Daily Meditations on the Bible / We stand with Israel
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”
NOTE: The “all right now” joke is not original here. If you want to claim this portion of the cartoon we are happy to acknowledge the original source.
I walk in the way of righteousness,
along the paths of justice...
Summary: Righteousness is a deep subject. Today’s passage brings us to the edge of the ocean of things there are to know about righteousness.
Continue reading “Proverbs 8:20 — Bildad’s Question”
The Lord brought me forth as the first of his works,
before his deeds of old;
I was formed long ages ago,
at the very beginning, when the world came to be.
Summary: Solomon provides us with another insight into the nature of wisdom; she pre-existed time.
Continue reading “Proverbs 8: 22-23 — Before Time”
My fruit is better than fine gold;
what I yield surpasses choice silver.
Summary: Talking about the benefits of wisdom is a daunting task. Solomon compares wisdom’s fruit with precious metals.
Continue reading “Proverbs 8: 19 — Fine Fruit”
With me are riches and honor,
enduring wealth and prosperity.
Summary: The Bible reminds us once again that we live in two worlds. The physical realm is temporary, the spiritual realm is eternal. The world tries to ignore the spirit and sells us temporary trinkets. God wants us to trust and love him so that we might inherit eternal treasure.
Continue reading “Proverbs 8: 18 — Two Worlds”
Counsel and sound judgment are mine;
I have insight, I have power.
Summary: Wisdom brings with her some serious help. The four allies mentioned in today’s text are essential for successfully navigating worldly challenges.
Continue reading “Proverbs 8: 14 — Wisdom’s Entourage”
To fear the Lord is to hate evil;
I hate pride and arrogance,
evil behavior and perverse speech.
Summary: Someone who thinks about themselves all the time is egocentric. Someone who thinks their definition of evil is the only one that counts is also egocentric. The reason we fear the Lord is not that God is egocentric, but that he is all-powerful. Our opinions about evil are a passing thought. God’s view of evil is eternal.
Continue reading “Proverbs 8: 13 — Evil”
“I, wisdom, dwell together with prudence;
I possess knowledge and discretion.”
Summary: Wisdom, prudence, knowledge, and discretion are four aspects of spiritual strength. How we implement this strength in our daily lives depends on how we see our relationship with God and his Word.
Continue reading “Proverbs 8:12 — Roommates “