But he who enters by the door is a shepherd of the sheep. To him the doorkeeper opens, and the sheep hear his voice, and he calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. John 10:2-3 In verse 5 he repeats, “they know his voice” and in verse 6, “they do not know…

The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly. John 10:10 NASB Sheep are important. To the shepherd and the thief (and probably a few wolves close by too). The sheep pen is a safe place, and the gate or door allows access.…

Very truly I tell you Pharisees, anyone who does not enter the sheep pen by the gate, but climbs in by some other way, is a thief and a robber. John 10:1 NIV This section of John is both a tender picture of God’s care and love for me and a sharp rebuke to those…

And Jesus said, “For judgment I came into this world, so that those who do not see may see, and that those who see may become blind.” John 9:39 NASB Separating the sheep from the goats There is a thin line between heaven and earth — what happens in one is reflected in the other.…

When He had said these things, He spat on the ground and made clay with the saliva; and He anointed the eyes of the blind man with the clay. And He said to him, “Go, wash in the pool of Siloam” (which is translated, Sent). So he went and washed, and came back seeing. John…

Now as Jesus passed by, He saw a man who was blind from birth. And His disciples asked Him, saying, “Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?” Jesus answered, “Neither this man nor his parents sinned, but that the works of God should be revealed in him. I must…

So the Jews said to Him, “You are not yet fifty years old, and have You seen Abraham?” Jesus said to them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, before Abraham was born, I am.” Therefore they picked up stones to throw at Him, but Jesus hid Himself and went out of the temple. John 8:57-59…

Your father Abraham rejoiced to see My day, and he saw it and was glad. John 8:56 NASB Seeing Abraham saw. He was looking for something. An answer. A solution. Living is incredibly hard work. People are dim in their eyes and do horrible things. There must be a remedy. He heard the stories of…

I am not seeking glory for myself; but there is one who seeks it, and he is the judge. John 8:50 NIV Glory conjures up all sorts of images for me. Triumphant victory. The climax of the autumn season with gorgeous foliage and bountiful harvest. Conquering a climb to the top of a mountain. Prize-worthy…

But because I tell the truth, you do not believe Me. Which of you convicts Me of sin? And if I tell the truth, why do you not believe Me? He who is of God hears God’s words, therefore you do not hear, because you are not of God. John 8:45-47 NKJV You are not…

You are of your father the devil, and the desires of your father you want to do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaks a lie, he speaks from his own resources, for he is a liar and…

Jesus said to them, “If God were your Father, you would love Me, for I proceeded forth and came from God; nor have I come of Myself, but He sent Me. Why do you not understand My speech? Because you are not able to listen to My word.” John 8:42-43 NKJV We imitate that which…

They answered Him, “We are Abraham’s descendants, and have never been in bondage to anyone. How can You say, ‘You will be made free’?” Jesus said to them, “If you were Abraham’s children, you would do the works of Abraham. But now you seek to kill Me, a Man who has told you the truth…

Then Jesus said to those Jews who believed Him, “If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed. And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.” John 8:31-32 NKJV Are all believers equal? One thing my heart and my mind stumble over in this passage is that there…

Even as he spoke, many believed in him. To the Jews who had believed him, Jesus said, “If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” John 8:30-32 NIV This and what follows is one of the most bizarre interactions…

So Jesus said, “When you lift up the Son of Man, then you will know that I am He, and I do nothing on My own initiative, but I speak these things as the Father taught Me. John 8:28 (NASB) Jesus says this so matter of fact: Once I’m crucified (lifted up) then you will…

… but I speak these things as the Father taught Me. And He who sent Me is with Me; He has not left Me alone, for I always do the things that are pleasing to Him. John 8:28-29 Jesus’ words are truly incredible. Who among us can say that we only speak the words given…

“Who are you?” they asked. “Just what I have been telling you from the beginning,” Jesus replied.” John 8:25 NIV Rotherham translates this verse [with notes]: They were saying to him therefore, “Who are you?” Jesus said to them, “First and foremost [at the outset, or fundamentally] even what I speak to you.” [or “What…

And He was saying to them, “You are from [realms] below, I am from [realms] above; you are of this world, I am not of this world. John 8:23 (NASB) At first reading, Jesus’ words may seem condescending, but I don’t believe that was his intention. To relate his meaning to my own experience, I…

Then Jesus said to them again, “I am going away, and you will seek Me, and will die in your sin. Where I go you cannot come.” So the Jews said, “Will He kill Himself, because He says, ‘Where I go you cannot come’?” John 8:21-22 NKJV Jesus said something very similar in John 7:33-34,…

Then they said to Him, “Where is Your Father?” Jesus answered, “You know neither Me nor My Father. If you had known Me, you would have known My Father also.” These words Jesus spoke in the treasury, as He taught in the temple; and no one laid hands on Him, for His hour had not…

The Pharisees challenged him, “Here you are, appearing as your own witness; your testimony is not valid.” Jesus answered, “Even if I testify on my own behalf, my testimony is valid, for I know where I came from and where I am going. But you have no idea where I come from or where I…

When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” John 8:12 NIV [Preface comments: This narrative seems to be connected with the previous time Jesus spoke in John 7:39 when he told those…

Your kingdom come. Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Matthew 6:10 NASB1995 There is something about God’s kingdom coming that connects with His will being done, not just in heaven, but also on earth. In the context of personal prayer, it is easy to interpret this to mean, that in…

Now on the last day, the great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried out, saying, “If anyone is thirsty, let him come to Me and drink. He who believes in Me, as the Scripture said, ‘From his innermost being will flow rivers of living water.’” But this He spoke of the Spirit, whom…

Then Jesus said to them, “I shall be with you a little while longer, and then I go to Him who sent Me. You will seek Me and not find Me, and where I am you cannot come.” John 7:33-34 NKJV Jesus’ coming crucifixion, resurrection, and departure from this planet and his physical body did…

Do not judge according to appearance, but judge with righteous judgment. John 7:24 NASB Of the many topics addressed in this dialogue in John 7, the most notable is the Jews’ offense at Christ for healing a man by the pool of Bethsaida on the Sabbath (which happened in John 5). In their minds, the…

If anyone is willing to do His will, he will know of the teaching, whether it is of God or whether I speak from Myself. John 7:17 NASB Knowing something These are incredible words: my understanding of the Kingdom of God and of His teaching is based on my personal willingness to do. It is…

But when it was now the midst of the feast Jesus went up into the temple, and began to teach. The Jews then were astonished, saying, “How has this man become learned, having never been educated?” Jesus therefore answered them and said, “My teaching is not mine, but his who sent me.” John 7:14-16 NASB…

