2:10-12).

While a king must make judicial matters especially clear to the people (Proverbs 25:2b), there are many things he keeps hidden in his heart (Proverbs 25:3). He occupies a position where he does not have to account for everything he does or does not do. The comparison with the heavens being high and the earth being deep shows the nature of the king. He must be wise, inventive and unsearchable, always staying one step ahead of everyone to maintain a firm grip on power.

Man must recognize that “the heavens for height and the earth for depth” are unsearchable (cf. Jeremiah 31:37). What they contain is far beyond the comprehension of all researchers. So it is with “the heart of kings”: it is unsearchable to another. And certainly the heart of the believer is unsearchable to the unbeliever (1 Corinthians 2:15). Only God knows the heart of every person fully (Jeremiah 17:9-10).

Proverbs 25:4 is an illustration to clarify Proverbs 25:5. Proverbs 25:4 means that after the dross is removed, the blacksmith can produce a pure silver work of art. This is applied in Proverbs 25:5 to the removal of a wicked person from the presence of a king, establishing his throne in righteousness. A king may have great ideals for his government and his conduct may be blameless, but it is of no avail if he is surrounded by unscrupulous courtiers who deceive him. When these are got rid of, the government consists only of righteous counselors and the government will be established in righteousness.

It is about getting rid of what would make the firmness of the throne impossible. As dross is separated from silver, so bad people must be removed for a king’s government to be righteous (Proverbs 17:3; Proverbs 20:8; Malachi 3:3). It is not enough for a ruler to be righteous; his associates must also be upright people for his government to be good. King Solomon had to judge several evildoers before he could sit on the throne in safety and peace (1 Kings 2:23-25; 29-34; 41-46).

It can be applied to the heart of man. Who sits there on the throne? If sin and iniquity are present in it, they must be judged. Then it is possible to live a life subject to the authority of the Lord Jesus.

The same principle is true regarding the coming kingdom of our Lord Jesus Christ. When He returns to earth in triumph, in power and majesty, the wicked will be exterminated and all transgressors eradicated from the land. This judgment heralds the great day of the Lord (2 Thessalonians 1:3-12; 2 Thessalonians 2:1-12; Revelation 19:11-21).

Proverbs 25:6-7 also belong together. It is wiser to wait to be promoted than to risk being demoted because of self-promotion. It is an overestimation of one’s own importance. “Claim” (Proverbs 25:6) means ‘to behave presumptuously’. Proverbs 25:7 indicates the motive for the warning given in the previous verse: someone reckons himself to the “great men”.

The lesson is simple. Commending oneself in court, “in the presence of the prince”, carries the risk of public humiliation. In contrast, it will be an honor for someone if everyone in the courtroom hears his promotion from the mouth of the prince himself. This lesson is also taught in Luke 14 (Luke 14:8-11).

Here it may concern a recommendation of oneself, putting oneself forward as the most suitable candidate for a post near the king, for example as one of his counselors (cf. Matthew 20:20-29). A person may feel of himself that he belongs “in the place of great men”. This self-aggrandizement can end in public humiliation. “the prince, whom your eyes have seen” may be a distinguished person who comes later than the one addressed, entitled to the place that the latter had already taken of his own accord.

Isaiah 7:11

Kings and Those Who Are With Them

The men of Hezekiah, under the guidance of God’s Spirit, begin with a number of proverbs about kings. Above all, they begin by presenting the exaltedness of God above all earthly kings. Proverbs 25:2 emphasizes a contrast between God and kings. It is the magnificent nature of God “to conceal a matter”. If God does not explain His government of the universe and His purposes and actions to man, it is His glory, His majesty, His sovereignty. He does not have to account to man for any plan or any action.

The most powerful people on earth, kings, are a great contrast to Him. God does not have to find out anything, He knows everything, but it is the glory of kings to search out, to discover, expose things (cf. Deuteronomy 29:29; Romans 11:33-34). As much as possible, kings should search out everything. They should also make things open and understandable to their subjects, especially when it is about judicial matters.

Kings rule as God’s representatives. They must try to make His will visible in human affairs. Therefore, they must ask God to reveal His will, that He make known the mystery of His will in the situation at hand. The subjects of a king are in awe of him and honor him when he diligently searches out a matter and does not make his decisions based on a superficial knowledge of a matter.

We can apply this to us as believers. We too are kings (Revelation 1:6; Revelation 5:10). It is a work of royal dignity, an honor and a challenge, to fathom what God has hidden in Scripture. He wants to reveal mysteries. However, they can only be discovered and understood by spiritually minded believers, that is, believers who are led by God’s Spirit, for to them the Spirit can reveal hidden things (1 Corinthians 2:10-12).

While a king must make judicial matters especially clear to the people (Proverbs 25:2b), there are many things he keeps hidden in his heart (Proverbs 25:3). He occupies a position where he does not have to account for everything he does or does not do. The comparison with the heavens being high and the earth being deep shows the nature of the king. He must be wise, inventive and unsearchable, always staying one step ahead of everyone to maintain a firm grip on power.

Man must recognize that “the heavens for height and the earth for depth” are unsearchable (cf. Jeremiah 31:37). What they contain is far beyond the comprehension of all researchers. So it is with “the heart of kings”: it is unsearchable to another. And certainly the heart of the believer is unsearchable to the unbeliever (1 Corinthians 2:15). Only God knows the heart of every person fully (Jeremiah 17:9-10).

