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Proverbs 27:8 As a bird that WANDERETH {nāḏaḏ} from her nest, so is a man that WANDERETH {nāḏaḏ} from his place.

Word Study: The word translated “WANDERETH” is the Greek nāḏaḏ, which means to “stray, retreat from the safety of, to be chased from”. The safest place for a bird to be is in its nest. It is when the bird leaves its nest to seek food or freedom that it is subject to being attacked by a bird of prey. God even gave a special provision in the Law:

Deuteronomy 22:6-7 (LSB) If A BIRD’S NEST happens to be before you along the way, in any tree or on the ground, with young ones or eggs, with the mother sitting on the young or on the eggs, you SHALL NOT TAKE THE MOTHER WITH THE YOUNG; 7 you shall surely LET THE MOTHER GO, and TAKE THE YOUNG FOR YOURSELF, that it may be well with you and that YOU MAY PROLONG YOUR DAYS.

If you came upon a bird sitting on her eggs, it was acceptable to take the eggs for food – but not to kill the mother. The nest was a place of safety. How does this relate to the man? In the Bible, there are times when the relationship we have with our God is poetically expressed, as if God is a Mother Bird and we are the chicks. This is particularly found in the Psalms:

Psalm 91:1-4 (LSB) He who abides in the shelter of the Most High Will abide in the shadow of the Almighty. 2 I will say to Yahweh, “My refuge and my fortress, My God, in whom I trust!” 3 For it is He who delivers you from the snare of the trapper And from the destructive pestilence. 4 He will cover you with His pinions, And UNDER HIS WINGS YOU WILL TAKE REFUGE; His truth is a large shield and bulwark.

Psalm 36:6-9 (LSB) Your righteousness is like the mountains of God; Your judgments are like a great deep. O Yahweh, You save man and beast. 7 How precious is Your loving kindness, O God! And THE SONS OF MEN TAKE REFUGE IN THE SHADOW OF YOUR WINGS. 8 They are satisfied from the richness of Your house; And You give them to drink of the river of Your delights. 9 For with You is the fountain of life; In Your light we see light.

The place where a person needs to be, our “nest” so to speak, is in the Presence of God and in the comfort of His Word. Sherry and I love to watch an old show called “What’s My Line?”, where people come on and 4 panelists question them and try to find out their profession. One of the questions I heard asked the other day by one of the panelists was:

“Is the product you are involved with a necessity, or a luxury item?”

There are certain products that people make that are not necessary for life, but are luxury items. That’s what they were trying to ascertain. Sadly in America today, God has become a luxury item, and not a Necessity. The Bible, the Word of God, has been supplanted by the word of man. Like the Prodigal Son that our Lord Jesus spoke of (Luke 15:11-32), many have wandered away from the “nest” of God and have now found themselves “being fed with the slop that the pigs were eating” (Luke 15:16). Rather than “come to themselves” (Luke 15:17) and return to the nest of Father God, they continue munching on swill, and blaming God and everyone else for their problems. And here’s the thing:

If you will not return to the nest, and rest under God and his Word
You will NEVER find peace and blessing!

The devil, Satan, that old accuser of the brethren, entices us to make God and His Word optional rather than mandatory. He whispers, “You have free will. You do YOU!” And many fall away, even among professing Christians, to find misery and the pig pen. What is the best place to be? The Bible says,

1 Corinthians 7:23-24 (LSB) You were bought with a price; do not become slaves of men. 24 Brothers, each one is to remain with God in that condition in which he was called.

You were free from sin and bondage by the Blood of Jesus Christ – if you have repented and received Him as Lord and Savior. Now free, stay close to Him. The Bridges Commentary notes:

“Would we then abide in fellowship with God? We must “abide in our calling.” Every step of departure, without a clear Scriptural warrant, is departure from God. We are safe in following Providence.”

