Category: Biblical Reflections

This writing of Solomon recounts a story of watching a young man through a window as he is seduced by an adulterous woman, a harlot.  She was a loud and persuasive woman, enticing the young man with kisses, tapestries, perfumes, and a promise that they would not get caught because her husband was away on … Continue reading The Simple Young Man and the Crafty Harlot (Proverbs 7:6 – 27)

Solomon encourages his son to keep his father's command and his mother's law.  This will lead and keep the child and be a lamp and a light to his or her path.  It will keep him or her from evil people, seducers or seductresses.  Wisdom guards from lust and sin.  He warns against infidelity, a … Continue reading Keep the Law of God (Proverbs 6:20 – 7:5)

Solomon writes some wise advice for his son concerning several risky behaviors.  First, he warns against co-signing or securing a loan for someone else.  He describes this as a snare from which one should seek to be delivered.  Second, he warns against lazyness and alludes to the example of the ant who works tirelessly and … Continue reading Dangerous Behavior (Proverbs 6:1 – 19)

Solomon gives some sound advice to his son:  avoid the adulterous woman!  He warns of the perils of an immoral woman, whose words are smooth and tempting, but the end result is a bitter relationship, cutting like a sword.  She is unstable, and leads the simple to hell.  Don't even go near her house.  Avoid … Continue reading Shun the Adulteress (Proverbs 5)

This chapter reiterates the need to hear the father's instruction and know understanding.  Solomon recounts how his father, David, had taught him wisdom as a boy.  He lifts up the power of wisdom to preserve one's life, promote him or her, and bring honor.  Wisdom can prolong life and open doors of opportunity.  He then … Continue reading Hear and Know (Proverbs 4)

Solomon continues his praise of wisdom in this passage.  He compares wisdom to rubies, stating that nothing one could want could compare to her.  She gives long life, riches, honor, pleasure, and peace.  The Lord created the universe by wisdom.  The ecosystem is a product of wisdom.  Wisdom is the key to a young person's … Continue reading More About Wisdom (Proverbs 3:15 – 35)

Solomon, the presumed writer, begins this passage with an admonition to his son to never forget the law and commands taught to him.  The laws of God and wisdom will add peace to his long life.  Mercy and truth will bring favor and high esteem if written on his heart.  Some of the very best … Continue reading Son, Do Not Forget (Proverbs 3:1 – 14)

This chapter is written as a father speaking to his son about the value and benefits of wisdom.  He states that if the son seeks for and treasures wisdom, that he will understand the fear of the Lord, and receive knowledge and protection from Him.  The father further says that once wisdom penetrates the mind … Continue reading The Blessings of Wisdom (Proverbs 2)

20 Wisdom calls aloud outside; She raises her voice in the open squares. 21 She cries out in the chief concourses, At the openings of the gates in the city She speaks her words: 22 “How long, you simple ones, will you love simplicity? For scorners delight in their scorning, And fools hate knowledge. 23 … Continue reading Wisdom’s Voice (Proverbs 1:20–33)

This book begins the proverbs of Solomon, as announced in the very first verse.  Solomon is famous for his wisdom, greater than any man or king in the known world of his day.  He begins the chapter by extollling the value of wisdom.  He says that a wise man will hear and learn in order … Continue reading The Wisdom of Solomon (Proverbs 1:1 – 19)