“19 He loveth transgression that loveth strife: and he that exalteth his gate seeketh destruction. 20 He that hath a froward heart findeth no good: and he that hath a perverse tongue falleth into mischief. 21 He that begetteth a fool doeth it to his sorrow: and the father of a fool hath no joy.” (Proverbs 17:19-21, KJV)
“19 He who loves strife and is quarrelsome loves transgression and involves himself in guilt; he who raises high his gateway and is boastful and arrogant invites destruction. 20 He who has a wayward and crooked mind finds no good, and he who has a willful and contrary tongue will fall into calamity. 21 He who becomes the parent of a (self-confident) fool does it to his sorrow, and the father of (an empty-headed) fool has no joy (in him).” (Proverbs 17:19-21, Amp)
Verse 19 — Those who love to sin and enjoy strife are seeking destruction. This is not talking about those who occasionally fall into sin and repent, since the Lord will help those people overcome their weaknesses. However, those who run toward evil will find it and eventually be destroyed.
This verse also states that those who “raise their gate high” are inviting destruction. What does this mean? It can be referring to those who leave the gate to their houses open all the time, thus inviting the wrong kind of people into their homes. We must shut our homes at night and be discreet about who we invite into them. We do not want to tempt others to come in, by boasting and not being discreet about what we have. It can also be referring to the “gate” of our lips. When we open wide the gate of our mouths, we invite destruction into our lives. We must be wise and speak those things that will turn the enemy away. One example would be if we speak softly to someone who is railing at us, we will not stir up his wrath against us. “A soft answer turneth away wrath, but grievous words stir up anger” (Proverbs 15:1).
Verse 20 — Guarding what we say and think is important. Those who allow their thoughts to turn to evil will eventually also do what is wrong. A perverse mind and a foul mouth pave the way for mischief and difficulty. We need the Lord’s help to guard our minds and our mouths in order to say what edifies and blesses others. Then we, in turn, may be blessed.
Verse 21 — Fool is used to translate the Hebrew words kesel and nabal. Kesel might be said to mean “self-confident fool” and nabal, “wicked fool.” The self-confident fool is wise in his own eyes. The wicked fool despises God and pursues evil. Both are rebellious.
A fool causes his parents grief and shame. His attitude and speech embarrass them even when he is not in trouble with an authority (such as a teacher or a policeman). Parents truly can have no joy in a son or daughter who is a wicked fool. The parents of a self-confident fool may not have grief, but neither can they have joy. Their child is neither getting into major trouble nor is he reaching his potential by seeking God. It breaks the heart of a Christian parent to see a child walk after the world and not after Christ. Sons and daughters of any age who honor their parents can avoid many of the traps of the devil, and they will live long, blessed lives (Ephesians 6:1-3).
Prayer
Father, Your blessings are with me from day to day. Guide me so that what I say and do will not be shameful, but only point to Your grace and mercy in the light of the salvation offered through Your Son, Jesus.
Pray, praise, give thanks, and stay encouraged!
Pastor Mike
