Daily Meditations on the Bible / We stand with Israel
Ill-gotten treasures have no lasting value,
but righteousness delivers from death.
Summary: Today’s verse is a collection of words that seem abstract at first glance. As we look at them more closely we discover that Solomon has given us a warning and a roadmap to life.
Continue reading “Proverbs 10:2 — Dead and Deader”
A wise son brings joy to his father,
but a foolish son brings grief to his mother.
Summary: This verse seems simple on its face, and yet there are infinite complexities associated with human relationships. Focusing on our heavenly Father eases much of the confusion.
Continue reading “Proverbs 10:1 — A Child’s Wisdom”
Folly is an unruly woman;
she is simple and knows nothing.
Summary: Folly seems harmless enough, but this voice that calls to us opposes wisdom and leads to eternal death.
Continue reading “Proverbs 9:13 — Folly”
For through wisdom your days will be many,
and years will be added to your life.
Summary: This passage promises something most people relish; long life. For the worldly, the advice seems counterintuitive. For those who believe it makes perfect sense.
Continue reading “Proverbs 9:11 — Long Life”
Instruct the wise and they will be wiser still;
teach the righteous and they will add to their learning.
Summary: Learning is a sign of a particular kind of mind. Wisdom and righteousness are the marks of a learner with humility.
Continue reading “Proverbs 9:9 — The Humble Learner”
Do not rebuke mockers or they will hate you;
rebuke the wise and they will love you.
Summary: There is something different between the mocker and the wise. Solomon shows us that difference and explains why it is important.
Continue reading “Proverbs 9:8 — Blind Spot”
Whoever corrects a mocker invites insults;
whoever rebukes the wicked incurs abuse.
Summary: Figuring out who are the mockers and who are not is not hard. We know. Sometimes we don’t know why we know, but we know.
Continue reading “Proverbs 9:7 — Good Advice”
Leave your simple ways and you will live;
walk in the way of insight.
Summary: Sometimes we look at God’s Word and think, “That makes sense,” and then go on as if nothing had happened. Proverbs encourages us to learn from what we read in the Bible and apply it in our daily life.
Continue reading “Proverbs 9:6 — Stop the Stupid”
“Let all who are simple come to my house!”
Summary: The complexities of life are brought on by trying to live by our human standards instead of God’s.
Continue reading “Proverbs 9:4a — Simple Me”
For those who find me find life
and receive favor from the Lord.
But those who fail to find me harm themselves;
all who hate me love death.
Summary: We all make choices in life. Sometimes we even realize that we are making them.
Continue reading “Proverbs 8:35-36 — Love Hate”