Proverbs 16-18 Tonight I read many of these proverb “one-liners” out loud to my husband.  We both loved one of the last ones that I read: 2 He who finds a wife finds what is good and receives favor from the LORD. So I am good for him!  It’s right there, in black and white! There was a proverb that we stumbled over, though: A bribe is a charm to the one who gives it; wherever he turns, he succeeds. Does this mean that it is okay to bribe?  A look at different translations and at the meanings of the … Continue reading More study needed

Proverbs 10-12 As my teacher’s eye read through these proverbs, I saw a wealth of opportunity for essay writing!  Each two-line proverb is worthy of a thorough examination.  It is difficult to determine what to write about in the midst of such meaty material! A basic theme about words/mouth/tongue/speech winds its way through these three chapters of proverbs: those who are wise are slow to speak, and when they do speak, they use their knowledge to speak concisely and thus escape the ruin plotted by their evil neighbors. Consider these: 11 The mouth of the righteous is a fountain of … Continue reading A word to the wise

Proverbs 4-9 Wisdom is the subject of the verses for yesterday and today’s readings…that, and many strong words about avoiding evil and those who love evil, and about the pitfalls of adultery. What was interesting to me especially was the personification of wisdom as found in Proverbs 8: “The LORD brought me forth as the first of his works, [b] , [c] before his deeds of old; 23 I was appointed [d] from eternity, from the beginning, before the world began. Is Wisdom, as described in this proverb, an allusion to Jesus?  Or an aspect of God’s character?  It’s definitely something to ponder…and … Continue reading Where the Lord and wisdom abound