Am I a Wise Man?

Am I a Wise Man?

Proverbs 1:7

Once more we see God’s value system is different from the average person’s. He describes “wisdom” not as mere human intelligence or being brainy like we do, but as respecting Him first and paying attention to the profitable counsel from His Word. So, a ‘wise man’ leads a lifestyle of moral integrity or honesty, humility, and agreement/obedience to God.

Regarding biblical wisdom, “fear” again is not referring to being terrified of punishment. Instead, this is a deep, reverent awe and healthy respect for God. It includes recognizing that He is the Creator, the ultimate authority, and the judge of all that is right. By starting here, we acknowledge our own limitations and align ourselves with the fundamental moral order of God.

The essence of true knowledge is fearing God. Apart from Him a person is ignorant of spiritual things (Rom. 1:22; Eph. 4:18; 1 Peter 1:14).^[1]

If you wonder if you are ‘wise’, God offer clear statements to help us reflect on. These primary verses provide specific ways to measure our wisdom.

What Can I Learn from the Book of Proverbs?

God views a wise man as someone who pursues humility, seeks counsel, and reveres Him. He is characterized by emotional control, diligence, careful speech, and a lifelong desire to learn.

Basic qualities of a wise man in Proverbs include:

1.     His Foundation is in God: The Bible states, "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge" (Proverbs 1:7). A wise man trusts in God rather than relying solely on his own understanding.

If a man wants to be wise, the place to begin is in reverencing God and in trusting and obeying Him. What is more reasonable than that the creature should trust his Creator? On the other hand, what is more illogical than for a man to reject God’s Word and to live by his own hunches? The wise thing to do is to repent of one’s sins, trust Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, and then live for Him wholeheartedly and devotedly.^[2]

• The Character Statement: “Who is a wise man and endued with knowledge among you? let him shew out of a good conversation his works with meekness of wisdom.” (James 3:13)
• The Worldly Wisdom Evaluation: “Let no man deceive himself. If any man among you seemeth to be wise in this world, let him become a fool, that he may be wise.” (1 Corinthians 3:18)

True wisdom is fundamentally rooted in the “fear of the LORD” (a deep reverence and respect for God) and applying His lessons to everyday experiences.

2. He Listens to Counsel with a Desire to Learn: A wise man is teachable, actively increasing his learning and seeking guidance, whereas a fool despises instruction and thinks he needs no advice.
• The Teachability Examination: “The way of a fool is right in his own eyes: but he that hearkeneth unto counsel is wise.” (Proverbs 12:15)
• The Humility Acid Test: “Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the Lord, and depart from evil.” (Proverbs 3:7)

Unlike a fool who thinks he is always right, a wise man listens to advice, accepts correction, and learns from his mistakes.

3.    He Controls His Temper: Rather than being reckless or quick-tempered, he stays calm, restrains his anger, and overlooks insults.

o   God very directly says control your temper in Proverbs 16:32: “He that is slow to anger is better than the mighty; and he that ruleth his spirit than he that taketh a city.”

• James 1:19: Advises being "swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath".

o   Ephesians 4:26: Advises dealing with anger immediately rather than letting it fester.

In this better … than proverb (see comments on 12:9) having patience and a controlled temper is honored above being a soldier. In a land where safety depended on might and skill in warfare, this statement may seem surprising. Yet conquering oneself (cf. 14:17, 29; 25:28; 29:11) is of greater virtue than conquering a city.^[3]

4. He Uses Restrained and Helpful Speech: A truly wise person speaks carefully and uses few words. His words are known to bring healing rather than acting rashly like a sword.
• The Speech Appraisal: “In the multitude of words there wanteth not sin: but he that refraineth his lips is wise.” (Proverbs 10:19)
• Proverbs 29:11, 14:29, & 15:1: Focus on wisdom over folly, urging a calm spirit and using soft words to calm conflicts.
• Proverbs 25:28: Compares lack of self-control to a broken-down city.

The more we talk, the greater is the probability of saying something wrong. Compulsive talkers should beware! The lust for incessant conversation often leads to exaggeration, breaking of confidences, and associated sins. Trying to top someone else’s joke often mushrooms into off-color stories.

