The integrity of the upright guides them, but the crookedness of the treacherous destroys them.(Proverbs 11:3) Differentially, Solomon shades and colors his nearly innumerable maxims on goodness. No matter which iteration, however, wrongdoing is always a mistake, a source of insecurity and weakness, ultimately producing destruction and death, whereas goodness or the good person is …
Monthly Archives: September 2019
22210.026 God
The LORD created me as the beginning of his works, before his deeds of long ago.Then I was beside him as a master craftsman, and I was his delight day by day, rejoicing before him at all times, rejoicing in the habitable part of his earth, and delighting in its people.(Proverbs 8: 22, 30–31) God …
22210.025 The Heart
Guard your heart with all vigilance, for from it are the sources of life.(Proverbs 4:23) God as a loving Father expects his children to keep his instruction in their hearts. When the Bible talks about the heart, it refers to who we are as a person. It can be said that the heart is the …
22210.024 Forgiveness
Through loyal love and truth iniquity is appeased; through fearing the LORD one avoids evil.(Proverbs 16:6) The Proverbs make the moral leap from the prohibition of retaliation, i.e. not getting even to a spirit of love which actually turns the tables and repays good for evil. One who forgives in this fashion looks with assurance …
22210.023 Insight
Indeed, if you call out for discernment—shout loudly for understanding—if you seek it like silver, and search for it like hidden treasure, then you will understand how to fear the LORD, and you will discover knowledge about God. For the Lord gives wisdom, and from his mouth comes knowledge and understanding.(Proverbs 2: 3–6) Insight means …
22210.022 Death
The wicked will be captured by his own iniquities, and he will be held by the cords of his own sin. He will die because there was no discipline; because of the greatness of his folly he will reel.(Proverbs 5:22–23) Solomon states that we should not try to avoid responsibilities by saying that we were …
22210.021 Life
Blessed is the one who has found wisdom, and the one who obtains understanding. For her benefit is more profitable than silver, and her gain is better than gold. She is more precious than rubies, and none of the things you desire can compare with her. Long life is in her right hand; in her …
22210.020 Integrity
For the LORD gives wisdom, and from his mouth comes knowledge and understanding. He stores up effective counsel for the upright, and is like a shield for those who live with integrity.(Proverbs 2:6-7) Synonyms for “integrity” in the Proverbs are “godliness” and “righteousness.” These terms have little meaning today but integrity still has the connotation …
22210.019 Listening and Doing
My child, if you receive my words, and store up my commands inside yourself, by making your ear attentive to wisdom, and by turning your heart to understanding, indeed, if you call out for discernment—shout loudly for understanding—if you seek it like silver, and search for it like hidden treasure, then you will understand how …
22210.018 Avoiding Addictions
Wine is a mocker and strong drink is a brawler; whoever goes astray by them is not wise.(Proverbs 20:1) When one becomes dependent upon alcohol (and by inference other drugs) he/she becomes an unproductive member of society, and declines in wealth, spirits, and health. Drinking to excess is self-indulgence and those who wish to be …