Among the crowds there was widespread whispering about him. Some said, “He is a good man.” Others replied, “No, he deceives the people. But no one would say anything publicly about him for fear of the leaders. John 7:12-13 NIV Even at the time of Christ there were red and blue opinions — wide gaps…

For even his own brothers did not believe in him. John 7:5 NIV Imagine those closest to Jesus — his mom, dad, and brothers. Although they initially did not choose to follow him like the disciples, they had a unique front-row seat to observe the ordinariness of Israel’s messiah. Jesus’ public ministry to Israel began…

Jesus answered them, “Did I Myself not choose you, the twelve, and yet one of you is a devil?” Now He meant Judas the son of Simon Iscariot, for he, one of the twelve, was going to betray Him. John 6:70-71 NASB If all the dramatic lessons in John 6 weren’t enough — from the…

As a result of this many of His disciples withdrew and were not walking with Him anymore. John 6:66 NASB Isn’t it a crazy coincidence that when flesh is stumbled by the Messiah that the verse number aligns with the number of man? If you’re not freaked out about the verse notation in John 6:66,…

But Jesus, conscious that His disciples grumbled at this, said to them, “Does this cause you to stumble? What then if you see the Son of Man ascending to where He was before?” John 6:61-62 NASB In other words, if you are stumbled over my words, my parents, this teaching, the contradictions you see, then…

But Jesus, conscious that His disciples grumbled at this, said to them, “Does this cause you to stumble? John 6:61 NASB There are significant obstacles to believing the gospel. Today, there are so many conflicting belief systems in the church. Many see people professing faith with a political activism from that treats people without dignity…

So Jesus said to them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink His blood, you have no life in yourselves. He who eats My flesh and drinks My blood has eternal life, and I will raise him up on the last day. For My…

Our life after death I’m aware that my time in my body offers me a unique ability to transact in my world. Now. And I fully desire to engage every day with all of my heart. Yet, one thing that frightens me about death is that I will be forcefully disengaged with life as I…

Overcoming Death 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. For this is the will of My Father, that everyone who beholds the Son and believes in Him will have eternal life, and I Myself…

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. For this is the will of My Father, that everyone who beholds the Son and believes in Him will have eternal life, and I Myself will raise…

All that the Father gives Me will come to Me, and the one who comes to Me I will certainly not cast out. For I have come down from heaven, not to do My own will, but the will of Him who sent Me. John 6:37-38 All… will come Jesus continues a flow with incredible…

Jesus said to them, “I am the bread of life; he who comes to Me will not hunger, and he who believes in Me will never thirst.” John 6:35 NASB Not and Never. No. Not. Ever. Never. What is it that is negated, cancelled, denied? Hunger and thirst. Who? Those that come to him. Simple.…

So they asked him, “What sign then will you give that we may see it and believe you? What will you do? Our ancestors ate the manna in the wilderness; as it is written: ‘He gave them bread from heaven to eat.’ ” Jesus said to them, “Very truly I tell you, it is not…

Then they asked him, “What must we do to do the works God requires?” Jesus answered, “The work of God is this: to believe in the one he has sent.” John 6:28-29 NIV Every day work compels me forward. Within is an internal compass, even a personal satisfaction with what I can do. Work at…

Do not work for the food which perishes, but for the food which endures to eternal life, which the Son of Man will give to you, for on Him the Father, God, has set His seal. John 6:27 NASB Jesus continued with words that still affect me deeply. “Work. If you must work, but work…

Jesus answered them and said, “Truly, truly, I say to you, you seek Me, not because you saw signs, but because you ate of the loaves and were filled.” John 6:26 NASB There is so much going on in this response in verse 26 and 27, it’s like a freeze dried meal. Just add water.…

The wisdom of the prudent is to give thought to their ways, but the folly of fools is deception. Proverbs 14:8 NIV There is a big difference between doing something impulsively and thinking about it beforehand. Some of my biggest and most embarrassing moments have come from the lack of consideration of the impact of…

Leave the presence of a fool, or you will not discern words of knowledge. Proverbs 14:7 NASB What is it about the influence of someone who [is a fool and] doesn’t know it? Influence can be radiant like light spilling from a fire or like the gravitational pull of a black hole sucking everything good…

A scoffer seeks wisdom and finds none, But knowledge is easy to one who has understanding. Proverbs 14:6 NASB What a funny twist: one that seeks, doesn’t find, but the one who already has, gets more. It’s clear that in order to learn, understand, and gain wisdom, it’s much more than simply deciding I want…

A trustworthy witness will not lie, But a false witness utters lies. Proverbs 14:5 NASB Rotherham: A faithful witness, will not deceive, but a false witness, uttereth deceitful things. There is a subtle distinction in the Hebrew with how “lie” is used. The first translated, will not lie, is a verb from kazab, meaning to…

Where no oxen are, the manger is clean, But much revenue comes by the strength of the ox. Proverbs 14:4 NASB When I worked at Bellevue College, there was a period when summer classes ended in August and fall classes began in late September — a time when most faculty and students spent time elsewhere.…

A fool’s mouth lashes out with pride, but the lips of the wise protect them. Proverbs 14:3 NIV Literally: In a fool’s mouth is a shoot for his swelling, lips of the wise keep, watch, preserve. Lashes out with pride: “is a rod for his back” (NAS) “is a rod of pride” (NKJV), is a…

He who walks in his uprightness fears the LORD, But he who is devious in his ways despises Him. Proverbs 14:2 NASB The Hebrew word for uprightness means: straightness, evenness of path, often inferring rightness, what is due, right, or even predictable. In contrast, devious (in his ways) means: to turn aside, depart, the inferred…

The wise woman builds her house, But the foolish tears it down with her own hands. Proverbs 14:1 NASB The Hebrew word for house is similar to the English word — it’s nuanced and has variety and depth. It can mean the physical home with roof and floor, or the place where you lay your…

The righteous has enough to satisfy his appetite, But the stomach of the wicked is in need. Proverbs 13:25 NASB Appearances are deceiving. Often one may look at men and women with no outward respect for God and see their prosperity. Where on another hand, those who pursue the kingdom, often at the expense of…

He who withholds his rod hates his son, But he who loves him disciplines him diligently. Proverbs 13:24 NASB Growing and maturing can be a risky business. Push someone too hard and they resent you. Don’t push him hard enough and they miss an opportunity to fulfill their potential. Prune a plant too much and…

Abundant food is in the fallow ground of the poor, But it is swept away by injustice. Proverbs 13:23 NASB One could read this two ways: The fallow ground is producing the food on it’s own — a volunteer crop; or the land has much potential, if only there was one to cultivate it. Either…

