Proverbs 26 “To know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge”

Part 3  (Pro 26:6-12)

[Study Aired February 26, 2026]

Pro 26:6  He that sendeth a message by the hand of a fool cutteth off the feet, and drinketh damage.
Pro 26:7  The legs of the lame are not equal: so is a parable in the mouth of fools.
Pro 26:8  As he that bindeth a stone in a sling, so is he that giveth honour to a fool.
Pro 26:9  As a thorn goeth up into the hand of a drunkard, so is a parable in the mouth of fools.
Pro 26:10  The great God that formed all things both rewardeth the fool, and rewardeth transgressors.
Pro 26:11  As a dog returneth to his vomit, so a fool returneth to his folly.
Pro 26:12  Seest thou a man wise in his own conceit? there is more hope of a fool than of him.

Did you notice every verse in our study has the word fool in it, seven times mentioned. Flesh has to see itself for what it is, corruptible foolish flesh that thinks it sees when in reality we are blind without Christ opening our eyes and giving us eyes to see and ears to hear (Joh 9:41, 1Co 3:18, Mat 13:16).

The word fool is mentioned 41 times in the proverbs and 69 times in the entire bible. Fools, with the s, is mentioned 19 times in the proverbs and 42 times in the entire bible. Foolish is meFntioned 13 times in proverbs, and 52 times in the entire bible.

The book of Proverbs corners the market on the subject of a fool, fools, or foolish with a total of 73 entries of those three words as opposed to 90 entries of those three words in the rest of the books of the bible.

The first mention of the word fool is in (1Sa 26:21) where Saul who typifies our flesh is brought to see how he, we, have “erred exceedingly” (Rom 2:4, 1Sa 26:21). David who is a type of Christ brings Saul to see that he is powerless, taking away his sword, and the cruse of water, that belong to him, two symbols of the word of God (Isa 3:1,  results in this Isa 4:1). David does not want to destroy Saul, just as Christ does not want to destroy His anointed, but rather show them that they are powerless, wretched, miserable, poor and blind without Him in their lives (Rev 3:17). This story with the first use of the word fool in it was written for our sakes (1Co 10:11), and unfolded as it did to show us how God is dealing with our own foolish flesh by the sharp two edged sword of God’s word, and the water of the word by which we are washed. It is after we confess our faults that a blessing is pronounced upon us as was the case with Saul who after this encounter with David blessed him and declared that David would prevail, another way of saying our wretchedness will be overcome by Christ in our lives, and we will be more than conquers through him (Rom 7:24-25).

Before we start this section of proverbs, let’s look at some of the verses that lead up to the first use of the word fool in the bible:

1Sa 26:8  Then said Abishai to David, God hath delivered thine enemy into thine hand this day: now therefore let me smite him, I pray thee, with the spear even to the earth at once, and I will not smite him the second time.
1Sa 26:9  And David said to Abishai, Destroy him not: for who can stretch forth his hand against the LORD’S anointed, and be guiltless?

David’s mercy and grace is contrasted with Abishai who represents the spirit of Moses, the old covenant eye for and eye and tooth for a tooth approach discussed in (Mat 5:37-41). Going on…

1Sa 26:10  David said furthermore, As the LORD liveth, the LORD shall smite him; or his day shall come to die; or he shall descend into battle, and perish. [Rom 14:4, Rom 12:19]
1Sa 26:11  The LORD forbid that I should stretch forth mine hand against the LORD’S anointed: but, I pray thee, take thou now the spear that is at his bolster, and the cruse of water, and let us go.
1Sa 26:12  So David took the spear and the cruse of water from Saul’s bolster (Isa 3:1, Isa 4:1); and they gat them away, and no man saw it, nor knew it, neither awaked: for they were all asleep; because a deep sleep from the LORD was fallen upon them.[the deep sleep is symbolic of the whole world being deceived at this time by Satan (2Co 4:4, Rev 12:9)]
1Sa 26:13  Then David went over to the other side, and stood on the top of an hill afar off; a great space being between them: [The great gulf between our flesh and Christ being symbolized by these actions of David on the other side (Luk 16:26)]

Luk 16:26  And beside all this, between us and you there is a great gulf fixed: so that they which would pass from hence to you cannot; neither can they pass to us, that would come from thence.

1Sa 26:15  And David said to Abner, Art not thou a valiant man? and who is like to thee in Israel? wherefore then hast thou not kept thy lord the king? for there came one of the people in to destroy the king thy lord.
1Sa 26:16  This thing is not good that thou hast done. As the LORD liveth, ye are worthy to die, because ye have not kept your master, the LORD’S anointed. And now see where the king’s spear is, and the cruse of water that was at his bolster.
1Sa 26:17  And Saul knew David’s voice, and said, Is this thy voice, my son David? And David said, It is my voice, my lord, O king.

Saul recognizing the voice of David typifies him hearing the voice of the true shepherd Jesus Christ (Joh 10:27-28). There are those who have been in our midst typified by Saul who “have tasted of the heavenly gift, and were made partakers of the Holy Ghost, And have tasted the good word of God, and the powers of the world to come”, only then to fall away as God’s rejected anointed (Heb 6:4-6). In the final analysis, we are being shown Saul will hear the voice of Christ typified by David in the lake of fire, and will know that God worked everything according to the counsel of His own will, taking away the king’s spear and the cruse of water, as He has done with the whole world (Eph 1:11, Isa 3:1, Isa 4:1).

David called Saul God’s anointed, and did not assume that he would be rejected, which is the lesson for each of us to receive each other as Christ, and let God sort out the details of each life in His time as David went on to say in the last part of this chapter (1Sa 26:18-25). A fool as we are seeing is someone who is operating in their flesh as Saul was, and it takes Christ typified by David to bring us to understand  that God is working all things according to the counsel of His own will (Eph 1:11). Saul repented of his wanting to destroy David at this point, and that was what mattered, and David acknowledged by His words and actions that he understood that Saul’s life was a work of the Lord for his sake.

1Sa 26:18  And he said, Wherefore doth my lord thus pursue after his servant? for what have I done? or what evil is in mine hand?(Gal 5:17) [This question typifies Christ convicting us of our sins, which lie at the door of our heart and want to rule over us but will not if Christ is our stronghold in this life (Rom 2:4-6, Gen 4:7, Rom 8:37)]

Rom 2:6  Who will render to every man according to his deeds: “1Sa 26:10  David said furthermore, As the LORD liveth, the LORD shall smite him; or his day shall come to die; or he shall descend into battle, and perish.”

1Sa 26:19  Now therefore, I pray thee, let my lord the king hear the words of his servant. If the LORD have stirred thee up against me, let him accept an offering: but if they be the children of men, cursed be they before the LORD; for they have driven me out this day from abiding in the inheritance of the LORD, saying, Go, serve other gods.
1Sa 26:20  Now therefore, let not my blood fall to the earth before the face of the LORD: for the king of Israel is come out to seek a flea, as when one doth hunt a partridge in the mountains.

David typifies God’s elect [the few small hidden like a flea or partridge that Saul seeks out, like Saul of Tarsus also sought out in the new covenant (Act 9:1-2)] who are accepted in the beloved (Eph 1:5-6), “let him accept an offering” and love our enemies, and heap coals on their heads as he was doing with Saul in this instance (Rom 12:19-21).

Rom 12:19  Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord.

1Sa 26:21  Then said Saul, I have sinned: return, my son David: for I will no more do thee harm, because my soul was precious in thine eyes [you loved your enemy (Mat 5:45-45)] this day: behold, I have played the fool, and have erred exceedingly.
1Sa 26:22  And David answered and said, Behold the king’s spear! and let one of the young men come over and fetch it.
1Sa 26:23  The LORD render to every man his righteousness and his faithfulness: for the LORD delivered thee into my hand to day, but I would not stretch forth mine hand against the LORD’S anointed.
1Sa 26:24  And, behold, as thy life was much set by this day in mine eyes, so let my life be much set by in the eyes of the LORD, and let him deliver me out of all tribulation. [because we love our enemies, God comforts us through all our tribulations in this life 2Co 1:2-4]
1Sa 26:25  Then Saul said to David, Blessed be thou, my son David: thou shalt both do great things, and also shalt still prevail. So David went on his way, and Saul returned to his place.

[David going on his way symbolizes our continuing in the Lord, and Saul returning to his place symbolizes our flesh that we continue to need to overcome the rest of our lives]

Christ’s love toward His bride transcends knowledge, and is filled with mercy and will make us more than conquerors through Him (Psa 20:1-9). David as a type of the elect was given power over the enemy, his flesh, represented by king Saul (Rom 8:37).

Pro 26:6  He that sendeth a message by the hand of a fool cutteth off the feet, and drinketh damage.

In the story we just looked at it is David who was sent not as a fool but as a wise man, typifying Christ who brings warning to our flesh, typified by Saul. When we lean unto our own understanding and are not led of the holy spirit (Rom 8:14-16) we cut off our feet, and drink damage, meaning the words we speak do not nourish because they come from our own broken cistern (Jer 2:13), our own carnal reasoning and not from the well spring of life Jesus Christ our hope of glory within who represents the positive cistern from where living waters can flow (Joh 4:14, Pro 5:15, Rev 7:17, Joh 7:38)

Jer 2:13  For my people have committed two evils; they have forsaken me the fountain of living waters, and hewed them out cisterns, broken cisterns, that can hold no water.

Joh 7:37  In the last day, that great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried, saying, If any man thirst, let him come unto me, and drink.[Php 4:6-7]
Joh 7:38  He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water.

Pro 26:7  The legs of the lame are not equal: so is a parable in the mouth of fools.

The legs not being equal represents our walk our way of life. So even if the words are correct in our mouth if they are not being spoken in love God says that those words are coming from one whose legs are lame, not equal, nullifying the parable that is coming from the mouth of a fool. Why do you call me Lord Lord and don’t do the things that I say is having unequal legs (Luk 6:46). The unequal leg represents those times of hypocrisy in our flesh that God is able to burn out of us through His chastening grace (Rom 2:21-24).

Luk 6:46  And why call ye me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say?

Pro 26:8  As he that bindeth a stone in a sling, so is he that giveth honour to a fool.

A sling was used as a weapon in the ancient world and if the stone was not bound when it was launched it would be an effective weapon, a metaphor for us today of using the word of God rightly in order to slay Goliath in our heavens (1Sa 17:48-51). Killing Goliath twice is a witness that this battle against our inward giants can only be accomplished through the true witness Jesus Christ within us (Rev 3:14, 1Sa 17:47).

1Sa 17:47  And all this assembly shall know that the LORD saveth not with sword and spear: for the battle is the LORD’S, and he will give you into our hands.
1Sa 17:48  And it came to pass, when the Philistine arose, and came and drew nigh to meet David, that David hasted, and ran toward the army to meet the Philistine.
1Sa 17:49  And David put his hand in his bag, and took thence a stone, and slang it, and smote the Philistine in his forehead, that the stone sunk into his forehead; and he fell upon his face to the earth.
1Sa 17:50  So David prevailed over the Philistine with a sling and with a stone, and smote the Philistine, and slew him; but there was no sword in the hand of David.
1Sa 17:51  Therefore David ran, and stood upon the Philistine, and took his sword, and drew it out of the sheath thereof, and slew him, and cut off his head therewith. And when the Philistines saw their champion was dead, they fled.

Rev 3:14  And unto the angel of the church of the Laodiceans write; These things saith the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the beginning of the creation of God;

If the stone is bound in a sling it won’t launch, and it may backfire and injure the person using the weapon, another metaphor telling us that if we are unskilled in using the word, we are as a babe (Heb 5:13), unskillful not having had our senses exercised yet to discern good and evil (Heb 5:14). God permitting we will grow unto maturity by the increase that He alone can give (Heb 6:1-3, 1Co 3:6).

Heb 5:14  But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.

Heb 6:3  And this will we do, if God permit.

Giving honour to a fool can be likened unto laying hands on a novice who is yet a babe and not skillful in the word. Doing this can backfire like the bound stone in the sling and injure the body of Christ, or just simply stunt the growth of the church (1Ti 5:22).

1Ti 5:22  Lay hands suddenly on no man, neither be partaker of other men’s sins: keep thyself pure.

Pro 26:9  As a thorn goeth up into the hand of a drunkard, so is a parable in the mouth of fools.

Thorns and briars as we know represent false doctrine (Isa 27:4, Gen 3:18), and when a fool who is likened unto a spiritual drunkard takes God’s word and wraps it around the idol of their heart [a stone bound in sling], that word becomes a thorn or briar that causes damage to the one holding on to the lie “a thorn goeth up into the hand of a drunkard”. As such they can bring spiritual damage to themselves and also to the one who receives the lie and does not try the spirits whether it is of the Lord or not (1Jn 4:1).

A beautiful and comforting reminder is written for us of what God will do with all the thorns and briars in our lives (Isa 27:1-6).

Isa 27:3  I the LORD do keep it; I will water it every moment: lest any hurt it, I will keep it night and day.
Isa 27:4  Fury is not in me: who would set the briers and thorns against me in battle? I would go through them, I would burn them together.(Jer 5:14)
Isa 27:5  Or let him take hold of my strength, that he may make peace with me; and he shall make peace with me.(Php 4:6-7)
Isa 27:6  He shall cause them that come of Jacob to take root: Israel shall blossom and bud, and fill the face of the world with fruit. [the elect symbolized by Aaron’s rod that budded will bring salvation to all the world (Num 17:8, Oba 1:21)]

Pro 26:10  The great God that formed all things both rewardeth the fool, and rewardeth transgressors.

Pro 26:10 Much travails forth all the more, Yet the hire of the stupid person and his hirer shall pass away.”[CLV]
Pro 26:10 [As] an archer who wounds all, so is he who hires a fool, and he who hires those who pass by.[ACV]

God formed the fool and the transgressor, who is naturally within us as was the case with Adam and Eve, and needs to be destroyed (Isa 45:7 , Gen 3:6).

Isa 45:7 I form the light, and create darkness. I make peace, and create evil. I am LORD who does all these things.

Gen 3:6 And when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree to be desired to make one wise, she took of the fruit thereof, and did eat, and gave also unto her husband with her; and he did eat.

