Soon after Solomon’s death, his kingdom was split into two parts – the ten tribes of Israel in the north, and little Judah in the south. Hezekiah became king of Judah, some two hundred and fifty years later.

There is an interesting parallel between Solomon and Hezekiah. Just as Solomon was the wisest person who ever lived, with no-one like him before or since, so Hezekiah was the most righteous of all the ruler of Judah, with none like him before or after. The Bible says: "Hezekiah trusted the Lord, the God of Israel. There was none like him among all the kings of Judah, either before him or after him. He held fast to the Lord and did not cease to follow him; he kept the commands the Lord had given Moses. And the Lord was with him; he was successful in whatever he undertook" (2 Kings 18:5-7).

As a wise and righteous ruler, Hezekiah would have been interested in making Solomon’s writings readily available to his people, and he apparently assembled a team of scribes to make multiple copies of this section of proverbs for that express purpose. Quite probably the previous sections were already extant, perhaps having been copied and distributed by Solomon himself much earlier as part of a national education program.

Life is strange and full of mysteries, an exercise in humility perhaps, and no matter how hard he tries man can never fully fathom the awesome complexities of God’s physical creation – let alone life and the subtleties of the human heart and mind.

However, this does not mean that we should not try, or that we cannot make wonderful discoveries – and find immense pleasure and satisfaction in so doing. That, in fact, is precisely what God wants us to do. A wise person, like Hezekiah, is fully committed to education, investigation, invention and progress – and encouraging the development of every individual's special gifts and God-like creative potential. Education is vitally important to any nation.

To be of value, silver as taken from the ground must be refined in the heat of a furnace, a process of purification that removes unwanted elements, the dross or scum, and makes it suitable for the fabrication of fine vessels and jewelry. The lesson may be that a ruler should likewise purify his people by removing crime, poverty, ignorance and other impurities that pollute their immense potential and render it unusable.

Science progresses by refining knowledge, by exposing it to the scorching heat of logical analysis and testing its purity by experimentation. Likewise we as individuals can become more refined in our character, in our thoughts, words and actions by identifying and eliminating the dross that detracts from our value and capability – and fit ourselves for greater things. Beneath the dross of human nature, the silver exists, and is available if only we search for it and refine it.

The theme continues. In expounding this particular proverb to his disciples at a banquet, Jesus clearly illustrates the manner in which all of the proverbs are to be interpreted and applied (Luke 14:7-14). Reminding them, first of all, of its direct, surface meaning, he says: "When you are invited, take the lowest place, so that when your host comes, he will say to you, Friend, move up to a better place. Then you will be honored in the presence of all your fellow guests" (verse 10).

He then draws out a fundamental principle, saying: "For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted" (verse 11). Finally, he turns the proverb around and gives it a creative twist, saying: "When you give a banquet, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind, and you will be blessed. Although they cannot repay you, you will be repaid at the resurrection of the righteous" (verse 14).

The theme continues as Solomon describes another situation in which thoughtless behavior may bring us public embarrassment. Do we act rashly, and rush into situations, even court actions, led by pride rather than wisdom? Are we fully informed and in possession of the real facts? Do we understand the other side of the argument? Might we be deceiving ourselves?

Perhaps this is why Jesus says: "Why don’t you judge for yourselves what is right? As you are going with your adversary to the magistrate, try hard to be reconciled to him on the way" (Luke 12:57-58).

If you have a bone to pick with someone, says Solomon, go to that person and discuss the matter in private. Establish the facts, and find out what really happened, and why. Be discrete and diplomatic. Safeguard your good name as well as his. A reputation is easy to ruin but hard to repair. Jesus also draws attention to this principle, saying: "If your brother sins against you, go and show him his fault, just between the two of you. If he listens to you, you have won your brother over. But if he will not listen, take one or two others along, so that every matter may be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses" (Matthew 18:15-17).

Perhaps the theme continues again. How do you deal with difficult situations and people? Do you blurt out your opinions and reproofs, or do you hold you tongue, give yourself time to think, and patiently wait for the most appropriate time to speak? Can you handle the matter beautifully -- pleasantly, smoothly, effectively?