The man who exercises self-control in his speech is wise. He saves himself from embarrassment, apologies, and outright sin.

10:20 What a good man says is a reflection of what he is. Because his character is sterling, so is his speech. Since the heart (or mind) of the wicked man is not worthwhile, neither is the conversation that flows from it.^[4]

A wise person restrains their speech, avoiding gossip, anger, and hasty words in favor of gracious and truthful communication.

5.   He is a Diligent and Productive Worker:

God provides strong motivation for a productive work ethic, urging believers to work with diligence and integrity as an act of service to Him. God highlights the importance of hard work, offering wisdom for both daily tasks and career focus.

o   Proverbs 14:23: Emphasizes that hard work brings profit, while idle talk brings poverty.

o   Proverbs 22:29: Notes that diligent workers gain recognition and distinction.

o   Proverbs 13:4: Highlights how the diligent will be fulfilled, while the lazy will lack.

o   Proverbs 10:4: Connects a diligent hand with prosperity.

God heartily endorses excellence, purpose, diligence, reward, skill, and integrity for employers and employees. Colossians 3:23, encourages working heartily for the Lord rather than men. Ecclesiastes 9:10, instructs doing all tasks with your full strength. 1 Corinthians 10:31, advises doing everything for the glory of God.

6.    He Looks Ahead with Discretion: He exercises discretion and caution, anticipating danger and turning away from evil, while a fool is reckless and arrogant. ‘Discretion’ is the ability to use godly wisdom to protect yourself from harm, avoid foolish mistakes, and respond calmly to others.

o   Proverbs 2:11, “Discretion shall preserve thee, understanding shall keep thee:” This verse highlights that exercising good judgment acts as a guardrail against dangerous paths.

o   Proverbs 19:11, “The discretion of a man deferreth his anger; and it is his glory to overlook a transgression.” Self-control and knowing when to let something go reflect true character.

o   Psalm 112:5, “A good man sheweth favour, and lendeth: he will guide his affairs with discretion.” In daily matters the righteous manage their responsibilities wisely.

Wisdom brings discernment. A wise man is vigilant, avoids dangerous paths, and flees from temptation.

7.    He Keeps Good Company: Whoever walks with wise men becomes wise, much like iron sharpens iron.

o   Proverbs 13:20, “He that walketh with wise men shall be wise: but a companion of fools shall be destroyed.” Those with whom you surround yourself will shape your own character and future. Walking with the wise leads to wisdom, while associating with fools (the biblically unwise or rebellious) leads to ruin.

o   1 Corinthians 15:33, “Be not deceived: evil communications corrupt good manners.” God warning us against being misled. Spending time with negative influences, unwholesome speech, or those who disregard God’s values will ultimately ruin your own good character and habits.

One way to become wise is to associate with wise people, including companions and teachers. Conversely to associate with fools brings problems.^[5]

What Can I Learn from the Lord Jesus?

1.     The chief quality of a “wise man” is obedience to God through adherence to his word.

2.    Jesus illustrates this concept on a real-world level referring to the wise and foolish builders (Matthew 7:24-27).

3.    Jesus showed:

·        The Wise Man: Represents anyone who hears Jesus' teachings and puts them into practice. Because their life is built on a solid foundation of obedience, they can withstand the storms and trials of life.

·        The Foolish Man: Hears the teachings of Christ but ignores them. When life gets difficult, their house (life) collapses because it lacks the strong foundation of adherence.

In conclusion Jesus presented the two options open to His listeners. They were now responsible for what they had heard and must make a choice. They could build on one of two foundations. One foundation was likened to a big rock and the other to sand. The foundation determines the ability of a structure to withstand the elements (rain and winds). The rock foundation represented the Lord Himself and the truths He had been presenting, especially the truth concerning inner transformation. The sand spoke of Pharisaic righteousness which the people knew and on which many were basing their hopes. In storms the first would give stability; the second would result in destruction. Thus hearing and heeding Jesus’ words is wise; one who does not is foolish. Only two courses of action are possible—two kinds of roads and gates (Matt. 7:13–14), two kinds of trees and fruit (vv. 15–20), two kinds of foundations and builders (vv. 24–27).^[6]

Conclusion:

It is wise to walk in King Solomon’s wisdom. Clearly, King Solomon is widely regarded as the wisest man ever. When God offered him anything he desired, Solomon asked for wisdom to govern God’s people well (1 Kings 3). Such wisdom became legendary. However, the Bible also teaches that even Solomon’s adherence faltered later in life when he strayed from God’s guidelines—reminding us that godly wisdom requires lifelong, active faithfulness and continuous application. So, where are you concerning God’s wisdom?

