Proverbs 20:14 Commentary and Bible Study

The picture here is of a trader who dishonestly talks down the item he is purchasing so that he can get it for a better price. Feigning disinterest before he makes his purchase, he says, ‘That’s not worth anything’, and he perhaps makes as if to walk away. But all this is a show and a performance, for the truth is that he has spotted something he really wants. How can he get the seller to lower the price? By lying about his evaluation of the worth of the item, by pretending to be a reluctant purchaser. His real feelings about the purchase are only revealed when he is out of earshot of the seller, and when money has already changed hands. Then what he says shows how disingenuous his previous statements were; they were a charade intended only to manipulate. In general terms this is an illustration of the deceitfulness with which man goes about all transactions in the world.This picture can be applied in various ways. What can be expected of the world, says Paul, is that ‘evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived’ (2 Timothy 3:13), and before conversion we belonged to them. We were both deceiving others and being deceived ourselves, and in a way that relates to this proverb. ‘Worthless’, says the devil, as he urges us to exchange our eternal souls for some trivial passing pleasure which he offers us in exchange. In this exchange man is the seller being deceived. Not that Satan wants the truth of God for himself, but he wants to see us parted from it in his spite towards God and man.But man also participates as the buyer when he too becomes the instrument of temptation. Worship this false god with me, he argues, and you will receive greater understanding, freedom from a life of strict righteousness, and abundant happiness in this life (Genesis 2:5). Join me in this corrupt escapade and we will milk the profits for ourselves and share them among ourselves (Proverbs 1:14). Sell me your birthright, for it is worth little compared to this appetising meal which I am offering you (Genesis 25:31-34). Cooperate with this unjust judgment or participate in this corrupt government and we will get gain for ourselves. But let men know the value of the soul and not exchange it for anything. Let them not exchange the truth of God for a lie.The church persuaded to exchange reverent worship for the world’s music and entertainment. The evangelist persuaded to give up preaching the gospel of repentance and faith, and replace with it drama and emotional manipulation.