22. UNDERSTANDING is a well-spring of life unto him that hath it; but the instruction of fools is folly. 23. The heart of the wise teacheth his mouth, and addeth learning to his lips. 24. Pleasant words are as an honeycomb, sweet to the soul, and health to the bones. 25. There is a way that seemeth right unto a man; but the end thereof are the ways of death. 26. He that laboreth, laboreth for himself; for his mouth craveth it of him. 27. An ungodly man diggeth up evil; and in his lips there is as a burning fire. 28. A froward man soweth strife; and a whisperer separateth chief friends. 29. A violent man enticeth his neighbor, and leadeth him into the way that is not good. 30. He shutteth his eyes to devise froward things; moving his lips he bringeth evil to pass. 31. The hoary head is a crown of glory, if it be found in the way of righteousness. 32. He that is slow to anger is better than the mighty; and he that ruleth his spirit than he that taketh a city. 33. The lot is cast into the lap; but the whole disposing thereof is of the Lord.
Golden Text: “There is a way that seemeth right unto a man; but the end thereof are the ways of death.” Prov. 16:25.
NOTE.— Altho this lesson has little apparent connection with the history which we have been studying, yet the principles inculcated are principles whose violation is responsible for many if not all of the vicious and intemperate acts brought out in previous lessons. This scripture may be used as a temperance lesson, especially total abstinence from all things harmful. Among these things may be enumerated undue ambition, an unbridled tongue, an untamed temper, love of money, gossiping, fretfulness, and criticism.
SUGGESTIVE QUESTIONS.
(1) Unto what is understanding likened? Verse 22. (2) What is the meaning of “understanding”? Note 1. (3) What is the result of its opposite, as shown in verse 22? (4) What is recognized as the seat of true instruction in man? Verse 23. (5) What does it do for him? Ib. Note 2. (6) What effect have pleasant words on those to whom addressed? Verse 24. Note 3. (7) What is the result of relying upon human wisdom? Verse 25. Note 4. (8) In what work are the ungodly engaged? First clause verse 27. (9) What is said of the speech of such? Last clause verse 27. Note 5. (10) What wickedness is due to the froward man? What to the whisperer? Verse 28. Note 6. (11) What charge is laid at the door of the violent man? Verse 29. (12) How intently is he given over to his work? First clause verse 30. Note 7. (13) What, in consequence, transpires when he speaks? Last clause verse 30. (14) When may a hoary head be fitly called a crown of glory? Verse 31. (15) What position does the man really hold who is slow to anger? who ruleth his spirit? Verse 32. (16) What illustration is given to show God’s ruling hand in the lives of men? Verse 33. Note 8.
NOTES.
1. Understanding.—Synonyms of the word are discernment, apprehension, and appreciation; intelligence, or the knowing power in general. The source of understanding is shown in Ps. 147:5; and Ps. 111:10 tells us who may be regarded as having it. True understanding includes both the knowing and the desire to act in accordance with the knowledge. It includes not simply a knowledge of the natural sciences, but of God, his law, the heart of man, and the principles of true living.
2. The heart of the wise teacheth his mouth.—As a man “thinketh in his heart, so is he,” and so he will speak. The heart surrendered fully to the will of God may be a spring of water, refreshing, and imparting new life; but the heart unsanctified is filled with darkness and vain imaginations, a vitiated stream, poisoning where it should nourish and polluting where it should purify.
3. Pleasant words are as a honeycomb.—This comparison is a common one in all languages. Those who are suffering under the hard hand of adversity bear witness to its truthfulness. It includes the kind word to the afflicted, the encouraging word to the despondent, and the “soft answer” that “turneth away wrath.”
4. There is a way that seemeth right.—This may be due to the man’s ignorance, or to judgment perverted by yielding to unholy desire and prejudice; but no amount of reasoning can make wrong right, or right wrong. A man may soothe or stifle a troubled conscience, until he comes to believe that his course is right; “but the end thereof are the ways of death.” This is a strong, convincing, and Biblical refutation of that doctrine that “it matters not what you believe so long as you are sincere.”
6. A froward man.—One who is perversely inclined, wilful, petulant, caustic, wanting his own way instead of God’s. Of such natures are those who seek ways of injuring or overthrowing others. They are like the porcupine, never coming in contact with you without leaving a rankling quill—and always giving the impression that they have been “stroked against the fur.” The “whisperer,” or talebearer, or gossiper, is a polished and slyer species of the same family, working to the same end.
7. He shutteth his eyes.—That is, he allows nothing to interfere with his mischievous devices that might have a tendency to tone down the frowardness of his acts. If taken literally, it would mean a concentration of all his powers to accomplish his wicked designs.
8. The casting of a lot was an ancient custom, prevalent among all nations. Jonah was cast into the sea on account of a decision by lot. The goats for the cleansing of the sanctuary were selected in this way; and the Romans cast lots for the raiment of Christ.