---

^[1] Sid S. Buzzell, “Proverbs,” in The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures, ed. J. F. Walvoord and R. B. Zuck, vol. 1 (Wheaton, IL: Victor Books, 1985), 908.

^[2] William MacDonald, Believer’s Bible Commentary: Old and New Testaments, ed. Arthur Farstad (Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 1995), 792.

^[3] Sid S. Buzzell, “Proverbs,” in The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures, ed. J. F. Walvoord and R. B. Zuck, vol. 1 (Wheaton, IL: Victor Books, 1985), 942.

^[4] William MacDonald, Believer’s Bible Commentary: Old and New Testaments, ed. Arthur Farstad (Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 1995), 815.

^[5] Sid S. Buzzell, “Proverbs,” in The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures, ed. J. F. Walvoord and R. B. Zuck, vol. 1 (Wheaton, IL: Victor Books, 1985), 934.

^[6] Louis A. Barbieri Jr., “Matthew,” in The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures, ed. J. F. Walvoord and R. B. Zuck, vol. 2 (Wheaton, IL: Victor Books, 1985), 34–36.

Strength to Overcome Greed

“Overcoming Greed”

Prov. 3:5-6; Luke 12:15; Col. 3:5; 1 Tim. 6:10

THEME: You Can Overcome the Frustrations by the Wisdom and Strength of the Lord.  

RELEVANCE: Why is this important to us? We need to understand the source of our frustrations is Satan (these are spiritual battles) and trust the Lord to help us overcome these hindrances. God prescribes specific practices to escape the trap of greed like contentment, generosity, and appreciation.   

INTRODUCTION:

Do you feel trapped in disappointing cycles? Never satisfied with your income? Perhaps you are encountering myriads of worldly desires? What about the many forms of wickedness working in your heart? Perhaps it’s unchecked cravings for ‘more’ or distractions to your faith? Periodically you sense your struggles are self-induced and soaked with conflicts, but aren’t sure what to do. You may even feel your greed destroying both internal peace and relationships.  

Frustration can be caused by greed. It seems the more people want, the more there is to want. Greed is the insatiable, selfish desire for wealth, possessions, or power. Scripture explicitly warns against it, linking the “love of money” to all kinds of evil and classifying excessive, covetous desire as a form of “idolatry”. So, how do we experience victory?

MESSAGE: 

I.  FRUSTRATION COULD BE EVIDENCE OF GREED.

Proverbs 3:5-6, Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. [6] In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.

This famous passage offers a blueprint for faithful living and decision-making. It contrasts our own limited human perspective with God’s infinite wisdom. We are challenge to place complete, undivided reliance on God; placing our confidence in His character and promises, rather than just acknowledging Him when it is convenient. God urges us to invite Him into every area of our life. ‘Acknowledging Him’ entails intentionally seeking His will, praying about decisions, and aligning your actions with His principles.

“He shall direct thy paths” is a promise the Lord will give genuine direction as we trust Him. Seeking His guidance and wisdom requires prayer and scripture for clarity, and remain open to His leading, even if it differs from your plans. Also, surround yourself with God-fearing counselors to help discern God’s path.

John 10:10, The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.

Satan seeks to draw us away from God. Jesus was warning against false leaders, selfish motives, and legalism empowered by Satan that will rob us of peace and truth. Jesus’ promise does not guarantee financial wealth or an easy, trouble-free life. Instead, it refers to a rich spiritual life characterized by inner peace, joy, forgiveness, and a close walk with God that begins now and extends into eternity. While the religious leaders were acting like self-serving ‘thieves,’ Jesus came to bring protection, salvation, and real fulfillment.

