QT 7/22/2024 Prov 13:12-19, Keys to fulfilling our hopes and longings

Proverbs 13:12–19 (ESV) —

12 Hope deferred makes the heart sick,

but a desire fulfilled is a tree of life.

13 Whoever despises the word brings destruction on himself,

but he who reveres the commandment will be rewarded.

14 The teaching of the wise is a fountain of life,

that one may turn away from the snares of death.

15 Good sense wins favor,

but the way of the treacherous is their ruin.

16 Every prudent man acts with knowledge,

but a fool flaunts his folly.

17 A wicked messenger falls into trouble,

but a faithful envoy brings healing.

18 Poverty and disgrace come to him who ignores instruction,

but whoever heeds reproof is honored.

19 A desire fulfilled is sweet to the soul,

but to turn away from evil is an abomination to fools.

 

NOTE: Garret suggests the following chiastic structure to this section.

 

A:      Hope deferred” (v. 12)

B:      “He who scorns instruction” (v. 13)

C:      “Teaching of the wise” (v. 14)

C´:      “Good understanding” (v. 15)

D:      “Prudent man/fool” (v. 16)

D´:      “Wicked messenger/trustworthy envoy” (v. 17)

B´:      “He who ignores discipline” (v. 18)

A´:      “Longing fulfilled” (v. 19)

 

This chiastic is structure is unusual in the sense that is has two middles (C and D). What is more interesting is that the A and B do follow the correct chiastic pattern, therefore, the middle should relate. I think it makes more sense to adjust it.

 

A:      Hope deferred” (v. 12)

B:      “He who scorns instruction” (v. 13)

C:      Information from the wise (v. 14)

D´:     Prudence (good sense) and favor (v. 15)

D:      Prudence and knowledge (v. 16)

C´:      Information from the wicked (v. 17)

B´:      “He who ignores discipline” (v. 18)

A´:      “Longing fulfilled” (v. 19)

 

Now the passage on hope and longing emphasizes the importance of instruction, discipline, right source of information, and acting prudently. Those are the foundational blocks to seeing our longings and hopes fulfilled.

 

How we live our lives makes a huge difference in how we see our lives unfold. They are directly related. Ultimately our hopes and longings are heavily influenced by what we did. How did we handle instruction? What was our response to discipline? Did we exercise prudence in relationships? Were we prudent in our decision making or did we act on emotions? If we can answer yes to the four questions, we are much more likely to see our hopes and longings fulfilled.

 

PONDER:

1. How do we handle instruction?
2. What is our response to discipline?
3. Do we exercise prudence in relationships?
4. Are we prudent in our decision making or do we act on emotions?

 

PRAYER: Father, continue to guide me and protect me in these area of my life. I have failed many times, but I do know what is right and I do try to follow these instructions. Show me when I am veering from this path of wisdom.