Proverbs 31 is an oracle that King Lemuel was taught by his mother (v. 1). Before she describes the famous wife of noble character (often simply called the Proverbs 31 Woman), she gives her son more generic wisdom that begins like this: “Do not give your strength to women, your ways to those who destroy …
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 …
A man of violence entices his neighbor and leads him in a way that is not good. Proverbs 16:29 ESV Why does violence entice? After all, don't we tend to find violence revolting rather than exciting? We like to think that. Shirking away from violence is the socially appropriate response. But deep down, I believe, …
If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him. James 1:5 ESV By what means do we attain wisdom? By asking God. The Father is generous indeed. If He would not withhold His only Son, He will neither withhold wisdom. …
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 …
Whoever gives thought to the word will discover good, and blessed is he who trusts in the LORD. Proverbs 16:20 ESV The natural interpretation of this verse would seem to refer to our words, our speech. Giving thought to the word, therefore, would be guarding one's mouth, considering carefully beforehand what is about to be …
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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 …
