Idle Brothers
Request for Prayer (1-2)
After Paul prayed for the Thessalonians, he asked for prayer in return. He submitted two requests: first, he wanted the Lord's help for his hearers to honor and respond to God’s word with a sense of immediacy (1); second, Paul was seeking special protection from evil men violent in their resistance to the gospel (2).
Reassurance for Strength (3-5)
Paul then reassured the church of God’s faithfulness, not only to establish them when attacks from evil men came but also to guard them during affliction from the evil one (3). He concluded by expressing the confidence he had in them to follow the Lord’s commands (4) and allow Him to direct their hearts to act in love and be steadfast like Christ (5).
Rebuke for Idleness (6-15)
Paul had commanded and continued to command the Thessalonians not to be idle but to imitate their own example of not being a burden to anyone by working with their own hands (6-9). Paul’s two commands are clear: if a person is not willing to work, that person should go hungry (10-11). Second, a person is to work quietly and earn his own living (12). Paul wanted the church not to grow weary in what he called this “good work” (13). He also wanted them to take note of those taking advantage of the generosity and have nothing to do with them, not treating them as an enemy but seeking to turn them back to a work ethic like one would a close brother (14-15). The translation of shame here in verse 14 may be a poor translation, as the word means “to turn back.” The Message seems to get it right with the words, “Maybe then he’ll think twice.”
Final Greetings (16-18)
Paul closed with the blessing of peace (16) and the proof of the genuineness of his authorship by writing it with his own hand (17-18).
Prejudicial Proverbs (16:1-22:16)
Solomon lays out the appropriate conduct in conversations and for friendship in verses 1 through 8.
A) Unfriendly speech (1)
B) Fools love their own opinion (2)
C) Scandal and disgrace (3)
D) The depth of wise words (4)
D) The depth of wise judgment (5)
C) Quarrels and disgrace (6)
B) Fools' opinions destroy them (7)
A) Friendship destroying speech (8)
Solomon next lays out six proverbs dealing with the theme of security. In verse 9, he states that laziness leads to calamity; in verse 10, calling on the name of the Lord is a great security. In verse 11, wealth is an illusion of security; and in verse 12, when someone feels most secure in himself, it is the time to actually be the most concerned. In verse 13, we find security in listening well before an answer; and in verse 14, a person's spirit and attitude will bring security and stability in times of sickness.
In verses 15 through 19, Solomon deals with the subject of justice in the courts. In verse 15, we learn that those who give justice are always learning. In verse 16, we learn that gifts given to people of influence can give someone access to their help. Next, Solomon inserts that the first to present his argument does not necessarily have the advantage (17). Solomon adds that sometimes the evidence is not very compelling and flipping a coin is the best way to resolve a conflict (18). Finally, it must be noted that the closer the relationship, the harder it is to resolve the offense (19).
Solomon then presents two proverbs on the power of words: first, the words we use feed our souls (20), and second, our words have the power to give or drain someone of life (21).
Finally, the chapter concludes with Solomon defining the foundation for healthy friendships. First, we are to treasure our wives (22); next, we are to be merciful (23); and finally, we are to show great loyalty (24).