Category: A Verse by Verse Study in the Book of Proverbs
-
A Verse by Verse Study in the Book of Proverbs, (ESV) with Irv Risch, Chapter 31
What does Proverbs Chapter 31 mean? The first nine verses of this chapter contain wisdom given to a king named Lemuel, as spoken by his mother. This fits with other mentions in the book of Proverbs which commend a godly mother’s instructions (Proverbs 1:8; 6:20; 30:17). Lemuel’s mother searches for the right…
-
A Verse by Verse Study in the Book of Proverbs, (ESV) with Irv Risch, Chapter 30
What does Proverbs Chapter 30 mean? A small number of scholars suggest that the name “Agur” was another title for Solomon. However, most believe this is a different person. His words are described as an “oracle:” as a crucially important message from the Lord. Less clear is the meaning of…
-
A Verse by Verse Study in the Book of Proverbs, (ESV) with Irv Risch, Chapter 29
What does Proverbs Chapter 29 mean? Chapter 25 began with a note indicating that King Hezekiah’s men collected proverbs associated with Solomon (Proverbs 25:1). This passage concludes that compilation. This chapter begins with one of Scripture’s most dire warnings: those who stubbornly refuse to be corrected will face sudden, inescapable…
-
A Verse by Verse Study in the Book of Proverbs, (ESV) with Irv Risch, Chapter 28
What does Proverbs Chapter 28 mean? Chapter 28 continues a long list of sayings credited to king Solomon (Proverbs 25:1). This chapter includes many direct contrasts. It also makes several references to rulers and leaders. The passage starts with instructions about righteousness, justice, honesty, and reputation. A guilty conscience can…
-
A Verse by Verse Study in the Book of Proverbs, (ESV) with Irv Risch, Chapter 27
What does Proverbs Chapter 27 mean? Chapter 25 began a series of wise sayings attributed to Solomon (Proverbs 25:1), collected from other sources by Hezekiah’s men. This list continues through the end of chapter 29. This passage includes several references to truthful, tactful communication and the value of good stewardship.…
-
A Verse by Verse Study in the Book of Proverbs, (ESV) with Irv Risch, Chapter 26
What does Proverbs Chapter 26 mean? This chapter begins with a series of blunt criticisms of a “fool.” In the book of Proverbs, this means one who has rejected God’s wisdom, common sense, and truth (Proverbs 1:7). The term “fool” appears in all but one of the first twelve verses.…
-
A Verse by Verse Study in the Book of Proverbs, (ESV) with Irv Risch, Chapter 25
What does Proverbs Chapter 25 mean? Most of the wisdom contained in the book of Proverbs is directly associated with Solomon (Proverbs 1:1; 10:1). A prior segment included sayings attributed to wise men; those were endorsed by Solomon but not necessarily his own phrases (Proverbs 22:17–21). Chapters 25 through 29 contain…
-
A Verse by Verse Study in the Book of Proverbs, (ESV) with Irv Risch, Chapter 24
What does Proverbs Chapter 24 mean? This continues Solomon’s record of thirty wise sayings (Proverbs 22:17–21). It’s important for godly people to avoid jealousy towards sinful people. True success is found in wisdom (Proverbs 1:7), leading to strength and a good reputation. Also crucial is acting on behalf of the…
-
A Verse by Verse Study in the Book of Proverbs, (ESV) with Irv Risch, Chapter 23
What does Proverbs Chapter 23 mean? In the previous chapter, Solomon introduced a series of thirty wise sayings (Proverbs 22:17–21) which he endorses yet did not necessarily write himself. The first five were found in chapter 22; the sixth through eighteenth are in this passage. Greed and gluttony are dangerous,…
-
A Verse by Verse Study in the Book of Proverbs, (ESV) with Irv Risch, Chapter 22
What does Proverbs Chapter 22 mean? The first portion of chapter 22 includes more comments about the eternal equality of all people, rich and poor, and God’s sovereignty over them. Solomon repeats earlier warnings about foolish choices, contrasted with the benefits of godly wisdom. This includes a famous statement about…