There are many who do not know Jesus as Lord and Savior, which is a sad place to be. The Bible says that “Jesus came unto His own, and His own would not receive Him” (John 1:11). Just before His crucifixion, Jesus said:

Matthew 23:37-38 (LSB) Jerusalem, Jerusalem, who kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to her! HOW OFTEN I WANTED TO GATHER YOUR CHILDREN TOGETHER, the WAY A HEN GATHERS HER CHICKS UNDER HER WINGS, and YOU DID NOT WANT IT. 38 Behold, your house is being left to you desolate!

Jerusalem would not rest under the authority of the Son of God, and Jesus died on a Hill called Golgotha or Calvary. Rising again, He ascended unto glory, and sits on the right hand of God the Father, making intercession for His people (Romans 8:34; Hebrews 7:25; Hebrews 1:3; 1 John 2:1). But Jesus only intercedes for His people. Jesus said “I pray for Your people. Not for the world, but FOR THOSE YOU HAVE GIVEN ME, for THEY ARE YOURS” (John 17:9). The Bible says that “Jesus WILL SAVE HIS PEOPLE from their sins” (Matthew 1:21). Jerusalem rejected Jesus, and was destroyed in 70 AD. Jerusalem has never fully recovered, and never will, until Israel turns to Christ. America and the American Church will not find safety until we draw close to Jesus Christ and the Word of God, the Holy Bible. What is written is sure, just as sure as God’s Presence is in the life of His people.

Proverbs 27:9 Ointment and perfume rejoice the heart: so doth the sweetness of a man’s friend by hearty counsel.

In ancient times water was many times a luxury item. People traveled through hot and humid areas, often areas where that was no readily available water source. As a result people kept water for drinking, not bathing. In our modern world even the poorest of people have access to water – but not in ancient times. As Americans we are used to bathing daily, or at least several times a week. But in the ancient world people often went without bathing for a week, or for weeks at a time.

And that means you smell!

Perfumes and ointments made from olive oil or animal fats mixed with myrrh, spikenard (nard), roses, lavender, mint, and other aromatic ingredients. Crushed flowers, roots, or spices were soaked in warm oil for days or weeks. The plant material was strained out and replaced with fresh material—again and again—until the oil became richly scented. It was then used to cover up odors from infrequent bathing. The perfumes and ointments made you more presentable to others around you!

Word Study: A friend is one who improves you by sweetly covering up your imperfections and faults. The friend gives “HEARTY COUNSEL”, the Hebrewnephesh ʿēṣâ (pronounced neh’-fesh ay-tsaw’), which means “LIFE GIVING advice, counsel, or purpose”. The word nephesh is first used in the creation account in

Genesis 1:20 (KJV) God said, Let the waters bring forth abundantly the moving creature that HATH LIFE {nephesh}

The word itself goes back to the very creation of man. We are told in:

Genesis 2:7 (KJV) the LORD God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became A LIVING SOUL {nephesh}

A good friend is not someone who enables your departure from the nest, the safety of God. A good friend is someone who gives you counsel from the Word of God to bring you home where you belong. He does this SWEETLY, not self- righteously.

The Apostle wrote in Galatians 6:1 (LSB) Brothers, even if anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual, restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness, each of you looking to yourself, so that you too will not be tempted.

I have heard people say “I can’t tell my friend that she is living a life contrary to God’s Word! If I do, I lose my friend.” You are not a friend if you see someone in a sin unto death and say nothing. “Whoever turns a sinner from the ERROR OF THEIR WAY WILL SAVE THEM FROM DEATH and cover over a multitude of sins” (James 5:19-20). If that person is a friend, you should show them – SCRIPTURALLY – where they are in error. The wages of sin is death (Romans 6:23). Speak life to those you know. Speak the Gospel. Speak the Word of God.

2 Corinthians 2:15-17 (LSB) For we are a fragrance of Christ to God among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing; 16 to the one an aroma from death to death, to the other an aroma from life to life. And who is sufficient for these things? 17 For we are not like many, peddling the word of God, but as from sincerity, but as from God, in the sight of God, we speak in Christ.

Proverbs 27:10 Thine own friend, and thy father’s friend, forsake not; neither go into thy brother’s house in the day of thy calamity: for better is a neighbor that is near than a brother far off.