Notice Solomon’s lovely metaphor – the ear listens and also wears the earring. Jewelry and ornaments of fine gold are the result of imaginative design and meticulous craftsmanship. Accordingly, any reproofs we need to offer should be brief, to the point and carefully worded in order to make them acceptable and designed to impart something of value to the recipient.

The theme of human frailty continues. How reliable and trustworthy are we? A person who accepts responsibility, shows initiative and gets the job done properly is refreshing. These basic qualities of good character can make us far more valuable to an employer than someone else who may have much greater ability but a less stable temperament.

Do we pay attention and carry out instructions as intended, or do we tend to be forgetful and careless? Do we get it right first time? Are we meticulous, thorough and accurate in our work? Do we communicate accurately, without ambiguity?

The faithful messenger in the previous proverb proves his worth by his actions. The person described here, however, tries to get ahead by deception, and may well end up being assigned to projects that he is not qualified to carry through to completion. He gets himself promoted to a level of incompetence, then gets found out.

Although he is a good talker and puts on a good front, he is like a cloud that promises to produce rain but does not. The cloud may look dark and heavy with water, but it lacks the inner resources to provide it. Like the man who boasts, it is all image and no substance.

How valuable are we? What are our gifts? How can we identify and develop them, and make ourselves more capable and productive? Are we growing and accumulating the appropriate experience and skills required to move us smoothly and naturally up to the next rung on the ladder of success?

I would guess that breaking a bone with a soft tongue is what a dog achieves by his relentless pursuit of the tasty marrow it contains. His soft tongue, aided perhaps by the chemical action of his saliva, gradually wears away the bone, until it becomes weak enough for him to crack it open and get his reward.

In a similar manner, the wise man puts his case gently and never forces the issue, never gets angry and exasperated. He just keeps broaching the subject in a delicate manner whenever the opportunity arises, and wears away the initial resistance to his idea -- and finally gets what he wants. Do we have the patience and persistence required to implement this strategy?

Moderation in all things is a basic key to health, happiness and longevity. Pleasure can be quite elusive, and has a habit of receding as it is pursued because the senses become satiated. More does not always mean better, which is perhaps why absence makes the heart grow fonder.

Do we discipline our desires? Is sufficient adequate for us, or do we over-indulge whenever possible? Do we savor delights, or gobble them down in short order,like a dog would. Are we discriminating? Are we connoisseurs of quality?

The theme continues. A wise comedian avoids over-exposure, in case people become tired of him, and he runs out of material. The same principle applies to our relationship with our neighbor. We can actually destroy a friendship, says Solomon, by outstaying our welcome.

Can we apply the same psychology in other parts of our lives? Do we talk too much, so that our words become unwelcome? Do we try to be too funny, too often? In business, how important are variety and change? Are customers wearying of the products and service we offer? Although a sales person, must never neglect his clients, neither should he become a nuisance and a time-waster either. Are there ingrained habits and routines in our lives that need to changed for the better? Do we need a change of pace ourselves?

Perhaps the theme continues. Perhaps the neighbors have fallen out for some reason.

Why else would the one bear false witness against the other, and metaphorically stab him in the back?

The implication seems to be that the neighbor has been wrongly accused of some crime by someone, and by not defending him the man in the proverb is in effect attacking him – which is perhaps why Jesus tells his disciples: "He that is not for me is against me" (Matthew 12:36).

Do people put their careers in jeopardy by working with us? Are we treacherous? Do we seek revenge, for offenses real or imagined? Solomon lists three weapons in order of their increasing destructive power. Anybody can wield a club, but to use a sword effectively requires practice, especially if the person is in a position to take defensive action. Arrows, however, can be fired from cover, and at a safe distance, so that the injured person may never know who his attacker was. Perhaps the crucial question is – just how far are we prepared to go in order to protect our own interests at the expense of other people’s, or vice versa?

The theme of treachery continues. An unfaithful man is like a broken tooth and a twisted ankle that usually only hurt and give bolts of pain when you put pressure on them -- and let you down just at the moment you need them to do something useful for you. Are there such unfaithful individuals around us, like the man who betrays his neighbor?