-
A Verse by Verse Study in the Book of Proverbs, (ESV) with Irv Risch, Chapter 21
What does Proverbs Chapter 21 mean? Proverbs chapter 21 continues a long series of wise statements attributed to Solomon (Proverbs 10:1). Early comments in this passage remark on God’s perfect knowledge of our innermost thoughts. Merely “doing” right is not enough to please God. He knows whether we act in…
-
A Verse by Verse Study in the Book of Proverbs, (ESV) with Irv Risch, Chapter 20
What does Proverbs Chapter 20 mean? This chapter begins with an often-cited verse about the dangers of alcohol. Wise persons avoid becoming controlled by anything, including substances (1 Corinthians 6:12). Common sense tells a person to avoid angering authorities unless it’s unavoidable. Along the same lines, those who avoid conflict…
-
A Verse by Verse Study in the Book of Proverbs, (ESV) with Irv Risch, Chapter 19
What does Proverbs Chapter 19 mean? The first segment of this chapter makes multiple references to personal integrity and wealth. It’s far better to be moral—and to have a reputation for honesty—than to have temporary wealth and be seen as a liar. And yet, the world all too often favors…
-
A Verse by Verse Study in the Book of Proverbs, (ESV) with Irv Risch, Chapter 18
What does Proverbs Chapter 18 mean? The first nine statements of this passage mostly revolve around the need for discernment in judgment and speech. A person who refuses to seek additional wisdom from others is fighting against truth. This is connected to the modern concept of the “echo chamber” and…
-
A Verse by Verse Study in the Book of Proverbs, (ESV) with Irv Risch, Chapter 17
What does Proverbs Chapter 17 mean? This continues an extended list of wise sayings from Solomon (Proverbs 10:1). The first section of this chapter deals with virtues such as family harmony and honesty. As do other portions of this book, these statements warn that those who plan evil will suffer…
-
A Verse by Verse Study in the Book of Proverbs, (ESV) with Irv Risch, Chapter 16
What does Proverbs Chapter 16 mean? This chapter of Proverbs continues recording Solomon’s concise statements of wisdom. This began in chapter 10. This segment begins with a discussion of man’s plans. Human nature can lead us to arrogance and ignorance. Failure to seek God’s will or examine our own motives…
-
A Verse by Verse Study in the Book of Proverbs, (ESV) with Irv Risch, Chapter 15
What does Proverbs Chapter 15 mean? This continues a long string of “proverbs:” short, general-case expressions of commonsense wisdom. A large section of these began in Proverbs chapter 10 and continues through Proverbs 22:16. Solomon begins with several statements commending self-control. Cautious, gentle answers not only prevent additional strife, they reduce…
-
A Verse by Verse Study in the Book of Proverbs, (ESV) with Irv Risch, Chapter 14
What does Proverbs Chapter 14 mean? The first verses of this section point out the consequences of wisdom, in contrast to the consequences of foolishness. This echoes other statements in the book of Proverbs (Proverbs 10:8–9; 11:8; 12:13; 13:6). Foolishness, defined as a rejection of God’s truth and instruction (Psalm 14:1; Proverbs 1:7) leads…
-
A Verse by Verse Study in the Book of Proverbs, (ESV) with Irv Risch, Chapter 13
What does Proverbs Chapter 13 mean? The prior chapter contained several lessons on lifestyle and speech. The early part of chapter 13 echoes statements from the middle part of chapter 12, with an emphasis on speech. Advice is given to take control of one’s words, for the sake of self…
-
A Verse by Verse Study in the Book of Proverbs, (ESV) with Irv Risch, Chapter 12
What does Proverbs Chapter 12 mean? Chapter 12 continues to offer individual statements of common sense and godly wisdom. The first portion of this chapter compares the various lifestyles of God-fearing people (Proverbs 1:7) to the lives of those who choose foolishness and sin. Among the highlights of this advice…
Down to Earth But Heavenly Minded 