A good man leaves an inheritance to his children’s children, And the wealth of the sinner is stored up for the righteous. Proverbs 13:22 NASB There are a lot of similarities between people worldwide, but there is something extraordinary about the children of God: I have enough, and often more than enough. Humans must work,…

Trouble pursues the sinner, but the righteous are rewarded with good things. Proverbs 13:21 NIV [Adversity, disaster, hurt] pursue [chase, hunt, follows] sinners [criminals, one guilty of offense], but the righteous [just, lawful] will be rewarded [make amends, make an end, finish, full, give again, make good, repay again, from a root meaning to be…

Walk with the wise and become wise, for a companion of fools suffers harm. Proverbs 13:20 NIV Friendship is empathy. Understanding, aligning with, and accepting another. When you associate with someone, it creates a natural context for the heart to follow. The tighter a relationship, the more I will become like what I’m observing, accepting,…

A longing fulfilled is sweet to the soul, but fools detest turning from evil. Proverbs 13:19 NIV Two times in one chapter Solomon writes about human desire being fulfilled. Here in verse 19 it is, “sweet to the soul” where earlier in verse 12 it is, “a tree of life.” Every day, first thing out…

Whoever disregards discipline comes to poverty and shame, but whoever heeds correction is honored. Proverbs13:18NIV Not having or having. The attitude of poverty or honor (our substance) begins in my heart and lodges there. One of the foundational messages in Proverbs is encouraging the reader to have a heart that listens. Being teachable. When am…

A wicked messenger falls into adversity, but a faithful envoy brings healing. Proverbs 13:17 (NAS) A [wicked, lawless] messenger falls into [trouble, hardship, mischief, evil, adversity], but a [faithful, trustworthy] [envoy, ambassador, herald] brings healing. Solomon contrasts the two words used for messenger. The first is “malak” and is translated almost equally as messenger and…

All who are prudent act with knowledge, but fools expose their folly. Proverbs 13:16 NIV As I am reading through the Proverbs, I often check what commentators say about a verse, hoping to understand the language better. I regularly pick up on a sense of black and white; the writer’s perspective is typically the standard…

Good understanding produces favor, But the way of the treacherous is hard. Proverbs 13:15 NASB The Hebrew word for “hard,” ethan, is translated enduring, ever-flowing, hard, normal state, perennially, running water, unceasing. It was used in Exodus when Israel crossed the waters of the Red Sea, then once they made it through the Egyptians followed…

The teaching of the wise is a fountain of life, To turn aside from the snares of death. Proverbs 13:14 NASB The word teaching is “torah” which is also used to refer to the law, or writings of Moses. It may also be translated “instruction,” which Solomon provides in abundance in Proverbs. There are many…

The one who despises the word will be in debt to it, But the one who fears the commandment will be rewarded. Proverbs 13:13 NASB Or another translation says: He that despises a matter, shall get pledged thereto; but he that reveres a commandment, the same shall be recompensed. Proverbs 13:13 Rotherham “The word” say…

Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but desire fulfilled is a tree of life. Proverbs 13:12 The Proverbs are filled with cause and effect — you do this, you get that — most which compel the reader toward choosing goodness, righteousness, diligence, and humility. Then Solomon pens this proverb. When I first read this, it…

Wealth obtained by fraud dwindles, But the one who gathers by labor increases it. Proverbs 13:11 Fraud, from a Hebrew root meaning vapor, breath, emptiness, vanity. The NIV translates, “Dishonest money dwindles away, but whoever gathers money little by little makes it grow.” And Rotherham, “Wealth gotten by greed diminishes, but he that gathers by…

Where there is strife, there is pride, but wisdom is found in those who take advice. Proverbs 13:10 NIV Rotherham says: “Only by pride does one cause contention…” Contention. Strife. The Hebrew means to quarrel. From a root; properly, to go forth, i.e. (by implication) to be expelled, and (consequently) to be desolate. From this…

The light of the righteous rejoices [shines brightly], But the lamp of the wicked will be put out. Proverbs 13:9 NKJV There’s a delightful picture found in the verb of the first sentence, which literally means rejoice, or be glad. From this, translators conclude that if it as a happy light — happy doing what…

The ransom of a man’s life is his wealth, But the poor hears no rebuke. Proverbs 13:8 NASB Ransom is a beautiful word. It is the same word used of “pitch” in Genesis when God instructed Noah how to seal up the ark. It kept out the flood and was a protection, or in Noah’s…

There is one who makes himself rich, yet has nothing; And one who makes himself poor, yet has great riches. Proverbs 13:7 NKJV Or Rotherham’s translation: There is, who feigns himself rich, yet has nothing at all, and who pleads poverty, yet has great substance. Solomon is talking about appearances. Something that is actually a…

Righteousness guards him whose way is blameless [the person of integrity], But wickedness [lawlessness] overthrows [subverts, undermines] the sinner. Proverbs 13:6 NKJV Solomon personifies righteousness and lawlessness as either a protector or a villain looking for my downfall. They are two dispositions in constant tension, working out their natures in my life like peaches appearing…

A righteous man hates falsehood, But a wicked man acts disgustingly and shamefully. Proverbs 13:5 NASB What is the connection between one who hates lies and one who causes shame? One man hates what is false. Their soul rejects it and doesn’t want any part of it. No shade of lie, no half truth, no…

A sluggard’s appetite is never filled, but the desires of the diligent are fully satisfied. Proverbs 13:4 NIV Or New American Standard translates it, “The soul of the sluggard craves and gets nothing.” Appetite and need Appetite refers to the desire for food or drink and also the need to satisfy both cravings of the…

The one who guards his mouth preserves his life; The one who opens wide his lips comes to ruin. Proverbs 13:3 NASB Everything we think is not worthy to be communicated to others. The mouth provides a distinct gateway through which words, thoughts, heart, soul, and expression may pass. The guarding of that gateway with…

From the fruit of a man’s mouth he enjoys good, But the desire of the treacherous is violence. Proverbs 13:2 NASB Rotherham: Of the fruit of his mouth, shall a man eat what is good, but, the soul of the treacherous, [shall be sated with] violence. Words I speak — any words — are an…

A wise son accepts his father’s discipline, But a scoffer does not listen to rebuke. Proverbs 13:1 NASB Even at 59, I must hear my Father’s voice. Age is no factor. It’s possibly more true now than when I was young. As a boy, I knew I didn’t know. As I gain knowledge, exposure, experience,…

In the way of righteousness is life, and in its pathway there is no death. Proverbs 12:28 NASB Life is powerful. Indomitable. It is creative, full, and expressive. Life is not simply the absence of death, rather, living the intent and purpose for which I exist. Being fully alive. A light that is never extinguished.…

