Proverbs 11

READ CHAPTER 11 OF PROVERBS ON YOUR OWN,

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VERSE TO MEMORIZE THIS WEEK: 

There are six things the Lord hates, seven that are detestable to him:

Haughty eyes, a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood,
a heart that devises wicked schemes, feet that are quick to rush into evil,
false witness who pours out lies and a person who stirs up conflict in the community.

PROVERBS 6:16-19 

 

 

 Proverbs 11 is a comparison of moral virtues and their contrary vices.  It reminds me of the old symbolism of the angel on the right shoulder, Satan on the left, each pitching their opinion in their host's ear.  Here's a silly depiction of that just for laughs.

I remember an episode of Little Lou Lou that my sister, Betty, used to watch when we were little that depicted this scenario very well.

It is evident by studying Proverbs that is a book of wisdom.  As an amateur horseman, I find the parallel between our (Christians) relationship with Christ and breaking a horse a fascinating comparison.

A horse is a forward thinker.  He or she learns by experience.  A strong trust relationship between the trainer and the horse needs to be established in order for the lessons to be successful.

Probably the most common successful method of horse training is "pressure and release".  The trainer will use different techniques, applying pressure in various ways.  For example, swinging a rope above the horse's head, applying slight steady pressure to a lead rope in a downward direction.  At first, the horse may react negatively to the pressure forgetting all about the trust that has been built. 

With a patient, steady hand, the trainer  will continue to apply the pressure.  Little by little the horse will relax.  As the horse relaxes, it will give way to the pressure.  In the very instance he or she gives, the trainer will stop with the pressure, and the horse gets what it has been wanting all along, "the release". 

Some horses have a stubborn nature.  They have to be taught the same lesson time and time again.  Other horses, those that are said to have a good mind (wisdom), will learn quickly that if they give to the pressure, then comes the sweet release.  "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction."  Proverbs 1:7

A stubborn horse that won't "give" to the trainer may never be a useful, trustworthy, dependable mount.  "But they did not listen or pay attention; instead, they followed the stubborn inclinations of their evil hearts. They went backward and not forward." (Jeremiah 7:24)  Transversely, a fancy broke steed is attentive to the trainer, ever ready to move, change direction, stop, or back up at the slightest indication or instruction.  These fully broke horses will do this because they have FULLY SUBMITTED themselves to the trainer.

We are not so different.  If we continually push through the pressure, ignoring the directing of the Holy Spirit, we can never be used by God.  When the Holy Spirit shows things in our life that need to go, or something that we need more of, it will come with slight pressure.  When the release comes, it is so fulfilling that we find ourselves looking for opportunities to submit to God.  Proverbs 3:5-6 says, "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, lean not on your own understanding.  In all your ways, acknowledge him, and He will direct your path."  If we learn to trust God with everything we are, everything we have, and everything we want to be, we will find it easy to "give" to Him.  James 4:7 says, "Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you." 

Proverbs 11 is a series of comparisons of characteristics of wise behaviors and unwise behaviors.  Although there are many lessons here, three things stand out to me.

1.  Relationships (verses 1, 12, 17, & 26) 
2.  Controlling the tongue (verses 9, 11, 13, & 18)
3.  Handling money (verses 15, 24, & 29)

The Holy Spirit will always give us a gentle nudge, an opportunity to make a right decision.  Whether it is dealing fairly with coworkers, being completely honest about business deals, or showing someone less fortunate than you an act of kindness. 

We often use the excuse, "I just said it without thinking about it!"  If we are walking with the Lord, He is faithful to convict us of even the wring thoughts that we have.  In the split second it takes the thought to travel from the brain to the tongue, the Holy Spirit is applying pressure, trying to reign you away from trouble.

When you are sitting down across from the salesman to purchase that shiny, new vehicle that you know you cannot afford, and you experience pressure from the Holy Spirit that this is not a wise decision, allow the "trainer" to do His job and be your guide. 

The more sensitive we become to the Holy Spirit, and the quicker we respond, "give", the more natural it becomes.  Jesus is wisdom.  True wisdom is Christ in us!  "It is because of him that you are in Christ Jesus, who has become for us wisdom from God--that is, our righteousness, holiness and redemption." 1 Corinthians 1:30 

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:  BILLY KILPATRICK is the husband of 14 years to Tera, and father to four daughters.  He is the Worship Pastor at Freedom Fellowship in Silsbee, Texas.