Though we should love our family (and certainly honor our parents – see Exodus 20:12; Deuteronomy 5:16), we should better cherish our long time friends in this life. When our Lord Jesus walked the earth, the Bible says “even His own brothers DID NOT BELIEVE IN HIM” (John 7:5). One day when Jesus was preaching as the Messiah, the Bible says “when HIS FAMILY HEARD ABOUT THIS, they went to TAKE CHARGE OF HIM, for they said, HE IS OUT OF HIS MIND” (Mark 3:21). This is not strange, but expected. When Jesus came and revealed Himself as the One and Only Messiah, He knew that His controversial stance and revelation would bring divisions in families. Jesus said,

Matthew 10:34-36 Do not suppose that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I did not come to bring peace, but a sword… A man’s enemies will be the members of his own household.

It was not until after His resurrection that His step brothers James and Jude came to believe in Him – and even wrote Spirit directed Scripture. Jesus did not provoke conflict for no reason. He just knew that God’s truth demands a response, either negative or positive. Those who receive the Gospel will find “peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ” (Romans 5:1). Those who reject the Gospel will cling to the darkness maybe even to the point of violence. There was division in Jesus’ family. There may be in our own. These verses are telling:

Matthew 12:46-50 (LSB) While He was still speaking to the crowds, behold, His mother and brothers were standing outside, seeking to speak to Him. 47 Now someone said to Him, “Behold, Your mother and Your brothers are standing outside seeking to speak to You.” 48 But Jesus answered the one who was telling Him and said, “Who is My mother and who are My brothers?” 49 And stretching out His hand toward His disciples, He said, “Behold My mother and My brothers! 50 For WHOEVER DOES THE WILL OF MY FATHER WHO IS IN HEAVEN, HE IS MY BROTHER AND SISTER AND MOTHER.”

What is “THE WILL OF THE FATHER WHO IS IN HEAVEN”? Let the Scripture speak:

John 6:38-40 (LSB) For I have come down from heaven, not to do My own will, but the will of Him who sent Me. 39 Now this is the will of Him who sent Me, that of all that He has given Me I lose nothing, but raise it up on the last day. 40 For THIS IS THE WILL OF MY FATHER, that EVERYONE WHO SEES THE SON AND BELIEVES IN HIM will have eternal life, and I Myself will raise him up on the last day.

Proverbs 27:11-12 My son, be WISE {ḥāḵam, [pronounced khaw-kam’]}, and make my heart glad, that I may answer him that reproacheth me. 12 A PRUDENT {ʿārûm} man foreseeth the evil, and hideth himself; but the simple pass on, and are punished.

A “wise son” – that is – a son who lives by the wisdom that comes from God (James 1:5; Proverbs 2:6; Colossians 2:2-3), brings pleasure to his father. He brings pleasure to his Heavenly Father, as well as to his earthly father. There is nothing more shameful than to have a child who grows up to be ignorant, or lawless. “The PRUDENT” or man who puts wisdom into action considers the action first in the light of God’s directive. This wise man considers it and then hides himself from it, refusing to participate. But the simple minded person charges in “where angels fear to tread” and pay the consequences. My Soniclight Commentary notes:

“Solomon, for example, brought great joy to aged David, and doubtless reduced the criticism that David received for raising Absalom as he had (cf. 1 Kings 2; cf. Eli and his sons, 1 Samuel 2:22-36).”

How the son lives matters to the Father. The Pulpit Commentary notes:

“If the pupil did not show wisdom and morality in his conduct, the teacher would incur blame for the apparent failure of his education; whereas the high tone of the disciple might be appealed to as a proof of the merit and efficacy of the tutor’s discipline. On the other hand, the evil doings of Hebrews often made the Name of God to be blasphemed among the Gentiles; just as nowadays the inconsistent lives of Christians are the greatest impediment to the success of missionary efforts in heathen countries”

Proverbs 27:13 Take his garment that is SURETY for a stranger, and take a pledge of him for a strange woman.