Proverbs 25:4 is an illustration to clarify Proverbs 25:5. Proverbs 25:4 means that after the dross is removed, the blacksmith can produce a pure silver work of art. This is applied in Proverbs 25:5 to the removal of a wicked person from the presence of a king, establishing his throne in righteousness. A king may have great ideals for his government and his conduct may be blameless, but it is of no avail if he is surrounded by unscrupulous courtiers who deceive him. When these are got rid of, the government consists only of righteous counselors and the government will be established in righteousness.

It is about getting rid of what would make the firmness of the throne impossible. As dross is separated from silver, so bad people must be removed for a king’s government to be righteous (Proverbs 17:3; Proverbs 20:8; Malachi 3:3). It is not enough for a ruler to be righteous; his associates must also be upright people for his government to be good. King Solomon had to judge several evildoers before he could sit on the throne in safety and peace (1 Kings 2:23-25; 29-34; 41-46).

It can be applied to the heart of man. Who sits there on the throne? If sin and iniquity are present in it, they must be judged. Then it is possible to live a life subject to the authority of the Lord Jesus.

The same principle is true regarding the coming kingdom of our Lord Jesus Christ. When He returns to earth in triumph, in power and majesty, the wicked will be exterminated and all transgressors eradicated from the land. This judgment heralds the great day of the Lord (2 Thessalonians 1:3-12; 2 Thessalonians 2:1-12; Revelation 19:11-21).

Proverbs 25:6-7 also belong together. It is wiser to wait to be promoted than to risk being demoted because of self-promotion. It is an overestimation of one’s own importance. “Claim” (Proverbs 25:6) means ‘to behave presumptuously’. Proverbs 25:7 indicates the motive for the warning given in the previous verse: someone reckons himself to the “great men”.

The lesson is simple. Commending oneself in court, “in the presence of the prince”, carries the risk of public humiliation. In contrast, it will be an honor for someone if everyone in the courtroom hears his promotion from the mouth of the prince himself. This lesson is also taught in Luke 14 (Luke 14:8-11).

Here it may concern a recommendation of oneself, putting oneself forward as the most suitable candidate for a post near the king, for example as one of his counselors (cf. Matthew 20:20-29). A person may feel of himself that he belongs “in the place of great men”. This self-aggrandizement can end in public humiliation. “the prince, whom your eyes have seen” may be a distinguished person who comes later than the one addressed, entitled to the place that the latter had already taken of his own accord.

Isaiah 7:12

Kings and Those Who Are With Them

The men of Hezekiah, under the guidance of God’s Spirit, begin with a number of proverbs about kings. Above all, they begin by presenting the exaltedness of God above all earthly kings. Proverbs 25:2 emphasizes a contrast between God and kings. It is the magnificent nature of God “to conceal a matter”. If God does not explain His government of the universe and His purposes and actions to man, it is His glory, His majesty, His sovereignty. He does not have to account to man for any plan or any action.

The most powerful people on earth, kings, are a great contrast to Him. God does not have to find out anything, He knows everything, but it is the glory of kings to search out, to discover, expose things (cf. Deuteronomy 29:29; Romans 11:33-34). As much as possible, kings should search out everything. They should also make things open and understandable to their subjects, especially when it is about judicial matters.

Kings rule as God’s representatives. They must try to make His will visible in human affairs. Therefore, they must ask God to reveal His will, that He make known the mystery of His will in the situation at hand. The subjects of a king are in awe of him and honor him when he diligently searches out a matter and does not make his decisions based on a superficial knowledge of a matter.

We can apply this to us as believers. We too are kings (Revelation 1:6; Revelation 5:10). It is a work of royal dignity, an honor and a challenge, to fathom what God has hidden in Scripture. He wants to reveal mysteries. However, they can only be discovered and understood by spiritually minded believers, that is, believers who are led by God’s Spirit, for to them the Spirit can reveal hidden things (1 Corinthians 2:10-12).

While a king must make judicial matters especially clear to the people (Proverbs 25:2b), there are many things he keeps hidden in his heart (Proverbs 25:3). He occupies a position where he does not have to account for everything he does or does not do. The comparison with the heavens being high and the earth being deep shows the nature of the king. He must be wise, inventive and unsearchable, always staying one step ahead of everyone to maintain a firm grip on power.

Man must recognize that “the heavens for height and the earth for depth” are unsearchable (cf. Jeremiah 31:37). What they contain is far beyond the comprehension of all researchers. So it is with “the heart of kings”: it is unsearchable to another. And certainly the heart of the believer is unsearchable to the unbeliever (1 Corinthians 2:15). Only God knows the heart of every person fully (Jeremiah 17:9-10).

Proverbs 25:4 is an illustration to clarify Proverbs 25:5. Proverbs 25:4 means that after the dross is removed, the blacksmith can produce a pure silver work of art. This is applied in Proverbs 25:5 to the removal of a wicked person from the presence of a king, establishing his throne in righteousness. A king may have great ideals for his government and his conduct may be blameless, but it is of no avail if he is surrounded by unscrupulous courtiers who deceive him. When these are got rid of, the government consists only of righteous counselors and the government will be established in righteousness.

