Daily Meditations on the Bible / We stand with Israel
Deceit is in the hearts of those who plot evil,
but those who promote peace have joy.
Summary: Perspective is the key to understanding this passage. From God’s perspective, any selfish act that harms others is a sin. From our perspective, any selfish act others might do that we don’t like is a “sin.” The two types of “sin” don’t always agree.
Continue reading “Proverbs 12:20 — The Demetrius Effect”
Truthful lips endure forever,
but a lying tongue lasts only a moment.
Summary: There is a time reference in this passage that forces us to ask the question, “Who is speaking?” When we look at this passage through the lens of scripture, we realize that these words reflect God’s point of view. Considering that the Bible is “God’s Word,” this shouldn’t surprise us.
Continue reading “Proverbs 12:19 — Time Warp”
The words of the reckless pierce like swords,
but the tongue of the wise brings healing.
Summary: Words have power, and if we don’t pay attention to how we use them, we can be like a drunkard with a sword, hurting those around us.
Continue reading “Proverbs 12:18 — Power Words”
An honest witness tells the truth,
but a false witness tells lies.
Summary: This proverb seems obvious on its face, but there are things to be learned here. How we discern the truth-teller from the liar is as important as how we discern God’s truth from the world’s lies.
Continue reading “Proverbs 12:17 — Truth & Lies”
Fools show their annoyance at once,
but the prudent overlook an insult.
Summary: One of the many treasures in Proverbs is today’s passage. Fools come in all shapes and sizes. Some are obviously dumb and others appear to be highly educated. No amount of education guarantees that a person will never be a fool.
Continue reading “Proverbs 12:16 — Treasures”
The way of fools seems right to them,
but the wise listen to advice.
Summary: In this classic passage Solomon sums up the course of human events. Fools have all the answers (they think) and the wise are always looking for more.
Continue reading “Proverbs 12:15 — Mind Maps”
From the fruit of their lips people are filled with good things,
and the work of their hands brings them reward.
Summary: Words and works are the topics of today’s proverb. Both come in two flavors; wicked and righteous. Solomon uses this proverb to encourage us to choose righteousness for both.
Continue reading “Proverbs 12:14 — Words & Works”
Evildoers are trapped by their sinful talk,
and so the innocent escape trouble.
Summary: Listening is a life skill that has many benefits. Listening well opens the door to understanding the nature of the person who is talking. Are they an “evildoer?” Their words will reveal who they are. Knowing who someone is means we can avoid the trouble they are prone to cause.
Continue reading “Proverbs 12:13 — Awful Earful”
The wicked desire the stronghold of evildoers,
but the root of the righteous endures.
Summary: This passage leads us into a meditation on the difference between this world and God’s kingdom. There is a choice to be made in each person’s life. Do we live for things or for God?
Continue reading “Proverbs 12:12 — Choice Restated”
Those who work their land will have abundant food,
but those who chase fantasies have no sense.
Summary: Fantasies are Satan’s doorway into our minds. Once in the door, he introduces thoughts and imaginings that lead us to the edge of hell. Our only hope to escape is submitting to God’s will.
Continue reading “Proverbs 12:11 — The Bitter Bubble”