Daily Meditations on the Bible / We stand with Israel
But the way of the wicked is like deep darkness;
they do not know what makes them stumble.
Summary: Darkness is a metaphor for being blind. Blindness can be complete or partial. A partial blindness of the mind is called a “blind spot.” We all have them, but the wicked are especially good at making them a way of life.
Continue reading “Proverbs 4:19 — A Darkness of Their Own Making”
The Lord’s curse is on the house of the wicked,
but he blesses the home of the righteous.
Summary: Solomon tells us that the wicked are cursed and the righteous are blessed, but what does that mean exactly?
Continue reading “Proverbs 3:33 — Blessings and Curses”
The path of the righteous is like the morning sun,
shining ever brighter till the full light of day.
Summary: Describing something you cannot see or touch is an enormous challenge. God wants us to understand the difference between life and death. He wants us to avoid death and choose life.
Continue reading “Proverbs 4:18 — Sonrise”
Do not set foot on the path of the wicked
or walk in the way of evildoers.
Summary: How do you know before you go? The answer is that we don’t. Unless, of course, we know someone who does know and they are willing to warn us.
Continue reading “Proverbs 4:14 — Warning”
Hold on to instruction, do not let it go;
guard it well, for it is your life.
Summary: What is your life worth? Satan would have us believe that our lives are worth nothing. The truth is God treasures each one of us.
Continue reading “Proverbs 4:13 — The Key to Life”
I instruct you in the way of wisdom
and lead you along straight paths.
When you walk, your steps will not be hampered;
when you run, you will not stumble.
Summary: The way of wisdom is not a path in the ordinary sense of the word. It is a way of living that reflects godly values.
Continue reading “Proverbs 4: 11-12 — The Goal”
The beginning of wisdom is this: Get wisdom.
Though it cost all you have, get understanding.
Summary: Life is full of unanswered questions. God’s word points us to the important ones and shows us what we need to be focused on.
Continue reading “Proverbs 4:7 — Open Your Eyes”
For the Lord detests the perverse
but takes the upright into his confidence.
Summary: When we are born again and given new life in the Spirit (John 3:3), the words of God take on a whole new meaning.
Continue reading “Proverbs 3:32 — Coffee with Jesus”
Do not envy the violent
or choose any of their ways.
Summary: Understanding the meaning of words is as important as the context. Digging into the meaning of the word “violent” helps us understand what Solomon is telling us here.
Continue reading “Proverbs 3:31 — The Knowledge of God”
Do not accuse anyone for no reason—
when they have done you no harm.
Summary: The world is unfair. It is unjust and unreasoning. False accusations are everywhere. Even though these grate at our sensibilities, they pale compared to our Lord’s example.
Continue reading “Proverbs 3:30 — A Pale Comparison”