Daily Meditations on the Bible / We stand with Israel
Lazy hands make for poverty,
but diligent hands bring wealth.
Summary: The Bible is a unique document in that it was written in heaven and recorded on earth. The dual nature of Scripture carries water both in this world and the next.
Continue reading “Proverbs 10:4 — Dual Meanings”
The Lord does not let the righteous go hungry,
but he thwarts the craving of the wicked.
Summary: The duality of our nature, being both physical and spiritual, is the key to understanding the Scriptures. It applies to everything, even something as simple as being hungry.
Continue reading “Proverbs 10:3 — Spiritual Food”
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”
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom,
and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.
Summary: Some kinds of knowledge are good for us. Other kinds a bad, even poisonous. Learning to tell the difference requires that we rely on Jesus to guide us.
Continue reading “Proverbs 9:10 — The Knegg Detector”
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”