Archive for August 2022
Proverbs 12:17 The truth whisperer
He who speaks truth tells what is right, but a false witness, deceit. Proverbs 12:17 NASB He that whispers faithfulness declares righteousness, but a false witness is a fraud. (Rotherham) “Speaks truth” is more nuanced in Hebrew than the English reveals. The word speak means to blow with a breath of air. The word for…
Read MoreProverbs 12:16 Separating the dis from grace.
Fools show their annoyance at once, but the prudent overlook an insult. Proverbs 12:16 NIV Rotherham’s translation says: A foolish man on the same day lets his vexation be known, but he that conceals an affront is prudent. Proverbs 12:16 Annoyance is universal but my agitated response doesn’t have to be. Vexation is such a…
Read MoreProverbs 12:15 I am right, idiot! Do you hear me?
The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, but a wise man is he who listens to counsel. Proverbs 12:15 NASB This is a particularly painful proverb for me this morning as I grapple with some persistent missteps at work. I feel like such a fool! I have so many blind spots…
Read MoreProverbs 12:14 Words and deeds and fruitfulness
A man will be satisfied with good by the fruit of his words, and the deeds of a man’s hands will return to him. Proverbs 12:14 NASB This Proverb is the perfect follow up and contrast to the previous two (verses 12-13). What we say and our healthy attitude toward work result in both deep…
Read MoreProverbs 12:13 Catch and release
An evil man is ensnared by the transgression of his lips, But the righteous will escape from trouble. Proverbs 12:13 NASB Words are powerful. They connected directly to a man’s soul. They are part of me and reflect my thinking and my ownership of an intention or belief. Just like a mouse has a tail…
Read MoreProverbs 12:12 Deep roots
The lawless man craves the prey [gain] of the wicked, But the root of the righteous is enduring. Proverbs 12:12 (Rotherham) The wicked covet the catch of evil men, But the root of the righteous yields fruit. Proverbs 12:12 NKJV Man craves. I see then I want. My desire combined with my values create the…
Read MoreProverbs 12:11 Food or fantasies?
Those who work their land will have abundant food, but those who chase fantasies have no sense. Proverbs 12:11 NIV One thing that strikes me as I read through Proverbs is how practical and pragmatic many are. Here, for example, my first impression is that of a counselor telling a hungry visionary: “You need to…
Read MoreProverbs 12:10 Animal instincts
The righteous care for the needs of their animals, but the kindest acts of the wicked are cruel. Proverbs 12:10 NIV When I am righteous I am reflecting the nature of God, his character, and his attitudes. Although humans are the focus of His love and attention, an animal too contains life which reflects the…
Read MoreProverbs 12:9 Hungry, but vindicated!
Better is he who is lightly esteemed and has a servant, than he who honors himself and lacks bread. Proverbs 12:9 The message Bible says: Better to be ordinary and work for a living than act important and starve in the process. Proverbs 12:9 MSG I like the way the Pulpit commentary frames it up:…
Read MoreProverbs 12:8 Warped minds are only for space travelers
A person is praised according to their prudence, and one with a warped mind is despised. Proverbs 12:8 NIV Another translations says: In proportion to his prudence is a man to be praised, but the perverse in heart shall be an object of contempt. Proverbs 12:8 Rotherham I have an odd question that seems completely…
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