Proverbs 13:15
Good understanding giveth favour:
But the way of transgressors is hard.
Who is he of good understanding? Here is what King David, the father of our author said: a good understanding have all they that do his commandments:
Because they accepted the statutes of God, the Israelites were accounted by their contemporaries as a wise and an understanding people. Yahoshua, when he increased in wisdom, received favour with God and men. After a long doctrinal explanation on how to wisely address differences in scripture application within the Body, Paul says, he that in these things serveth Christ is acceptable to God, and approved of men.
It seems that the ‘good understanding’ that receives ‘favor’ is about doctrine. Good doctrine, sound practical understanding of Scripture, provides grace to its applicant. Others see it and marvel at the wisdom. God is pleased also because He loves it when we give due attention to His Words.
The Hebrew word Solomon used for ‘transgressor’ is the word ‘traitor’. Ancient Israelite culture recognized the grace and bounty of God. They also knew that their blessings were contingent on their obedience. Consequently, they considered those who discarded the commandments of God’s grace as traitors. They were traitors because they selfishly brought God’s displeasure on the whole nation.
The way of these traitors is hard because not only do they displease God, but they also displease the people around them. Israelite lifestyle was a community-based lifestyle. People worked together to make things happen. One who was in disobedience found himself alone and with very little help. That in itself was deterrent against criminal activities. Maybe our present world should learn something from the ancients.
Life in itself may be hard, as we are meant to labour for our existence. But if we live by God’s commandments, if we have a sound, well balanced, intelligent and wise understanding on how to apply His commandments, we often draw to ourselves the grace of not only God, but also of the people around us, believers and unbelievers.
This word is true and unfailable: Good understanding gives favour.
Good understanding giveth favour:
But the way of transgressors is hard.
Who is he of good understanding? Here is what King David, the father of our author said: a good understanding have all they that do his commandments:
Because they accepted the statutes of God, the Israelites were accounted by their contemporaries as a wise and an understanding people. Yahoshua, when he increased in wisdom, received favour with God and men. After a long doctrinal explanation on how to wisely address differences in scripture application within the Body, Paul says, he that in these things serveth Christ is acceptable to God, and approved of men.
It seems that the ‘good understanding’ that receives ‘favor’ is about doctrine. Good doctrine, sound practical understanding of Scripture, provides grace to its applicant. Others see it and marvel at the wisdom. God is pleased also because He loves it when we give due attention to His Words.
The Hebrew word Solomon used for ‘transgressor’ is the word ‘traitor’. Ancient Israelite culture recognized the grace and bounty of God. They also knew that their blessings were contingent on their obedience. Consequently, they considered those who discarded the commandments of God’s grace as traitors. They were traitors because they selfishly brought God’s displeasure on the whole nation.
The way of these traitors is hard because not only do they displease God, but they also displease the people around them. Israelite lifestyle was a community-based lifestyle. People worked together to make things happen. One who was in disobedience found himself alone and with very little help. That in itself was deterrent against criminal activities. Maybe our present world should learn something from the ancients.
Life in itself may be hard, as we are meant to labour for our existence. But if we live by God’s commandments, if we have a sound, well balanced, intelligent and wise understanding on how to apply His commandments, we often draw to ourselves the grace of not only God, but also of the people around us, believers and unbelievers.
This word is true and unfailable: Good understanding gives favour.
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