But many people respond to this ‘promise’ with frustration that results in compulsive and obsessive behaviors. These ideas are also frequently associated with perfectionism to seize what we treasure. Compulsions and obsessions are traps, not blessings. They drive a person to pursue something until he gains it, regardless of who may be hurt in the process or what damage may be caused.

A.  OUR FRUSTRATIONS ARE OFTEN ROOTED IN GREED.

Luke 12:15, And he said unto them, Take heed, and beware of covetousness: for a man's life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth.

This is Jesus’ definitive warning against greed and the false belief that material wealth equals a successful or secure life. The Bible teaches that frustration rooted in greed is a direct result of placing misplaced trust in wealth rather than God. Because selfish desires are insatiable, greed guarantees continuous disappointment, destroys peace, and traps people in a cycle of endless striving.

1.      The Deception of Disappointments: The pursuit of wealth breeds emptiness. “He that loveth silver shall not be satisfied with silver; nor he that loveth abundance with increase: this is also vanity.” (Ecclesiastes 5:10). The very nature of greed thrives on insatiability and traps a person in perpetual dissatisfaction.

2.      The Cause of Multiple Evils: Unchecked craving for money distracts from faith and causes deep internal pain. “For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.” (1 Timothy 6:10). The pursuit of wealth often leads to ruin and destructive desires.

3.      Personally Brought on Conflicts: Greed destroys both internal peace and relationships. “He that is of a proud heart stirreth up strife: but he that putteth his trust in the Lord shall be made fat.” (Proverbs 28:25). The Book of Proverbs also warns that ‘a greedy person stirs up strife’ and ‘troubles his own household’ through dishonest or selfish actions.

If you struggle with a general feeling of frustration…that there's ‘more’ you believe you should have in your life. You find yourself craving more recognition, more approval, more validation, more likes, more opportunities, more rights, more ‘free’ stuff, more privileges, more things, more power, more money, and more appreciation. This desire for more is a form of disappointment, frustration, dissatisfaction, or even irritation.

This is why we have more psychiatrists, try to increase the bank accounts, use tranquilizers, lead mixed-up lives, and use sleeping pills. Some use drugs and alcohol to numb themselves of the disappointments. Take a good look at the average person…their minds and bodies, reveal a life of turmoil and frustration. 

Jesus’ Parable of the Rich Fool illustrate the inevitable consequences of greed (Luke 12:13-21): Jesus tells a story about a man who imagine building larger barns to hoard his wealth instead of being “rich toward God” (generous to others in need). The man dies that very night, highlighting the folly of hoarding things you cannot take with you.

B.  IT IS VITAL WE PINPOINT EXACTLY WHAT IS IMPORTANT.

Jesus insisted, ‘We cannot serve both God and money’ (see Matt. 6:24). He urges us to be on guard against all kinds of greed, adding that our life is not defined by the large quantity of assets we may have. Colossians 3:5 equates “covetousness” or greed to “idolatry” because it replaces devotion to God with the worship of material gain.

First, take God’s word on guarding against greed and keeping the proper perspective on wealth:

1.     Proverbs 15:27: "He that is greedy of gain troubleth his own house; but he that hateth gifts shall live."

2.     Proverbs 28:16: "The prince that wanteth understanding is also a great oppressor: but he that hateth covetousness shall prolong his days."

3.     Matthew 6:19-20: "Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven..."

4.     1 Timothy 6:6-10: "But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out..."

5.     Hebrews 13:5: "Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee."

Secondly, I invite you to pause for a moment and reflect about the things that you truly value in life. What would you not want to lose? What do you most desire to have when you are ninety years old?

Most people who identify what they truly value in life will list such things as

• a long, fruitful, and fulfilled life;
• good health and real growth in the Lord;
• a loving circle of family and friends;
• the blessings of eternal life now and with the Lord;
• a sense of achieving God’s purpose and will;
• inner peace and joy; and
• a solid impact on this world for Christ’s sake

I have good news and bad news regarding these things. The bad news is that you cannot get any of these things on your own no matter how much you want or think you deserve them. You cannot buy them from a department store, earn them with your dedication, or acquire them through really trying hard. The good news is that these are the very things that the Lord desires for many of us to have and that He will help us to experience as you trust in Him! (C. Stanley)

Again, greed is that insatiable, selfish desire for wealth, possessions, or power. God repeatedly and explicitly warn against it, linking the “love of money” (1Tim. 6:10) to all kinds of evil and classifying excessive, covetous desire as a form of idolatry (Col 3:5).