Rewarding a fool^H3684 and a transgressor^H5674 is the same thing, and in the Hebrew language we see this witness happening all the time in scripture, where an idea is repeated twice. The word transgressor here means ones who passes over, or crosses over, or goes over, and that is what manifests in the fool when he crosses the path of a harlot and does not flee fornication (problem Pro 6:1-35 , solution Pro 7:1-27).

God’s elect have been blessed to escape like a bird from the fowler’s snare (Psa 124:7) and don’t pass near her gates any longer, or cross over toward the spiritual house of ill repute one could say. God uses the odious sin of fornication that should not be once named amongst us (Eph 5:3) to show us His great disdain for the harlot churches of this world. It is in our simple unconverted easily manipulated, less than carnal babe state that we are easily seduced by the false doctrines of the harlot. We have to go into her to come out!(2Co 6:17)

Eph 5:3 But fornication, and all uncleanness, or greed, shall not even be named among you as befits the sanctified,

Pro 7:8 Passing through the street near her corner; and he went the way to her house,

1Co 6:17 But he that is joined unto the Lord is one spirit.
1Co 6:18 Flee fornication. Every sin that a man doeth is without the body; but he that committeth fornication sinneth against his own body.
1Co 6:19 What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own?
1Co 6:20 For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s.

H3684  kesı̂yl   kes-eel’   fool
From H3688; properly fat, that is, (figuratively) stupid or silly: – fool (-ish).
Total KJV occurrences: 70

H5674  ‛âbar   transgressors
BDB Definition:
1) to pass over or by or through, alienate, bring, carry, do away, take, take away, transgress
1a) (Qal)
1a1) to pass over, cross, cross over, pass over, march over, overflow, go over
1a2) to pass beyond
1a3) to pass through, traverse
1a3a) passers-through (participle)
1a3b) to pass through (the parts of victim in covenant)
1a4) to pass along, pass by, overtake and pass, sweep by
1a4a) passer-by (participle)
1a4b) to be past, be over
1a5) to pass on, go on, pass on before, go in advance of, pass along, travel, advance
1a6) to pass away
1a6a) to emigrate, leave (one’s territory) [Jud 1:6]
1a6b) to vanish
1a6c) to perish, cease to exist
1a6d) to become invalid, become obsolete (of law, decree)
1a6e) to be alienated, pass into other hands
1b) (Niphal) to be crossed
1c) (Piel) to impregnate, cause to cross
1d) (Hiphil)
1d1) to cause to pass over, cause to bring over, cause to cross over, make over to, dedicate, devote
1d2) to cause to pass through
1d3) to cause to pass by or beyond or under, let pass by
1d4) to cause to pass away, cause to take away
1e) (Hithpael) to pass over
Part of Speech: verb
A Related Word by BDB/Strong’s Number: a primitive root

Pro 26:11  As a dog returneth to his vomit, so a fool returneth to his folly.

There is that stage in our walk where we come to see that we are powerless over sin, and cannot overcome being in bondage to sin (Eph 2:1-6).

Eph 2:1  And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins;
Eph 2:2  Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience:
Eph 2:3  Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others.

Even if we are remorseful for the sin in our life and seem to gain temporary relief from the slavery were in, God uses these most discouraging times of our life to remind us that it is only Christ who can set us free from sin (Rom 8:28), and if he does we will not repeat those patterns any longer being made freed from these sinful patterns by the son of God (Joh 8:31-36).

Joh 8:34  Jesus answered them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whosoever committeth sin is the servant of sin.
Joh 8:35  And the servant abideth not in the house for ever: but the Son abideth ever.
Joh 8:36  If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed.

Pro 26:12  Seest thou a man wise in his own conceit? there is more hope of a fool than of him.

Here is an example of a man who is wise in his own conceit “We be Abraham’s seed, and were never in bondage to any man: how sayest thou, Ye shall be made free?” (Rom 11:18-27). That is the self righteous spirit that wants to rule over our heavens and can only be overcome by the righteousness of Christ being found within us (Php 3:6-9, Gal 2:16, Gal 3:3-5, 1Jn 5:4-5, 2Co 1:24).

Rom 11:25  For I would not, brethren, that ye should be ignorant of this mystery, lest ye should be wise in your own conceits; that blindness in part is happened to Israel, until the fulness of the Gentiles be come in.
Rom 11:26  And so all Israel shall be saved: as it is written, There shall come out of Sion the Deliverer, and shall turn away ungodliness from Jacob:(Joh 8:36)
Rom 11:27  For this is my covenant unto them, when I shall take away their sins.

Php 3:8  Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ,
Php 3:9  And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith:

Gal 2:16  Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified.

Gal 3:3  Are ye so foolish? having begun in the Spirit, are ye now made perfect by the flesh?
Gal 3:4  Have ye suffered so many things in vain? if it be yet in vain.
Gal 3:5  He therefore that ministereth to you the Spirit, and worketh miracles among you, doeth he it by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith?

1Jn 5:4  For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith.
1Jn 5:5  Who is he that overcometh the world, but he that believeth that Jesus is the Son of God?

2Co 1:24  Not for that we have dominion over your faith, but are helpers of your joy: for by faith ye stand.

Proverbs 26 “To know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge”

Part 2  (Pro 26:3-5)

[Study Aired February 19, 2026]

Pro 26:3  A whip for the horse, a bridle for the ass, and a rod for the fool’s back.
Pro 26:4  Answer not a fool according to his folly, lest thou also be like unto him.
Pro 26:5  Answer a fool according to his folly, lest he be wise in his own conceit.

The elect have a preeminence before the world in knowing that we are beasts (Ecc 3:19), and with that knowledge we can now look at any story in the bible that references an animal (Pro 26:3) and know that God is telling us something about ourselves or mankind in particular, “For that which befalleth the sons of men befalleth beasts” (Ecc 3:21).

What befalls us all is death, and unless the Lord delivers us from these bodies of death, our fate is to be withheld from entering into the kingdom of God (Jer 5:25, Joh 3:3-5). Christ said it was expedient for him to go away (Joh 16:7) so that the church could then, with God’s holy spirit sent on Pentecost, be able to die to sinful flesh (1Co 15:31), and be raised together with Christ in heavenly places (Joh 3:5, Eph 2:6, Rom 6:4-6).

Jer 5:25  Your iniquities have turned away these things, and your sins have withholden good things from you.

Joh 3:3  Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.
Joh 3:4  Nicodemus saith unto him, How can a man be born when he is old? can he enter the second time into his mother’s womb, and be born?
Joh 3:5  Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. [cannot see the kingdom and cannot be raised or enter into heavenly places (Eph 2:6)]

Rom 6:4  Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. (Gal 2:20, Php 2:12-13)
Rom 6:5  For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection:
Rom 6:6  Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him,(Gal 2:20) that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin.(Tit 2:11-12, Heb 12:6, Eph 2:8)

Pro 26:3  A whip for the horse, a bridle for the ass, and a rod for the fool’s back.

Our theme in these proverbs this week is to remember that we are beasts that God is working within, sanctifying to His glory, by the process [three stages horse, ass, and fool’s back] which we have been called unto (Rom 2:4). We are not to think it strange concerning the fiery trials that are to try us as the body of Christ (1Pe 4:12).

Rom 2:4  Or despisest thou the riches of his goodness and forbearance and longsuffering; not knowing that the goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance?

A ‘whip’ compels the horse to go in the direction it ought to go, and that horse represents the power of man in his flesh, not having ever done good or evil in his flesh (Rom 9:11-13).

Rom 9:11  (For the children being not yet born, neither having done any good or evil, that the purpose of God according to election might stand, not of works, but of him that calleth;)
Rom 9:12  It was said unto her, The elder shall serve the younger.
Rom 9:13  As it is written, Jacob have I loved, but Esau have I hated.

Christ is typified by Jacob here, and Esau represents his flesh that God ‘hates’. As Christ did, we need to learn obedience by the things that we suffer, which is what is being shown with “a bridle for the ass, and a rod for the fool’s back”. God’s elect, like Christ (1Jn 4:17), are filling up what is behind of the afflictions of Christ for his body’s sake, the church (Rom 9:11, Heb 5:8, Col 1:24). Christ identifies with our need to go through temptation and judgment while in the flesh (Heb 4:15). He understands the nature of corruptible flesh that needs a bridle and a rod upon it to be brought into subjection unto God (Tit 2:12-13, Heb 12:6, Heb 5:6-7).

Heb 5:6  As he saith also in another place, Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec.
Heb 5:7  Who in the days of his flesh (Eph 5:30, to think otherwise is the spirit of anti-Christ 2Jn 1:7), when he had offered up prayers and supplications with strong crying and tears unto him that was able to save him from death, and was heard in that he feared;

Christ our hope of glory within (Col 1:27) is the author and finisher of our faith who has all power over heaven and earth as the fit man of (Lev 16:21) so that he can cleanse the temple that we are and drive the beasts out of it, “A whip for the horse, a bridle for the ass, and a rod for the fool’s back” (Mat 21:12-13). Now we can worship God as true worshippers in spirit and in truth, in His temple that we are (Joh 4:23, 1Co 3:16).

Mat 21:12  And Jesus went into the temple of God, and cast out all them that sold and bought in the temple, and overthrew the tables of the moneychangers, and the seats of them that sold doves,
Mat 21:13  And said unto them, It is written, My house shall be called the house of prayer; but ye have made it a den of thieves [ ‘the temple that we are’ ].

Pro 26:4  Answer not a fool according to his folly, lest thou also be like unto him.

The minute we start to engage in pointless arguments about words, “strive not about words to no profit” as scripture says (2Ti 2:14), is the moment that we become “like unto him”. The best action to take with someone who is a fool (Psa 14:1) is to step away, is what we are being told. This scenario could easily play out in situations where someone is coming to us with a false gospel, another Jesus, and God’s word clearly says in those instances that you don’t open your spiritual house to that person and start to try to convince them of the true gospel. Bidding them ‘God speed’ is becoming a partaker of his evil deeds (2Co 11:3-4, 2Jn 1:10-11).

2Jn 1:10  If there come any unto you, and bring not this doctrine, receive him not into your house, neither bid him God speed:
2Jn 1:11  For he that biddeth him God speed is partaker of his evil deeds.

At first glance we may say ‘well, how can someone believe in God and still be a fool who does not believe in God, who we should not invite into our spiritual house,?’ and the answer is that while they think they are serving God they are serving another Jesus, another spirit, and even the devils believe and are not converted (2Co 11:4, Jas 2:19). And even false apostles can come in the name of Jesus appearing as angels of light and are yet deceived and of their father the devil (2Co 11:13-14). They are convinced of the idols of their hearts and it behooves God’s elect to know when, and when not, to engage with people that God brings into our lives with these idols (Eze 14:4). Paul was warning the church of that very thing in these verses, (Act 20:30-32).

Jas 2:19  Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble.

2Co 11:13  For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ.
2Co 11:14  And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light.

1Co 11:19  For there must be also heresies among you, that they which are approved may be made manifest among you.

Act 20:30  Also of your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them.
Act 20:31  Therefore watch, and remember, that by the space of three years I ceased not to warn every one night and day with tears.
Act 20:32  And now, brethren, I commend you to God, and to the word of his grace, which is able to build you up, and to give you an inheritance among all them which are sanctified.

Heresies will manifest in our midst to show us who is approved, and we may admonish that person with two admonitions (1Co 11:19, Tit 3:10-11), but when someone comes to us with another gospel, we try that spirit immediately and don’t even begin to open our spiritual house to that person. So there are several different scenarios that can play out in our witness for Christ, and we need God’s spirit and discernment to know how to address each one in a way that will glorify God (Php 2:12-13), hence the proverb that seems to contradict itself at first glance, but actually compliments the “wise as serpents and harmless as doves” approach we’ve been called unto (Pro 26:4-5, Mat 10:16).

Tit 3:10  A man that is an heretick after the first and second admonition reject;
Tit 3:11  Knowing that he that is such is subverted, and sinneth, being condemned of himself.

Mat 10:16  Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves.

Pro 26:5  Answer a fool according to his folly, lest he be wise in his own conceit.

On the other hand, we are told “Answer a fool according to his folly, lest he be wise in his own conceit”, which is also speaking of someone who may want to engage with us, or may be just acting like a hypocrite as Peter was, and Paul applied this proverb to his brother in Christ because He loved him  (Gal 2:11-14, Jud 1:22-24, Jas 5:20).

Gal 2:11  But when Peter was come to Antioch, I withstood him to the face, because he was to be blamed.
Gal 2:12  For before that certain came from James, he did eat with the Gentiles: but when they were come, he withdrew and separated himself, fearing them which were of the circumcision.
Gal 2:13  And the other Jews dissembled likewise with him; insomuch that Barnabas also was carried away with their dissimulation.
Gal 2:14  But when I saw that they walked not uprightly according to the truth of the gospel, I said unto Peter before them all, If thou, being a Jew, livest after the manner of Gentiles, and not as do the Jews, why compellest thou the Gentiles to live as do the Jews?

Jud 1:22  And of some have compassion, making a difference:
Jud 1:23  And others save with fear, pulling them out of the fire; hating even the garment spotted by the flesh. (Pro 26:5)
Jud 1:24  Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy

Jas 5:19  Brethren, if any of you do err from the truth, and one convert him;
Jas 5:20  Let him know, that he which converteth the sinner from the error of his way shall save a soul from death, and shall hide a multitude of sins.(Pro 26:5)

We can see by these examples that this proverb (Pro 26:5) can be used to represent a brother who needs to be restored from sin (Jas 5:20, 1Pe 4:8). If we don’t help our brother in this situation they will continue on in error, thinking because we have not challenged them and shown them with scripture the error of their way (Mat 18:4-20) that they are therefore right in their stance, and become “wise in his own conceit”. Conceit is spoken of in the book of Romans and is connected to a self-righteous spirit that we need to continually be on guard against in our own hearts (Rom 11:25, Php 3:9).

Rom 11:25  For I would not, brethren, that ye should be ignorant of this mystery, lest ye should be wise in your own conceits; that blindness in part is happened to Israel, until the fulness of the Gentiles be come in.