It is about getting rid of what would make the firmness of the throne impossible. As dross is separated from silver, so bad people must be removed for a king’s government to be righteous (Proverbs 17:3; Proverbs 20:8; Malachi 3:3). It is not enough for a ruler to be righteous; his associates must also be upright people for his government to be good. King Solomon had to judge several evildoers before he could sit on the throne in safety and peace (1 Kings 2:23-25; 29-34; 41-46).

It can be applied to the heart of man. Who sits there on the throne? If sin and iniquity are present in it, they must be judged. Then it is possible to live a life subject to the authority of the Lord Jesus.

The same principle is true regarding the coming kingdom of our Lord Jesus Christ. When He returns to earth in triumph, in power and majesty, the wicked will be exterminated and all transgressors eradicated from the land. This judgment heralds the great day of the Lord (2 Thessalonians 1:3-12; 2 Thessalonians 2:1-12; Revelation 19:11-21).

Proverbs 25:6-7 also belong together. It is wiser to wait to be promoted than to risk being demoted because of self-promotion. It is an overestimation of one’s own importance. “Claim” (Proverbs 25:6) means ‘to behave presumptuously’. Proverbs 25:7 indicates the motive for the warning given in the previous verse: someone reckons himself to the “great men”.

The lesson is simple. Commending oneself in court, “in the presence of the prince”, carries the risk of public humiliation. In contrast, it will be an honor for someone if everyone in the courtroom hears his promotion from the mouth of the prince himself. This lesson is also taught in Luke 14 (Luke 14:8-11).

Here it may concern a recommendation of oneself, putting oneself forward as the most suitable candidate for a post near the king, for example as one of his counselors (cf. Matthew 20:20-29). A person may feel of himself that he belongs “in the place of great men”. This self-aggrandizement can end in public humiliation. “the prince, whom your eyes have seen” may be a distinguished person who comes later than the one addressed, entitled to the place that the latter had already taken of his own accord.

Isaiah 7:13

Kings and Those Who Are With Them

The men of Hezekiah, under the guidance of God’s Spirit, begin with a number of proverbs about kings. Above all, they begin by presenting the exaltedness of God above all earthly kings. Proverbs 25:2 emphasizes a contrast between God and kings. It is the magnificent nature of God “to conceal a matter”. If God does not explain His government of the universe and His purposes and actions to man, it is His glory, His majesty, His sovereignty. He does not have to account to man for any plan or any action.

The most powerful people on earth, kings, are a great contrast to Him. God does not have to find out anything, He knows everything, but it is the glory of kings to search out, to discover, expose things (cf. Deuteronomy 29:29; Romans 11:33-34). As much as possible, kings should search out everything. They should also make things open and understandable to their subjects, especially when it is about judicial matters.

Kings rule as God’s representatives. They must try to make His will visible in human affairs. Therefore, they must ask God to reveal His will, that He make known the mystery of His will in the situation at hand. The subjects of a king are in awe of him and honor him when he diligently searches out a matter and does not make his decisions based on a superficial knowledge of a matter.

We can apply this to us as believers. We too are kings (Revelation 1:6; Revelation 5:10). It is a work of royal dignity, an honor and a challenge, to fathom what God has hidden in Scripture. He wants to reveal mysteries. However, they can only be discovered and understood by spiritually minded believers, that is, believers who are led by God’s Spirit, for to them the Spirit can reveal hidden things (1 Corinthians 2:10-12).

While a king must make judicial matters especially clear to the people (Proverbs 25:2b), there are many things he keeps hidden in his heart (Proverbs 25:3). He occupies a position where he does not have to account for everything he does or does not do. The comparison with the heavens being high and the earth being deep shows the nature of the king. He must be wise, inventive and unsearchable, always staying one step ahead of everyone to maintain a firm grip on power.

Man must recognize that “the heavens for height and the earth for depth” are unsearchable (cf. Jeremiah 31:37). What they contain is far beyond the comprehension of all researchers. So it is with “the heart of kings”: it is unsearchable to another. And certainly the heart of the believer is unsearchable to the unbeliever (1 Corinthians 2:15). Only God knows the heart of every person fully (Jeremiah 17:9-10).

Proverbs 25:4 is an illustration to clarify Proverbs 25:5. Proverbs 25:4 means that after the dross is removed, the blacksmith can produce a pure silver work of art. This is applied in Proverbs 25:5 to the removal of a wicked person from the presence of a king, establishing his throne in righteousness. A king may have great ideals for his government and his conduct may be blameless, but it is of no avail if he is surrounded by unscrupulous courtiers who deceive him. When these are got rid of, the government consists only of righteous counselors and the government will be established in righteousness.

It is about getting rid of what would make the firmness of the throne impossible. As dross is separated from silver, so bad people must be removed for a king’s government to be righteous (Proverbs 17:3; Proverbs 20:8; Malachi 3:3). It is not enough for a ruler to be righteous; his associates must also be upright people for his government to be good. King Solomon had to judge several evildoers before he could sit on the throne in safety and peace (1 Kings 2:23-25; 29-34; 41-46).

It can be applied to the heart of man. Who sits there on the throne? If sin and iniquity are present in it, they must be judged. Then it is possible to live a life subject to the authority of the Lord Jesus.

The same principle is true regarding the coming kingdom of our Lord Jesus Christ. When He returns to earth in triumph, in power and majesty, the wicked will be exterminated and all transgressors eradicated from the land. This judgment heralds the great day of the Lord (2 Thessalonians 1:3-12; 2 Thessalonians 2:1-12; Revelation 19:11-21).

