Proverbs
Proverbs 12:20 Dr. Dastardly meet Joy
Deceit is in the hearts of those who plot evil [contrivers of mischief], but those who promote peace [counselors of peace] have joy. Proverbs 12:20 NIV [Rotherham] The Hebrew word for “plot” means: to cut in, engrave, plow, devise. It’s often used of a farmer planting seed. And the seed being planted here, in the…
Read MoreProverbs 12:19 To infinity and beyond!
Truthful lips will be established forever, but a lying tongue is only for a moment. Proverbs 12:19 (NASB) The Emphasized Bible says: A lip that is faithful shall be firm to futurity, but only for a twinkling (while I wink) is a tongue that is false. Proverbs 12:19 (Rotherham) When something is “established forever” it…
Read MoreProverbs 12:18 Nuclear words
There is one who speaks rashly like the thrusts of a sword, But the tongue of the wise brings healing. Proverbs 12:18 NASB I can feel the deep emotion reflected in this verse. A wounded spirit is not in the same category as a broken limb or a cut finger. “Speaking rashly” according to Strong,…
Read MoreProverbs 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…
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