This chapter contains another variety of themes including a true test of our faith. “The purpose in a man’s heart is like deep water, but a man of understanding will draw it out. A man’s steps are from the Lord; how then can man understand his way? The spirit of man is the lamp of…
Month: August 2021
Proverbs 19
This chapter has a variety of themes, so we’ll look at ‘faithfulness”. “Better is a poor person who walks in his integrity than one who is crooked in speech and is a fool. Many seek the favor of a generous man, and everyone is a friend to a man who gives gifts. Whoever is generous…
A Prayer for Joy and Laughter
Today I offer a prayer for joy and laughter. Though the tone of my prayers and writings may often seem quite somber, I do try to encourage us to enjoy life. God has gifted us with fun, humor and joy, so why not embrace them? Heavenly Father, our Purveyor of Joy, and our Source of…
Proverbs 18
This chapter includes a theme of listening before speaking. “A fool takes no pleasure in understanding, but only in expressing his opinion. The words of a man’s mouth are deep waters; the fountain of wisdom is a bubbling brook. A fool’s mouth is his ruin, and his lips are a snare to his soul. If…
Proverbs 17
A few of the sayings in this chapter caught my attention as being a little outside of the box, so let’s review those. “A bribe is like a precious stone in the eyes of the one who gives it; wherever he turns he prospers.” (v8) Since a bribe has value in helping people prosper, does…
Proverbs 16
This chapter has several themes including God’s sovereign control. “The plans of the heart belong to man, but the answer of the tongue is from the Lord. Commit your work to the Lord, and your plans will be established. The heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps. Whoever gives thought…
Proverbs 15
This chapter has several themes including the need to accept correction. “A fool rejects his father’s discipline, but he who complies with rebuke is sensible. A scoffer does not love one who rebukes him; He will not go to the wise. One whose ear listens to a life-giving rebuke will stay among the wise. One…
Proverbs 14
This chapter has a theme contrasting those who are wise / prudent against those who are not. “The wisest of women builds her house, but folly with her own hands tears it down. The simple believes everything, but the prudent gives thought to his steps. One who is wise is cautious and turns away from…
Proverbs 13
This chapter continues with wise sayings, some of which revolve around ‘wealth’. “The soul of the sluggard craves and gets nothing, while the soul of the diligent is richly supplied. One pretends to be rich, yet has nothing; another pretends to be poor, yet has great wealth. The ransom of a man’s life is his…
Proverbs 12
This chapter continues the wise sayings of Solomon, and one of the main themes contrasts righteousness from wickedness. “No one is established by wickedness, but the root of the righteous will never be moved. The thoughts of the righteous are just; the counsels of the wicked are deceitful. Whoever is wicked covets the spoil of…