Php 3:9  And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness [“wise in his own conceit”], which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith: [which righteousness will save us 1Jn 5:4]

God can keep us humble in this life, and through His chastening grace spoken of in (Pro 26:3), we can then go on to be His true witnesses who know how to fulfill the other two verses we’ve looked at tonight (Pro 26:4-5). “To know the love of Christ which passes knowledge” is know our Father and Christ (Joh 17:3). We come to know them by putting of our flesh via His chastening grace, that will make us wise in His service (Eph 2:8).

Pro 26:3  A whip for the horse, a bridle for the ass, and a rod for the fool’s back.
Pro 26:4  Answer not a fool according to his folly, lest thou also be like unto him.
Pro 26:5  Answer a fool according to his folly, lest he be wise in his own conceit.

Proverbs 26 “To know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge”

Part 1 – Pro 26:1-2

[Study Aired February 12, 2026]

Pro 26:1  As snow in summer, and as rain in harvest, so honour is not seemly for a fool.
Pro 26:2  As the bird by wandering, as the swallow by flying, so the curse causeless shall not come.

Our journey to coming to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, must be accompanied with an evil experience to humble us thereby, bringing us to see the wretchedness of flesh and the one event that is common to all men, that being God’s judgement, which begins at the house of God (Ecc 1:13, Ecc 9:2, 1Pe 4:17).

The truth will set us free if we’re blessed to continue in it stedfastly, enduring the judgement that is preparing us to rule under Christ. The following are just a few verses that explain how we are to approach this spiritual battle which we are continually in (Luk 18:1, Heb 3:14-15, Heb 6:18-19, 1Pe 5:7-9, Php 3:8, Php 1:29).

Luk 18:1  And he spake a parable unto them to this end, that men ought always to pray, and not to faint;

Heb 3:14  For we are made partakers of Christ, if we hold the beginning of our confidence stedfast unto the end; (Heb 10:35, Heb 11:25-26)
Heb 3:15  While it is said, To day if ye will hear his voice, harden not your hearts, as in the provocation.

Heb 6:18  That by two immutable things, in which it was impossible for God to lie, we might have a strong consolation, who have fled for refuge to lay hold upon the hope set before us:(Col 1:27)
Heb 6:19  Which hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and stedfast, and which entereth into that within the veil;[Christ our hope of glory who has entered into the veil (Heb 10:20, Eph 5:30), our flesh, as our hope of glory (Rom 8:9)]

1Pe 5:7  Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.
1Pe 5:8  Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:

Php 3:8  Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ,

Php 1:29  For unto you it is given in the behalf of Christ, not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for his sake;

The general theme of these proverbs is admonishing us against the destructive power of foolishness, laziness, deceit, and strife, and teach of the discernment needed in how to respond to people whose words and actions spread harm. We can ask God to put a bridle on our lips (Psa 39:1) and with His strength people will marvel at our ability to not say anything (Mat 27:14), as we overcome the wicked one by simply agreeing with him quickly, “Agree with thine adversary quickly”, as his accusations continue to unfold “day and night” against the bride of Christ (Rev 12:10, 2Co 10:3-5, Mat 5:25).

Psa 39:1  To the chief Musician, even to Jeduthun, A Psalm of David. I said, I will take heed to my ways, that I sin not with my tongue: I will keep my mouth with a bridle, while the wicked is before me.

Rev 12:10  And I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, Now is come salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of his Christ: for the accuser of our brethren is cast down, which accused them before our God day and night.

2Co 10:3  For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh:
2Co 10:4  (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;)
2Co 10:5  Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ; [“for the accuser of our brethren is cast down, which accused them before our God day and night”]

Mat 5:25  Agree with thine adversary quickly, whiles thou art in the way with him; lest at any time the adversary deliver thee to the judge, and the judge deliver thee to the officer, and thou be cast into prison.
Mat 5:26  Verily I say unto thee, Thou shalt by no means come out thence, till thou hast paid the uttermost farthing.

Pro 26:1  As snow in summer, and as rain in harvest, so honour is not seemly for a fool.

The basic comparison of snow in the summer and rain in the harvest, which are both untimely and counterproductive, is being used to juxtapose the idea that honour is not seemly for a fool.

Here are three examples in God’s word when honour was given where it was not merited, and the clear destructive nature of such decisions. All of these negative examples show us what naturally happens with the first man Adam within us when he is not judged, and thereby not learning obedience by the things we suffer in this life (Heb 5:8). It also explains why the basest of men end up ruling on this earth (Dan 4:17), another witness to God’s elect that he can take the weak and foolish of the world and make His strength perfect through them (2Co 12:9, 1Co 1:25-26, Rom 11:25, Rom 11:22, Rom 2:4).

2Co 12:9  And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.

Rom 11:25  For I would not, brethren, that ye should be ignorant of this mystery, lest ye should be wise in your own conceits; that blindness in part is happened to Israel, until the fulness of the Gentiles be come in.

Rom 11:22  Behold therefore the goodness and severity of God: on them which fell, severity; but toward thee, goodness, if thou continue in his goodness: otherwise thou also shalt be cut off.

Rom 2:4  Or despisest thou the riches of his goodness and forbearance and longsuffering; not knowing that the goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance?

1. King Saul (1Sa 9:1-31) – Saul was honored with kingship, but he repeatedly disobeyed God, acted impulsively, and refused correction.

-His honor didn’t refine him—it magnified his flaws
-His authority led to jealousy, violence, and national instability

“Because thou hast rejected the word of the LORD, he hath also rejected thee from being  king.”(1Sa 15:23)

Saul is a textbook example of honor given to someone lacking wisdom, resulting in damage to himself and others. Saul of course represents our old man, the first man Adam that must be destroyed by the brightness of Christ’s coming into our heavens (2Th 2:5-8).

2. Nabal (1Sa 25:1-43) – Nabal was wealthy and influential, but foolish, arrogant, and abusive.

-His status didn’t make him noble
-His lack of discernment nearly brought bloodshed on his household

“As his name is, so is he; Nabal is his name, and folly is with him.” (1Sa 25:25)

His story shows that social standing doesn’t equal wisdom, and fools in positions of honor bring danger. God gives positions of honour to the weak of the world, so that in time the world will come to see and understand that flesh has nothing to do with what God has determined will be done, and no flesh will glory in His sight (1Co 1:26-29).

1Co 1:26  For ye see your calling, brethren, how that not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called:
1Co 1:27  But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty;
1Co 1:28  And base things of the world, and things which are despised, hath God chosen, yea, and things which are not, to bring to nought things that are:
1Co 1:29  That no flesh should glory in his presence.

3.Rehoboam (1 Kings 12) – Solomon’s son rejected wise counsel and listened to foolish advice.

-His foolish leadership caused the kingdom to split
-Honour without wisdom led to national division

“The king rejected the counsel of the old men… and answered them roughly.” (1Ki 12:13)

Pro 26:2  As the bird by wandering, as the swallow by flying, so the curse causeless shall not come.

Balak wanting to curse Israel by way of Balaam is a case study of this proverb. The proverb reassures the innocent and warns the complacent.

1. The “curse causeless”

In Numbers 22–24, Balak hires Balaam to curse Israel. But Israel hasn’t wronged Moab, and—more importantly—God at this stage in the story had no intention of cursing Israel via the prophet Balaam. From the proverb’s perspective, the curse Balak wants is causeless.

Balaam himself eventually recognizes this reality:

“How can I curse whom God has not cursed?
How can I denounce whom the LORD has not denounced?” (Num 23:8)

That line is basically (Pro 26:2) said out loud.

2. The wandering bird imagery

Balak keeps moving Balaam from place to place—high place to high place—hoping the curse will finally “take”. That physical wandering mirrors the proverb’s imagery: the curse keeps trying to land but can’t. Like the bird or swallow, it stays in motion, never settling. Each attempt produces not a curse, but a blessing. The curse has no resting place. The giants in our land will be bread for us, and the accuser of the brethren is used of God to strengthen us and learn that we are more than conquerors through Jesus Christ (Num 14:9, Rev 12:10, Isa 54:17).

Num 14:9  Only rebel not ye against the LORD, neither fear ye the people of the land; for they are bread for us: their defence is departed from them, and the LORD is with us: fear them not.

Rev 12:10  And I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, Now is come salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of his Christ: for the accuser of our brethren is cast down, which accused them before our God day and night.(2Co 10:4-6)

Isa 54:17  No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper; and every tongue that shall rise against thee in judgment thou shalt condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the LORD, and their righteousness is of me, saith the LORD.

3. God’s sovereignty prevails regardless of what men think

The curse cannot come because it is not what God intended to have happen.

That fits the proverb’s deeper claim: words alone don’t carry power; alignment with God’s will is what will happen (Joh 19:10-11).

Joh 19:10  Then saith Pilate unto him, Speakest thou not unto me? knowest thou not that I have power to crucify thee, and have power to release thee?
Joh 19:11  Jesus answered, Thou couldest have no power at all against me, except it were given thee from above: therefore he that delivered me unto thee hath the greater sin.

This story of the vagabond Jews who were “exorcists” reveals this reality as well, and it represents our time in Babylon when we were not going from glory to glory but rather from bondage to bondage, because there was no spiritual healing power in Babylon, no stay of bread or water (Isa 3:1) to quicken us via the Son of God (Act 19:14-16, Isa 3:1, Joh 8:34-36).

Act 19:13  Then certain of the vagabond Jews, exorcists, took upon them to call over them which had evil spirits the name of the Lord Jesus, saying, We adjure you by Jesus whom Paul preacheth.
Act 19:14  Seven sons of a Jewish high priest named Sceva were doing this, [Babylon’s complete 7 power to bind us in darkness]
Act 19:15  when an evil spirit said to them, “I know Jesus! And I have heard about Paul. But who are you?”
Act 19:16  Then the man with the evil spirit jumped on them and beat them up. They ran out of the house, naked and bruised.

Joh 8:34  Jesus answered them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whosoever committeth sin is the servant of sin.
Joh 8:35  And the servant abideth not in the house for ever: but the Son abideth ever.
Joh 8:36  If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed.

The lesson for God’s children as I mentioned earlier is that despite ourselves, those without cause who come up against God’s people, even with ‘potent speech’ will not prevail against them (Mat 24:24, Rev 20:7-10).

Mat 24:24  For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall shew great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect.

Rev 20:7  And when the thousand years are expired, Satan shall be loosed out of his prison,
Rev 20:8  And shall go out to deceive the nations which are in the four quarters of the earth, Gog and Magog, to gather them together to battle: the number of whom is as the sand of the sea.
Rev 20:9  And they went up on the breadth of the earth, and compassed the camp of the saints about, and the beloved city: and fire came down from God out of heaven, and devoured them.
Rev 20:10  And the devil that deceived them was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone, where the beast and the false prophet are, and shall be tormented day and night for ever and ever.

4. The curse fails, but harm still comes later

Although Balaam cannot directly curse Israel, (Num 31:16, Rev 2:14) Moab did in time seduce Israel into idolatry and immorality.

Num 31:16  Behold, these caused the children of Israel, through the counsel of Balaam, to commit trespass against the LORD in the matter of Peor, and there was a plague among the congregation of the LORD.

Rev 2:14  But I have a few things against thee, because thou hast there them that hold the doctrine of Balaam, who taught Balac to cast a stumblingblock before the children of Israel, to eat things sacrificed unto idols, and to commit fornication.

The curse never “flies in” from outside; the damage comes from within (Mat 15:11).

Mat 15:11  Not that which goeth into the mouth defileth a man; but that which cometh out of the mouth, this defileth a man.

[The doctrine of Balaam is like the leaven of the Pharisees that Christ warned His disciples about, and we need to always be on guard regarding how we handle the word of God. If the Lord will grant us to try the spirits, and not think above what is written (1Co 4:6), the doctrine of Balaam, will never be able to take root in our heavens.]

In short Balaam’s story dramatizes the ineffectiveness of Satan’s influence on the church, because the Lord has prayed for us and is keeping us from the wicked one (Luk 22:32, 1Jn 5:4).

Luk 22:32  But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not: and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren.

1Jn 5:4  For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith.

God’s blessing is unstoppable, which was also demonstrated in this story with Balaam, and ultimately Israel’s curse comes about at the time appointed by God, teaching us that His Sovereign Hand is over all the affairs of our life, the light and the darkness, the peace and the evil (Isa 45:7), all which unfolds according to the counsel of His own will (Eph 1:11, Gen 50:20, Luk 2:35).

Isa 45:7  I form the light, and create darkness: I make peace, and create evil: I the LORD do all these things.

Gen 50:20  But as for you, ye thought evil against me; but God meant it unto good, to bring to pass, as it is this day, to save much people alive.

Luk 2:35  (Yea, a sword shall pierce through thy own soul also,) that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.

We pray the Lord will continue to deeply impress this truth upon the body of Christ found in (Rom 11:25), and with that humble foundation we can “know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge”, that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God (Eph 3:19-21).

Rom 11:25  For I would not, brethren, that ye should be ignorant of this mystery, lest ye should be wise in your own conceits; that blindness in part is happened to Israel, until the fulness of the Gentiles be come in.

Eph 3:19  And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God.
Eph 3:20  Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us,
Eph 3:21  Unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen.

Next week Lord willing we will look at these next three proverbs as we continue to work our way through this 26th chapter.

Pro 26:3  A whip for the horse, a bridle for the ass, and a rod for the fool’s back.
Pro 26:4  Answer not a fool according to his folly, lest thou also be like unto him.
Pro 26:5  Answer a fool according to his folly, lest he be wise in his own conceit.

