Proverbs 11:16 Honor or riches_

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…

Read More

John 4:14 His abiding presence_

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…

Read More

John 5:20 The Father loves the son_

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…

Read More

John 5:19 The son’s objective_

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…

Read More

John 5:17 My Father is working_

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…

Read More

Proverbs 11:15 Safety with strangers_

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…

Read More

Proverbs 11:14 Counselors_

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,…

Read More

Proverbs 11:13 Faithful in spirit_

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,…

Read More

John 5:15 Sin and Sickness_

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…

Read More

John 5:3-6 Do you want to be made well?_

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…

Read More