Proverbs 25:6-7 also belong together. It is wiser to wait to be promoted than to risk being demoted because of self-promotion. It is an overestimation of one’s own importance. “Claim” (Proverbs 25:6) means ‘to behave presumptuously’. Proverbs 25:7 indicates the motive for the warning given in the previous verse: someone reckons himself to the “great men”.

The lesson is simple. Commending oneself in court, “in the presence of the prince”, carries the risk of public humiliation. In contrast, it will be an honor for someone if everyone in the courtroom hears his promotion from the mouth of the prince himself. This lesson is also taught in Luke 14 (Luke 14:8-11).

Here it may concern a recommendation of oneself, putting oneself forward as the most suitable candidate for a post near the king, for example as one of his counselors (cf. Matthew 20:20-29). A person may feel of himself that he belongs “in the place of great men”. This self-aggrandizement can end in public humiliation. “the prince, whom your eyes have seen” may be a distinguished person who comes later than the one addressed, entitled to the place that the latter had already taken of his own accord.

Isaiah 7:14

Advice for Arguing Your Case

One should not be eager to argue his case, lest he be publicly humiliated (Proverbs 25:8). You may have seen or heard something, of which you think it is a reason to hastily argue a case, but remember that it is risky to do so. For if it turns out that you have misjudged, you will be openly humiliated by the person who has been accused by you. It may even lead to your bankruptcy.

It is a warning to be careful about arguing a case without sufficient evidence. It may happen that someone sues another person to gain financially. He then reveals details of something the other person is alleged to have done. However, if it turns out that it is not true, or if the evidence is too flimsy, he will himself be made to look like a fool and pay the costs of the trial. There have been many such scandal trials.

If a person has a case with another, the best thing that can happen is to keep it in private (Proverbs 25:9; Matthew 18:15b). This prevents public humiliation. The idea is that a person will be shamed and forever have a bad reputation if he reveals to others in an argument with his neighbor what has been entrusted to him in secret (Proverbs 25:10). There will never be success in an argument if that success comes at the expense of someone’s integrity or pain. Therefore, never reveal secrets in an argument for the purpose to cleanse yourself from blame.

Isaiah 7:15

Advice for Arguing Your Case

One should not be eager to argue his case, lest he be publicly humiliated (Proverbs 25:8). You may have seen or heard something, of which you think it is a reason to hastily argue a case, but remember that it is risky to do so. For if it turns out that you have misjudged, you will be openly humiliated by the person who has been accused by you. It may even lead to your bankruptcy.

It is a warning to be careful about arguing a case without sufficient evidence. It may happen that someone sues another person to gain financially. He then reveals details of something the other person is alleged to have done. However, if it turns out that it is not true, or if the evidence is too flimsy, he will himself be made to look like a fool and pay the costs of the trial. There have been many such scandal trials.

If a person has a case with another, the best thing that can happen is to keep it in private (Proverbs 25:9; Matthew 18:15b). This prevents public humiliation. The idea is that a person will be shamed and forever have a bad reputation if he reveals to others in an argument with his neighbor what has been entrusted to him in secret (Proverbs 25:10). There will never be success in an argument if that success comes at the expense of someone’s integrity or pain. Therefore, never reveal secrets in an argument for the purpose to cleanse yourself from blame.

Isaiah 7:16

Advice for Arguing Your Case

One should not be eager to argue his case, lest he be publicly humiliated (Proverbs 25:8). You may have seen or heard something, of which you think it is a reason to hastily argue a case, but remember that it is risky to do so. For if it turns out that you have misjudged, you will be openly humiliated by the person who has been accused by you. It may even lead to your bankruptcy.

It is a warning to be careful about arguing a case without sufficient evidence. It may happen that someone sues another person to gain financially. He then reveals details of something the other person is alleged to have done. However, if it turns out that it is not true, or if the evidence is too flimsy, he will himself be made to look like a fool and pay the costs of the trial. There have been many such scandal trials.

If a person has a case with another, the best thing that can happen is to keep it in private (Proverbs 25:9; Matthew 18:15b). This prevents public humiliation. The idea is that a person will be shamed and forever have a bad reputation if he reveals to others in an argument with his neighbor what has been entrusted to him in secret (Proverbs 25:10). There will never be success in an argument if that success comes at the expense of someone’s integrity or pain. Therefore, never reveal secrets in an argument for the purpose to cleanse yourself from blame.

Isaiah 7:17

Precious Words and Empty Words

Proverbs 25:11 is about the immense value and incomparable beauty of “a word spoken in right circumstances”. The phrase translated “in right circumstances” is literally “on its wheels”, that is, a word that moves forward unforced as smoothly rolling wheels move forward. It is timely and exactly applicable to the person and the circumstances in which he or she finds himself or herself. It is about just “a word”, not a long speech (cf. 1 Corinthians 14:19). Such a word is like “apples of gold”, like healthy fruit having the value of Divine glory, represented in gold, while being served in the sense of reconciliation obtained, represented in silver.

