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 a river, “enduring” like a nation, or “long established” like leaders. Perhaps in Proverbs 13:15 it refers to the calloused, ongoing conduct of the wicked, who are so entrenched in their ways that they find it difficult to turn from them. 1
Application
Have you learned how the faithful are also flexible. To be flexible does not mean to compromise. It means that your depending on the Holy Spirit to overrule your decision for a better decision. Jesus said: “Without Me you can do nothing.” Being flexible to the leading of the Holy Spirit keeps you from becoming hard and graceless. Do you have good favor with others or have you become calloused towards good council?
Motivation
But I have prayed for you, that your faith should not fail; and when you have returned to Me, strengthen your brethren. Luke 22:32
Faithfulness is like a train, steadfast on a narrow path, for the long haul. – TWEET IT
Prayer
Father, help me to learn more about how You view faithfulness from a heavenly perspective.
1. Walvoord, John F., & Zuck, R. B., Dallas Theological Seminary. (1985). The Bible Knowledge Commentary.