Apart from being faithful ourselves, what is Solomon’s message? If we suspect a tooth or foot is damaged, we usually test it out with gentle pressure before putting our full force on it. Can we test people in advance in a similar fashion? If so, how do we do it? How limited is their loyalty? Perhaps they are not strong enough to do the job we want. How can we find out?

A person with no coat in cold weather feels pain, and the chemical action of vinegar, an acid, on the mineral nitre, causes it to fizz and foam with bubbles of gas, a volatile reaction.

Here is a person with good intentions who tries to cheer someone up, but has just the opposite effect. He makes things worse. Instead of pleasure, he imparts pain and makes people angry. Once again, can we discern other people’s moods and feelings, and speak and act appropriately?

The theme of coping wisely with the human condition continues. Paul quotes this proverb verbatim (Romans 12:20) in encouraging people not to seek revenge when wronged, but to overcome evil with good, as Jesus also taught.

Just as food satisfies the man’s physical hunger, so our good deeds can help pacify his rage and soothe his feelings. Does the enemy have a genuine need, a hurt, a grievance? Can we calm the situation by being generous and making some concessions? If we do, it will force him to stop and think and perhaps change his ways.

Can you judge a person’s character by their face? Solomon’s message seems to be that, in the long run at least, the words we speak and the attitude they reflect actually affect our physiognomy. If we are always criticizing, grumbling and gossiping, our negative attitude will etch unpleasantness in our features. How can we avoid this happening?

There is an old saying that a man is responsible for his face after forty.

Why does one person acquire a mansion when another lives in a slum apartment? Is there a price to pay for success? What is the emotional cost of achieving your goals, and who pays it? Is it worth paying?

How concerned are we for the morale and mental health of those around us?

Perhaps the theme continues. Good news from a far country often comes when least expected, and it cheers the heart and lifts the spirit -- just as a drink of cool water revives a thirsty man who has been staggering through the desert heat.

Is the scolding wife from the previous proverb thirsting for something – love and attention, for example, and a pleasant break from the daily routine that has been grinding here down? Again, how aware are we of the emotional needs of those around us? Do we understand the pressures on them? How can we revive their spirits?

A drink of cold water is always welcome to a thirsty soul, as we read in the previous proverb – but what if there is something wrong with it? The imagery here seems to be that of a thirsty man who and throws himself down to get a drink from a spring or fountain, only to find that the water is muddied or polluted in some way. The water his body needs is there, but the pollutants make it unacceptable. If he does drink it, he will get sick and be sorry he did. Better to suffer a while longer.

What is Solomon’s message? Should we seek or accept help from the wicked in time of need? If we do, to use a different metaphor, will there be "strings attached"? Will we regret it later? Will we have to accept terms and conditions that cause us to compromise our values? Perhaps it is better to suffer a while longer, until we find a better source of assistance. People often act rashly under pressure, and regret it later.

If we overindulge in any pleasure, our senses become satiated and the delight of the initial enjoyment is soon lost. Moderation is the key, and it is the same with praise. Too much praise becomes meaningless, and the wise teacher knows this full well -- too many gold stars, too easily won, soon lose their motivational magic. Enough time must be left in between for the sated taste buds to become re-sensitized. Likewise, if we seek praise for its own sake, and obtain it, the experience will soon become empty.

How does a manager or team coach apply this principle? How would we apply it with our children? Is there a shortage of honey in our lives?

In ancient times a city was surrounded by strong walls for protection against enemy attacks. If the walls were broken down, the city became vulnerable and hard to defend.

Just as the city walls keep the enemy outside, so a person with strong mental defenses is "thick skinned" enough to withstand hostile words and actions that would hurt and distress a weaker person. Solomon’s implication is that we can change, build up our defenses and become stronger individuals.

Just as one particular section of the city wall might be weak and in a state of disrepair, so we may find ourselves vulnerable in certain situations or areas of our life. Where are those weaknesses? How can we rebuild our mental wall, stone by stone? How can we cement those stones firmly in place? How can we help our children build their city walls as they grow?

Can we anticipate attacks and mentally prepare to defend against them? Can we identify the enemy? What kind of weapons will they be using? What can we learn from previous attacks?