A lazy man does not roast his prey, But the precious possession of a man is diligence. Proverbs 12:27 NASB Or A lazy man (Indolence, slothful man, also translated deceit or treachery) does not roast (or catch) his own (or any) game, but the substance of a man is precious when he is diligent. The…

The righteous is a guide to his neighbor, But the way of the wicked leads them astray. Proverbs 12:26 NASB Influence is powerful. Intentionality is a force in life, whether it is for good or not so good. Those who determine to live righteously and those who choose to act upon self-serving desire both are…

Anxiety in a man’s heart weighs it down, But a good word makes it glad. Proverbs 12:25 NASB Anxiety, fear, threat, projections of a future without hope all place the responsibility for wellbeing on something outside of my control. There are many things that do “inspire” this, including sickness, a lost job, deployment to a…

A prudent man conceals knowledge, But the heart of fools proclaims folly. Proverbs12:23NASB A more literal and expanded translation using lexicon: A prudent [crafty, shrewd, sensible] man, conceals [covers] knowledge, but the heart [inner man, mind, will] of fools [stupid fellow, dullard] proclaims [calls, reads] folly. Knowledge is a commodity. It’s powerful. It may be…

Lying lips are an abomination to the LORD, But those who deal faithfully are His delight. Proverbs 12:22 NASB Delight What does it mean to be God’s delight? There is something inside me and my fellow human that typically compels us to please. We please our parents, our spouse, our employer, and sometimes — even…

No harm befalls the righteous, but the wicked are filled with trouble. Proverbs 12:21 (NASB) A very literal translation from the Hebrew Lexicon: “No trouble, sorrow, wickedness, will have opportunity, to meet or encounter opportunely, with the just, righteous, but to the wicked, criminal, to be full, to fill, evil, distress, misery injury, calamity. Rotherham…

Deceit is in the hearts of those who plot evil [contrivers of mischief], but those who promote peace [counselors of peace] have joy. Proverbs 12:20 NIV [Rotherham] The Hebrew word for “plot” means: to cut in, engrave, plow, devise. It’s often used of a farmer planting seed. And the seed being planted here, in the…

Truthful lips will be established forever, but a lying tongue is only for a moment. Proverbs 12:19 (NASB) The Emphasized Bible says: A lip that is faithful shall be firm to futurity, but only for a twinkling (while I wink) is a tongue that is false. Proverbs 12:19 (Rotherham) When something is “established forever” it…

There is one who speaks rashly like the thrusts of a sword, But the tongue of the wise brings healing. Proverbs 12:18 NASB I can feel the deep emotion reflected in this verse. A wounded spirit is not in the same category as a broken limb or a cut finger. “Speaking rashly” according to Strong,…

He who speaks truth tells what is right, but a false witness, deceit. Proverbs 12:17 NASB He that whispers faithfulness declares righteousness, but a false witness is a fraud. (Rotherham) “Speaks truth” is more nuanced in Hebrew than the English reveals. The word speak means to blow with a breath of air. The word for…

Fools show their annoyance at once, but the prudent overlook an insult. Proverbs 12:16 NIV Rotherham’s translation says: A foolish man on the same day lets his vexation be known, but he that conceals an affront is prudent. Proverbs 12:16 Annoyance is universal but my agitated response doesn’t have to be. Vexation is such a…

The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, but a wise man is he who listens to counsel. Proverbs 12:15 NASB This is a particularly painful proverb for me this morning as I grapple with some persistent missteps at work. I feel like such a fool! I have so many blind spots…

A man will be satisfied with good by the fruit of his words, and the deeds of a man’s hands will return to him. Proverbs 12:14 NASB This Proverb is the perfect follow up and contrast to the previous two (verses 12-13). What we say and our healthy attitude toward work result in both deep…

An evil man is ensnared by the transgression of his lips, But the righteous will escape from trouble. Proverbs 12:13 NASB Words are powerful. They connected directly to a man’s soul. They are part of me and reflect my thinking and my ownership of an intention or belief. Just like a mouse has a tail…

The lawless man craves the prey [gain] of the wicked, But the root of the righteous is enduring. Proverbs 12:12 (Rotherham) The wicked covet the catch of evil men, But the root of the righteous yields fruit. Proverbs 12:12 NKJV Man craves. I see then I want. My desire combined with my values create the…

Those who work their land will have abundant food, but those who chase fantasies have no sense. Proverbs 12:11 NIV One thing that strikes me as I read through Proverbs is how practical and pragmatic many are. Here, for example, my first impression is that of a counselor telling a hungry visionary: “You need to…

The righteous care for the needs of their animals, but the kindest acts of the wicked are cruel. Proverbs 12:10 NIV When I am righteous I am reflecting the nature of God, his character, and his attitudes. Although humans are the focus of His love and attention, an animal too contains life which reflects the…

Better is he who is lightly esteemed and has a servant, than he who honors himself and lacks bread. Proverbs 12:9 The message Bible says: Better to be ordinary and work for a living than act important and starve in the process. Proverbs 12:9 MSG I like the way the Pulpit commentary frames it up:…

A person is praised according to their prudence, and one with a warped mind is despised. Proverbs 12:8 NIV Another translations says: In proportion to his prudence is a man to be praised, but the perverse in heart shall be an object of contempt. Proverbs 12:8 Rotherham I have an odd question that seems completely…

The wicked are overthrown and are no more, but the house of the righteous will stand. Proverbs 12:7 I like how Rotherham translates this: Overthrown are the lawless and they are not… It’s easy to read through the words about the lawless and think, “Yeah, they get what’s coming to them!” and move on. Yet…

The words of the wicked lie in wait for blood, But the mouth of the upright will deliver them. Proverbs12:6NASB Or, the words of the wicked are, “lie in wait for blood” (as though that is there instruction to others). I understand that people become what they choose. If I choose wickedness and only that…

The plans of the righteous are just, but the advice of the wicked is deceitful. Proverbs12:5NIV Plans, or thoughts, from Strongs also means: cunning work, curious work, imagination, invented, means, purpose, thought. I believe I am righteous, but does that make all of my plans just? There are times, and today is one of them,…

A wife of noble character is her husband’s crown, but a disgraceful wife is like decay in his bones. Proverbs12:4NIV Or A virtuous [strong, worthy, capable] woman is the crown of her husband [owner], but a veritable decay in the bones is she that causes shame. Proverbs 12:4 Rotherham Virtuous, noble, worthy, all deep and…

A man is not established by wickedness, But the root of the righteous cannot be moved. Proverbs12:3NKJV Or more literally: A son of earth shall not be established by lawlessness, but the root of the righteous shall not be disturbed. Proverbs 12:3 Rotherham Or more loosely: You can’t find firm footing in a swamp, but…

