Tag: Proverbs 13

Understanding the truth of this proverb is to examine what makes the righteous heart content and what the stomach of the wicked pangs of hunger is for. The two are not the same. The wicked desire the plunder of evil men (12:12) and revenge (Leviticus 19:18). The righteous desire God who is full of love […]

No one likes to be disciplined, sometimes not even after it has accomplished its goal. (Hebrews 12:10) Yet, because of the nature of the human heart discipline is sometimes the only mechanism that will accomplish the goal. “…We have all had human fathers who disciplined us and we respected them for it. How much more […]

The proverb in verse 23 is unlike most of the rest of the proverbs in the book in that it is not a comparative proverb upon a quick read. However, within its meaning, it does compare the poor with the powerful who often become and maintain wealth at the poor’s expense. Some would say the […]

What I do with my wealth can be an indicator of my soul’s condition. “A good person leaves an inheritance for his children’s children, but a sinner’s wealth is stored up for the righteous.” (22) Simpler words are, “Am I selfish?” If I am selfish then what do I cherish? The righteous treasure their grandchildren. […]

Why does misfortune pursue the sinner? Why is good and prosperity the reward of the righteous? The answers are the same for both. God’s nature and character does not change. God created everything based on his nature and character. The person who is in sync with God’s character and nature has a better life. The […]

“The birds of a feather flock together,” goes an old saying. The inaccuracy of this saying is that it implies I don’t have a choice of the company I keep. Solomon states, “He who walks with the wise grows wise, but a companion of fools suffers harm.” The fact is I choose who are my […]

The longing of the soul is not always apparent. Though I may ignore and suppress it, the soul’s longing remains still. Since a longing fulfilled is sweet to the soul, I should seek to find out what my soul longs for. I need to be honest with myself, no longer keeping my soul in the […]

Discipline is again addressed in the book of Proverbs. Ignoring and refusing discipline invites poverty and shame. Is the discipline from God or from human authority? Certainly, these predictions are true when the discipline and corrections are from God. The correction of God can be trusted to bring the outcome stated here, whether shame or […]

Jesus commanded his disciples to go and preach the gospel. He makes me a messenger and an ambassador. He tells me, “A trusted envoy brings healing, a wicked messenger falls into trouble.” I have started to read again the booklet “The Plight of Man and the Power of God” by Martyn Lloyed-Jones. The book is […]

A prudent person as presented in Proverbs is cunning and subtle. They act with and out of knowledge. They learn and become familiar with the ways of people; how all interact, how one type of person will respond to another, and how someone influences and even controls others. They understand how to respond and act […]

Since good understanding wins favor, what does it mean to have good understanding and good sense? Ask anyone passing by and a different answer will be received. The Lord told Israel when he gave them the laws of the Mount Sinai covenant, “Observe them carefully, for this will show your wisdom and understanding to the […]

A snare is used to catch animals thus providing a meal. A snare is camouflaged so the animal does not know it is there. A snare means death for the animal.I like everyone was born with no understanding of how to live in this world. Slowly as I aged my parents, grandparents, friends, and teachers […]

The proverb in verse 12 about hope deferred can be linked to verse 11 concerning gathering money little by little. I have been saving up money for many decades. However, events beyond my control have taken each small pile away. Just recently a medical surgery required the latest small pile. My hope is delayed to […]

A person who has little money, no money, or even debt will look at this proverb and think, “I don’t care how I get money or if it lasts only a little while, I only know I want some relief now.” I don’t know how to respond to such thinking for being constantly in debt […]

Light and lamps are often used in the Bible as a metaphor for life, as is the case in this proverb. “The light of the righteous shines brightly, but the lamp of the wicked is snuffed out.” Perhaps this was Solomon’s observation, but most definitely this is a promise of God. Jesus taught the crowds, […]

“You cannot get blood from a rock,” goes an old saying. Similar is Solomon’s proverb. “A poor man hears no threat,” meaning, “No one kidnaps a poor person for ransom,” and “No one robs a poor person.” A poor man needs no security measures because he has nothing worth protecting. A rich man must always […]

Solomon makes a simple observation; one pretends to be rich and another pretends to be poor. Yet, he does not say why this is so, probably because there are several reasons why and the point of proverbs is to make us think about ourselves, our lives, and those around us. The point here is am […]

Solomon declares that righteousness guards. Righteousness is two-fold. First, being righteous is having a right relationship with God. Second, righteousness is those actions that result from a right relationship with God. Marks of righteousness are actions that incorporate and emanate love, perseverance, courage, compassion, consistency, integrity, peace, joy, and a sense of what is appropriate. […]

The newest public opinion is to know ourselves and celebrate it with pride. The underlying popular belief is that somewhere in the existence of every person is a core basic identity that we have to find. The pure and real identity that this person is according to modern thought is not made by the influence […]

The meaning of this proverb is direct and easy to understand. If I want something and even crave it I have to diligently work for it. Few things are freely received and even most gifts have strings attached to them. Laying in bed and sitting in an easy chair watching TV seldom satisfies my soul […]

Surrounding the powerful, rich, and famous are armed guards. Nations have men and women who go before and behind their rulers ensuring absolute protection. Outside Windsor Castle, the guards in funny coats are very strict and serious about their watch. David had groups of mighty men who fought at his side. So dedicated and steadfast […]

Amazing is the fact that one sentence, phrase, and even a word can stay with the recipient for hours, days, and a lifetime. A kind word can yield all kinds of good. An encouraging compliment will develop into an enjoyable and profitable career. The first “I love you” can be the seed of a home […]

Jesus had a lot to say about fathers, especially His Father. Jesus had no human father. Mary was a virgin when she conceived Jesus. The Holy Spirit of God came down upon her, and the power of the Most High God overshadowed her. So, Jesus, the holy one is the Son of God. (Luke 1:35) […]