Proverbs
Proverbs 14:8 Packing for my trip
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…
Read MoreProverbs 14:7 The gravitational pull of nothingness
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…
Read MoreProverbs 14:6 Ambassadors and stand-up comedians
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…
Read MoreProverbs 14:5 The anatomy of a lie
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…
Read MoreProverbs 14:4 All those damn students
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.…
Read MoreProverbs 14:3 “Shoot!” says the shoot
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…
Read MoreProverbs 14:2 To juke or not to juke
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…
Read MoreProverbs 14:1 Power in weakness
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…
Read MoreProverbs 13:25 Eat to your heart’s content
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…
Read MoreProverbs 13:24 Rods, whips and cattle prods
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…
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