Daily Meditations on the Bible / We stand with Israel
Truly the righteous attain life,
but whoever pursues evil finds death.
Summary: The concept of righteousness is troublesome for many. If we think of the word “righteous” in terms of multiple kinds of righteousness, it makes it easier to see the word in different contexts.
Continue reading “Proverbs 11:19 — The Righteous Life”
The Lord detests those whose hearts are perverse,
but he delights in those whose ways are blameless.
Summary: Solomon once again points to an interesting contrast between blame and perversity. Since God knows our hearts, he understands infallibly whether our intent is perverse or innocent. In the eyes of our Father, we can return to a state of being blameless.
Continue reading “Proverbs 11:20 — Innocence Restored”
A wicked person earns deceptive wages,
but the one who sows righteousness reaps a sure reward.
Summary: Once again we are reminded that there are two ways to see life. Worldly vision is short-sighted, spiritual vision shows us the eternal horizon before us.
Continue reading “Proverbs 11:18 — Wages & Rewards”
Those who are kind benefit themselves,
but the cruel bring ruin on themselves.
Summary: Solomon has a pithy way of summarizing important truths. We do not live in a vacuum and our actions and words are never without consequence for ourselves as well as those around us.
Continue reading “Proverbs 11:17 — Reflections”
A kindhearted woman gains honor,
but ruthless men gain only wealth.
Summary: Kindness isn’t normally listed as a ‘superpower’ in the comics, but in real life, it is a very important one.
Continue reading “Proverbs 11:16 — Superpower”
Whoever puts up security for a stranger will surely suffer,
but whoever refuses to shake hands in pledge is safe.
Summary: People who ask you to put up money or security for something are in a different class than those who are simply looking for help.
Continue reading “Proverbs 11:15 — Creeps”
For lack of guidance a nation falls,
but victory is won through many advisers.
Summary: A timely proverb for our day. Nations, like people, sometimes lose their way and fall into disrepute. Our nation is in danger of going down this path.
Continue reading “Proverbs 11:14 — Guidance System”
A gossip betrays a confidence,
but a trustworthy person keeps a secret.
Summary: Do we take gossips seriously? Paul suggests that we should take it at least as seriously as murder. How we do that depends on a proper understanding of the Greek word, krino, meaning “to judge.”
Continue reading “Proverbs 11:13 — The Righteous Judge”
Whoever derides their neighbor has no sense,
Whoever derides their neighbor has no sense,
but the one who has understanding holds their tongue.
Continue reading “Proverbs 11:12 — Neighbors” 
Through the blessing of the upright a city is exalted,
but by the mouth of the wicked it is destroyed.
Summary: Today’s passage provides an opportunity for a real-world application of what Solomon has been teaching us.
Continue reading “Proverbs 11:11 — Two Cities”