Daily Meditations on the Bible / We stand with Israel
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”
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”
When you lie down, you will not be afraid;
when you lie down, your sleep will be sweet.
Summary: There are very practical aspects to trusting in God. One of them is getting a good night’s sleep.
Continue reading “Proverbs 3:24 – Sleep Sweet”
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”