“Apple of gold in settings of silver” are valuable words spoken in a pleasant atmosphere. This applies above all to the Word of God, to all that God has spoken. The Lord Jesus spoke to Nicodemus the words he needed at that moment (John 3:1-11). Likewise, the Lord spoke to the Samaritan woman and to Zacchaeus. To the Pharisees and scribes, too, He spoke words they needed. He spoke not what they liked to hear, but what was for their benefit. We may imitate Him in this.

In connection with Proverbs 25:11, in Proverbs 25:12 it is about “a wise reprover”, one who knows how to speak the right word at the right time in the right way to the right person. When such a person speaks a word “to a listening ear”, it is like “an earring of gold and an ornament [or: a necklace] of fine gold”. A wise reproof that is well received is of lasting value. A listening ear not only recognizes the wisdom of the reprover, but also sees great beauty in it, like that of jewelry for ear and neck.

The jewelry symbolizes that a listening ear radiates the glory of God (gold). God is glorified in it. A listening ear not only hears instruction, but is obedient to it. It also bows to it, the neck bows under it. There is no stubbornness. When the neck bows, it is girded with an ornament [or: necklace] “of fine gold”. The verse is the ideal combination of a wise father or teacher and a willing son or student. Job’s friends were not wise reprovers. Nor did Job have a listening ear for them.

Proverbs 25:13 describes the effect of valuable words for the senders of “a faithful messenger”. A faithful messenger is one who transmits the words of his senders exactly as he received them from them for the person to whom he is sent. To the senders, such a messenger is like “the cold of snow in the time of harvest”. During the harvest, there is hard work to be done. Then a coolness is most welcome. A faithful messenger provides “the soul of his masters” with such a coolness or refreshment if he has faithfully fulfilled his mission. Faithfulness always refreshes, is always invigorating.

Christ was the faithful Messenger of God. Paul was such a faithful messenger of God (1 Corinthians 4:1-2). If we become servants or messengers of Christ (2 Corinthians 5:20), our faithfulness will be a refreshing to our Master (Matthew 25:21; 23).

The promises of a braggart are hollow and empty (Proverbs 25:14). The illustration here is that the expectation that rain will come is raised when we see clouds and wind. When rain does not come, clouds and wind do get our attention, but they disappoint our expectation because they are deceptive. With this the wise person compares the talker who brags about gifts in order to give them. But the promise is deceitful; he gives nothing, for he has nothing. His mouth is bigger than his hand.

The lesson is not to expect anything from people who promise something with puffed-up language. We also see these false promises in certain circles who boast that with them, for example, you can get healing from a disease, or deliverance from your depression, or success in your business. Jude in his letter applies this to false teachers in the church when he speaks of “clouds without water, carried along by winds” (Jude 1:11-13). It also applies to ourselves when we promise someone to do something and we don’t do it. We raise an expectation by our promise, but are like clouds and wind without rain.

Isaiah 7:18

Precious Words and Empty Words

Proverbs 25:11 is about the immense value and incomparable beauty of “a word spoken in right circumstances”. The phrase translated “in right circumstances” is literally “on its wheels”, that is, a word that moves forward unforced as smoothly rolling wheels move forward. It is timely and exactly applicable to the person and the circumstances in which he or she finds himself or herself. It is about just “a word”, not a long speech (cf. 1 Corinthians 14:19). Such a word is like “apples of gold”, like healthy fruit having the value of Divine glory, represented in gold, while being served in the sense of reconciliation obtained, represented in silver.

“Apple of gold in settings of silver” are valuable words spoken in a pleasant atmosphere. This applies above all to the Word of God, to all that God has spoken. The Lord Jesus spoke to Nicodemus the words he needed at that moment (John 3:1-11). Likewise, the Lord spoke to the Samaritan woman and to Zacchaeus. To the Pharisees and scribes, too, He spoke words they needed. He spoke not what they liked to hear, but what was for their benefit. We may imitate Him in this.

In connection with Proverbs 25:11, in Proverbs 25:12 it is about “a wise reprover”, one who knows how to speak the right word at the right time in the right way to the right person. When such a person speaks a word “to a listening ear”, it is like “an earring of gold and an ornament [or: a necklace] of fine gold”. A wise reproof that is well received is of lasting value. A listening ear not only recognizes the wisdom of the reprover, but also sees great beauty in it, like that of jewelry for ear and neck.

The jewelry symbolizes that a listening ear radiates the glory of God (gold). God is glorified in it. A listening ear not only hears instruction, but is obedient to it. It also bows to it, the neck bows under it. There is no stubbornness. When the neck bows, it is girded with an ornament [or: necklace] “of fine gold”. The verse is the ideal combination of a wise father or teacher and a willing son or student. Job’s friends were not wise reprovers. Nor did Job have a listening ear for them.

Proverbs 25:13 describes the effect of valuable words for the senders of “a faithful messenger”. A faithful messenger is one who transmits the words of his senders exactly as he received them from them for the person to whom he is sent. To the senders, such a messenger is like “the cold of snow in the time of harvest”. During the harvest, there is hard work to be done. Then a coolness is most welcome. A faithful messenger provides “the soul of his masters” with such a coolness or refreshment if he has faithfully fulfilled his mission. Faithfulness always refreshes, is always invigorating.

Christ was the faithful Messenger of God. Paul was such a faithful messenger of God (1 Corinthians 4:1-2). If we become servants or messengers of Christ (2 Corinthians 5:20), our faithfulness will be a refreshing to our Master (Matthew 25:21; 23).