“A false witness shall not be unpunished” Part 1

(Pro 19:1-10)

[Study Aired September 18, 2025]

Pro 19:1  Better is the poor that walketh in his integrity, than he that is perverse in his lips, and is a fool.
Pro 19:2  Also, that the soul be without knowledge, it is not good; and he that hasteth with his feet sinneth.
Pro 19:3  The foolishness of man perverteth his way: and his heart fretteth against the LORD.
Pro 19:4  Wealth maketh many friends; but the poor is separated from his neighbour.
Pro 19:5  A false witness shall not be unpunished, and he that speaketh lies shall not escape.
Pro 19:6  Many will intreat the favour of the prince: and every man is a friend to him that giveth gifts.
Pro 19:7  All the brethren of the poor do hate him: how much more do his friends go far from him? he pursueth them with words, yet they are wanting to him.
Pro 19:8  He that getteth wisdom loveth his own soul: he that keepeth understanding shall find good.
Pro 19:9  A false witness shall not be unpunished, and he that speaketh lies shall perish.
Pro 19:10  Delight is not seemly for a fool; much less for a servant to have rule over princes.

The main focus of this study will be on how God plans to burn up the false witness within each of us so that through Christ we can become “witnesses of these things” (Luk 24:48, Act 5:32), ‘these things’ being the things that pertain to life (1Co 6:3, 2Pe 1:3)

Luk 24:48  And ye are witnesses of these things.

Act 5:32  And we are his witnesses of these things; and so is also the Holy Ghost, whom God hath given to them that obey him.

1Co 6:3  Know ye not that we shall judge angels? how much more things that pertain to this life?

2Pe 1:3  According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue:

Our first verses:

Pro 19:1  Better is the poor that walketh in his integrity, than he that is perverse in his lips, and is a fool.
Pro 19:2  Also, that the soul be without knowledge, it is not good; and he that hasteth with his feet sinneth.

These first two proverbs have to do with our walk. One talks about walking with integrity and the other about sinning as we walk with haste with our feet. Whatever integrity we have is of the Lord, and when we are of a poor and contrite spirit which is a gift from God (Isa 66:2), the good fruit brought forth will be the result of God’s chastening and scourging of that fool within us so that we are no longer speaking with the perverse tongue and are now quick to hear and slow to speak, not hasting with our feet (Tit 2:12-13, Heb 12:6, Jas 1:19).

Isa 66:2  For all those things hath mine hand made, and all those things have been, saith the LORD: but to this man will I look, even to him that is poor and of a contrite spirit, and trembleth at my word.

Jas 1:19  Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath:

We are called to grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Saviour (2Pe 3:18), and if we are blessed to do that in this age, to be given a hunger and thirst for His righteousness (Mat 5:6), then our conversation, our walk, or way of life will become less and less hasting to go in the way that seems right to us, that leads to leaning upon our own understanding, as opposed to the one who is blessed to learn to trust God with all their hearts (Pro 3:3-7, Psa 118:27) so that our paths can be directed by Him (Rom 8:14-16).

Pro 3:3  Let not mercy and truth forsake thee: bind them about thy neck; write them upon the table of thine heart:[God must accomplish this binding process as we are his workmanship to that end  Psa 118:27]
Pro 3:4  So shalt thou find favour and good understanding in the sight of God and man.
Pro 3:5  Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.
Pro 3:6  In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.
Pro 3:7  Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the LORD, and depart from evil.

Rom 8:14  For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.
Rom 8:15  For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father.
Rom 8:16  The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God: [Children who now have a broken and contrite heart, that is bound to the altar of God, the cross, and not bound by self-righteous iniquity and pride]

The natural inclination in our flesh to do what we want to do, must be put to death daily (1Co 9:27) in order for our lives to trust in God whole heartedly. This can only be accomplished by being tried and tested through much tribulation (Act 14:22),  so the life of Christ can be ruling and reigning in everything we set out to accomplish in His service (2Co 1:9, Rom 8:28, Isa 62:2, Isa 66:2, Psa 34:18, Psa 51:17)

Isa 66:1  Thus saith the LORD, The heaven is my throne, and the earth is my footstool: [which represents our hearts and minds that God can and will rule over in this age if He has determined to do this (Joh 4:23, Luk 17:10, Php 2:12-13)] where is the house that ye build unto me? and where is the place of my rest?[Joh 2:19, Psa 127:1, Psa 94:17]
Isa 66:2  For all those things hath mine hand made, and all those things have been, saith the LORD: but to this man will I look, even to him that is poor and of a contrite spirit, and trembleth at my word.

Psa 34:18  The LORD is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart; and saveth such as be of a contrite spirit.

Psa 51:17  The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit: a broken and a contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise.

Pro 19:3  The foolishness of man perverteth his way: and his heart fretteth against the LORD.
Pro 19:4  Wealth maketh many friends; but the poor is separated from his neighbour.

Psalm 37:1-8 is the antidote for not fretting against God, which is the natural spiritual by product of one who foolishly stops trusting in Him and puts their trust in man. When we stop trusting in God we go back into the world, into keeping the law (our own righteousness of Php 3:9), the way Titus and Crescens did (2Ti 4:10, Gal 3:1-4).

Psa 37:1  A Psalm of David. Fret not thyself because of evildoers, neither be thou envious against the workers of iniquity.
Psa 37:2  For they shall soon be cut down like the grass, and wither as the green herb.
Psa 37:3  Trust in the LORD, and do good; so shalt thou dwell in the land, and verily thou shalt be fed.
Psa 37:4  Delight thyself also in the LORD; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart.
Psa 37:5  Commit thy way unto the LORD; trust also in him; and he shall bring it to pass.
Psa 37:6  And he shall bring forth thy righteousness as the light, and thy judgment as the noonday.
Psa 37:7  Rest in the LORD, and wait patiently for him: fret not thyself because of him who prospereth in his way, because of the man who bringeth wicked devices to pass.
Psa 37:8  Cease from anger, and forsake wrath: fret not thyself in any wise to do evil.

Php 3:9  And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith:

2Ti 4:10  For Demas hath forsaken me, having loved this present world, and is departed unto Thessalonica; Crescens to Galatia, Titus unto Dalmatia.

Gal 3:1  O foolish Galatians, who hath bewitched you, that ye should not obey the truth, before whose eyes Jesus Christ hath been evidently set forth, crucified among you?
Gal 3:2  This only would I learn of you, Received ye the Spirit by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith?
Gal 3:3  Are ye so foolish? having begun in the Spirit, are ye now made perfect by the flesh?
Gal 3:4  Have ye suffered so many things in vain? if it be yet in vain.

We are easily beset by sin (Heb 12:1), and when that law of sin in our members manifests the things that we don’t want to do and can no longer do the things that we want to do, it takes a miracle as we cry out to God to separate us from our first man Adam, typified by “his neighbour”: “but the poor is separated from his neighbour”

The “poor” in this proverb represent the elect who are separated from our rich Babylonian past where “Wealth maketh many friends”, when we thought we were rich and increased and had need of nothing, like the rich young ruler who typifies our time of being self-righteous in the churches of Babylon. The natural state of this religious beast must be destroyed by the brightness of Christ coming into our heavens (2Th 2:5-8). The reality is that judgement is on the very few elect in this age (1Pe 4:17, Mat 22:14) who are being brought to see God’s mercy and how He is-was-and-will-be faithful to deliver us from our wretchedness (Rom 7:14-25).

Heb 12:1  Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us,
Heb 12:2  Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.

Rom 7:14  For we know that the law is spiritual: but I am carnal, sold under sin.
Rom 7:15  For that which I do I allow not: for what I would, that do I not; but what I hate, that do I.
Rom 7:16  If then I do that which I would not, I consent unto the law that it is good.
Rom 7:17  Now then it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me.
Rom 7:18  For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwelleth no good thing: for to will is present with me; but how to perform that which is good I find not.
Rom 7:19  For the good that I would I do not: but the evil which I would not, that I do.
Rom 7:20  Now if I do that I would not, it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me.
Rom 7:21  I find then a law, that, when I would do good, evil is present with me.
Rom 7:22  For I delight in the law of God after the inward man:
Rom 7:23  But I see another law in my members, warring against the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity to the law of sin which is in my members.
Rom 7:24  O wretched man that I am! who shall deliver me from the body of this death?
Rom 7:25  I thank God through Jesus Christ our Lord. So then with the mind I myself serve the law of God; but with the flesh the law of sin.

Pro 19:5  A false witness shall not be unpunished, and he that speaketh lies shall not escape.
Pro 19:6  Many will intreat the favour of the prince: and every man is a friend to him that giveth gifts.
Pro 19:7  All the brethren of the poor do hate him: how much more do his friends go far from him? he pursueth them with words, yet they are wanting to him.

On a basic level, these verses point to human nature’s tendency to ignore the poor, the ‘nobodies’ of the world, and woo the rich or those with influence etc. As the ERV puts it, “That poor person can beg them for help. But they will not go near him”.

On a higher spiritual level these verses are speaking about Babylon again, whose gifts to one another are predicated on the lie that they are one in the Lord (Rev 11:9-10) with an ecumenical spirit which is a “false witness”, and represents our time in the harlot churches of this world (Pro 29:3) that God says won’t go unpunished. Each man, in their appointed time, will give an accounting for every idle word that God has caused us to bring forth “and he that speaketh lies shall not escape” (Mat 12:36). The more united the churches of this world become, the more hated we, ‘the poor’  will be by the many who “will make attempts to get the approval of a ruler”  [Babylon and the kings of the earth of  Rev 18:3-5], “and every man is the special friend of him who has something to give”(BBE). (Luk 23:10-12, Rev 17:14, Rev 11:9-10). As “the poor” of this proverb with “the brethren [that] do hate him”, Babylon whom we come out of, our words are not heard if God is not dragging these our Babylonian brothers and sisters to Christ. “He is pursuing words–they are not!”(YLT) They cannot hear us. (Mat 10:22, Joh 8:43, 1Jn 4:6)

Luk 23:12  And the same day Pilate and Herod were made friends together: for before they were at enmity between themselves.

Rev 11:10  And they that dwell upon the earth shall rejoice over them, and make merry, and shall send gifts one to another; because these two prophets tormented them that dwelt on the earth.

Mat 10:22  And ye shall be hated of all men for my name’s sake: but he that endureth to the end shall be saved.

Joh 8:43  Why do ye not understand my speech? even because ye cannot hear my word.

Mat 23:37  O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, thou that killest the prophets, and stonest them which are sent unto thee, how often would I have gathered thy children together, even as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings, and ye would not!

1Jn 4:6 We are of God: he that knoweth God heareth us; he that is not of God heareth not us. Hearby know we the spirit of truth, and the spirit of error.

Pro 19:8  He that getteth wisdom loveth his own soul: he that keepeth understanding shall find good.
Pro 19:8 The one who acquires good sense loves himself; one who safeguards understanding finds success. (NWT)

He that gets Christ, who is our wisdom (1Co 1:30), “loveth his own soul”. Christ our pearl of great price (Mat 13:45-46) is being nurtured in each other as a pearl that must increase as we decrease (Joh 3:30). Christ in us grows and matures through the irritations of this life that parallel with the grain of sand that gets into an oyster, who then covers that sand with nacre, over and over, the sand being symbolic of the much tribulation (Act 14:22) that is needed to see Christ the pearl of great price increase and be formed within each of us.

No man ever hated his own flesh, and we are the flesh and bones of Christ that we love (Eph 5:29-30). We safeguard the understanding that we have found by the grace and faith of Christ (Eph 2:8), and in doing this we find good, that good being a relationship with our Father in heaven who alone gives us the increase of His sons life within us, and through his goodness we “shall find good” that leads us unto repentance (Joh 14:21, Joh 14:6, 1Co 3:6, Rom 2:4) which leads to Life, true “success” (Mat 7:14).

Eph 5:29  For no man ever yet hated his own flesh; but nourisheth and cherisheth it, even as the Lord the church:
Eph 5:30  For we are members of his body, of his flesh, and of his bones.

Joh 14:21  He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him.[Joh 15:15]

Joh 14:6  Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.

Pro 19:9  A false witness shall not be unpunished, and he that speaketh lies shall perish.
Pro 19:10  Delight is not seemly for a fool; much less for a servant to have rule over princes.

A false witness is someone who adds to, or takes away from God’s word which we have all done in our own appointed time, and now we see and believe the admonition that anyone who does that is going to perish, “he that speaketh lies shall perish”, meaning spiritually not go unto maturity and be in that blessed and holy first resurrection (Rev 22:19).

Rev 22:19  And if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out of the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book.

We delight in God’s word and do not want to think above what is written (1Co 4:6), being ever vigilant to keep a sound pattern of words (2Ti 1:13) that glorify God and keep us united in faith (Php 2:2), with the same mind and the same spirit, which God’s word is (Joh 6:63).

Php 2:2  Fulfil ye my joy, that ye be likeminded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind.

Joh 6:63  It is the spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life.

This spiritual “delight” that we have in God’s word “is not seemly for a fool” and the fool is the Nicolaitan spirit of a “servant” who wants to “rule over princes”, controlling the laity with false doctrines, great swelling of vanity (2Pe 2:18-22).

2Pe 2:18  For when they speak great swelling words of vanity, they allure through the lusts of the flesh, through much wantonness, those that were clean escaped from them who live in error.
2Pe 2:19  While they promise them liberty, they themselves are the servants of corruption: for of whom a man is overcome, of the same is he brought in bondage.
2Pe 2:20  For if after they have escaped the pollutions of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, they are again entangled therein, and overcome, the latter end is worse with them than the beginning.
2Pe 2:21  For it had been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than, after they have known it, to turn from the holy commandment delivered unto them.
2Pe 2:22  But it is happened unto them according to the true proverb, The dog is turned to his own vomit again; and the sow that was washed to her wallowing in the mire.(1Jn 2:19, Heb 6:4-6)

1Jn 2:19  They went out from us, but they were not of us; for if they had been of us, they would no doubt have continued with us: but they went out, that they might be made manifest that they were not all of us.
1Jn 2:20  But ye have an unction from the Holy One, and ye know all things.

Heb 6:4  For it is impossible for those who were once enlightened, and have tasted of the heavenly gift, and were made partakers of the Holy Ghost,
Heb 6:5  And have tasted the good word of God, and the powers of the world to come,
Heb 6:6  If they shall fall away, to renew them again unto repentance; seeing they crucify to themselves the Son of God afresh, and put him to an open shame.

The gates of hell (Mat 16:18) that won’t prevail against the church are likened unto “the bars of a castle” spoken of in (Pro 18:19) that contain all the thousand thousand lies of Babylon (Rev 9:3, Rev 9:16) that make up this strong city of Babylon.

