December 16, 2024
“Every word of God proves true; he is a shield to those who take refuge in him” (Proverbs 30:5 ESV). The phrase “proves true” reminds us that Scripture is trustworthy because it originates from a trustworthy God. His Word has been tried and found faithful in every generation. The Hebrew word translated “proves true” literally
December 8, 2024
“The rod and reproof give wisdom, but a child left to himself brings shame to his mother… Discipline your son, and he will give you rest; he will give delight to your heart” (Proverbs 29:15, 17 ESV). In our reading from the book of Proverbs today, Solomon directs our attention to the stewardship of parenting.
December 6, 2024
“A fool gives full vent to his spirit, but a wise man quietly holds it back.” (Proverbs 29:11 ESV). Have you heard someone make excuses about the way they lose their temper? They blame it on a family trait or a situation, but they don’t own the problem. In the book of Proverbs, the words
December 5, 2024
“Scoffers set a city aflame, but the wise turn away wrath” (Proverbs 29:8 ESV). A timely word from the book of Proverbs for today. For it highlights the difference between the scoffer and the wise. The scoffer is one who mocks, ridicules, or scorns a person or an idea. When they encounter disunity and disagreement
December 4, 2024
“By justice a king builds up the land, but he who exacts gifts tears it down” (Proverbs 29:4 ESV). This proverb of Solomon speaks of two types of kings, one who builds up and one who tears down. The one who builds up is rare. For he leads by “justice.” He leads with discretion and
November 24, 2024
“Whoever conceals his transgressions will not prosper, but he who confesses and forsakes them will obtain mercy” (Proverbs 28:13 ESV). The first impulse of sinful humanity, as displayed in Adam and Eve, is the desire to conceal sin. For after they transgressed God’s command and ate of the forbidden fruit, they immediately sought to hide
November 4, 2024
“Let another praise you, and not your own mouth; a stranger, and not your own lips” (Proverbs 27:2 ESV). In this modern era of social media and self-promotion, this proverb seems out of place. Yet self aggrandizement is still unwise. For if you praise yourself, others will not only remain silent, they will think you
September 9, 2024
“Do you see a man skillful in his work? He will stand before kings; he will not stand before obscure men” (Proverbs 22:29 ESV). There is a biblical theology of work. God works. God made man in His own image and gave him work to do too. The modern view that there is a division
August 27, 2024
“Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it” (Proverbs 22:6 ESV). This proverb speaks of the God-given stewardship of parenting. For children are a gift from the Lord and parents are called of the Lord to raise them to follow Him. The
August 17, 2024
“Whoever loves pleasure will be a poor man; he who loves wine and oil will not be rich” (Proverbs 21:17 ESV). This proverb states a truth that is usually revealed over time. For the one who loves pleasure and drink may seem happy for a time. But after a while their love of comfort leads