Daily Meditations on the Bible / We stand with Israel
Discretion will protect you,
and understanding will guard you.
Summary: Words can hurt people just as much as beating someone with a stick can hurt. Denying that they hurt does not lead to understanding. Instead, it leads to denial. Wisdom suggests an alternative: Understand what is going on and use discretion to avoid causing pain to others and yourself.
Continue reading “Proverbs 2:11 — Sticks and Stones”
He holds success in store for the upright,
he is a shield to those whose walk is blameless…
Summary: The Bible explains the Bible with stories, histories, and illustrations.
Continue reading “Proverbs 2: 7 — Safety and Success”
For the Lord gives wisdom;
from his mouth come knowledge and understanding.
Summary: Wisdom is an interesting commodity. We know what happens when we do not have any, but what happens when we do? Do we actually want to use it?
Continue reading “Proverbs 2: 6 — Shadows”
For the waywardness of the simple will kill them,
and the complacency of fools will destroy them;
but whoever listens to me will live in safety
and be at ease, without fear of harm.
Summary: Understanding that “death” has a double meaning helps us understand the Genesis story about Adam and Eve’s sin. It also helps us to understand what the “second death” means and why we need to keep our eyes on God and listen to Wisdom.
Continue reading “Proverbs 1: 32-33 — Consequences”
Out in the open wisdom calls aloud…
Repent at my rebuke!
Then I will pour out my thoughts to you,
I will make known to you my teachings.
Summary: We are not equipped to be able to discern the difference between good and evil on our own. That is why we need Wisdom.
Continue reading “Proverbs 1: 20a, 23 — The Voice of Wisdom”
My son, if sinful men entice you, do not give in to them.
Summary: Being able to recognize what is sinful and what is not is essential to avoiding sinful men. There is only one source for training in this area; our Father in heaven.
Continue reading “Proverbs 1:10 — The Key to Understanding”
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction.
Summary: Today we begin a series of rabbit trails through the Book of Proverbs. I hope you enjoy it!
Continue reading “Proverbs 1:7 — The Beginning of Knowledge”
To him [Jesus] be glory both now and forever! Amen.
Summary: As Peter signs off his letter to us, he also demonstrates one more aspect of Christian life that we should emulate. We need to remember that Jesus gets the glory. Always. Both now and forever.
Continue reading “2 Peter 3:18b — Sincerely, Peter”
But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
Summary: We are at the end of Peter’s letter. This is a good time to do a quick review of what Peter wrote to us.
Continue reading “2 Peter 3:18a — Jesus is Coming”
…so that you may not be carried away by the error of the lawless and fall from your secure position.
Summary: Peter warns us against letting our guard down.
Continue reading “2 Peter 3:17b — Spiritual Risk”