2022
Proverbs 13:10 The roots of contention and peace
Where there is strife, there is pride, but wisdom is found in those who take advice. Proverbs 13:10 NIV Rotherham says: “Only by pride does one cause contention…” Contention. Strife. The Hebrew means to quarrel. From a root; properly, to go forth, i.e. (by implication) to be expelled, and (consequently) to be desolate. From this…
Read MoreProverbs 13:9 What does happy light do?
The light of the righteous rejoices [shines brightly], But the lamp of the wicked will be put out. Proverbs 13:9 NKJV There’s a delightful picture found in the verb of the first sentence, which literally means rejoice, or be glad. From this, translators conclude that if it as a happy light — happy doing what…
Read MoreProverbs 13:8 A Kingdom Mindset
The ransom of a man’s life is his wealth, But the poor hears no rebuke. Proverbs 13:8 NASB Ransom is a beautiful word. It is the same word used of “pitch” in Genesis when God instructed Noah how to seal up the ark. It kept out the flood and was a protection, or in Noah’s…
Read MoreProverbs 16:7 Posers
There is one who makes himself rich, yet has nothing; And one who makes himself poor, yet has great riches. Proverbs 13:7 NKJV Or Rotherham’s translation: There is, who feigns himself rich, yet has nothing at all, and who pleads poverty, yet has great substance. Solomon is talking about appearances. Something that is actually a…
Read MoreProverbs 13:6 Kings and coups
Righteousness guards him whose way is blameless [the person of integrity], But wickedness [lawlessness] overthrows [subverts, undermines] the sinner. Proverbs 13:6 NKJV Solomon personifies righteousness and lawlessness as either a protector or a villain looking for my downfall. They are two dispositions in constant tension, working out their natures in my life like peaches appearing…
Read MoreProverbs 13:5 The silent stinker
A righteous man hates falsehood, But a wicked man acts disgustingly and shamefully. Proverbs 13:5 NASB What is the connection between one who hates lies and one who causes shame? One man hates what is false. Their soul rejects it and doesn’t want any part of it. No shade of lie, no half truth, no…
Read MoreProverbs 13:4 Life’s secret sauce
A sluggard’s appetite is never filled, but the desires of the diligent are fully satisfied. Proverbs 13:4 NIV Or New American Standard translates it, “The soul of the sluggard craves and gets nothing.” Appetite and need Appetite refers to the desire for food or drink and also the need to satisfy both cravings of the…
Read MoreProverbs 13:3 Brinks Armored Truck Service
The one who guards his mouth preserves his life; The one who opens wide his lips comes to ruin. Proverbs 13:3 NASB Everything we think is not worthy to be communicated to others. The mouth provides a distinct gateway through which words, thoughts, heart, soul, and expression may pass. The guarding of that gateway with…
Read MoreProverbs 13:2 Living on a diet
From the fruit of a man’s mouth he enjoys good, But the desire of the treacherous is violence. Proverbs 13:2 NASB Rotherham: Of the fruit of his mouth, shall a man eat what is good, but, the soul of the treacherous, [shall be sated with] violence. Words I speak — any words — are an…
Read MoreProverbs 13:1 Growing up takes time
A wise son accepts his father’s discipline, But a scoffer does not listen to rebuke. Proverbs 13:1 NASB Even at 59, I must hear my Father’s voice. Age is no factor. It’s possibly more true now than when I was young. As a boy, I knew I didn’t know. As I gain knowledge, exposure, experience,…
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