“By justice a king gives a country stability, but those who are greedy for bribes tear it down.”Proverbs 29:4 NIV For me this seems like a verse that can easily translate into our life. A Leader (king) who actually enforces the laws, supporting justice: all of that gives the area over which they lead - … Continue reading Proverbs 29 – Justice For All?
Proverbs 27 – Nature’s Mirror
“As water reflects the face, so one’s life reflects the heart.”Proverbs 27:19 NIV Water is nature’s mirror. It shows you yourself as you are willing to look into it. It’s different than just catching your reflection in a glass window or mirror at home. You have to lean over and gaze into the water. Much … Continue reading Proverbs 27 – Nature’s Mirror
Proverbs 26 – Smooth Lips Make Bad Pottery
“Like a coating of silver dross on earthenware are fervent lips with an evil heart.”Proverbs 26:23 NIV There is an ancient Japanese art of repairing old pottery by infusing it with liquid gold. It’s called kintsugi. What is described here in proverbs 26:23 sounds like the opposite. Instead of the pure metal being added to … Continue reading Proverbs 26 – Smooth Lips Make Bad Pottery
Proverbs 25 – The Look
“These are more proverbs of Solomon, compiled by the men of Hezekiah king of Judah: Like a north wind that brings unexpected rain is a sly tongue—which provokes a horrified look.”Proverbs 25:1, 23 NIV Two noteworthy things here. One is the historical editor’s note. Hezekiah’s men compiled these bits of wisdom from Solomon. Solomon didn’t … Continue reading Proverbs 25 – The Look
Proverbs 24 – Tough Times Ahead
“If you falter in a time of trouble, how small is your strength!”Proverbs 24:10 NIV Why do we learn to do the right thing consistently? Why is it important even when no one is watching? To train us for when everyone is watching. And it is in the mode moments when true character is shown. … Continue reading Proverbs 24 – Tough Times Ahead
Proverbs 23 – Needless Bruises
“Who has woe? Who has sorrow? Who has strife? Who has complaints? Who has needless bruises? Who has bloodshot eyes? Those who linger over wine, who go to sample bowls of mixed wine. Do not gaze at wine when it is red, when it sparkles in the cup, when it goes down smoothly! In the … Continue reading Proverbs 23 – Needless Bruises
Proverbs 22 – Out of Bounds
“Do not move an ancient boundary stone set up by your ancestors.”Proverbs 22:28 NIV I don’t watch a lot of sports. I play even less sports than I watch. However I understand the basic premise of “out of bounds” areas. Most every game has them. They have a field of play where the game is … Continue reading Proverbs 22 – Out of Bounds
Proverbs 21 – God Wins
“There is no wisdom, no insight, no plan that can succeed against the Lord. The horse is made ready for the day of battle, but victory rests with the Lord.”Proverbs 21:30-31 NIV This passage speaks to the amount of planning and preparation we can do for any given task. I’m not sure what you make … Continue reading Proverbs 21 – God Wins
Proverbs 19 – Hearsay
“A false witness will not go unpunished, and whoever pours out lies will perish.”Proverbs 19:9 NIV Did you know that perjury is illegal? Our system of laws in the US reflects this scripture but perhaps not the way that justice is carried out. I did a search on this topic, so I saved you some … Continue reading Proverbs 19 – Hearsay
Proverbs 20 – Rare Ores
“Gold there is, and rubies in abundance, but lips that speak knowledge are a rare jewel.”Proverbs 20:15 NIV Do you own any precious gems or metals? No this isn’t a commercial for some financial assurance program. I just want to reflect on the rarity of this items. Some folks have several shiny and rare items … Continue reading Proverbs 20 – Rare Ores
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