Solomon wrote 24 verses in this chapter; most of them deal with negative issues. All of these we see in everyday life; they are inherent in our fallen nature. One of these is found in verse 5: “It is wrong for a judge to favor the wicked and condemn the innocent.” Unfortunately, we never will see the end of this type of injustice until Christ returns.
As Christians, we need to emphasize the positive traits that we want to emulate. Solomon’s words in verse 4 give us something to ponder: “A wise man’s words express deep streams of thought.” Now this is not referring to times we are being silly and having fun with friends, but only to times when we are considering serious things pertaining to life and our walk with the Lord.
In verse 10, Solomon wrote, “The Lord is a strong fortress. The godly run to Him and are safe.” This verse is primarily about spiritual issues. We are often tempted by Satan and our own sinful nature. I cannot tell you how many times I have had to ask God to take sinful thoughts and desires away from me. I have failed in many areas of life, but God has kept me from doing things that would hurt family and friends because I called out to Him.
“The intelligent man is always open to new ideas. In fact, he looks for them.” (Verse 15). To be good at following this ideal, we need to understand the gifts God has given to us. It would be foolish for me to try to start a career in art or music. But God told me to start a website, and after eight or more years, I still have a lot of work to do. What gifts do you have that God wants you to use?
In verse 16, Solomon continues his thought. “A gift does wonders; it will bring you before men of importance.” I have a cousin who was pastoring a small church in Northern Michigan when he received an invitation from Liberty University. He spent thirty-five years there teaching in the undergraduate level before he retired. He has since been pastoring small churches.
In verse 20, Solomon wrote, “Ability to give wise advice satisfies like a good meal!” It is wonderful to find out that the advice you gave someone helped them to achieve a goal or avoid a calamity. But like a good meal, your satisfaction should only last about six hours like a good meal. Don’t think more highly of yourself than you ought to is what Solomon is suggesting.
The man who finds a wife finds a good thing: she is a blessing to him from the Lord.” (Verse 22). The main thing men and women have to remember is we all have a fallen nature. As God forgives our continued sins because of His love for us, we should be able to love each other and forgive each other.
Solomon closes with these words in verse 24. “But there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.” The Lord Jesus Christ!