True love is not blind. That we cover someone’s mistake through love does not mean that we do not see the sin and do not recognize it as such. Love and justice go together. The Hebrew word for justice, tsedeq, also means love, charity. We cannot have real compassion if we are not just, and … Continue reading –>
Read Proverbs 17:9, Prov. 19:11. What crucial point is being made in these texts? How should we deal with others who fall? When someone messes up, it’s so tempting to spread the story, to tell others. Have you heard about what so-and-so did? Though we might act as if we are appalled by the action, … Continue reading –>
Read for This Week’s Study: Proverbs 17:1-28, 1 Cor 13:5–7, John 8:1–11, Proverbs 18:1-24, Proverbs 19:1-29, Deut. 24:10–22. Memory Text: Better is a dry morsel with quietness, than a house full of feasting with strife (Proverbs 17:1, NKJV). Proverbs again denounces the deception of appearances. We may seem to have everything the world offers — wealth, … Continue reading –>
When Paul and Christie Brown moved into a less than desirable neighborhood in Elkins, West Virginia, they didn’t know that their home would become a magnet for young people. I’ve always been youth focused, says Paul, so when the neighborhood kids wanted to hang out with our kids at the house, we said, OK, but … Continue reading –>
Further Study: From the beginning Satan has portrayed to men the gains to be won by transgression. Thus he seduced angels. Thus he tempted Adam and Eve to sin. And thus he is still leading multitudes away from obedience to God. The path of transgression is made to appear desirable; but the end thereof are … Continue reading –>
We all dream and make plans, and yet things turn out differently, sometimes for the better, sometimes for the worse. The Bible acknowledges the value of human responsibility and freedom. Yet the Bible also affirms God’s control over the course of events (see Prov. 20:24, Prov. 21:31, and Daniel 2:1-49, Dan. 7:1-28). What does Proverbs 16:1 … Continue reading –>
Read Proverbs 15:1-33. Why is joy such an important human asset? Scripture does not promise us a life without trials. As Jesus Himself said: Sufficient for the day is its own trouble (Matt. 6:34, NKJV). Proverbs 15:15 explains that amid evil days, the one who maintains a merry heart will have a better time of … Continue reading –>
The eyes of the LORD are in every place, keeping watch on the evil and the good (Prov. 15:3, NKJV). How does this text make you feel, and why? In the next two chapters in Proverbs the tone changes. These chapters are more theological than the preceding ones. The Lord is referenced more often than … Continue reading –>
Read Proverbs 14:1-35 again. What does it say about the wise? The wise speak humbly (Prov. 14:3). The wise restrain the use of their lips. Their silent reflection is motivated by a lack of arrogant self-assurance. The wise give consideration to the other person’s ideas; therefore, the wise will take time to think through and … Continue reading –>
Read Proverbs 14:1-35. What does it say about the fool? The fool speaks proudly (Prov. 14:3). The first depiction of the fool deals with his proud speech. The image of the rod associated with the fool’s lips implies his eventual punishment. His proud words have resulted in a blow on his lips, an outcome that … Continue reading –>