The promises of a braggart are hollow and empty (Proverbs 25:14). The illustration here is that the expectation that rain will come is raised when we see clouds and wind. When rain does not come, clouds and wind do get our attention, but they disappoint our expectation because they are deceptive. With this the wise person compares the talker who brags about gifts in order to give them. But the promise is deceitful; he gives nothing, for he has nothing. His mouth is bigger than his hand.

The lesson is not to expect anything from people who promise something with puffed-up language. We also see these false promises in certain circles who boast that with them, for example, you can get healing from a disease, or deliverance from your depression, or success in your business. Jude in his letter applies this to false teachers in the church when he speaks of “clouds without water, carried along by winds” (Jude 1:11-13). It also applies to ourselves when we promise someone to do something and we don’t do it. We raise an expectation by our promise, but are like clouds and wind without rain.

Isaiah 7:19

Precious Words and Empty Words

Proverbs 25:11 is about the immense value and incomparable beauty of “a word spoken in right circumstances”. The phrase translated “in right circumstances” is literally “on its wheels”, that is, a word that moves forward unforced as smoothly rolling wheels move forward. It is timely and exactly applicable to the person and the circumstances in which he or she finds himself or herself. It is about just “a word”, not a long speech (cf. 1 Corinthians 14:19). Such a word is like “apples of gold”, like healthy fruit having the value of Divine glory, represented in gold, while being served in the sense of reconciliation obtained, represented in silver.

“Apple of gold in settings of silver” are valuable words spoken in a pleasant atmosphere. This applies above all to the Word of God, to all that God has spoken. The Lord Jesus spoke to Nicodemus the words he needed at that moment (John 3:1-11). Likewise, the Lord spoke to the Samaritan woman and to Zacchaeus. To the Pharisees and scribes, too, He spoke words they needed. He spoke not what they liked to hear, but what was for their benefit. We may imitate Him in this.

In connection with Proverbs 25:11, in Proverbs 25:12 it is about “a wise reprover”, one who knows how to speak the right word at the right time in the right way to the right person. When such a person speaks a word “to a listening ear”, it is like “an earring of gold and an ornament [or: a necklace] of fine gold”. A wise reproof that is well received is of lasting value. A listening ear not only recognizes the wisdom of the reprover, but also sees great beauty in it, like that of jewelry for ear and neck.

The jewelry symbolizes that a listening ear radiates the glory of God (gold). God is glorified in it. A listening ear not only hears instruction, but is obedient to it. It also bows to it, the neck bows under it. There is no stubbornness. When the neck bows, it is girded with an ornament [or: necklace] “of fine gold”. The verse is the ideal combination of a wise father or teacher and a willing son or student. Job’s friends were not wise reprovers. Nor did Job have a listening ear for them.

Proverbs 25:13 describes the effect of valuable words for the senders of “a faithful messenger”. A faithful messenger is one who transmits the words of his senders exactly as he received them from them for the person to whom he is sent. To the senders, such a messenger is like “the cold of snow in the time of harvest”. During the harvest, there is hard work to be done. Then a coolness is most welcome. A faithful messenger provides “the soul of his masters” with such a coolness or refreshment if he has faithfully fulfilled his mission. Faithfulness always refreshes, is always invigorating.

Christ was the faithful Messenger of God. Paul was such a faithful messenger of God (1 Corinthians 4:1-2). If we become servants or messengers of Christ (2 Corinthians 5:20), our faithfulness will be a refreshing to our Master (Matthew 25:21; 23).

The promises of a braggart are hollow and empty (Proverbs 25:14). The illustration here is that the expectation that rain will come is raised when we see clouds and wind. When rain does not come, clouds and wind do get our attention, but they disappoint our expectation because they are deceptive. With this the wise person compares the talker who brags about gifts in order to give them. But the promise is deceitful; he gives nothing, for he has nothing. His mouth is bigger than his hand.

The lesson is not to expect anything from people who promise something with puffed-up language. We also see these false promises in certain circles who boast that with them, for example, you can get healing from a disease, or deliverance from your depression, or success in your business. Jude in his letter applies this to false teachers in the church when he speaks of “clouds without water, carried along by winds” (Jude 1:11-13). It also applies to ourselves when we promise someone to do something and we don’t do it. We raise an expectation by our promise, but are like clouds and wind without rain.

Isaiah 7:20

Precious Words and Empty Words

Proverbs 25:11 is about the immense value and incomparable beauty of “a word spoken in right circumstances”. The phrase translated “in right circumstances” is literally “on its wheels”, that is, a word that moves forward unforced as smoothly rolling wheels move forward. It is timely and exactly applicable to the person and the circumstances in which he or she finds himself or herself. It is about just “a word”, not a long speech (cf. 1 Corinthians 14:19). Such a word is like “apples of gold”, like healthy fruit having the value of Divine glory, represented in gold, while being served in the sense of reconciliation obtained, represented in silver.

“Apple of gold in settings of silver” are valuable words spoken in a pleasant atmosphere. This applies above all to the Word of God, to all that God has spoken. The Lord Jesus spoke to Nicodemus the words he needed at that moment (John 3:1-11). Likewise, the Lord spoke to the Samaritan woman and to Zacchaeus. To the Pharisees and scribes, too, He spoke words they needed. He spoke not what they liked to hear, but what was for their benefit. We may imitate Him in this.