A good man obtains favor from the LORD, But a man of wicked intentions He will condemn. Proverbs12:2NKJV Preface thoughts: If one has spent much time in the church, it’s easy to read Bible verses like this through the lens that God is constantly watching to judge me as good or wicked. That sentiment, or…

Whoever loves discipline loves knowledge, but whoever hates correction is stupid. Proverbs 12:1NIV Love and hate. Knowledge and stoopidity. Hot and cold. Black and white. Opposites. Except for discipline and correction — it is the one common item between those that are stupid and those that aren’t. The difference between them boils down to the…

This almost reads like a detective novel or crime scene investigation. Pull out your notepad and come sleuth with me. The next day the crowd that stood on the other side of the sea saw that there was no other small boat there, except one, and that Jesus had not entered with His disciples into…

When they had rowed about three or four miles, they saw Jesus approaching the boat, walking on the water; and they were frightened. But he said to them, “It is I; don’t be afraid.” Then they were willing to take him into the boat, and immediately the boat reached the shore where they were heading.…

When evening came, his disciples went down to the lake, where they got into a boat and set off across the lake for Capernaum. By now it was dark, and Jesus had not yet joined them. A strong wind was blowing and the waters grew rough. John‬ ‭6:16-18‬ ‭NIV ‬‬‬‬‬‬ This storm on the water…

After the people saw the sign Jesus performed, they began to say, “Surely this is the Prophet who is to come into the world.” Jesus, knowing that they intended to come and make him king by force, withdrew again to a mountain by himself. John 6:14-15 NIV I would love to transport myself back to…

Jesus then took the loaves, gave thanks, and distributed to those who were seated as much as they wanted. He did the same with the fish. When they had all had enough to eat, he said to his disciples, “Gather the pieces that are left over. Let nothing be wasted.” So they gathered them and…

Then Jesus lifted up His eyes, and seeing a great multitude coming toward Him, He said to Philip, “Where shall we buy bread, that these may eat?” But this He said to test him, for He Himself knew what He would do. John‬ ‭6:5-6‬ ‭NKJV‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬ Did Phillip pass the test? He had a front row…

Some time after this, Jesus crossed to the far shore of the Sea of Galilee (that is, the Sea of Tiberias), and a great crowd of people followed him because they saw the signs he had performed by healing the sick. John‬ ‭6:1-2‬ ‭NIV‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬ The story of Jesus feeding the 5,000 is amazing on so…

If the righteous will be rewarded in the earth, How much more the wicked and the sinner! Proverbs‬ ‭11:31‬ ‭NASB‬‬‬‬‬‬ Rotherham is more literal: Lo! the righteous… “Lo” is a Hebrew interjection, sometimes expressing surprise. Often translated as behold! or lo! It draws attention to what follows. “Will be rewarded” or “Shall be recompensed” is…

The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life, And he who is wise wins souls. Proverbs‬ ‭11:30‬ ‭NASB‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬ A tree produces fruit. And fruit produces a tree. Of the many types of trees on earth, Jesus said you will know it’s type by its fruit. Identity is borne out in this vibrant cycle…

He who troubles his own house will inherit the wind, And the fool will be servant to the wise of heart. Proverbs‬ ‭11:29‬ ‭NKJV‬‬‬‬‬‬ Every person alive has lessons to learn in life, and one way or another we will find ourselves in that classroom. The Hebrew word for wind is the same used for…

Those who trust in their riches will fall, but the righteous will thrive like a green leaf. Proverbs‬ ‭11:28‬ ‭NIV‬‬‬‬‬‬ Rotherham translates: “He that trusts in his riches, the same will fall (fade, whither away). But like the leaf shall the righteous break forth (bud, sprout, shoot). Trust is a powerful word and a deep…

Whoever seeks good finds favor, but evil comes to one who searches for it. Proverbs‬ ‭11:27‬ ‭NIV‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬ “Whoever seeks” is taken from a Hebrew word meaning “to look for dawn,” carrying the implication that one is awake, ardently waiting for the morning to come. After a long night with darkness obscuring your view, you wait…

He who withholds grain, the people will curse him, But blessing will be on the head of him who sells it. Proverbs‬ ‭11:26‬ ‭NASB‬‬‬‬‬‬ The obvious application of this proverb is to those that have control over commodities upon which people’s lives and livelihoods depend. A businessperson would naturally want to save the grain he…

A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed. Proverbs‬ ‭11:25‬ ‭NIV‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬ Another translations says: The liberal soul will be made fat. The word prosper, according to Strong, is from a root meaning to be fat or to fatten; to anoint; figuratively, to satisfy. Today, for those of us are health-conscious, at first…

One person gives freely, yet gains even more; another withholds unduly, but comes to poverty. Proverbs‬ ‭11:24‬ ‭NIV‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬ This verse erupts in richness in the different translations: There is one who scatters, and yet increases all the more, And there is one who withholds what is justly due, and yet it results only in want.…

The desire of the righteous is only good, the expectation of the lawless is wrath. Proverbs 11:23 (EB) Desire and expectation are both forward looking. They spring from hope in tomorrow. What’s around the corner? What will the day bring? My thoughts are constantly scanning the horizon. What will be happening this weekend? The coming…

As a ring of gold in a swine’s snout so is a beautiful woman who lacks discretion. Proverbs‬ ‭11:22‬ ‭NASB‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬ To Israel, swine were unclean. The Israelites were not allowed to eat pork and pigs became a symbol of something that was detested, rejected, not to be associated with. “There is probably no animal as…

“Truly, truly, I say to you, he who believes in Me, the works that I do, he will do also; and greater works than these he will do; because I go to the Father. Whatever you ask in My name, that will I do, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If…

Assuredly, the evil man will not go unpunished, but the descendants of the righteous will be delivered. Proverbs‬ ‭11:21‬ ‭NASB‬‬ The Emphasized Bible’s more literal translation says: “Hand to hand the wicked man shall not be held innocent, but the seed of the righteous has been delivered.” The expression “hand to hand” conjures a few…

For as the Father has life in himself, so he has granted the Son also to have life in himself. John‬ ‭5:26‬ ‭NIV‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬ Seeing and doing. This is Jesus’ theme in this conversation. Earlier he says in verse 19; he can do only what he sees the Father doing, because whatever the Father does the…

And the Father who sent me has himself testified concerning me. You have never heard his voice nor seen his form, nor does his word dwell in you, for you do not believe the one he sent. You study the Scriptures diligently because you think that in them you have eternal life. These are the…

The perverse in heart are an abomination to the LORD, But the blameless in their walk are His delight. Proverbs‬ ‭11:20‬ ‭NASB‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬ Can you imagine making the Lord delighted? At the core of my being I feel that desire to love God and please Him. This is what motivates me every day — at least…

