Proverbs 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…

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Proverbs 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…

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Proverbs 13:11 The intersection of money and work

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…

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Proverbs 12:12 Deep roots

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…

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Proverbs 12:4 Two are better than one

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…

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Proverbs 12:3 Roots and a Healthy Soul

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…

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