I've Got Likes!

Welcome to the Real World!

A word study in Proverbs

by Pastor Frank Rice

The term “like” is often used in similes to help communicate more effectively and impressively. We use similes on a regular basis without even thinking about it! God is concerned with how people, His people in particular, live out their lives. So, He uses similes to communicate His “advice” to His people for their good! We live in a complex world of choices, some easy and some not so much! We need to learn to deal with people and to navigate life, how to avoid some folks and interact with others. Similes help navigate successfully.

v      Just a few insights as we begin our study of Biblical similes;

1. A simile is “an explicit comparison: ‘x is like y.’” (Get it?)
2. A simile conjures up powerful, provocative, graphic imagery familiar to the original audience. Each simile sends a message.
3. Similes are often drawn from the world of nature and from the animal kingdom; so, expect some subjectivity and overlap!
4. Similes are effective tools for teaching, not just little kids, but obdurate (dense) adults! For those with the ability to imagination, most of these similes are self-explanatory!  

v      Ignoring or rejecting God’s word and His wisdom can only lead to sudden unanticipated calamity! (Don’t say you weren’t warned!)

1. Dread and disaster are destined to strike like a storm or tornado, resulting in unimaginable distress and anguish (1:27).
2. This kind of lifestyle is like groping around in darkness, with no direction or purpose, only failure and frustration (4:19). “The path of the righteous is secure and clear… the way of the wicked is insecure and dangerous.” (Ross) The wicked “do not commit crimes in order to live but live to commit crimes… Their greatest satisfaction is in making others fall, but they too shall fall and not know how or why.” (Garrett)
3. Resting your confidence in material assets will only result in major disillusionment and disappointment (11:28; 23:4-5). Don’t wear yourself out trying to get rich! (This applies to those who have and those who want “stuff.”) a green leaf is a symbol of prosperity and fertility  the wicked will come to ruin.
4. Getting caught in financial entrapment should cause panic and departure (6:5)!

v      Ignoring proper protocol can create uncomfortable situations!

1. Do not needlessly anger or disrespect those who hold positions of power and authority (19:12a; 16:14).
2. Do not inadvertently or intentionally respect or honor those who are undeserving (26:1)! (Godless fools are honored yearly!) “The fool is the stupid person who is worthless and vain (just the kind of person popular culture seems to honor).” (Ross)
3. Beware of getting dragged into and entangled in emotionally charged situations of which you are ignorant (26:17).

v      Those who sincerely seek to live in accordance with God’s word and His wisdom will enjoy the light of His presence!

1. The one who is “right with God” and lives right will have hope, will be able to see more clearly, and prosper (4:18; 11:28b). “Security and prosperity are determined by the object of faith.” (Ross)
2. Responding reasonably and respectfully to those in authority will put you in a favorable position (19:12b; 16:14). Subjects (citizens) need to use discretion and tact… rulers need to cultivate kindness and empathy
3. <>Be responsible, discreet, and faithful when sharing information with others, any moron can malign and misrepresent.  You can be a source of encouragement to others (25:13). 

v      Learn to cooperate with those in authority over you (16:15). Being a leader is difficult enough without having to endure constant resistance from those who have no clue of the issues or pressures.

v      Learn to ignore those who wish you evil but have no basis for their hateful animosity (26:2). Make sure they have no rational basis for wishing you were dead, or for bad things to happen to you! “An unjustified curse will never be effective.” (Ryrie)

v      Your speech & actions do impact others, negatively or positively! (For some; don’t let it happen!)

1. Pride, anger, and frustration can create disharmony (17:14). You don’t always have to have the last word! Put a sock in it! A dam breach that begins with an insignificant leak can have major destructive consequences on everyone “in the valley.”
2. Promising what you cannot produce creates resentment and hurt, not to mention soiling your reputation (25:14). “The gift of a braggart does not compare with what he promised.” (Ryrie)
3. Majoring on the positive refreshes the hearts of those who are weary (25:25). Bad news travels like…
4. A compromise of integrity is demeaning & disgusting (25:26)! “A righteous man’s defection affects those who have learned to rely on him.” (Ryrie)
5. A lack of empathy is a destructive force (28:3). “Oppression of the poor by obscure men is an absurd calamity, like rain that washes away crops instead of watering them.” (Ryrie)
6. Imbibing in intoxicants may come back to bite you (23:32).
7. Abandoning family responsibilities leaves them exposed and unprotected (27:8). It reveals heartlessness and narcissism.
8. A wicked ruler over helpless people exposes them to unimaginable cruelty and misery (28:15).
9. Returning to the very things which made you sick is stupid and revolting (26:11)! (Does this refer to addictive behavior?) “Fools repeat their disgusting mistakes.” (Ross)

v      Listening more than speaking helps a friend formulate plans and think through what is in his heart (20:5; James 1:19). “A man’s real intention may be hidden, but a wise person is able to penetrate and discern his inner thoughts.” (Ryrie)

v      Knowing the Lord is sovereign should calm every fear (21:1). “As a farmer channels the water where he wants and regulates its flow, so does the Lord with the king… A king’s decisions are controlled by God.” (Ross)

We close with another pertinent like (James 1:23).