Truly the righteous attain life, but whoever pursues evil finds death. ‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭11:19‬ ‭NIV‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬ The NAS translates it: “He who is steadfast in righteousness will attain to life…” Life or death are constantly staring us down in the minutia of our daily choices. It sounds so dramatic to say that, but in reality we are…

The wicked earns deceptive wages, But he who sows righteousness gets a true reward. Proverbs‬ ‭11:18‬ ‭NASB‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬ The Rotherham translation says: “The lawless man earns the wages of falsehood, but he that sows righteousness has the reward of fidelity.” Fidelity is the observance of a promise, loyalty, or faithfulness (to your spouse), and accuracy. We…

The merciful man does himself good, But the cruel man does himself harm. Proverbs‬ ‭11:17‬ ‭NASB‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬ I love the irony; being merciful compassion or forbearance offered to another for their benefit, yet Solomon says it actually helps the one offering it. The same affect also applies to the cruel man — causing someone pain is…

A gracious woman retains honor, But ruthless men retain riches. Proverbs‬ ‭11:16‬ ‭NKJV‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬ The second part of the proverb is translated various ways: “diligent men” (Rotherham), “violent men” (NAS), “strong men” (KJV). The Hebrew word means: mighty, oppressor, in great power, strong, terrible, violent and usually applied in a negative context. Both graciousness and ruthlessness…

And behold, I am sending forth the promise of My Father upon you; but you are to stay in the city until you are clothed with power from on high.” Luke‬ ‭24:49‬ ‭NASB‬‬ But whoever drinks of the water that I will give him shall never thirst; but the water that I will give him…

For the Father loves the Son and shows him all he does. Yes, and he will show him even greater works than these, so that you will be amazed. John‬ ‭5:20‬ ‭NIV‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬ Rotherham’s literal translation adds “The Father dearly loves the Son…” As I read my way through the book of John, one thing is…

Then Jesus answered and said to them, “Most assuredly, I say to you, the Son can do nothing of Himself, but what He sees the Father do; for whatever He does, the Son also does in like manner. John‬ ‭5:19 ‭NKJV‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬ Rotherham translates verse 19 saying, “the Son cannot be doing of himself a single…

But Jesus answered them, “My Father has been working until now, and I have been working. John‬ ‭5:17‬ ‭NKJV‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬ For me, Jesus’ encounter with the sick man raises a few questions: Of the many people seeking healing, why only this man? Why the instruction to pick up his bed? It was the Sabbath and every…

Whoever puts up security for a stranger will surely suffer, but whoever refuses to shake hands in pledge is safe. ‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭11:15‬ ‭NIV‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬ Solomon’s advice makes sense, and upon reading it, it seems like there should be nothing to add. Making a financial commitment for someone you do not know seems not only risky but…

Where there is no counsel, the people fall; But in the multitude of counselors there is safety. Proverbs‬ ‭11:14‬ ‭NKJV‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬ The word counsel comes from a Hebrew word originally meaning “rope pulling” as in steering or directing a ship. It has come to mean steerage (as in the management of ropes) or figuratively as guidance,…

He who goes about as a talebearer reveals secrets, But he who is trustworthy conceals a matter. ‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭11:13‬ ‭NASB‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬ Gills exposition of the Bible discusses a tale bearer: (One) that goes about with tales from place to place, who is like a walking merchant or peddler, who takes up his wares at one place,…

Later Jesus found him at the temple and said to him, “See, you are well again. Stop sinning or something worse may happen to you.” John‬ ‭5:14‬ ‭NIV‬‬‬‬‬‬ What could be worse than sitting crippled for 38 years? Whatever illness or condition this man had, Jesus connected it with sin. Similarly in Mark 2:5 Jesus…

In these lay a great multitude of sick people, blind, lame, paralyzed, waiting for the moving of the water… When Jesus saw him lying there, and knew that he already had been in that condition a long time, He said to him, “Do you want to be made well?” John‬ ‭5:3, 6‬ ‭NKJV‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬ What a…

“Unless you people see signs and wonders,” Jesus told him, “you will never believe.” John‬ ‭4:48‬ ‭NIV‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬ As a young Bible College student, I read this as criticism. A person with sufficient, or even abundant, faith would not need a sign or a wonder to believe. Boy, how that motivated me to achieve a super-faith…

Whoever derides their neighbor has no sense, but the one who has understanding holds their tongue. ‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭11:12‬ ‭NIV‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬ The Hebrew word for “derides” means to despise, or show contempt. So, what if that neighbor is truly mean, abrasive, dismissive, and in the process others think he is the rising star, the person to listen…

Through the blessing of the upright a city is exalted, but by the mouth of the wicked it is destroyed. ‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭11:11‬ ‭NIV‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬ Where is your city? It could be your job, your church, your municipality, or anywhere people gather for a purpose. Those who are redeemed have an impact. We are salt to our…

“My food,” said Jesus, “is to do the will of him who sent me and to finish his work.” ‭‭John‬ ‭4:34‬ ‭NIV‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬ My food… The story started with Jesus speaking about Spirit-water. And now Spirit-food. Do you get the idea that the nourishment of our spirit is important? But when I think about Jesus the…

The woman said, “I know that Messiah” (called Christ) “is coming. When he comes, he will explain everything to us.” Then Jesus declared, “I, the one speaking to you—I am he.” John‬ ‭4:25-26‬ ‭NIV‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬ This story is incredible. The dance continues between this woman and Jesus. He says, she says, he says, then she says……

When the righteous prosper, the city rejoices; when the wicked perish, there are shouts of joy. Proverbs‬ ‭11:10‬ ‭NIV‬‬‬‬‬‬ I was with a co-worker last night while visiting Colorado. She returned to Denver after living in Anchorage several years. I asked, “What do you like best about Denver?” She replied, “There are people! and events,…

Yet a time is coming and has now come when the true worshipers will worship the Father in the Spirit and in truth, for they are the kind of worshipers the Father seeks. God is spirit, and his worshipers must worship in the Spirit and in truth. John‬ ‭4:21-24‬ ‭NIV‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬ The timing of God is…

Sir,” the woman said, “I can see that you are a prophet. Our ancestors worshiped on this mountain, but you Jews claim that the place where we must worship is in Jerusalem. ‭‭John‬ ‭4:19-20‬ ‭NIV‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬ If Jesus was knocking at my heart’s door asking me to believe, all in, 100%, what would be my first…

And The woman said to him, “Sir, give me this water so that I won’t get thirsty and have to keep coming here to draw water.” He told her, “Go, call your husband and come back.” “I have no husband,” she replied. Jesus said to her, “You are right when you say you have no…