Pro 18:19  A brother offended is harder to be won than a strong city: and their contentions are like the bars of a castle.

Twice in these proverbs we’ve covered today are we told that “A false witness shall not be unpunished”, along with the dire consequence for doing that which is to not escape, and to perish.

Thanks be to God we are in a process of being redeemed, and Christ alone is the faithful witness within us who is the author and finisher of this process that can only be accomplished with His faith (Rev 3:11, Rev 17:14, Rev 3:14, 1Jn 5:4).

Rev 3:11  Behold, I come quickly: hold that fast which thou hast, that no man take thy crown.

Rev 17:14  These shall make war with the Lamb, and the Lamb shall overcome them: for he is Lord of lords, and King of kings: and they that are with him are called, and chosen, and faithful.

Rev 3:14  And unto the angel of the church of the Laodiceans write; These things saith the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the beginning of the creation of God;

1Jn 5:4  For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith.
1Jn 5:5  Who is he that overcometh the world, but he that believeth that Jesus is the Son of God?

“Happy is the man that findeth wisdom, and the man that getteth understanding” Part 1

(Pro 18:1-7)

[Study Aired August 28, 2025]

Pro 18:1  He who keeps himself separate for his private purpose goes against all good sense.
Pro 18:2 A foolish man has no pleasure in good sense, but only to let what is in his heart come to light.
Pro 18:3 When the evil-doer comes, a low opinion comes with him, and with the loss of honour comes shame.
Pro 18:4 The words of a man’s mouth are like deep waters: the fountain of wisdom is like a flowing stream.
Pro 18:5 To have respect for the person of the evil-doer is not good, or to give a wrong decision against the upright.
Pro 18:6 A foolish man’s lips are a cause of fighting, and his mouth makes him open to blows.
Pro 18:7 The mouth of a foolish man is his destruction, and his lips are a net for his soul.

This chapter of proverbs has a strong emphasis on how death and life are in the power of the tongue (Pro 18:21), and what joy there can be when we are blessed to partake of the tree of life (Pro 3:18, Rev 2:7), laying hold on her as we grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord, seeing His life increase within us as we’re given a mind of power, love and soundness, that puts to death our old man who is dying daily (2Ti 1:7, 1Co 2:16, 1Co 15:31).

Pro 3:18  She is a tree of life to them that lay hold upon her: and happy is every one that retaineth her.

Rev 2:7  He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the tree of life, which is in the midst of the paradise of God.

Christ’s life within us is what gives us victory over the most unruly member of our body, the tongue, the rutter of our spiritual ship that is a small part of the ship, but when our thoughts our brought into subjection to our Lord, then the whole ship can go in the path God has set before us (Jas 3:4) via the Way, the Life and the Truth, our Hope of Glory within who gives us the power to have minds of peace that are stayed on Him (Jas 3:8, Isa 26:3). As we learn to conduct ourselves together in “the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth”, we are in fact helping each other bring our thoughts into subjection so that we speak only those things that are edifying to the body of Christ (1Ti 3:15, Eph 4:29).

Jas 3:4  Behold also the ships, which though they be so great, and are driven of fierce winds, yet are they turned about with a very small helm, whithersoever the governor [Christ Php 2:12-13] listeth.

Happy is the man that finds wisdom [Christ (Joh 6:44)] and gets understanding (Pro 3:13), and what must happen to make that more than just an ‘anon with joy’ reality (Mat 13:20) in the lives of God’s children is answered in the preceding verse (Pro 3:12). In other words, it is not enough to just find wisdom, but if we are blessed to continue in the truth and have that wisdom tried through much tribulation (Joh 8:32-33), then as we near the end of our spiritual sojourn we will be able to say with Paul, I “now rejoice in my sufferings for you, and fill up that which is behind of the afflictions of Christ in my flesh for his body’s sake, which is the church” (Col 1:24).

That same sentiment is expressed by the parable that states ‘a red sky at night is a sailors delight’, because that sailor has gone through the storms of life [symbolized by the one Day of the Lord], and has witnessed God’s faithfulness and can now say that even these trials in the latter part of their life is something they can delight in, knowing the Lord is faithful and that nothing can separate us from his love toward us that will culminate with the beautiful sunrise of the morning that represents the first resurrection. The ‘hypocrites’ could not discern the meaning of the parable, and were as we all did at one time, only looking for the outward physical signs as proof that we we’re blessed of God, not seeing the need to be tried in the fire of His word, the red sky in the evening (Mat 16:2, 2Ti 4:8).

Pro 3:12  For whom the LORD loveth he correcteth;(Heb 12:6) even as a father the son in whom he delighteth.
Pro 3:13  Happy is the man that findeth wisdom, and the man that getteth understanding.

Mat 16:2  He answered and said unto them, When it is evening, ye say, It will be fair weather: for the sky is red.

2Ti 4:8  Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.

It’s the son who is being received, who is being corrected, chastened and scourged in this life, and it is our own iniquities that chasten us as we self-righteously partake of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, not yet having had our senses exercised through fiery trials so that we can discern good and evil (Heb 5:14), and benefit from that strong meat that takes time to be able to digest. Thankfully in due time, Christ who is the tree of life, died for the ungodly (Rom 5:6) and by God’s goodness we were led unto repentance so that we can partake of His life that gives us the strength and victory over sin, now with the ability to discern good and evil as a result of having our senses exercised through much tribulation (Gen 2:9, Rev 22:14, Act 14:22).

Heb 5:14  But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.

Gen 2:9  And out of the ground made the LORD God to grow every tree that is pleasant to the sight, and good for food; the tree of life also in the midst of the garden, and the tree of knowledge of good and evil.

Rev 22:14  Blessed are they that do his commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city.

It takes the humbling experiences that God’s people go through in this life in order to become a people who are abased and made ready to rule the kingdoms of this world (Mat 18:3), having been given victory over the sinful kingdoms of this world within us first, so we can rule the kingdoms of this world outwardly one day (1Pe 5:6, Rev 11:15).

Mat 18:3  And said, Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven.

1Pe 5:6  Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time:

Rev 11:15  And the seventh angel sounded; and there were great voices in heaven, saying, The kingdoms of this world are become the kingdoms of our Lord, and of his Christ; and he shall reign for ever and ever.

God has to give us the power to lay hold upon her [Wisdom] (Joh 6:44), and with eyes that are now open and ears unstopped we can be quickened by His words of eternal life (Joh 6:63) that, if we are blessed to continue in, will lead to our salvation in this age (Joh 8:31-32).

our first verses:

Pro 18:1  Through desire a man, having separated himself, seeketh and intermeddleth with all wisdom.
Pro 18:2  A fool hath no delight in understanding, but that his heart may discover itself.

Christ’s spirit in the body of Christ gives us the power to ‘intermeddle’ with Christ our husband who has all wisdom (Jas 1:5). God is the one dragging us to His son and Christ is the one working within us both to will and to do of our Father’s good pleasure (Php 2:12-13). So the “desire of a man” which brings us to separate ourselves from Babylon is all of God and is the miracle of our calling that has been hidden from the masses (Rom 8:14-16, Joh 6:44, Mat 22:14).

So we ask of God for wisdom, but Christ is the mediator for us who drives the beasts out of our temple, the foolish part of us that has no delight in understanding His wisdom, and mind. The proverb says, “that his [the fool’s] heart may discover itself” and is the way that seems right to a man but leads to death and no spiritual growth and connecting to the body of Christ, our body, that is made up of many joints that supply in love (Rom 8:17, Eph 4:16, Rom 12:4-5).

Rom 8:17  And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, (Php 1:29, 1Co 10:16) that we may be also glorified together.

Eph 4:16  From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love.

Rom 12:4  For as we have many members in one body, and all members have not the same office:
Rom 12:5  So we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another.

Pro 18:3  When the wicked cometh, then cometh also contempt [disrespect], and with ignominy [dishonour] reproach [disgrace].

It’s when God shows us who we are by the brightness of Christ’s coming into our heavens that “the wicked cometh” (2Th 2:8, Pro 16:4), and that wickedness within us is accompanied with contempt [disrespect], ignominy [dishonour], and reproach [disgrace] expressed through lying lips within us that are there ‘for but a moment’ (Pro 12:19, Jas 4:14) and will be silenced by God’s chastening grace that teaches us to forsake ungodliness and worldly lusts (Tit 2:11-12) (Psa 31:17-18).

Psa 31:17  Let me not be ashamed, O LORD; for I have called upon thee: let the wicked be ashamed, and let them be silent in the grave.
Psa 31:18  Let the lying lips be put to silence; which speak grievous things proudly and contemptuously [with contempt [disrespect], ignominy [dishonour], and reproach [disgrace] ] against the righteous.

These verses below show us that God uses evil for good, and that Satan, the evil smith is the one that God uses to blow on the coals within us, to create the conditions for the fiery trials that we are not to think as something strange that is happening to us in this age as God’s elect. God also uses the seraphims [God’s messengers] to use the effect of those coals of God’s word to minister unto the body of Christ (1Pe 4:12, Job 2:4-6).

Job 2:4  And Satan answered the LORD, and said, Skin for skin, yea, all that a man hath will he give for his life.
Job 2:5  But put forth thine hand now, [Satan is God’s hand Psa 17:13, Isa 10:5] and touch his bone and his flesh, and he will curse thee to thy face.
Job 2:6  And the LORD said unto Satan, Behold, he is in thine hand; but save his life.

Isa 44:12  The smith [Satan] with the tongs both worketh in the coals, and fashioneth it with hammers, and worketh it with the strength of his arms: yea, he is hungry, and his strength faileth: he drinketh no water, and is faint. [At this time Satan is not benefiting from these coals, but is being used of God to try, test, tempt, and accuse God’s people]

Isa 44:19  And none considereth in his heart (Pro 14:12), neither is there knowledge nor understanding to say, I have burned part of it in the fire (1Pe 4:12); yea, also I have baked bread [God’s word being refined within us] upon the coals thereof; I have roasted flesh, and eaten it: and shall I make the residue thereof an abomination? shall I fall down to the stock of a tree?

Isa 44:19  And no one takes note, no one has enough knowledge or wisdom to say, I have put part of it in the fire, and made bread on it; I have had a meal of the flesh cooked with it: and am I now to make the rest of it into a false god? am I to go down on my face before a bit of wood? [BBE]

[Is God going to put us through all the trials of this life and take us so far and then just let us slip back into making an idol of our flesh. The answer is given in (Isa 44:21 “thou shalt not be forgotten of me”). This question of God reminds us that this residue, or remnant [the elect] that he is trying in the fire will not be forgotten, we are His blessed and holy workmanship, that are overcoming the giants in this life little and by little to the glory of God. We do fall back and lose our first love, and make an idol of the beast whose deadly wound is healed (Rev 13:12), but then as God’s people He destroys that idol, that “bit of wood” that is left so we can inherit eternal life (Num 14:9)]

Isa 44:20  He feedeth on ashes: a deceived heart hath turned him aside, that he cannot deliver his soul, nor say, Is there not a lie in my right hand? [we ask who can make war with the beast, and we carry that lie until we don’t by God’s grace and the faith of Christ (Rev 13:4)]
Isa 44:21  Remember these, O Jacob and Israel; for thou art my servant: I have formed thee; thou art my servant: O Israel, thou shalt not be forgotten of me.

Isa 6:6 Then flew one of the seraphims unto me, having a live coal in his hand, which he had taken with the tongs from off the altar:
Isa 6:7  And he laid it upon my mouth, and said, Lo, this hath touched thy lips; and thine iniquity is taken away, and thy sin purged. [Fervent love covers a multitude of sins 1Pe 4:8]

[The elect take the word of God, which is likened unto a live coal that represents the trial of our faith as a means to help us grow and comfort others with the comfort that God comforts us with (2Co 1:4). We bear the trials together [the cross], the coal that is hot and handled with tongs, which tongs also represents the word of God, telling us we learn to handle our trials with the word of God, as we continue in the truth and find safety within a multitude of counsellors. The coal is taken off the altar, where the elect are bound (Psa 118:27) [the many joints that supply]

Pro 18:4  The words of a man’s mouth are as deep waters, and the wellspring of wisdom as a flowing brook.

The living waters that flow from the body of Christ spoken of in (Joh 7:38) can be likened unto “the wellspring of wisdom as a flowing brook” as a result of the faith of Christ that has been given to us.

The words of a man’s life are likened unto “deep waters” that come from a well, but it is not just any well or any water that we must be drawn to (Joh 6:44) in order to have living waters flow forth from us as “a flowing brook” (Joh 4:13-15, 1Co 2:11-16).

Joh 7:38  He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water.

Joh 4:13  Jesus answered and said unto her, Whosoever drinketh of this water shall thirst again:
Joh 4:14  But whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life.
Joh 4:15  The woman saith unto him, Sir, give me this water, that I thirst not, neither come hither to draw.

1Co 2:11  For what man knoweth the things of a man, save the spirit of man which is in him? even so the things of God knoweth no man, but the Spirit of God.
1Co 2:12  Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God.

Pro 18:5  It is not good to accept the person of the wicked, to overthrow the righteous in judgment.
Pro 18:6  A fool’s lips enter into contention, and his mouth calleth for strokes.
Pro 18:7  A fool’s mouth is his destruction, and his lips are the snare of his soul.

“Also to punish the just is not good, nor to strike princes for equity” of (Pro 17:26) is a very parallel proverb to (Pro 18:5) which says it’s “not good to accept the person of the wicked, to overthrow the righteous in judgment”. It is by the grace of God that we are able to keep a bridle on our lips and mouth and heart, and not ‘speak as a fool’, which can and does get us into a lot of trouble, especially if we are being judged in this age.

Pro 18:6  The lips of a fool enter into an argument and his mouth invites a beating. (TLV)
Pro 18:6  The lips of a fool enter into strife, and his mouth invites a flogging. (NET)
Pro 18:6  When some fool starts an argument, he is asking for a beating. (GNB)
Pro 18:6  Foolish talk will get you into a lot of trouble. (CEV)

We need those coal spoken of earlier on our lips in order to cease from sinning, as God alone can put an end to ‘the lips that enter into contention’, or ‘a foolish mouth that is our destruction’, or ‘lips that are a snare to our soul’. Iniquity will be cut off, thanks be to God (Psa 94:23).