In connection with Proverbs 25:11, in Proverbs 25:12 it is about “a wise reprover”, one who knows how to speak the right word at the right time in the right way to the right person. When such a person speaks a word “to a listening ear”, it is like “an earring of gold and an ornament [or: a necklace] of fine gold”. A wise reproof that is well received is of lasting value. A listening ear not only recognizes the wisdom of the reprover, but also sees great beauty in it, like that of jewelry for ear and neck.

The jewelry symbolizes that a listening ear radiates the glory of God (gold). God is glorified in it. A listening ear not only hears instruction, but is obedient to it. It also bows to it, the neck bows under it. There is no stubbornness. When the neck bows, it is girded with an ornament [or: necklace] “of fine gold”. The verse is the ideal combination of a wise father or teacher and a willing son or student. Job’s friends were not wise reprovers. Nor did Job have a listening ear for them.

Proverbs 25:13 describes the effect of valuable words for the senders of “a faithful messenger”. A faithful messenger is one who transmits the words of his senders exactly as he received them from them for the person to whom he is sent. To the senders, such a messenger is like “the cold of snow in the time of harvest”. During the harvest, there is hard work to be done. Then a coolness is most welcome. A faithful messenger provides “the soul of his masters” with such a coolness or refreshment if he has faithfully fulfilled his mission. Faithfulness always refreshes, is always invigorating.

Christ was the faithful Messenger of God. Paul was such a faithful messenger of God (1 Corinthians 4:1-2). If we become servants or messengers of Christ (2 Corinthians 5:20), our faithfulness will be a refreshing to our Master (Matthew 25:21; 23).

The promises of a braggart are hollow and empty (Proverbs 25:14). The illustration here is that the expectation that rain will come is raised when we see clouds and wind. When rain does not come, clouds and wind do get our attention, but they disappoint our expectation because they are deceptive. With this the wise person compares the talker who brags about gifts in order to give them. But the promise is deceitful; he gives nothing, for he has nothing. His mouth is bigger than his hand.

The lesson is not to expect anything from people who promise something with puffed-up language. We also see these false promises in certain circles who boast that with them, for example, you can get healing from a disease, or deliverance from your depression, or success in your business. Jude in his letter applies this to false teachers in the church when he speaks of “clouds without water, carried along by winds” (Jude 1:11-13). It also applies to ourselves when we promise someone to do something and we don’t do it. We raise an expectation by our promise, but are like clouds and wind without rain.

Isaiah 7:21

The Power of Forbearance and of a Soft Tongue

With patience and gentle words, insurmountable opposition can be overcome (cf. Luke 18:1-8). A request made to a ruler with patient persistence and in gentle words certainly has a chance of success. The key is not to use physical or verbal force, but to proceed in the power of the Spirit: “Not by might, nor by power, but by My Spirit” (Zechariah 4:6; cf. 2 Timothy 2:24-25).

That a soft tongue can break bones means that through soft speaking hard opposition can be broken down. The verse is a recommendation of reconciling and persuasive advocacy that finally triumphs over the most determined rebellion. “A gentle word turns away wrath” (Proverbs 15:1a). This is an important advice in conversations between husband and wife and parents and children and in every other relationship we have.

Isaiah 7:22

Advice to Be Moderate

One must know, even in the enjoyment of what one likes, to remain in moderation (Proverbs 25:16). Excess harms. Moderation (“[only] what you need”) is necessary in the pleasures that life offers. When there is moderation, something can truly be enjoyed. Jonathan found “honey” (1 Samuel 14:25-30). He enjoyed it. It enlightened his eyes and gave him new strength to continue his way.

To us applies: “All things are lawful for me” (1 Corinthians 6:12b). Thereby we must remember that something else follows: “But I will not be mastered by anything”. Eating honey is a picture of enjoying the natural relationships in marriage and family. These are God-given and therefore good. These may be enjoyed by us, but if they take on too great a place and push our service to God into the background, we become spiritually ill.

Even in visiting a neighbor or family member, one must know how to remain moderate (Proverbs 25:17). Here again, excess damages. Proverbs 25:16 and Proverbs 25:17 are similar in their words and ideas. Both verses advise moderation, one in eating honey, the other in visiting someone. Proverbs 25:16 is about ‘too much honey’, Proverbs 25:17 is about ‘too much of you’.

The instruction “let your foot rarely be in” is literally “make your foot something rare for”. It must be precious to the neighbor or family member that you come. Something that is rare is also precious. The motivation for the warning is that abuse of familiarity will make that someone gets bored and hatred will arise. A Dutch saying applies here: Visit and fish remain fresh for three days.

If we want too much of something good, it can cause our relationship with God to be replaced by that good, causing the good to become something wrong. We may think we have a gift to serve someone and visit him often to exercise our gift. However, what we must realize is that he does not need our presence, but that of the Lord. We must give him as much help as he needs to end up with the Lord.

Isaiah 7:23

Advice to Be Moderate

One must know, even in the enjoyment of what one likes, to remain in moderation (Proverbs 25:16). Excess harms. Moderation (“[only] what you need”) is necessary in the pleasures that life offers. When there is moderation, something can truly be enjoyed. Jonathan found “honey” (1 Samuel 14:25-30). He enjoyed it. It enlightened his eyes and gave him new strength to continue his way.

