Proverbs 20 reminds me of the expression, “A man’s home is his castle”. While they may look cool, a castle’s purpose was to provide a strong defense against attack. In this chapter Solomon looks behind the walls. He begins, “Wine is a mocker and beer a brawler; whoever is led astray by them is not wise“. The key to the verse is the concept of being “led astray”. This infers a continued pattern of behavior. My dad was a brawler and sometimes he took it home. He adds, “A king’s wrath strikes terror like the roar of a lion“. Some people understand that verse far too well. These people build hiding places of their very own. Not every home is a place of rest. He tells us to “avoid strife“, because “every fool is quick to quarrel“. Next he notes, “Sluggards do not plow in season” and the result is nothing to harvest. But listen to another kind of home. This is the kind of family I was drawn to as a kid. He describes a dad that sees the abilities of his kids and “who has insight draws them out“. He says, “Blessed are their children after them“. He adds a very keen ability, “he winnows out all evil with his eyes“. Like separating the wheat and chaff, he is able to pick out and help develop positive traits in his children. Solomon notes, “Even small children are known by their actions“. He says, God gave you “Ears that hear and eyes that see” so that you can observe life. Do you build walls or windows today?
Solomon continues by including some of the responsibilities of a father to teach and demonstrate. A castle without a king will always have an empty place. The first lesson is the work ethic, “Do not love sleep or you will grow poor; stay awake and you will have food to spare.” Dad should also help us with that first big negotiation, “‘It’s no good!’ says the buyer then goes off and boasts about the purchase“. Not every lesson can be learned by instruction, “lips that speak knowledge are a rare jewel“. So Solomon encourages young people to find wise counsel, “Plans are established by seeking advice… obtain guidance“. It is in this process that we learn not everyone can be trusted, “A gossip betrays a confidence“. Being burnt is part of the experience of venturing out.
The chapter next flags the complications that can grow out of our struggle for independence. Sometimes words are exchanged in anger, “curses their father or mother“, but we must be careful not to let it escalate, “An inheritance claimed too soon will not be blessed at the end“. He adds, “Do not say, ‘I’ll pay you back for this wrong!‘”. Holding onto that bitterness destroys us from the inside. Don’t be a prisoner to the past. It is only when we look ahead that we can find healing. “A person’s steps are directed by the Lord“. Even in the darkest places, His Word can shine. He adds, “The human spirit isthe lamp of the Lord that sheds light on one’s inmost being“. “Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit” (1 Corinthians 6:19). Why are we content to retreat in fear? Walls and gates do not bring peace. Solomon concludes, “Love and faithfulness keep a king safe; through love his throne is made secure“. Are you tired of hiding? “Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven” (Matthew 5:14). It is time to leave the Dark Ages!