Every way of a man is right in his own eyes,but the LORD weighs the heart. Proverbs 21:2 ESV As this verse states, self-justification comes all too easy. For example, I immediately condemn the driver who cuts me off, but whenever I cut someone off, then it is justified as being either an accident or …
It is an honor for a man to keep aloof from strife,but every fool will be quarreling. Proverbs 20:3 ESV Although all of Proverbs applies to all ages of humanity, this verse feels particularly relevant today. With advent of the Internet and especially social media, it sometimes seems as though life has become one massive …
The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and instruction. Proverbs 1:7 ESV This verse is the thesis of the entire book of Proverbs and a crucial key to understanding our relationship with God. But why is the statement that fearing God is the beginning of knowledge? It seems natural …
The wicked flee when no one pursues,but the righteous are bold as a lion. Proverbs 28:1 Why do the wicked flee when no one pursues them? Their guilt keeps them from all peace. They are constantly on the run because they know that others have reason to pursue them. Or at least their own conscience …
A man without self-control is like a city broken into and left without walls. Proverbs 25:28 ESV Walls were, in many ways, the strength and hope of a city. Should a neighboring city-state attack, everyone would flee behind the city's walls for safety. By walls, a city became a fortress, a stronghold and refuge. With …
There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death. Proverbs 16:25 ESV What proverb better describes life in the aftermath of the Fall? Our sin clouds our judgments. It covers our eyes. We seek after things that seem to bring joy, pleasure, and happiness, but they …
The highway of the upright turns aside from evil; whoever guards his way preserves his life. Proverbs 16:17 ESV The path of the upright veers to avoid evil. Indeed, it is the avoidance of evil that makes one upright at all. How do we do this? By guarding our ways. By being vigilantly attendant …
One gives freely, yet grows all the richer; another withholds what he should give, and only suffers want. Proverbs 11:24 ESV The natural impulse is to hoard. Money, food, stuff. Everything is gathered together, then guarded. We don't call it selfishness. It's self-preservation, prudence. After all, how can we help others if we don't …
Continue reading One Gives Freely; Another Withholds | Proverbs 11:24
Where there are no oxen, the manger is clean, but abundant crops come by the strength of the ox. Proverbs 14:4 I am aiming, not simply to live life, but to live it abundantly. The LORD has called us to do so. He who is the resurrection and the life will be faithful to …
Continue reading Where There Are No Oxen, The Manger Is Clean | Proverbs 14:4
Whoever walks with the wise becomes wise, but the companion of fools will suffer harm. Proverbs 13:20 ESV Wisdom, the skill of living, can be found in walking among the wise. Choosing to associate with wise people will inevitably lead to wisdom. Why is this? The heart dwells wherever the feet traverse. Movements, actions, …
B. C. Newton 