Author: Jeff Englund

Do not plot harm against your neighbor,
    who lives trustfully near you.

Summary: Why does the Bible talk about weird things? Is it because people do weird things? 

Continue reading “Proverbs 3:29  — His Name is Jesus”

Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due,
    when it is in your power to act.

Summary: Even when no one is watching, we are. We see what we do and we know what we do not do. Making a habit of doing the wrong thing is like running stop signs. It is a habit that can lead to sudden death. 

Continue reading “Proverbs 3:27 — Stop and No”

She is a tree of life to those who take hold of her;
    those who hold her fast will be blessed.

Summary: Solomon refers to a “tree of life” in this passage. Is it a prophetic reference to Jesus? It certainly could be. 

Continue reading “Proverbs 3:18 — The Tree of Life”

She [Wisdom] is more precious than rubies;
    nothing you desire can compare with her.
Long life is in her right hand;
    in her left hand are riches and honor.

Summary: Solomon speaks of wisdom as if it were a person. It is good to imagine wisdom as being able to talk. Wisdom is the difference between looking stupid and looking smart. 

Continue reading “Proverbs 3:15-16 — A Knock at the Door”

Blessed are those who find wisdom,
    those who gain understanding,
for she is more profitable than silver
    and yields better returns than gold.

Summary: This verse commingles two economic systems; the world of silver and gold, and the world of wisdom and understanding. Understanding these systems is helpful for the Christian who wants to gain wisdom and understanding. 

Continue reading “Proverbs 3:13-14 — Profit”

My son, do not despise the Lord’s discipline,
    and do not resent his rebuke,
because the Lord disciplines those he loves,
    as a father the son he delights in.

Summary: Discipline is a word that has multiple applications. God uses all forms of discipline to teach us his ways. 

Continue reading “Proverbs 3:11-12 — Father and Son”

Honor the Lord with your wealth,
    with the firstfruits of all your crops;
then your barns will be filled to overflowing,
    and your vats will brim over with new wine.

Summary: Giving is what God does all day long. If we want to be like our God and honor what he has done in our life, we will do the same. 

Continue reading “Proverbs 3:9-10 — Jesus is Watching”

Do not be wise in your own eyes;
    fear the Lord and shun evil.

Summary: Solomon was a smart guy. Some say he was so smart that he knew enough to know he was not smarter than God. 

Continue reading “Proverbs 3:7 — The Pill”