We’ve seen this Proverb before:

Proverbs 20:16 (KJV) Take his garment that is surety for a stranger: and take a pledge of him for a strange woman.

What the Proverb is repeatedly telling us is to not take a stranger at his word. We are to love our neighbor but, until we get to know them, we are to be careful around them.

To take a promise from a stranger without getting “SURETY” {ʿāraḇ} or collateral is like making a vow of marriage to a strange woman. You are very likely to be burned!

The heart of people can be “desperately wicked” (Jeremiah 17:9). When Jesus chose 12 Apostles, He chose Judas Iscariot knowing full well that Judas was a devil (John 6:70-71). Only God knows the heart, and only God knows how badly someone can deceive another.

Jesus said “Take heed that no man deceive you” (Matthew 24:4).
Apostle John said “Little children, let no one deceive you” (1 John 3:7)
Apostle Paul said “Do not be deceived” (1 Corinthians 6:9),
and again “Let no one take you captive by philosophy and empty deceit” (Colossians 2:8)

We treat others with love, always aware that those who are not in Christ are broken creatures that can hurt us. So we study and meditate on Scripture, letting the Word of God guide our actions. We also – as prudent children, examine and look for evil in the light of Scripture. We think ahead.

In working with the homeless, I always think ahead. I go through “What if” scenarios. I want to help them, but know full well that many of these people are addicted to drugs, and will do harm to me, my family, or my Church if necessary to achieve their desires. So I handle with care. I draw lines, and stay within those lines. I approach the homeless in public places, and never invite them into my home. I know what they say, but they are not accidentally homeless. They have made bad decisions that have brought them to this place. I never give them money, but food. I have heard of local churches setting up “warming stations” where they can come into the facilities during the day. That’s fine, but you need to carefully examine your trusted manpower, and the availability of law enforcement in the event that things get out of hand. I heard of one church that had a single lady watching the facilities while the homeless came in. That’s foolish!

Proverbs 27:14 He that blesseth his friend with A LOUD VOICE, RISING EARLY IN THE MORNING, it shall be counted a curse to him.

It is good to bless your friend. It is good to bless or praise your friend with A LOUD VOICE. But here’s the thing:

There is a right way and a right time to do the right thing.

The person who “blesses his friend with a loud voice” at an inappropriate hour will be cursed by those whom he wakes up. There is a right time to do that.

Illustrate: As Pastor, I stand at the door Sunday morning, shaking hands with those who came, and encouraging them as they leave. At times someone will come to me with a problem they want me to solve while I’m standing at the door. The appropriate thing to do would be to ask, “Can I see you after Sunday School?”, to which I would reply “absolutely!” There is a right way to do the right thing – at the right time.

If someone has offended you, the best time to deal with the offense is when you (1) have your temper under control and (2) as close to the time of offense as possible. Jesus commanded that we handle personal offenses ourselves, addressing the offended party:

Matthew 18:15 If your brother or sister sins, go and point out their fault, just between the two of you. If they listen, you have won them over.

We are not to gossip, nor to publicly shame another. We are also to “pray for those who despitefully use you” (Matthew 5:44). The wrong way to handle the matter is to let weeks pass before addressing the offender. As if a fire, it should be addressed as soon as possible, as directly as possible.

Always do the right thing at the right time in the right way. To do otherwise is to harm yourself, and others. The first generation of Israel refused to go into the Promised Land UNTIL God told them they were going to be punished by wandering for 40 years in the desert. THEN they decided to do the right thing – but it was too late (Numbers 13-14:29-30). In the Parable of the Ten Virgins (Matthew 25:1-13) five of the virgins sought to put oil in their lamps at the wrong time. As a result, they lost out on the Wedding Feast. In the Parable of the Rich Fool (Luke 12:16-20) God repeatedly blessed a farmer who loved his stuff more than he loved God. God then – without warning – took the man’s life! God called him to service, blessed him, but he waited until too long had passed. I see this quite frequently as a pastor. I warn others, but they ignore the Scriptural warning until too late.

Do the right thing at the right time in the right way, and you will be blessed!