With their mouths the godless destroy their neighbors, but through knowledge the righteous escape. Proverbs‬ ‭11:9‬ ‭NIV‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬ Neighbors, some times you like them, some times you don’t. Either way, they are still our neighbors. They are in close proximity. Neighbors are more than where my home is located, they are those that intersect with my…

The righteous person is rescued from trouble, and it falls on the wicked instead. Proverbs‬ ‭11:8‬ ‭NIV‬‬‬‬ Rotherham’s translation better reflects the Hebrew: “The righteous man out of distress is delivered, then cometh a lawless man into his place.” This proverb is like an Dyson vacuum cleaner making sucking sound. That is what trouble is…

Jesus answered and said to her, “Whoever drinks of this water will thirst again, but whoever drinks of the water that I shall give him will never thirst. But the water that I shall give him will become in him a fountain of water springing up into everlasting life.” ‭‭John‬ ‭4:13-14‬ ‭NKJV‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬ The water Jesus…

Jesus answered and said to her, “If you knew the gift of God, and who it is who says to you, ‘Give Me a drink,’ you would have asked Him, and He would have given you living water.” ‭John‬ ‭4:10‬ ‭NKJV‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬ There are several incredible things about Jesus’ encounter with the Samaritan woman at the…

Hopes placed in mortals die with them; all the promise of their power comes to nothing. Proverbs‬ ‭11:7‬ ‭NIV‬‬ The New KJV translation: When a wicked man dies, his expectation will perish, And the hope of the unjust perishes. Proverbs‬ ‭11:7‬ ‭NKJV‬‬‬‬ Hope and expectation are a universal compasses within man that provide a well…

The righteousness of the upright will deliver them, But the treacherous will be caught by their own greed. Proverbs 11:6 NASB This proverb is very similar to the previous: Solomon continues to distinguish between the righteous and wicked. There are serious benefits to being righteous. How many situations do we get into in our life?…

The righteousness of the blameless will smooth his way, But the wicked will fall by his own wickedness. ‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭11:5‬ ‭NASB As I’m reading through the Proverbs, I get to this one and think, “duh!” Hasn’t this already been said in so many ways and we’re only in chapter 11 of a book with 31…

Wealth is worthless in the day of wrath, but righteousness delivers from death. Proverbs‬ ‭11:4‬ ‭NIV‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬ What a simple and straightforward proverb: The best of my efforts cannot buy my way into innocence on a day of accounting that is sure to come. But when that day comes, similar to when the angel of death…

The integrity of the upright guides them, but the unfaithful are destroyed by their duplicity. Proverbs‬ ‭11:3‬ ‭NIV The word “integrity” among believers has come to mean honesty, or being morally upright. The Hebrew can mean “completeness, fullness, morally innocent, simplicity.” I personally like the word picture provided by the English definition: the state of…

When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom. Proverbs‬ ‭11:2‬ ‭NIV‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬ I am loved! Within the fabric of my soul I have intrinsic value as a person. It’s within my spiritual and physical DNA. When I was born, I am worth something. God put it there when He created me. But as…

A false balance is an abomination to the LORD, But a just weight is His delight. Proverbs‬ ‭11:1‬ ‭NASB‬‬‬‬ Solomon is reflecting on what Moses wrote in the law: You shall not have in your bag differing weights, a large and a small. You shall not have in your house differing measures, a large and…

John answered and said, A man can receive nothing unless it has been given to him from heaven. ‭‭John‬ ‭3:27‬ ‭NKJV‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬ When John the Baptist said this, there was a transition happening – the baton of ministry being passed from John to Jesus. After he was killed, Jesus said of John that among those born…

This is the judgment, that the Light has come into the world, and men loved the darkness rather than the Light, for their deeds were evil. For everyone who does evil hates the Light, and does not come to the Light for fear that his deeds will be exposed. But he who practices the truth…

He who believes in Him is not judged; he who does not believe has been judged already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. John 3:18 The word judgement sounds so final, and in our 21st century context, is often not a positive term. In a legal…

The lips of the righteous bring forth what is acceptable, But the mouth of the wicked what is perverted.‭‭ Proverbs‬ ‭10:32‬ ‭NASB ‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬ It’s fitting to end chapter 10 with a Proverb about our words. Rotherham translates it: “The lips of the righteous know what is pleasing, but the mouth of the lawless speaks perversities.”…

The mouth of the righteous flows with wisdom, But the perverted tongue will be cut out. Proverbs‬ ‭10:31‬ ‭NASB‬‬‬‬‬‬ The word “flows” means to germinate and figuratively: to causatively make flourish. As if the mouth of the righteous was a garden that demonstrates the good seed planted in the heart. I love the word picture.…

If I told you earthly things and you do not believe, how will you believe if I tell you heavenly things? No one has ascended into heaven, but He who descended from heaven: the Son of Man. As Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of Man be lifted…

The righteous will never be shaken, but the wicked will not dwell in the land. Proverbs‬ ‭10:30‬ ‭NASB There are many things which threaten humanity regularly. Being righteous doesn’t exempt me from difficulty or challenges. But those things will never remove my confidence in my relationship with Yahweh and Jesus Christ. Nor in the place…

The way of the LORD is a refuge for the blameless, but it is the ruin of those who do evil. ‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭10:29‬ ‭NIV‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬ The word refuge brings to mind a deep sense of assurance of safety. It means: a fortress, rock, or stronghold, referring to a place of defense. Life in these bodies brings…

The hope of the righteous shall be gladness, but the expectation of the lawless shall vanish. Proverbs 10:28 (Emphasized Bible) The thing I for which I wait patiently will result in gladness, joyfulness, mirth, pleasure, rejoicing. Not that joy is the object of my hope, but that my hope, whatever it is, will result in…

The fear of the LORD adds length to life, but the years of the wicked are cut short. Proverbs‬ ‭10:27‬ ‭NIV‬‬ The reverence of Yahweh addeth days, but the years of the lawless shall be shortened. (Emphasized Bible) To one, days are added. To the other, years are lopped off (“cut short” from the Hebrew…

As vinegar to the teeth and smoke to the eyes, so are sluggards to those who send them. Proverbs‬ ‭10:26‬ ‭NIV‬‬‬‬‬‬ This is a funny way to describe a lazy person. Every person impacts others, for the better, or for the worse. Its better for everyone if I engage fully in everything in front of…

When the storm has swept by, the wicked are gone, but the righteous stand firm forever. Proverbs‬ ‭10:25‬ ‭NIV‬‬‬‬ I like how the Emphasized Bible translates it: “Like the passing away of a tempest so the lawless one is not, but the righteous hath an age-abiding foundation.” What a visual picture! The lawless are related…