C. GREED CAN BE CONQUERED BY THE BELIEVER!

Instead of falling into the trap of greed, God prescribes “contentment.” True peace comes from a shift in perspective, recognizing that material accumulation does not define a person's worth. God prescribe specific practices to overcome the trap of greed:

1.     Watch Your Heart: “And he said unto them, Take heed, and beware of covetousness: for a man's life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth. (Luke 12:15). Stay on guard against all forms of greed; there is far more to you than merely your stuff.

2.   Choose this Godly Perspective—Contentment: “But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out.” (1 Timothy 6:6-7). Godly contentment is an inward state of peace and satisfaction that relies on God’s control rather than external circumstances. It is rooted in the belief that God provides exactly what is needed for present well-being, it detaches happiness from wealth or changing situations. Paul taught that “godliness with contentment is great gain”, finding ultimate satisfaction in faith in Christ rather than mere possessions.

3.   Give Generously to the Needy: God encourages giving generously and sharing with the poor as a means of breaking the grip of materialism on the soul.

4.   Practice Gratitude Habitually: Believers are called to practice gratitude, recognizing that everything comes from God and that earthly wealth is temporary.

 Conclusion:

If you are dealing with a specific situation and would like to explore practical or spiritual guidance, consider these thoughts:

·        What area of life is causing you to feel this frustration? (e.g., finances, career, personal relationships)

·        Are there specific goals you are currently striving for?

 

 

 

Meaningful to God

Meaningful to God

Psalm 116:15, Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his saints.

 

My intent is never to be insensitive or indelicate, but to carefully offer a truth that is helpful and life-shaping to believers in Christ.

Psalm 116:15 says, “Precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of his saints.”

God regards our lives and deaths, His faithful “saints,” as highly valuable, deeply priceless, and closely administrated by Him. Originally the Hebrew word “precious” means “valuable,” “costly,” “prized,” “heavy,” “splendid,” or “weighty”. This indicates that our lives and our homecoming hold enormous significance to the Lord. 

It is true of all saints—their death is precious to our God because it means they are with Him in glory. But it was never more true than in the case of the Lord Jesus. His death was precious to His Father because it provided a righteous basis upon which He could justify ungodly sinners.^[1]

The psalmist, knowing that the Lord cares intensely about the death of His saints, acknowledged that he was a servant (vv. 15–16) of the Lord and would praise Him publicly (vv. 17–19). The death of a saint is not something the Lord considers as cheap; He does not let His people die for no reason.^[2]

All of this brings profound comfort, though it is often misunderstood.

What Do We Need to Know?

• Again, God sees “saints” death as “precious” categorizing them as “high worth,” or a “highly valued treasure.” God does not regard the passing of His servants lightly.
• “His saints” point to those who are in a faithful, covenant relationship with Him (His devoted followers).  “The death of God’s children is precious in His sight.”^[3]
• This is NOT a matter of God delighting in our suffering and pain. God does not rejoice or takes pleasure in the ache of death. Instead, it means that because of our deep value to Him, God oversees our journey and ensures that our crossing over into His presence is highly significant and carefully guarded.
• This truth is designed to be a source of comfort in times of grief. This promise, frequently used during Christian memorial services and funerals, offer support assuring loved ones that the deceased are intensely cared for by their Creator God. 
• God’s presence in pain, hurt, suffering, and death is wisely stressed. God emphasizes how He remains intimately involved in the lives and deaths of His faithful ‘servants,’ promising ultimate peace and an end to our suffering and toil.

Though no man lays it to heart when the righteous perish, God will make it to appear that he lays it to heart. This should make us willing to die, to die for Christ, if we are called to it, that our death shall be registered in heaven; and let that be precious to us which is so to God.^[4]

Again, the passing of God's faithful followers (saints) is not a light or insignificant matter to Him. Instead, it is deeply valued, carefully watched over, and “precious” because it marks the moment we enter His direct presence. 