Psa 94:23  And he shall bring upon them their own iniquity, and shall cut them off in their own wickedness; yea, the LORD our God shall cut them off.

God knows our frame (Psa 51:2-5), and has made a way for us to be more than conquerors through Christ (Tit 2:13-15) who can give us the power to be more than conquerors of these weak conditions that are found in all flesh (Rom 8:37,  Php 4:13).

Psa 51:2  Wash me throughly from mine iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin.
Psa 51:3  For I acknowledge my transgressions: and my sin is ever before me.
Psa 51:4  Against thee, thee only, have I sinned, and done this evil in thy sight: that thou mightest be justified when thou speakest, and be clear when thou judgest.
Psa 51:5  Behold, I was shapen in iniquity; and in sin did my mother conceive me.

Tit 2:13  Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ;
Tit 2:14  Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.
Tit 2:15  These things speak, and exhort, and rebuke with all authority. Let no man despise thee.

Rom 8:37  Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us.

Php 4:13  I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.

As we go through the rest of this chapter we will look more closely at why “Happy is the man that findeth wisdom, and the man that getteth understanding” is a truth that incentivizes us to keep fighting a good fight of faith, knowing that we are committing our lives as unto a faithful Creator who loves us and has the greatest of plans for each of us (2Ti 4:6-8, 1Pe 4:17-19).

2Ti 4:6  For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand.
2Ti 4:7  I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith:
2Ti 4:8  Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.

1Pe 4:17  For the time is come that judgment must begin at the house of God: and if it first begin at us, what shall the end be of them that obey not the gospel of God?
1Pe 4:18  And if the righteous scarcely be saved, where shall the ungodly and the sinner appear?
1Pe 4:19  Wherefore let them that suffer according to the will of God commit the keeping of their souls to him in well doing, as unto a faithful Creator.

“But godliness with contentment is great gain” Part 3

(Pro 17:18-28)

[Study Aired August 21, 2025]

Pro 17:18  A man void of understanding striketh hands, and becometh surety in the presence of his friend.
Pro 17:19  He loveth transgression that loveth strife: and he that exalteth his gate seeketh destruction.
Pro 17:20  He that hath a froward heart findeth no good: and he that hath a perverse tongue falleth into mischief.
Pro 17:21  He that begetteth a fool doeth it to his sorrow: and the father of a fool hath no joy.
Pro 17:22  A merry heart doeth good like a medicine: but a broken spirit drieth the bones.
Pro 17:23  A wicked man taketh a gift out of the bosom to pervert the ways of judgment.
Pro 17:24  Wisdom is before him that hath understanding; but the eyes of a fool are in the ends of the earth.
Pro 17:25  A foolish son is a grief to his father, and bitterness to her that bare him.
Pro 17:26  Also to punish the just is not good, nor to strike princes for equity.
Pro 17:27  He that hath knowledge spareth his words: and a man of understanding is of an excellent spirit.
Pro 17:28  Even a fool, when he holdeth his peace, is counted wise: and he that shutteth his lips is esteemed a man of understanding.

our first verse:

Pro 17:18 A man void of understanding striketh hands, and becometh surety in the presence of his friend.

Physical Meaning

“A man void of understanding”: This refers to someone lacking wisdom, discernment, and good judgment.

“striketh hands”: In ancient times, striking hands was a way to seal a deal or agreement, similar to shaking hands today.

“becometh surety”: This means becoming a guarantor or co-signer for someone else’s debt.

“in the presence of his friend”: This highlights the friend’s presence as the one benefiting from the surety, often without fully appreciating the risk involved for the guarantor.

A person who lacks wisdom will recklessly make financial commitments for others—like co-signing a loan or guaranteeing someone else’s debt—without thinking it through. (Pro 17:18) warns against foolishly putting yourself at risk for someone else’s obligations financial or otherwise, as does (Pro 6:1-5).

Pro 6:1  My son, if thou be surety for thy friend, if thou hast stricken thy hand with a stranger,
Pro 6:2  Thou art snared with the words of thy mouth, thou art taken with the words of thy mouth.

Spiritual Lesson

The physical lessons are all true in these proverbs, however we must remember that the natural precedes the spiritual (1Co 15:46) and the more important spiritual lesson we are to learn is to “Owe no man any thing, but to love one another” and appreciate where God has them, while at the same time being ready to give an answer for the hope that is within you, without proselytizing or casting our pearls before swine, or giving that which is holy unto the dogs (Rom 13:7-8). We all fish through the day by our own power at first, until Christ comes along and tells us, “Cast the net on the right side of the ship, and ye shall find” (Joh 21:6-11). If we are granted to have God do the dragging and the converting, the fish will come into the net as God determines, and they will both [fisher and fish=those God is working with] be indebted to help bear each other’s burden in the Lord (Gal 6:2). Being our brother’s keeper indebts us to each other, similar to being “surety to a friend”, but in the positive, spiritual relationship in Christ that we’re called unto.

Rom 13:7  Render therefore to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honour to whom honour.
Rom 13:8  Owe no man any thing, but to love one another: for he that loveth another hath fulfilled the law (Gal 6:2).

Pro 17:19 He loveth transgression that loveth strife: and he that exalteth his gate seeketh destruction.

Physical Meaning

Someone who loves conflict also loves sin—they go hand in hand. And a person who shows off (“exalts his gate”, meaning makes a big show of himself or his wealth) is heading for ruin. Pride and fighting both lead to downfall.

Spiritual Lesson

The fruit of our lives, the gentleness of spirit, and kindness to one another is the opposite of someone who loves conflict. Someone who ‘stirs the pot’, so to speak, is not someone who is demonstrating the fruit of love, even if they have all sorts of knowledge, if that truth is not being spoken in love (1Co 13:2-3). There is likely an element of pride in that person’s heart, and that pride is manifested in how they express their wealth [God’s wealth, his words, and his works], that they have kept from their youth up, which wealth is really nothing more than their own self righteousness that prevents us from truly selling all that we have and coming and following Christ with the understanding that we are ‘dirt poor’ in his sight (Rev 3:17, Joh 9:41) and have nothing to offer to our own salvation (Mat 19:20-24, Php 3:9, Eph 2:8)

1Co 13:2  And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing.
1Co 13:3  And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, and have not charity, it profiteth me nothing.

Mat 19:20  The young man saith unto him, All these things have I kept from my youth up: what lack I yet?
Mat 19:21  Jesus said unto him, If thou wilt be perfect, go and sell that thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come and follow me.
Mat 19:22  But when the young man heard that saying, he went away sorrowful: for he had great possessions.
Mat 19:23  Then said Jesus unto his disciples, Verily I say unto you, That a rich man shall hardly enter into the kingdom of heaven.
Mat 19:24  And again I say unto you, It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God.

Php 3:9  And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness [“All these things have I kept from my youth up: what lack I yet?”], which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith: [Php 2:12-13, Eph 2:8]

Pro 17:20 He that hath a froward heart findeth no good: and he that hath a perverse tongue falleth into mischief.

Physical  Meaning

A person with a twisted or dishonest heart won’t find true goodness in life. Someone who speaks in a corrupt or deceitful way will eventually get into trouble. Being men and woman of our word, matters both in thoughts and speech.

Spiritual Lesson

It is the “froward heart” that has to be answered according to the idol of that heart (Eze 14:4, Mat 25:24), and that froward heart will not find the truth because at this time it is being withheld by God who has given Satan the power to rule over our hearts and minds (2Th 2:8) causing us to have a perverse tongue that will bring us to fall into mischief, as we hold back or, “received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved” (2Th 2:10) and keep back part of the price of the land, meaning part of our complete devotion to God as a living sacrifice [our land, our bodies] (Act 5:3).

2Th 2:8  And then shall that Wicked be revealed, whom the Lord shall consume with the spirit of his mouth, and shall destroy with the brightness of his coming:

Act 5:3  But Peter said, Ananias, why hath Satan filled thine heart to lie to the Holy Ghost, and to keep back part of the price of the land?

Pro 17:21 He that begetteth a fool doeth it to his sorrow: and the father of a fool hath no joy.

Physical Meaning

A parent who raises a foolish child will experience sorrow and disappointment. A foolish child brings grief, not joy, to their parents. This reflects the emotional burden of raising someone who rejects wisdom.

Spiritual Lesson

God is in as much control with the spiritual increase in our lives as He is in determining who and what kind of character our children are going to have in this life, meaning when he wants us to have an idol of our heart, a disobedient child, it’s going to remain there until he determines otherwise (1Co 3:6-7). Our physical children may show us who we would be spiritually except for the grace of God, and their success in this life or their failure are all for the sake of the elect who have come to see by the faith of Christ that water is thicker than blood and not blood than water as this proverb is taught in the world. Here is Christ’s perspective on his own family and what should truly matter in our hearts and minds when we think of our own personal families compared to the family of God that we are a part of, Lord willing (Mar 3:33-35). The world “thy brethren without” are seeking God, but Christ made clear that seeking alone does not determine who it is who is the mother [church] or the disciples indeed of Christ (Joh 8:31-36).

Mar 3:32  And the multitude sat about him, and they said unto him, Behold, thy mother and thy brethren without seek for thee.
Mar 3:33  And he answered them, saying, Who is my mother, or my brethren? [physical blood line does not matter]
Mar 3:34  And he looked round about on them which sat about him, and said, Behold my mother and my brethren!
Mar 3:35  For whosoever shall do the will of God, the same is my brother, and my sister, and mother. (Those who are washed with the word are Christ’s brother, sister, and mother Joh 8:31-32, Joh 13:14)

Pro 17:22 A merry heart doeth good like a medicine: but a broken spirit drieth the bones.

Physical Meaning

A joyful heart has a healing effect—like good medicine. But a broken or crushed spirit can drain a person emotionally and physically. This highlights the power of emotional health on the body and soul.

Spiritual Lesson

The “merry heart doeth good like a medicine” comes about, for God’s elect, by clearly knowing what the gospel message is, which is the joy of our salvation that gives us the incentive to strive for the mark of the prize of the high calling in Christ (Psa 51:12). As we discussed last week, the way the Lord restores our joy is by bringing us unto our safe haven after we have gone through the red sea, or the lion’s den, or the fiery furnace of affliction (Act 14:22). God’s elect are blessed to see a “broken spirit” that “drieth the bones”, and those dry bones are healed through His mercy that leads us unto repentance, a repentance that the rest of the world will experience in the second resurrection, where the manifest knowledge of the church will be made known (Eph 3:10) to re-hydrate those dry bones [the valley of dry bones Eze 37:4].

Psa 51:8  Make me to hear joy and gladness; that the bones which thou hast broken may rejoice.
Psa 51:9  Hide thy face from my sins, and blot out all mine iniquities.
Psa 51:10  Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me.
Psa 51:11  Cast me not away from thy presence; and take not thy holy spirit from me.
Psa 51:12  Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation; and uphold me with thy free spirit.
Psa 51:13  Then will I teach transgressors thy ways; and sinners shall be converted unto thee.

Pro 17:23 A wicked man taketh a gift out of the bosom to pervert the ways of judgment.

Physical Meaning

A corrupt person accepts secret bribes (“out of the bosom”) to twist justice. It’s a warning against corruption and how it destroys fairness in society.

Spiritual Lesson

If we aren’t respecters of persons, we won’t be corrupt in our dealings with others, and we will never accept a gift ‘out of the bosom’ of one who is trying to bride us, or pervert the ways of judgement. This is happening all the time in Babylon, and it is the kind of guile that defines who we all were in our appointed time, in our former conversation in the churches of Babylon, where we exchanged gifts and did so unknowingly over the dead bodies of God’s true witnesses who we now are if we are granted to be lying dead in the streets of that great city today (Rev 11:10-11).

Rev 11:10  And they that dwell upon the earth shall rejoice over them, and make merry, and shall send gifts one to another; because these two prophets tormented them that dwelt on the earth.
Rev 11:11  And after three days and an half the Spirit of life from God entered into them, and they stood upon their feet; and great fear fell upon them which saw them.

Pro 17:24 Wisdom is before him that hath understanding; but the eyes of a fool are in the ends of the earth.

Physical Meaning

A wise person keeps their focus on what matters — wisdom is right in front of them. A fool, however, is always distracted, chasing distant or unrealistic things, never grounding themselves in what’s truly valuable.

Spiritual Lesson

Our eyes are on the church, which at first is the earth, Jerusalem below (Rev 18:21, Rev 11:8), being tossed about by every wind of doctrine and ‘chasing rabbits’ down holes with dead ends which are contrary to the Truth (Mat 14:24, Eph 4:14, Jas 1:6), “in the ends of the earth”. However, if we are dragged to Christ in this life, our eyes will be on Him who is our wisdom, and the one who gives us understanding, “Wisdom is before him that hath understanding”(1Co 1:24, 1Co 1:30).

Rev 18:21  And a mighty angel took up a stone like a great millstone, and cast it into the sea, saying, Thus with violence shall that great city Babylon be thrown down, and shall be found no more at all.

Pro 17:25 A foolish son is a grief to his father, and bitterness to her that bare him.

Physical Meaning

Again, like verse 21, this emphasizes how deeply a child’s foolishness affects parents—it causes sorrow to the father and pain to the mother. A reminder of the weight our actions have on family.

Spiritual Lesson

The foolish son represents our immaturity in Babylon where we held onto false doctrines, that were a grief to us, during a time when our own bitter experience was being felt by not being free from sin that had dominion over us (Joh 8:36).

We had to bear that sinful nature that was controlled by powers and principalities we wrestle against to this day (Eph 2:3-4). Our doctrine in hindsight could be likened unto a foolish son that caused grief to our heavenly Father (Psa 95:10), and bitterness to her who bore with our infirmities (Rom 15:1), Jerusalem above, which God mercifully drags us to, as we’re dragged out of Babylon and unto our Lord (Rev 18:4, Joh 6:44). Christ never sinned but he identifies with this journey of overcoming sinful flesh (Hos 11:1).