Now there were some Greeks among those who went up to worship at the festival. They came to Philip, who was from Bethsaida in Galilee, with a request. “Sir,” they said, “we would like to see Jesus.” Philip went to tell Andrew; Andrew and Philip in turn told Jesus. Jesus replied, “The hour has come…

Anyone who loves their life will lose it, while anyone who hates their life in this world will keep it for eternal life. John‬ ‭12:25‬ ‭NIV‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬ “Hate your life” is a strong statement. Jesus didn’t say ignore it, dislike it, or have an aversion for it – rather, he said to hate it. Hate is…

What the wicked fears will come upon him, But the desire of the righteous will be granted. Proverbs‬ ‭10:24‬ ‭NASB‬‬‬‬ Every person has fear about something, and sometimes that thing happens, most often it doesn’t. Similarly, we also have desire, and it too is sometimes fulfilled, other times it remains a fantasy. But the imaginations…

A fool finds pleasure in wicked schemes, but a person of understanding delights in wisdom. Proverbs‬ ‭10:23‬ ‭NIV ‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬The fool, (literally, “fat”) or stupid, silly man, finds sport, or laughter, or pleasure, in not only doing something bad, but planning or scheming about it. Compare that to the delight of the person of discernment or understanding.…

It is the blessing of the LORD that makes rich, And He adds no sorrow to it. ‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭10:22‬ ‭NASB‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬ One may be rich in soul, friendship, speech, and many other ways, but there is no ambiguity with the Hebrew word “Ashar” — it means to be wealthy. Physically, to have substance and increase. Rich…

In my Father’s house are many dwelling places; if it were not so, I would have told you; for I go to prepare a place for you. If I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself, that where I am, there you may be also. ‭‭John‬…

The lips of the righteous nourish many, but fools die for lack of sense. Proverbs‬ ‭10:21‬ ‭NIV‬‬‬‬ Daily I have a choice: Do I sustain life or slowly let it eek away? Strong says the Hebrew word for nourish means: to tend a flock; i.e. pasture it; to graze, by extension, to associate with (as…

The tongue of the righteous is choice silver, but the heart of the wicked is of little value. Proverbs‬ ‭10:20‬ ‭NIV‬‬ The Holy Spirit within me is a stream which flows out of me, like a river. And from His presence come good things. John talks about this fountain: On the last and greatest day…

Very truly I tell you, we speak of what we know, and we testify to what we have seen, but still you people do not accept our testimony. I have spoken to you of earthly things and you do not believe; how then will you believe if I speak of heavenly things? ‭‭John‬ ‭3:11-12‬ ‭NIV‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬…

“How can this be?” Nicodemus asked. “You are Israel’s teacher,” said Jesus, “and do you not understand these things? John‬ ‭3:9-10 ‭NIV‬‬ Understanding the basic nature of man and believing in the need for regeneration is the key to the door through which we walk to see the kingdom of heaven. This is Jesus’ first…

When there are many words, transgression is unavoidable, But he who restrains his lips is wise. Proverbs‬ ‭10:19‬ ‭NASB‬‬ Or another way of translating from NIV says: Sin is not ended by multiplying words, but the prudent hold their tongues. Proverbs‬ ‭10:19‬ ‭NIV‬‬ Why would someone talk too much? There’s the natural desire to connect…

“He who conceals hatred has lying lips, And he who spreads slander is a fool.” Proverbs‬ ‭10:18‬ ‭NASB‬‬ Hatred is a strong emotion. The Hebrew carries the meaning, “exceedingly hateful.” It is directed at another person. A deep unhappiness or disgust caused by that person. When I dislike something, I usually acknowledge it and go…

Do not be amazed that I said to you, ‘You must be born again.’ The wind blows where it wishes and you hear the sound of it, but do not know where it comes from and where it is going; so is everyone who is born of the Spirit. ‭‭John‬ ‭3:7-8‬ ‭NASB‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬ Jesus explanation of…

Flesh gives birth to flesh, but the Spirit gives birth to spirit. John‬ ‭3:6‬ ‭NIV‬‬ Nicodemus was trying to wrap his mind around Jesus’ words. Being born a second time doesn’t make sense, how can it? So Jesus elaborated. I like how Barnes’ Commentary frames it up: “Perhaps, also, he alludes to the question asked…

Jesus answered–Verily, verily, I say unto thee: Except one be born of water and spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. That which hath been born of the flesh, is, flesh, and, that which hath been born of the spirit, is, spirit. John 3:5-6 (The Emphasized Bible) I love the way the Message…

Jesus answered, and said unto him–Verily, verily, I say unto thee: Except one be born from above, he cannot see the kingdom of God. John 3:3 (Emphasized Bible) Being “born again” is such a fundamental doctrine of the Christian faith, that those words could become meaningless to the average listener. Jesus wasn’t talking about joining…

Whoever heeds discipline shows the way to life, but whoever ignores correction leads others astray. Proverbs‬ ‭10:17‬ ‭NIV The Amplified Bible says, “He who learns from instruction and correction is on the [right] path of life [and for others his example is a path toward wisdom and blessing], But he who ignores and refuses correction…

Now there was a Pharisee, a man named Nicodemus who was a member of the Jewish ruling council. He came to Jesus at night and said, “Rabbi, we know that you are a teacher who has come from God. For no one could perform the signs you are doing if God were not with him.…

He did not need anyone to testify concerning man [and human nature], for He Himself knew what was in man [in their hearts–in the very core of their being]. John ‭2:25‬ ‭AMP ‬‬Jesus understood what was in man. This is profound on so many levels. Excavating this thought back to the beginning, Adam was created…

But Jesus, on His part, was not entrusting Himself to them, for He knew all men, and because He did not need anyone to testify concerning man, for He Himself knew what was in man. John‬ ‭2:24-25‬ ‭NASB1995‬‬ Where does identity originate: from the Holy Spirit who tells me who I am, or from the…

The wages of the righteous is life, but the earnings of the wicked are sin and death. ‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭10:16‬ ‭NIV  Rotherham: The labor of the righteous leads to life, the increase of the lawless to sin. Wages is a word meaning: labor, reward, or work. Something gained by intentionally working. Whereas earnings or increase is a…

  The wealth of the rich is their fortified city, but poverty is the ruin of the poor. Proverbs‬ ‭10:15‬ ‭NIV‬‬ I could write quite a bit about wealth and poverty. Some consider them both to be avoided. Yet they both instruct and are capable of providing great value. Solomon uses the same phrase, speaking…

“The LORD does not let the righteous go hungry, but he thwarts the craving of the wicked.” In the Emphasized Bible by Rotherham, he translates: Yahweh suffereth not to famish the soul of the righteous, but the desire of the lawless he thrusteth away. Some translations focus on hunger for food, but more important is…