The Proverbs are such a wonderful resource. Years ago, I used to read them and I had difficulty getting anything out of them. They would effectively read, to me, in this vein: "the wicked man does wicked things, but the righteous does righteous things," or, "the way of a fool is through foolish ways, but the wise are wise." See the problem here? My brain would automatically translate what it would understand and assent to intellectually, without further delving into the metaphorical similitudes.
I don't really have an explanation why I would not be able to see deeper into them even with trying and praying about it. I am thankful that I can now delve deeper and perceive (at least some of) the meaty truths behind the passages.
For this month, I'll focus on verses 15 and 16, regarding seeking wisdom from others and being quick to anger. I would write my own thoughts here but I don't think I can add to much to both R.C. Sproul and Matthew Henry.
Verse 15
The way of a fool is right in his own eyes,
but a wise man listens to advice.
From the Reformation Study Bible:
The fool thinks he knows better than others. The wise person is humble enough to learn from the experience of others and has the ability to discern good counsel.
From Matthew Henry's commentary:
What it is that keeps a fool from being wise: His way is right in his own eyes; he thinks he is in the right in every thing he does, and therefore asks no advice, because he does not apprehend he needs it; he is confident he knows the way, and cannot miss it, and therefore never enquires the way. The rule he goes by is to do that which is right in his own eyes, to walk in the way of his heart. Quicquid libet, licet - He makes his will his law. He is a fool that is governed by his eye, and not by his conscience.
What it is that keeps a wise man from being a fool; he is willing to be advised, desires to have counsel given him, and hearkens to counsel, being diffident of his own judgment and having a value for the direction of those that are wise and good. He is wise (it is a sign he is so, and he is likely to continue so) whose ear is always open to good advice.
Verse 16
The vexation of a fool is known at once,
but the prudent ignores an insult.
From the Reformation Study Bible:
Self-control is characteristic of the wise. The fool reacts too strongly and too soon, destroying relationships. The wise person leaves the way open for reconciliation.
From Matthew Henry's commentary:
Passion is folly: A fool is known by his anger (so some read it); not but that a wise man may be angry when there is just cause for it, but then he has his anger under check and direction, is lord of his anger, whereas a fool's anger lords it over him. He that, when he is provoked, breaks out into indecent expressions, in words or behaviour, whose passion alters his countenance, makes him outrageous, and leads him to forget himself, Nabal certainly is his name and folly is with him.
Meekness is wisdom: A prudent man covers shame. (1.) He covers the passion that is in his own breast; when his spirit is stirred, and his heart hot within him, he keeps his mouth as with a bridle, and suppresses his resentments, by smothering and stifling them. Anger is shame, and, though a wise man be not perfectly free from it, yet he is ashamed of it, rebukes it, and suffers not the evil spirit to speak. (2.) He covers the provocation that is given him, the indignity that is done him, winks at it, covers it as much as may be from himself, that he may not carry his resentments of it too far. It is a kindness to ourselves, and contributes to the repose of our own minds, to extenuate and excuse the injuries and affronts that we receive, instead of aggravating them and making the worst of them, as we are apt to do.