Pro 17:26 Also to punish the just is not good, nor to strike princes for equity.

Physical Meaning

It’s wrong to punish innocent people or to harm leaders who are doing what is fair. Justice must be upheld, and punishing the righteous is a perversion of what is good.

Spiritual Lesson

God’s elect by His grace are quick to hear and slow to speak, and in matters of judgement love is slow to expose (1Co 13:4-7). We know the world rejected Christ’s judgements, and if they hated the master of the house, what are they going to do to the servants of his house, Christ asks us (Mat 10:25). So the world with the spirit that currently resides in it will ‘punish the just and strike princes’, meaning the elect for the righteousness of Christ in them and the works that God is accomplishing through them, and so we need the miracle of God’s powerful hand in our lives to endure those fiery trials of rejection (1Co 10:13) that He knows we must experience in order to mature in His service (Joh 10:32).

1Co 13:4  Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up,
1Co 13:5  Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil;
1Co 13:6  Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth;
1Co 13:7  Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things.(Php 4:13)
1Co 13:8  Charity never faileth: but whether there be prophecies, they shall fail; whether there be tongues, they shall cease; whether there be knowledge, it shall vanish away.

Mat 10:25  It is enough for the disciple that he be as his master, and the servant as his lord. If they have called the master of the house Beelzebub, how much more shall they call them of his household?

Joh 10:32  Jesus answered them, Many good works have I shewed you from my Father; for which of those works do ye stone me?

1Jn 4:17  Herein is our love made perfect, that we may have boldness in the day of judgment:(1Pe 4:17) because as he is, so are we in this world.

Pro 17:27 He that hath knowledge spareth his words: and a man of understanding is of an excellent spirit.

Physical Meaning

Wise people don’t talk too much—they speak carefully and thoughtfully. A person with understanding stays calm and composed, showing maturity and strength of character.

Spiritual Lesson

This ‘quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath’ mindset spoken of in (Jas 1:19) is a gift from God, that is witnessed in those who are maturing in the body of Christ (1Ti 4:15-16, Joh 15:8-10). The spiritual decorum that God is forming within us is needful in order to do all things decently and in order in the house of God (1Co 14:40, 1Ti 3:15).

1Ti 4:15  Meditate upon these things; give thyself wholly to them; that thy profiting may appear to all.
1Ti 4:16  Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine; continue in them: for in doing this thou shalt both save thyself, and them that hear thee.

Joh 15:8  Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be my disciples.
Joh 15:9  As the Father hath loved me, so have I loved you: continue ye in my love.
Joh 15:10  If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father’s commandments, and abide in his love.

As we grow in grace and in knowledge of our Lord and saviour we become more settled and strengthened and established in the Lord, like a tree that is deeply rooted and not moved around (Psa 1:1-3) by the false doctrines that are likened unto “wind of doctrine” (Eph 4:14) that the Lord is giving us victory over with an “excellent spirit”, the spirit of God that each joint supplies to that end (Heb 5:14).

Pro 17:28 Even a fool, when he holdeth his peace, is counted wise: and he that shutteth his lips is esteemed a man of understanding.

Physical Meaning

Even a foolish person can appear wise if they stay quiet. Silence can give the impression of wisdom. In other words: better to be silent and thought wise than to speak and remove all doubt.

Spiritual Lesson

Mercifully God does give us the power to put a bridle upon our lips (Psa 39:1, Jas 3:2-5), but we certainly could not be anything other than what He has ordained for us to be in this life, and so if He does give us this blessing to hold our peace, and not stir up strife, or be argumentative, if He gives us a bridle on our tongue so that we shut our lips, then we will be a peculiar people who are zealous of good works that are coming forth from hearts that have the wisdom of Christ within them, and we will be esteemed as men and woman of understanding blessed to have been given the power to experience this process of bringing every thought into subjection unto God (2Co 10:5, 1Co 9:27). This is truly the spirit of great gain that God has called His son’s bride to be adorned with, “the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible, even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price”(1Pe 3:4-6).

1Pe 3:4  But let it be the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible, even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price.
1Pe 3:5  For after this manner in the old time the holy women (typifying the Church) also, who trusted in God, adorned themselves, being in subjection unto their own husbands (Christ):
1Pe 3:6  Even as Sara obeyed Abraham, calling him lord: whose daughters ye are, as long as ye do well, and are not afraid with any amazement. (Rom 5:5, 1Jn 4:18).

The Paradox of Proverbs 26:4–5

[Study Aired June 3, 2025]

Proverbs 26:4–5 appears paradoxical at first glance: “Answer not a fool according to his folly, lest thou also be like unto him. Answer a fool according to his folly, lest he be wise in his own conceit.” These seemingly contradictory proverbs actually deliver a single lesson—wisdom requires discernment. Sometimes responding to folly helps; other times it only entangles the wise in the fool’s errors. There is no one-size-fits-all approach to such interactions. Instead, the text invites thoughtful judgment about when silence preserves dignity and when correction restrains conceit.

The Hebrew word for “fool” depicts a stubborn, arrogant person who rejects wisdom—not an ignorant seeker, but one hardened in self-assurance. “Folly” conveys senselessness or moral absurdity. To “answer according to his folly” can mean responding in kind—on the fool’s level. Verse 4 warns against this, lest we resemble him. Verse 5, however, urges a strategic answer that reveals the error, preventing the fool from thinking himself wise.

Rather than contradicting, the verses portray complementary expressions of discernment. Ecclesiastes 3:7 reminds us there is “a time to keep silence, and a time to speak,” and Christ exemplifies this perfectly. In His ministry, Jesus sometimes answered in a way that exposed error and corrected arrogance; other times He withheld response, refusing to legitimize folly. His example provides a model of how to walk wisely in the spirit of Proverbs 26:4–5, discerning when to speak and when to stay silent.

Jesus Answering a Fool According to His Folly: Examples of Wise Responses

Throughout His ministry, Jesus frequently faced opponents who questioned Him with insincerity or malice. These adversaries—often religious leaders or skeptics—acted as biblical “fools”: proud, resistant to correction, and dismissive of truth. While Jesus never stooped to folly Himself, at times He responded to such individuals in ways that exposed their error and dismantled their conceit. In doing so, He fulfilled the wisdom of Proverbs 26:5 “Answer a fool according to his folly, lest he be wise in his own conceit.”

One such moment occurred when the Sadducees challenged Jesus with a hypothetical question about resurrection (Matthew 22:23–33; Mark 12:18–27). Rejecting belief in resurrection, they posed a mock scenario involving a woman who successively married seven brothers. “In the resurrection,” they asked, “whose wife shall she be?” The question was crafted to ridicule the doctrine, not explore it. Rather than entertain their flawed assumptions, Jesus dismantled them: “Ye do err, not knowing the scriptures, nor the power of God.” He clarified that resurrection life is not bound by earthly marriage but mirrors the angelic order, and He affirmed resurrection by quoting Exodus: “I am the God of Abraham… God is not the God of the dead, but of the living.” With this answer, Jesus both corrected error and defended truth, silencing the Sadducees before the crowd.

Another occasion was the tribute to Caesar (Matthew 22:15–22). Hoping to trap Him between political disloyalty and religious compromise, the Pharisees and Herodians asked, “Is it lawful to give tribute to Caesar, or not?” Jesus, aware of their intent, refused a simple yes or no. He asked for a coin, pointed out Caesar’s image, and replied, “Render therefore unto Caesar the things which are Caesar’s; and unto God the things that are God’s.” His answer rose above the trap, upheld a divine principle, and exposed their duplicity—all without adopting their approach.

In John 8:3–11, the scribes and Pharisees brought a woman caught in adultery, testing Jesus with: “Moses commanded us to stone such. What sayest thou?”  Their aim was to pit Him against either Roman law or Mosaic authority. Jesus initially answered with silence, stooping to write on the ground. Pressed for a response, He said, “He that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone.” The result was immediate: the accusers slipped away one by one, convicted by their own consciences. His answer upheld justice while exposing hypocrisy. Then, turning to the woman, He said, “Neither do I condemn thee: go, and sin no more.” In a single response, Jesus honored the law’s gravity and displayed godly mercy.

Other examples abound. When Jesus healed on the Sabbath (Mark 3:1–5), He countered their scrutiny with a question: “Is it lawful to do good on the sabbath… or to do evil?” When a lawyer asked, “Who is my neighbor?” Jesus responded with the parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:29–37), reframing the conversation into a moral lesson. When asked by what authority He acted (Luke 20:1–8), Jesus answered with His own question about John’s baptism, revealing His challengers’ duplicity. Again and again, His words cut through deception, not to win arguments, but to uphold truth and offer opportunity for repentance.

In each case, Jesus responded wisely—not mimicking the fool’s tone, but answering in a way that exposed folly and upheld righteousness. He did not engage in empty debates or retaliate in kind. His motives were pure: love for truth, love for people, and obedience to the Father. His answers prevented falsehood from gaining ground and offered correction, sometimes even to the foolish themselves, if they were willing to listen.

Jesus Not Answering a Fool According to His Folly: Examples of Wise Silence

While Jesus often dismantled folly with powerful answers, there were key moments when He chose not to speak at all. In doing so, He modeled Proverbs 26:4 “Answer not a fool according to his folly, lest thou also be like unto him.” His silence was never due to fear or lack of words, but stemmed from wisdom—He would not be drawn into empty arguments or enable the pride of scoffers.

One such moment came during His trial before Herod Antipas (Luke 23:8–9). Herod, driven by idle curiosity, hoped Jesus would perform a miracle. He questioned Jesus at length, but received no response. Jesus stood silent, refusing to indulge Herod’s frivolous interest. Herod had already hardened his heart—having earlier ordered John the Baptist’s execution—and now treated Jesus like a spectacle. To answer would have validated Herod’s mockery. Jesus would not cast pearls before swine. His silence preserved dignity and fulfilled the prophecy: “He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth” (Isaiah 53:7). In this moment, silence was the higher wisdom.

Another example occurred when the chief priests and elders questioned Jesus’ authority (Matthew 21:23–27). Their question— “By what authority doest thou these things?”—was designed to entrap. Jesus countered with His own question about John the Baptist’s origin: “The baptism of John, was it from heaven or of men?” When they refused to answer, Jesus likewise withheld a reply: “Neither tell I you by what authority I do these things.” This was not evasion but discernment. Since they would not engage honestly, He declined to further the discussion. Rather than becoming ensnared in their duplicity, He exposed it and ended the exchange.

Similarly, during His final trials, Jesus endured a barrage of accusations from religious leaders and Roman officials. Before Pilate and the council, He remained largely silent (Mark 14:60–61; Matthew 27:12–14). Only when directly asked about His identity did He speak. Otherwise, He chose not to respond to false charges or baiting questions. His silence was a statement of strength, fulfilling Scripture and showing unwavering trust in the Father’s judgment: “He committed himself to him that judgeth righteously” (1 Peter 2:23). There was nothing to be gained by defending Himself against those whose hearts were already closed.

These examples reveal that Jesus’ silence was not passivity, but purposeful restraint. He knew when words would fall on deaf ears, stir further hostility, or give the impression of validating foolishness. At such times, He chose silence—not out of weakness, but as an act of divine wisdom. Proverbs 29:9 observes, “If a wise man contendeth with a foolish man, whether he rage or laugh, there is no rest.” Jesus avoided such fruitless strife.

His silence instructs us: not every accusation deserves a response, and not every fool warrants correction. Sometimes, the most Christlike answer is none at all.

The Discernment of Jesus: Motives and Strategies in Speech

Jesus never followed a fixed formula of always answering or always remaining silent. Instead, He demonstrated flawless discernment, adjusting His response to each situation with divine wisdom. His actions reflected perfect motives and clear spiritual priorities. Several patterns emerge from His approach:

He understood the hearts of His challengers. The Gospels often note that Jesus “knew their thoughts” (Luke 11:17), “perceived their craftiness” (Luke 20:23), or discerned their hypocrisy. He saw beneath the surface and responded accordingly. As John 2:25 says, “He knew what was in man.” While we lack this omniscience, we are not without help. Through prayer and careful observation—especially of someone’s attitude and fruit—we can gain insight into whether a person is open to correction or merely trying to provoke (Matthew 7:16) “Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles?”

His goal was always to fulfill the Father’s will, not to defend Himself. Jesus never answered out of wounded pride or a desire to win arguments. He spoke when truth needed to be upheld or when correction could help others. Conversely, He remained silent when an answer would serve no redemptive purpose or when silence itself aligned with His mission—especially during His trial, when He submitted to God’s redemptive plan. Unlike our fleshly impulse to defend ego, Jesus was free from that burden. His responses were always rooted in obedience and love.

He adapted His method to the moment. Sometimes Jesus quoted Scripture with authority (as with the Sadducees), sometimes He asked piercing questions (as with the chief priests), and at other times He used parables or proverbial wisdom. On occasion, He used irony or logical rebuttal, such as when He countered the charge of casting out demons by Beelzebub with: “If I by Beelzebub cast out devils, by whom do your sons cast them out” (Luke 11:19)? In other instances, He said nothing at all. His varied approach teaches us that wisdom is not rigid. We, too, must discern whether to answer with truth, question, silence, or reproof by the spirit and the situation.

He always aimed for the good of the hearers. Even when correcting the proud, Jesus’ responses carried a redemptive purpose. When He rebuked the Sadducees, He enlightened the crowd. When He said, “He that is without sin, let him cast the first stone,” He exposed hypocrisy while extending mercy. His hardest words— “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites!”—were warnings born of love, intended to wake up hardened hearts and safeguard others. As Galatians 6:1 instructs, correction must be given “in a spirit of meekness.” “Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted.” Jesus never humiliated for sport or argued to win. He answered to help especially those in the household of faith.

In every encounter, Jesus exemplified speech governed by truth, humility, and love. His words were purposeful and precise, sometimes bold, sometimes restrained, but always guided by the spirit. In this way, He perfectly embodied the wisdom of Proverbs 26:4–5, showing us that discernment is not merely about what to say, but when and how to say it—and sometimes, whether to say anything at all.

