lest strangers feast on your wealth, and your labors enrich the house of a foreigner. lest strangers feast on your wealthThe word "strangers" in this context refers to those who are outside the covenant community of Israel, often seen as those who do not share the same values or faith. The Hebrew root for "strangers" is "zār," which can imply someone who is alien or foreign. In the historical context of ancient Israel, wealth was not just material but also included one's family, reputation, and spiritual heritage. The warning here is against the squandering of God-given resources and blessings through unwise or immoral living, which can lead to outsiders benefiting from what was meant to be a blessing for the covenant community. This serves as a caution to maintain fidelity to God's commandments to ensure that one's resources are used for God's glory and the benefit of His people. and your labors enrich the house of a foreigner Persons / Places / Events 1. StrangersIn the context of Proverbs, "strangers" often refers to those outside the covenant community of Israel, representing influences or entities that are not aligned with God's wisdom and commandments. 2. Foreigners Similar to "strangers," foreigners in this context symbolize those who do not share the values and beliefs of the covenant community, potentially leading one away from God's path. 3. Wealth and Labors These terms refer to the fruits of one's efforts and resources, which are at risk of being squandered or misappropriated when one strays from wisdom. Teaching Points Guard Your ResourcesBe vigilant about where and how you invest your time, energy, and resources. Align them with God's wisdom to prevent loss to unworthy causes or people. Avoiding Temptation Recognize the dangers of straying from God's path, which can lead to personal and financial ruin. Stay committed to biblical principles to safeguard your life and assets. Wisdom in Relationships Choose relationships wisely, ensuring they are grounded in shared values and faith. This helps prevent the emotional and financial drain that can come from entanglements with those who do not share your commitment to God. Consequences of Disobedience Understand that turning away from God's wisdom can lead to tangible losses. Obedience to God's commands is a safeguard against such outcomes. Bible Study Questions 1. How can we identify "strangers" or "foreigners" in our lives today who might lead us away from God's wisdom?2. In what ways can we ensure that our wealth and labors are used for God's glory rather than being squandered? 3. How does the warning in Proverbs 5:10 relate to the broader biblical theme of stewardship? 4. What practical steps can we take to protect ourselves from the temptations that lead to the loss of our resources? 5. How can we apply the lessons from Proverbs 5:10 to our relationships, ensuring they are aligned with our faith and values? Connections to Other Scriptures Proverbs 6:26This verse warns about the cost of engaging with an adulteress, which can lead to poverty and loss, similar to the warning in Proverbs 5:10 about losing wealth to strangers. Ecclesiastes 5:10-11 These verses discuss the futility of wealth and how it can be consumed by others, echoing the theme of losing one's labor to outsiders. Deuteronomy 28:33 This passage warns that disobedience to God can result in one's produce and labor being consumed by a foreign nation, paralleling the consequences described in Proverbs 5:10.
People SolomonPlaces JerusalemTopics Alien, Enrich, Feast, Fill, Filled, Fruit, Fruits, Full, Goods, Hard-earned, Labors, Labours, Lest, Man's, Power, Strange, Stranger, Strangers, Strength, Toil, WealthDictionary of Bible Themes Proverbs 5:1-14Library The Cords of Sin'His own iniquities shall take the wicked himself, and he shall be holden with the cords of his sins.'--PROVERBS v. 22. In Hosea's tender picture of the divine training of Israel which, alas! failed of its effect, we read, 'I drew them with cords of a man,' which is further explained as being 'with bands of love.' The metaphor in the prophet's mind is probably that of a child being 'taught to go' and upheld in its first tottering steps by leading-strings. God drew Israel, though Israel did not yield … Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture Last Things Sinners Bound with the Cords of Sin Sinners Bound with the Cords of Sin How the Silent and the Talkative are to be Admonished. How the Rude in Sacred Learning, and those who are Learned but not Humble, are to be Admonished. Twenty Second Sunday after Trinity Paul's Thanks and Prayers for Churches. "The Truth. " Some Generals Proposed. Thirdly, for Thy Actions. The Right Understanding of the Law Second Great Group of Parables. Proverbs Links Proverbs 5:10 NIVProverbs 5:10 NLT Proverbs 5:10 ESV Proverbs 5:10 NASB Proverbs 5:10 KJV Proverbs 5:10 Commentaries Bible Hub |
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