Category: Biblical Reflections

This passage of Proverbs again compares the differing ways that wisdom and foolishness produce results in life.  The opening comparison shows how a wise woman builds, but a foolish woman pulls down.  The upright fears the Lord, and the perverse despise God.  More comparisons involve punishment v. preservation, lies v. truth, knowledge v. ignorance, understanding … Continue reading The Blessings of the Wise (Proverbs 14:1 – 19)

This passage deals with the evils of pride, dishonesty, unfaithfulness, rejection of correction, evil acts, foolish living, and bad parenting.  The famous line, "24 He who spares his rod hates his son, But he who loves him disciplines him promptly," is found in this passage.  The basic concepts found in this passage make it clear … Continue reading Prosperity and Waste (Proverbs 13:10 – 25)

1 A wise son heeds his father’s instruction, But a scoffer does not listen to rebuke.  2 A man shall eat well by the fruit of his mouth, But the soul of the unfaithful feeds on violence.  3 He who guards his mouth preserves his life, But he who opens wide his lips shall have … Continue reading A Wise Son (Proverbs 13:1 – 9)

The writer gives the reader numerous comparisons between the plight of the wise versus the plight of the wicked.  1 Whoever loves instruction loves knowledge, But he who hates correction is stupid.  2 A good man obtains favor from the Lord, But a man of wicked intentions He will condemn.  3 A man is not … Continue reading Wisdom Wins! (Proverbs 12)

The writer of this passage supplies dozens of comparisons between the fate of the righteous and the fate of the wicked.  The righteous are guided by integrity, are delivered from death, is delivered from trouble, and will receive a sure reward.  The wicked will be destroyed because of their perversity, their riches will not profit … Continue reading Various Wise Sayings (Proverbs 11)

Proverbs 10:15 - 32 The proverbs continue in this passage, extolling the safety in wealth and the destruction in poverty; the life in righteous labor and the sin in wicked wages; the value of keeping instruction and the loss in refusing correction; the lying lips of hatred and the foolishness of slander.  The writer goes … Continue reading The Blessing of the Lord Makes One Rich

This passage again points out the danger of a simple woman.  She lures simple men into her house, claiming to provide them with sweet water and pleasant bread.  However, her guests end up dying. Solomon then discusses the merits of wisdom.  A wise son makes his father glad, and a foolish son grieves his mother. … Continue reading The Simple Woman (Proverbs 9:13 – 10:14)

This passage outlines the efforts of wisdom to help the simple and unwise achieve wisdom.  The allegory of a woman who cares for her family's needs at her house is used, as wisdom is described as building a house, killing meat for the meal, furnishing the table, and calling for the simple to come to … Continue reading The Call of Wisdom (Proverbs 9:1 – 12)

This proverb begins with this contention from Wisdom: 8:1 Does not wisdom cry out, And understanding lift up her voice?  2 She takes her stand on the top of the high hill, Beside the way, where the paths meet.  3 She cries out by the gates, at the entry of the city, At the entrance … Continue reading Wisdom Cries Out (Proverbs 8)