His Way or the Wrong Way
His Way or the Wrong Way Proverbs 14:12 There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death. Insight This is a verse which should be applied to the cults and “isms.” They sound so reasonable and so nice and so attractive. …
The Mess Will Bless
The Mess Will Bless Proverbs 14:4 Where no oxen are, the trough is clean; but much increase comes by the strength of an ox. Insight This has a tremendous spiritual lesson for us. Sometimes we try to solve problems in the church and try to clean up divisions in the …
Experiencing Godly Fear
Experiencing Godly Fear Proverbs 14:2 He who walks in his uprightness fears the Lord, but he who is perverse in his ways despises Him. Insight This tells us that our walk will reveal our relationship with God. We are told by the apostle John, “He that says he abides in …
Love Disciplines
Love Disciplines Proverbs 13:24 He who spares his rod hates his son, but he who loves him disciplines him promptly. Insight “Children, obey your parents,” but the father is told, “… provoke not your children to wrath …” (Eph. 6:1, 4). That is, don’t whip them or discipline them when …
The Gift
The Gift Proverbs 13:21–22 Evil pursues sinners, but to the righteous, good shall be repaid. A good man leaves an inheritance to his children’s children, but the wealth of the sinner is stored up for the righteous. Insight The sinner pursues evil, but only to find evil pursue him; while …
A Wise Walker
A Wise Walker Proverbs 13:20 He who walks with wise men will be wise, but the companion of fools will be destroyed. Insight When the heart’s desire is attained, the soul rejoices. But the only desire of the fool is the gratification of his unbridled passions. He refuses to entertain …
Blessed Correction
Blessed Correction Proverbs 13:18 Poverty and shame will come to him who disdains correction, but he who regards a rebuke will be honored. Insight Men may foolishly consider it beneath them to bow to instruction, and learn from those competent to teach; but lasting honor comes to the one who …
Blessed Faithfulness
Blessed Faithfulness Proverbs 13:15 Good understanding gains favor, but the way of the unfaithful is hard. Insight Good understanding translates “good name.” These Hebrew words are associated with favor (“grace or graciousness”). By contrast, the life of the unfaithful (lit., “treacherous”) is hard. The Hebrew for “hard” means “ever-flowing” like …
The Power of the Word
The Power of the Word Proverbs 13:13–14 He who despises the word will be destroyed, but he who fears the commandment will be rewarded. The law of the wise is a fountain of life, to turn one away from the snares of death. Insight All through Proverbs there is this …
Persevering in Hope
Persevering in Hope Proverbs 13:12 Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but when the desire comes, it is a tree of life. Insight The ever unsatisfied longing of a hungry soul results in faintness of spirit and sickness of heart. Such is the hopeless hope of the Christless. How blessed …