To us applies: “All things are lawful for me” (1 Corinthians 6:12b). Thereby we must remember that something else follows: “But I will not be mastered by anything”. Eating honey is a picture of enjoying the natural relationships in marriage and family. These are God-given and therefore good. These may be enjoyed by us, but if they take on too great a place and push our service to God into the background, we become spiritually ill.

Even in visiting a neighbor or family member, one must know how to remain moderate (Proverbs 25:17). Here again, excess damages. Proverbs 25:16 and Proverbs 25:17 are similar in their words and ideas. Both verses advise moderation, one in eating honey, the other in visiting someone. Proverbs 25:16 is about ‘too much honey’, Proverbs 25:17 is about ‘too much of you’.

The instruction “let your foot rarely be in” is literally “make your foot something rare for”. It must be precious to the neighbor or family member that you come. Something that is rare is also precious. The motivation for the warning is that abuse of familiarity will make that someone gets bored and hatred will arise. A Dutch saying applies here: Visit and fish remain fresh for three days.

If we want too much of something good, it can cause our relationship with God to be replaced by that good, causing the good to become something wrong. We may think we have a gift to serve someone and visit him often to exercise our gift. However, what we must realize is that he does not need our presence, but that of the Lord. We must give him as much help as he needs to end up with the Lord.

Isaiah 7:24

False Witness, False Confidence, False Comfort

“False witness” works death in society (Proverbs 25:18). Those who bear false witness are compared to “a club and a sword and a sharp arrow”, all deadly weapons. The club crushes, the sword chops, and the sharp arrow pierces. A false witness can cause the death of innocent people by his false words (cf. Proverbs 12:18; Psalms 57:4; Psalms 120:3-4). That not just one, but as many as three of these weapons are mentioned does make clear the seriousness of the evil of bearing false witness against one’s neighbor (Exodus 20:16; Deuteronomy 5:20).

“A bad tooth and an unsteady foot” are both unfit to do anything (Proverbs 25:19). Chewing on a bad tooth and walking on an unsteady foot are both painful actions that keep you from eating in one case and walking in the other. The same effect has “confidence in a faithless man in time of trouble”. When things get really tough and we get tight in society or in the church, one of the greatest disappointments is that you have put your trust in a faithless man.

When this happens to us, we may remember that God is faithful though: “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble” (Psalms 46:1b; Psalms 91:15).

Irresponsible, insensitive attempts to cheer up people who are grieving only make the grief worse (Proverbs 25:20). These are not words spoken at the right time (Proverbs 25:11). The wise compares such a person to one who takes off a garment on a cold day. He makes him stand in the cold. That is quite different from giving him extra warmth in the cold. He is totally insensitive to what the other person needs.

The second comparison is doing vinegar on soda. A non-desirable chemical reaction occurs. It fizzes, there is activity, but only empty dross is produced. Vinegar and soda cannot be combined. If this does happen, both become unusable.

We must be vigilant and sensitive with regard to the emotional distress in which people may find themselves. We must develop this sensitivity to others, otherwise we will give them a ‘cold shower’ instead of a ‘hot bath’ of compassion. There is no ‘chemistry’ between someone who sings joyful songs and someone who has a troubles heart (cf. Psalms 137:1-3). Paul holds out the following to us: “Rejoice with those who rejoice and weep with those who weep” (Romans 12:15).

Isaiah 7:25

False Witness, False Confidence, False Comfort

“False witness” works death in society (Proverbs 25:18). Those who bear false witness are compared to “a club and a sword and a sharp arrow”, all deadly weapons. The club crushes, the sword chops, and the sharp arrow pierces. A false witness can cause the death of innocent people by his false words (cf. Proverbs 12:18; Psalms 57:4; Psalms 120:3-4). That not just one, but as many as three of these weapons are mentioned does make clear the seriousness of the evil of bearing false witness against one’s neighbor (Exodus 20:16; Deuteronomy 5:20).

“A bad tooth and an unsteady foot” are both unfit to do anything (Proverbs 25:19). Chewing on a bad tooth and walking on an unsteady foot are both painful actions that keep you from eating in one case and walking in the other. The same effect has “confidence in a faithless man in time of trouble”. When things get really tough and we get tight in society or in the church, one of the greatest disappointments is that you have put your trust in a faithless man.

When this happens to us, we may remember that God is faithful though: “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble” (Psalms 46:1b; Psalms 91:15).

Irresponsible, insensitive attempts to cheer up people who are grieving only make the grief worse (Proverbs 25:20). These are not words spoken at the right time (Proverbs 25:11). The wise compares such a person to one who takes off a garment on a cold day. He makes him stand in the cold. That is quite different from giving him extra warmth in the cold. He is totally insensitive to what the other person needs.

The second comparison is doing vinegar on soda. A non-desirable chemical reaction occurs. It fizzes, there is activity, but only empty dross is produced. Vinegar and soda cannot be combined. If this does happen, both become unusable.

We must be vigilant and sensitive with regard to the emotional distress in which people may find themselves. We must develop this sensitivity to others, otherwise we will give them a ‘cold shower’ instead of a ‘hot bath’ of compassion. There is no ‘chemistry’ between someone who sings joyful songs and someone who has a troubles heart (cf. Psalms 137:1-3). Paul holds out the following to us: “Rejoice with those who rejoice and weep with those who weep” (Romans 12:15).