Fearing the LORD is the beginning of discernment, but fools have despised wisdom and moral instruction.(Proverbs 1:7) The Hebrew word that most frequently occurs in Proverbs to designate “fool” and “folly” signifies weakness but perhaps it could be best translated as “infatuation with things that are unwise.” Solomon also uses the word “fool” to designate moral as …
Category Archives: Time with God
22210.015 On Becoming Wise
Fearing the LORD is the beginning of discernment, but fools have despised wisdom and moral instruction.(Proverbs 1:7) At the beginning of his kingship, Solomon asked for a discerning heart to distinguish between right and wrong. He did not ask for long life, or wealth, or for the death of his enemies but for discernment. Not …
22210.014 Education
Fearing the LORD is the beginning of discernment, but fools have despised wisdom and moral instruction.(Proverbs 1:7) The book of Proverbs places great emphasis on the subject of education, especially early education in the home with the parents. Solomon follows the Hebrew tradition in making religious training the responsibility of both parents, incorporating moral teaching into daily …
22210.013 Business
All a person’s ways seem right in his own opinion, but the LORD evaluates the motives. Commit your works to the LORD, and your plans will be established.(Proverbs 16:2-3) The Lord is the very basis of ethics, the author of right and wrong. He is ever present and his searchlight penetrates the heart; He sees …
22210.012 Friendships/Neighbors
Do not forsake your friend and your father’s friend, and do not enter your brother’s house in the day of your disaster; a neighbor nearby is better than a brother far away.(Proverbs 27:10) Proverbs reflects the striking contrast between the ancient and the modern worlds with respect to the emphasis given to being a good friend …
22210.011 Parent-Child Relationships
Listen, my child, to the instruction from your father, and do not forsake the teaching from your mother. For they will be like an elegant garland on your head, and like pendants around your neck.(Proverbs 1:8-9) Solomon outlines a contract of sorts, giving responsibilities to both parents and their children. Parents are to model integrity …
22210.010 Marriage
The one who has found a good wife has found what goodness is, and obtained a delightful gift from the LORD.(Proverbs 18:22) Marriage is a lifelong commitment. It is a special partnership between a man and a woman where two become one flesh. It is more than friendship. It is a mystical, spiritual union. Marriage …
22210.009 Love
Do not let mercy and truth leave you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart. Then you will find favor and good understanding, in the sight of God and people.(Proverbs 3:3-4) Love is a verb. Love is a verb of action and a verb of being. Love is others-oriented. …
22210.008 Words and Speech
The heart of the righteous considers how to answer, but the mouth of the wicked pours out evil things.(Proverbs 15:28) Solomon’s father wrote, “May the words of my mouth and the thoughts of my heart be pleasing to you, Oh Lord, my rock and my redeemer.” Self-control can be measured by the degree that one …
22210.007 Sex
To deliver you from the adulterous woman, from the loose woman who has flattered you with her words; who leaves the husband from her younger days, and has ignored her marriage covenant made before God. For she has set her house by death, and her paths by the place of the departed spirits.(Proverbs 2:16-18) Solomon …