Biblical Principles for Wise Speech and Silence

Scripture offers rich instruction on the discernment required in our speech. The life of Christ demonstrates these principles perfectly. Before exploring practical application, consider the biblical wisdom that frames when to speak and when to remain silent.

Avoid Becoming Like the Fool: “Answer not a fool according to his folly, lest thou also be like unto him” (Proverbs 26:4). Engaging a fool on their own terms risks drawing us into the same folly—escalating arguments, trading insults, or legitimizing foolish assumptions. The New Testament echoes this caution: “Avoid foolish questions… knowing that they do gender strifes” (2 Timothy 2:23) and “avoid foolish… contentions, for they are unprofitable and vain” (Titus 3:9). Not every challenge deserves a response. Engaging the mocker often leads to fruitless debate, where wisdom is lost in the noise.

Correct When Necessary: “Answer a fool according to his folly, lest he be wise in his own conceit” (Proverbs 26:5). At times, silence can be mistaken for agreement, allowing arrogance or error to spread unchecked. Ephesians 5:11 commands, “Have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them.” There are moments when a loving, corrective answer is needed to protect others and halt deception. Jude 1:22–23 illustrates this balance: “And of some have compassion, making a difference: and others save with fear, pulling them out of the fire.” Discernment guides us in knowing when to speak with gentle compassion and when to respond more firmly for the sake of truth.

Be Slow to Speak:  James 1:19 exhorts, “Let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath.” Hasty words often lead to regret. Proverbs 29:20 warns, “Seest thou a man that is hasty in his words? there is more hope of a fool than of him.” Even the wise can act foolishly if they speak rashly. Taking time to listen and reflect before responding allows room for wisdom to guide our words.

Speak with Grace and Truth:  Colossians 4:6 teaches, “Let your speech be alway with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man.” Our words should be both gracious and impactful—preserving truth while avoiding harshness. Ephesians 4:15 urges us to “speak the truth in love.” Even firm correction should be delivered with humility. “A soft answer turneth away wrath” (Proverbs 15:1), while harsh responses tend to escalate conflict. Tone, timing, and intent all matter. A wise person doesn’t just know what is true, but how and when to speak that truth.

Consider the Audience:  Jesus often spoke in public to correct folly for the sake of bystanders. Proverbs 26:5 warns against letting fools grow wise in their own eyes—especially if others are watching. Paul sometimes rebuked false teachers sharply (Galatians 2:11–14) to safeguard the flock: “But when Peter was come to Antioch, I withstood him to the face, because he was to be blamed.” Paul publicly corrected Peter for hypocritical behavior that could have compromised the gospel, demonstrating that even beloved leaders must be held to account when their actions mislead others. At other times, such as in Philippians 1:18, he ignored critics for the sake of peace. “What then? notwithstanding, every way, whether in pretence, or in truth, Christ is preached; and I therein do rejoice, yea, and will rejoice.” Ask yourself: Will this answer help others understand truth, or simply stir more confusion? If others are at risk of being misled, it may be necessary to answer. If it’s a private scoffer seeking strife, silence may be wiser.

Guard Your Heart and Witness: Ecclesiastes 7:9 warns, “Be not hasty in thy spirit to be angry: for anger resteth in the bosom of fools.” Engaging fools can stir up impatience, pride, or frustration. When our emotions lead, we risk speaking out of the flesh. Paul reminded Timothy, “The servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men… in meekness instructing those that oppose themselves” (2 Timothy 2:24–25). Jesus responded without sin, and so must we. Sometimes silence protects our witness better than the sharpest argument. If our speech cannot be both true and edifying, it’s often better to say nothing at all.

In every case, discernment—shaped by humility, patience, and love—must govern our tongue. Sometimes wisdom calls for a rebuke; at other times, it calls for silence. Both can glorify God when used rightly.

Practical Application: Discerning When to Speak and When to Be Silent

(1 Peter 3:15) “But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer…” Whether in a workplace conversation, an online thread, or a family discussion, Peter’s exhortation sets the posture: hearts first consecrated to Christ, mouths then prepared—yet meek—to defend the hope within us. The principles that follow help us discern when that answer clarifies truth and when silence better serves the gospel.

Pray for Discernment in the Moment:  Before speaking, pause to pray: “Lord, should I respond, or remain silent? Give me wisdom.” James 1:5 assures us that God gives wisdom generously to those who ask. “If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.” Even a brief prayer during a conversation can help you recognize whether a response will help or harm. Sometimes Christ gives a check—an internal sense that it’s best to hold your peace. At other times, He brings a verse or truth to mind. When possible, take a moment to step back and reflect before replying.

Assess the Person’s Heart and Motives:  Proverbs distinguishes between types of fools. A mocker or scorner will likely reject correction and respond with hostility (Proverbs 9:7–8) “He that reproveth a scorner getteth to himself shame: and he that rebuketh a wicked man getteth himself a blot.  Reprove not a scorner, lest he hate thee: rebuke a wise man, and he will love thee.” Jesus warned against casting pearls before swine—those who will trample truth underfoot (Matthew 7:6). On the other hand, someone who speaks foolishly out of ignorance may be open to gentle instruction. Ask yourself: Is this person teachable or simply combative? If they’re mocking, disengaging may be best. If they seem genuinely confused or hurting, a kind answer may plant a seed of truth.

Consider What’s at Stake:  Weigh the consequences of silence versus speech. Will a fool’s words mislead others or dishonor God? If so, a response may be necessary to protect others or correct error. In a group setting, a measured answer can guard weaker believers from deception. If the setting is hostile or the audience is a provocateur, silence may be more effective. Ask yourself:  Will this help anyone grow? Or will it feed strife?

Check Your Own Spirit:  Before responding, examine your motives. Are you feeling insulted or eager to win? If so, it’s likely best to wait. Proverbs 29:11 warns, “A fool uttereth all his mind: but a wise man keepeth it in till afterwards.” And Ephesians 4:29 reminds us to speak only what is edifying and gracious. “Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers.” If you cannot speak in love, it may be wiser to remain silent until your heart is right. Jesus never answered from pride, and neither should we.

Respond with Clarity, Not Combativeness:  If a response is appropriate, speak clearly but calmly. A well-placed question, such as “Why do you ask?” or “What do you mean by that?” can reveal hidden motives and open a more constructive dialogue. When correcting, use Scripture where possible—it carries more weight than opinion. Keep your words concise and purposeful. Proverbs 10:19 reminds us: “In the multitude of words there wanteth not sin: but he that refraineth his lips is wise.” Say what needs to be said, then stop. Avoid being drawn into endless back-and-forth exchanges.

Know When to Walk Away:  If the conversation turns unproductive or the hearer remains obstinate, it’s okay to end the discussion. Jesus told His disciples that if a town rejected their message, they should shake the dust from their feet and move on (Matthew 10:14). Similarly, we must recognize when to withdraw from strife. A simple, respectful ending like “I don’t think this conversation is helpful right now” can protect your peace and witness.

Learn from Each Encounter:  Whether you spoke or stayed silent, reflect afterward. Did your words bring peace, clarity, or conviction? Or did they stir more confusion or pride? Seek feedback if needed, and grow from each experience. As James 3:2 reminds us, “In many things we offend all. If any man offend not in word, the same is a perfect man.” Growth in speech is part of our sanctification. Seek counsel from mature believers if you’re unsure how you handled a situation – they might offer perspective per Proverbs 11:14 (“in the multitude of counselors there is safety”). Above all, stay humble.

Follow Christ’s Example:  Ultimately, our model is Jesus. Sometimes He answered sharply, other times gently, and often not at all. His responses were always wise, purposeful, and anchored in love for truth and people. As we seek to walk in His steps, may we also grow in knowing when to speak—and when not to.

Conclusion: Wisdom, Courage, and Love

Proverbs 26:4–5 is more than a literary paradox—it is a summons to walk in spiritual discernment. Jesus Christ embodied this perfectly. By observing when He chose to speak and when He remained silent, we not only learn strategies, but glimpse the heart behind them. His aim was always the same: to do the Father’s will, proclaim the truth, and love others—even when that love meant confronting folly or enduring mockery.

Our challenge is to follow His example. There’s no formula that fits every situation. If we abide in Scripture, cultivate humility, and stay attuned to the mind of Christ, we’ll grow in knowing what to say, when to say it, and when to stay silent. At times, we must “answer the fool”—not with anger, but with firm, spirit-led truth that stops error and corrects pride. At other times, we “answer not the fool”, choosing restraint over contention, avoiding the trap of stooping to their level. Both responses, when rightly discerned, bring glory to God.

Whether in leadership, teaching, conversations with family, or public witness, this balance is essential. Don’t let pride draw you into fruitless debate. And don’t let fear keep you silent when truth must be spoken. Discernment means walking closely with Christ, responding from His heart rather than from your own reactions.

In a noisy world filled with conflict and opinion, let us be people of wise, measured speech. As Isaiah 50:4 declares, “The Lord GOD hath given me the tongue of the learned, that I should know how to speak a word in season to him that is weary.” May God grant us both that word in season—and the wisdom to know when silence speaks louder.

Mike,

I thank you for all the Wisdom I have learned since I met you. I just want to know if keeping quiet is right? Where I am there are mostly Catholics and Charismatic Churches, and I am not attending church. I only meet with people when I go for a walk.

Thanks, and God bless,

N____

Hi N____,

Thank you for your question concerning keeping quiet about the truths you have been given. There is time to keep quiet, and there is a time to witness for Christ.

Pro 26:4  Answer not a fool according to his folly, lest thou also be like unto him.
Pro 26:5  Answer a fool according to his folly, lest he be wise in his own conceit.

It is the motivation for speaking that will generally tell you when and if you are to speak. If you have any tiny bit of self-exultation as your motive for speaking, then you need to put your hand over your mouth. There will be no fleshly pride in the kingdom of God. On the other hand, if you are speaking because you know that God will be glorified by His words in your mouth, even if you are speaking to those who want to see you dead, then you will speak, and your words will glorify God. There is a time to speak, and there is a time to “hold your peace.”

Those two verses in Proverbs are not contradicting each other. Christ instructed us against casting our pearls before swine and against giving that which is holy to the dogs. However, He also demonstrated that we are to witness to His Truth, even if it is at the expense of our lives.

Mat 7:6  Give not that which is holy unto the dogs, neither cast ye your pearls before swine, lest they trample them under their feet, and turn again and rend you.
Mat 13:20  But he that received the seed into stony places, the same is he that heareth the word, and anon with joy receiveth it;
Mat 13:21  Yet hath he not root in himself, but dureth for a while: for when tribulation or persecution ariseth because of the word, by and by he is offended.

Both men and women in Christ, are instructed to be ready to given an answer for the hope that is in us.

1Pe 3:15  But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear:

You say:

I just want to know if keeping quiet is right?

It is right to keep quiet when the holy spirit reveals to you that your words will not be received. It is right to keep quiet when you are made aware that the person to whom you are speaking has no intention of receiving anything you have to say.

The act of the apostle Peter cutting off the ear of the servant of the high priest with a sword is the perfect type and example of what happens when we attempt to make someone see truths for whom the holy spirit has blinded that person’s eyes. When we try to force others to see what God has given us, then we are spiritually ‘cutting off the ear.’

Joh 18:10  Then Simon Peter having a sword drew it, and smote the high priest’s servant, and cut off his right ear. The servant’s name was Malchus.

On the other hand, it is nothing less than denying Christ when you are in a group of people having a discussion which leads to a perfect opportunity to witness to the truth of Christ and His Father, and you remain silent for fear of being rejected or for fear of being discovered as being outside the main stream.

2Ti 2:12  If we suffer, we shall also reign with him: if we deny him, he also will deny us:

The spirit of Christ is in all who are His, and all who are His are His prophets who witness of Him.

Rom 8:9  But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his.

If Christ is in us we will leap at the opportunity to stand up for Him and be a witness for the true Christ as opposed to the far more popular false Christ of orthodox Christianity. Tribulation and persecution are our calling. If we do not experience these trials, we are not standing for God’s Word, and the “spirit of prophecy is not in us.

Mat 13:20  But he that received the seed into stony places, the same is he that heareth the word, and anon with joy receiveth it;
Mat 13:21  Yet hath he not root in himself, but dureth for a while: for when tribulation or persecution ariseth because of the word, by and by he is offended.

Rev 19:10  And I fell at his feet to worship him. And he said unto me, See [thou do it] not: I am thy fellowservant, and of thy brethren that have the testimony of Jesus: worship God: for the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy.

Our true brothers and sisters in Christ “have the testimony of Jesus.” Our way of life will witness to that fact, and it cannot be hidden from the knowledge of any and all who come to know us. Those who come to know Christ’s anointed, His christ, will discover that the words of Christ will be in His anointed. What that means is that those who truly know Christ will know His suffering and His rejection at the hands of organized, established, orthodox Christianity – the very people who claim to be His own people. They will not be rejected because they never opened their mouth. It will be the words that come out of their mouths that will cause them to be “hated of all men… scourged in their synagogues.”

Mat 10:17  But beware of men: for they will deliver you up to the councils, and they will scourge you in their synagogues;

Mat 10:19  But when they deliver you up, take no thought how or what ye shall speak: for it shall be given you in that same hour what ye shall speak.
Mat 10:20  For it is not ye that speak, but the Spirit of your Father which speaketh in you.
Mat 10:21  And the brother shall deliver up the brother to death, and the father the child: and the children shall rise up against their parents, and cause them to be put to death.
Mat 10:22  And ye shall be hated of all [men] for my name’s sake: but he that endureth to the end shall be saved.

“Is it right to be quiet?” I hope this has helped to demonstrate that as contradictory as it may seem there is a time to be quiet, and there is a time to speak, and you do not need to wonder when to do which. If you stay in the word of God, Christ will be growing in you every day, and you will be dying to this world every day, and the holy spirit itself will lead you to speak or to be silent at the appropriate time.

Mat 10:19  But when they deliver you up, take no thought how or what ye shall speak: for it shall be given you in that same hour what ye shall speak.

Mat 10:20  For it is not ye that speak, but the Spirit of your Father which speaketh in you.

Your brother in Christ,
Mike