We’re still reading through Proverbs 20. I think this is a good verse to talk about…
“A gossip goes around telling secrets, so don’t hang around with chatterers.” Proverbs 20:19 (NLT)
“He who goes about as a talebearer reveals secrets; therefore do not associate with one who flatters with his lips.” Proverbs 20: 19 (NKJV)
This is a good example of when using different translations can give you more of an understanding than when just using one. Both translations are pretty clear when telling us that usually when someone is quick to tell you “juicy” details about someone else, they’ll be just as quick to tell “juicy” details to someone else about you! The NKJV takes it a step further and mentions flattery. Flattery and gossip often accompany each other. I went a step further also, and looked up the word ”flattery” in the Vine’s Bible Dictionary… flattery means using words not simply as an effort to give pleasure, but with motives of self-interest. The dictionary gives a reference to 1 Thessalonians 2:5, which says, ”For neither at any time did we use flattering words, as you know, nor a cloak for covetousness…”
Reading directly out of the NLT Bible Commentary, it says… It’s disgusting to hear a person butter up someone. Flattery is phony, and it covers up a person’s real intentions. Christians should not be flatterers. Those who proclaim God’s truth have a special responsibility to be honest. Are you honest and straightforward in your words and actions? Or do you tell people what they want to hear in order to get what you want or to get ahead?
“The Lord directs our steps, so why try to understand everything along the way?” Proverbs 20: 24
Isn’t it true that sometimes things totally flabbergast us when they’re happening, and we just don’t understand; but when we look back years later, we see how God was working things out? This verse counsels us not to worry, even if we don’t understand everything as it happens. It’s probably a good idea to write Psalm 37: 23-24 out and put it somewhere you can see everyday… “The Lord directs the steps of the godly. He delights in every detail of their lives. Though they stumble, they will never fall, for the Lord holds them by the hand.” If you would like to have God direct your steps, then I would highly recommend seeking His advice before you step out.
“Don’t trap yourself by making a rash promise to God and only later counting the cost.” (NLT)
“It is a snare for a man to devote rashly something as holy, and afterward to consider his vows.” (NKJV)
That was verse 25. This verse points out the danger of making a promise rashly and then reconsidering it. God takes promises seriously and requires that they be carried out… “When you make a vow to the Lord your God, be prompt in fulfilling whatever you promised Him. For the Lord your God demands that you promptly fulfill all your vows, or you will be guilty of sin. However, it is not a sin to refrain from making a vow. But once you have voluntarily made a vow, be careful to fulfill your promise to the Lord your God.” Deuteronomy 23: 21-23.
We often have good intentions when making a promise because we want to show God that we’re determined to please Him. However, Jesus says it is better not to make promises to God because He knows how difficult they are to keep… ”You have also heard that our ancestors were told, ‘You must not break your vows; you must carry out the vows you make to the Lord.’ But I say, do not make any vows! Do not say, ‘By heaven!’ because heaven is God’s throne. And do not say, ‘By the earth!’ because the earth is his footstool. And do not say, ‘By Jerusalem!’ for Jerusalem is the city of the great King. Do not even say, ‘By my head!’ for you can’t turn one hair white or black. Just say a simple ‘Yes, I will’ or ‘No, I won’t.’ Anything beyond that is from the evil one.” Mathew 5: 33-37
If you still feel it’s important to make a promise to God, make sure that you weigh the consequences of breaking it. Both of my Commentaries refer to Jephthah (In Judges 11, Jephthah made a rash promise to sacrifice the first thing he saw on his return home. As it happened, he saw his daughter first – Go and read all about it). This is interesting… my Bible gives me a list of people who made rash vows, and I’ll just name a few…
(1) Hannah – she promised to give her son back to God if God would give her a son. When Samuel was born, she dedicated him to God (1 Samuel 1: 9-11).
(2) David – he promised to be kind to Jonathan’s family. Mephibosheth, Jonathan’s son was treated royally by David (2 Samuel 9: 7).
(3) Ittai – he vowed to remain loyal to David. He became one of the great men in David’s army (2 Samuel 15: 21).
(4) Paul – he vowed to offer a sacrifice of thanksgiving in Jerusalem. He made the sacrifice despite the danger (Acts 18: 18).