David Rehearsed this Truth for Our Enrichment!

Considering the entire psalm of thanksgiving, David very recently escaped a life-threatening predicament (recorded verses 3–8). His contemporaries often thought that if a person nearly died, God simply didn't care…he was indifferent and uninvolved.

So, by stating the death of His saints is “precious,” David was affirming that God is entirely sovereign over our years. The Lord is profoundly involved in our life, and He will not allow us to face death prematurely or without His watchful care. David saw fit to punctuate this truth for our benefit!

We are Helped by Embracing the Magnitude of this Encouragement.

From a God-fearing perspective, David offers great assurance to believers. This truth reminds us that:

1.     Death is not a random occurrence. God controls the exact timing and circumstances of a believer’s passing.

2.    Transition into God’s presence is significant. Because believers are precious to Him, our departure from this earthly life marks a wonderful passage directly into the presence of our Creator God. Beloved, this is huge…. It’s a big deal!

Through his experience the psalmist learned that the death of one of his “saints” (godly ones) is precious in the sight of Yahweh, i.e., their death is not a matter of indifference to him.^[5]

Beloved, choosing God’s perspective here is a bit challenging, but not insensitive to our grief, suffering, or pain. It forces us to appreciate another way of looking at death and especially the death of faithful believers. It clearly expands our view, strengthens our evangelistic efforts, and comforts us when a committed child of God graduates to glory to be with the Lord. We can truly mean it when we whisper to our deceased loved one, “I’ll see you again.”

So, Why Are We Reluctant to Accept this Truth?

Perhaps the following ideas have clouded our appreciation of this concept:

1.     Selfishness is likely one reason…we want people to live and stay here with us. We simply don’t want to let them go because we cherish them…. We can’t seem to live without them.

2.    An incomplete view of eternity or a misunderstanding of our finality. We simply are frightened by our partial ignorance of our future. We don’t trust what we don’t know.

3.    Healing is regarded as evidence of God’s blessings and goodness. We fail to appreciate all God reveals about Himself favoring the more comfortable ideas.

4.    Another perspective threatens, undermines, or even reveals our own insecurities regarding the future and our associated assumptions. Life really does not fit into the nice, neat box we try to force it into for our own delusion. Once again, we must trust the Lord with our lives and even the apparent ciaos.

5.    Their departure forces our acceptance and leaves us feeling less in control than we are contented with. The truth is we were never really in control anyway…God is!

6.    Our loved ones’ leaving reinforces the need to change, grow, and get out of our comfort zone. God is super motivated to sanctify us always. 

7.    Death reminds us to reach our loved one before it is too late for them or us. We must become evangelistically motivated and charged sharing the hope of Christ with others!

The death of His saints is no trifling matter with God; He does not lightly suffer it to come about; He does not suffer His own to be torn away from Him by death.^[6]

Perhaps these are a few of the reasons hindering our own acceptance and celebration of a life lived for God’s glory. Beloved, you are meaningful to God! Yes, we are correctly humbled by this reality, but life takes on real purpose and meaning when we embrace this idea. Remember He offers this truth to aid your commitment to Him and to give structure…shape to your life in Christ.

---

^[1] William MacDonald, Believer’s Bible Commentary: Old and New Testaments, ed. Arthur Farstad (Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 1995), 732.

^[2] Allen P. Ross, “Psalms,” in The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures, ed. J. F. Walvoord and R. B. Zuck, vol. 1 (Wheaton, IL: Victor Books, 1985), 877.

^[3] J. Vernon McGee, Thru the Bible Commentary, electronic ed., vol. 2 (Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 1997), 842.

^[4] Matthew Henry, Matthew Henry’s Commentary on the Whole Bible: Complete and Unabridged in One Volume (Peabody: Hendrickson, 1994), 911.

^[5] James E. Smith, The Wisdom Literature and Psalms, Old Testament Survey Series (Joplin, MO: College Press Pub. Co., 1996), 407.

^[6] Carl Friedrich Keil and Franz Delitzsch, Commentary on the Old Testament, vol. 5 (Peabody, MA: Hendrickson, 1996), 716.