Daily Meditations on the Bible / We stand with Israel
Whoever loves discipline loves knowledge,
but whoever hates correction is stupid.
Summary: Calling someone “stupid” is a big deal in our society. It seems like turning on the TV is an invitation to have someone call me stupid. People are yelling and screaming as if that is going to convince someone to change their mind. So who is stupid?
Continue reading “Proverbs 12:1 — Stupid is as Stupid Does”
If the righteous receive their due on earth,
how much more the ungodly and the sinner!
Summary: Solomon continues to educate us on the meaning of being righteous. In today’s passage, he compares the righteous to the ungodly. It is an interesting comparison!
Continue reading “Proverbs 11:31 — Dues”
The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life,
and the one who is wise saves lives.
Summary: Sometimes the meaning of something needs to be dug out of the words. Today’s passage provides us with a very interesting bone to chew on.
Continue reading “Proverbs 11:30 — Mixed Metaphor”
Whoever brings ruin on their family will inherit only wind,
and the fool will be servant to the wise.
Summary: The history of Israel is a tragedy of sorts. So much potential was given to the Israelites and they squandered the gift God gave them.
Continue reading “Proverbs 11:29 — Shepherds and Kings”
Those who trust in their riches will fall,
but the righteous will thrive like a green leaf.
Summary: Parsing the meaning of a proverb is a bit like solving a puzzle. What does each piece mean? Today we look at what it means to be a green leaf.
Continue reading “Proverbs 11:28 — The Green Leaf”
Whoever seeks good finds favor,
but evil comes to one who searches for it.
Summary: Today’s verse brings us into a discussion of good and evil. So many questions come to mind when we ponder these topics. Today we explore a few of them.
Continue reading “Proverbs 11:27 — Seeking Favor”
People curse the one who hoards grain,
but they pray God’s blessing on the one who is willing to sell.
Summary: Solomon’s discussion of righteousness takes a practical turn with this verse. More than simply a suggestion on “how to win friends,” how we see our neighbors reflects who we are as a person.
Continue reading “Proverbs 11:26 — Wealth & Commerce”
A generous person will prosper;
whoever refreshes others will be refreshed.
Summary: Giving generously is a reflection of our Father in heaven. He gives generously to us every day. He stands ready to refresh us every day as well. If we follow in his footsteps, we will do the same for others.
Continue reading “Proverbs 11:25 — Generosity”
One person gives freely, yet gains even more;
another withholds unduly, but comes to poverty.
Summary: Solomon presents us with a challenge in this proverb. He does not provide us with a measuring line but speaks in terms of the heart.
Continue reading “Proverbs 11:24 — Giving “
The desire of the righteous ends only in good,
but the hope of the wicked only in wrath.
Summary: Once again Solomon compares the righteous and the wicked. Simply and plainly he tells us the outcome of their choices.
Continue reading “Proverbs 11:23 — Outcomes”