Proverbs 10:13, What Marvellous Grace!

April 25, Proverbs 10:13

Psalm 32 “If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God that giveth to all men liberally” (Jas. 1:5).

What Marvellous Grace!

Vast differences exist among men as regards the quality and quantity of knowledge each possesses. This is generally the result of differences in mental ability, and educational opportunities. Yet, as we have already found, having knowledge and being wise are not the same thing. Today a number of prominent political leaders are being exposed for their lack of wisdom while in office, in spite of their great knowledge.

1. Wisdom Defends: In the lips of him that has understanding wisdom is found (v.13a). Understanding tends to wisdom. It is what “those have that keep the Commandments” (Henry). What an honour for man to have such wisdom, but how much more to be able to share it with others (Acts 6:10)! We first meet this word understanding in 1:5. We will find it in a number of places later. Here we learn that treasures of wisdom are in the lips of this person. When he speaks his wisdom is disclosed, and it always benefits those who receive it. Learn, then, to seek wisdom from the lips of the wise.

2. Folly Defeats: A rod is for the back of him that is void of understanding (v.13b). Void of understanding or discernment, is an idiom. Literally, it is want of heart. This is a very descriptive way to depict someone, who not only lacks wisdom, but who also won’t put forth the effort to acquire it. Look back on verses 6:32, 7:7, 9:4, 10:21, and you will see the pitiful pattern. Folly and sin are their shame (Matt. 11:19). They foolishly and wilfully go on in their ignorant ways, but they are preparing rods and perpetual disgrace for themselves, and all whom they influence. What a tragedy, and yet are there not many so-called Christians who are lacking heart for God, for truth, for the wisdom of Holy Scripture? King David had a heart for God. When he did something wrong, it is said, his heart smote him! It was surely for this very reason that Solomon, as he dedicated himself to God, prayed, Give thy servant an understanding heart.

3. Reproach Defames: R.L. Alden says a rod here is the first use of the theme of corporal punishment. There is no doubt that rod is so used (13:24), and we will deal with that in due time. Yet, here, and in other places, the rod is a figure for bringing punishment on oneself. The fool’s folly boomerangs! “He exposes himself to the lashes of his own conscience, to the scourges of the tongue, to the censures of the magistrate, and to the righteous judgments of God” (Henry). The Assyrians were used as a rod to punish Israel (Isa. 10:24). A whip for the horse, a bridle for the ass, and a rod for the fool’s back (Pr. 26:3). Bridges illustrates this using Solomon and Rehoboam. Such wisdom was on Solomon’s lips. All the world came to hear of it. Happy thy servants which stand continually before thee, that hear thy wisdom (1 Kg. 10:8). Rehoboam, however, was void of understanding. What a different outcome there would have been if he had heeded the wise counsellors he first consulted. Don’t prepare a rod for your own back tomorrow.

Thought: “What is a knowing head without a fruitful heart?” (Thomas Watson)

Prayer: Lord, give me the wisdom to know where true wisdom is found.