Tag Archives: King Solomon

Proverbs 27

Only a fool takes himself too seriously. Your personal sense of identity and integrity should not rest on total control of outcomes. Self-cynicism is not the same as self-doubt; you can still forge ahead in your calling while keeping a … Continue reading

Posted in bible | Tagged , , , , | Comments Off on Proverbs 27

Proverbs 26

The advice to nobility continues, with an emphasis to watch out for certain kinds of people. We remind ourselves that “fool” and “folly” refer to a failure to subject the mind to the supremacy of the heart. Thus, it is … Continue reading

Posted in bible | Tagged , , , , | Comments Off on Proverbs 26

Proverbs 25

We have already seen how the unnamed final editor of this volume never saw fit to reduce duplication, but faithfully pieced together several collections as they were. 1. These are also proverbs of Solomon which the men of Hezekiah king … Continue reading

Posted in bible | Tagged , , , , | Comments Off on Proverbs 25

Proverbs 24

We continue with more pointed advice to the royal heir in longer proverbial texts. 1-2. Do not be jealous of evil men, nor desire to be with them. For their heart studies ruin, and their lips talk of mischief. This … Continue reading

Posted in bible | Tagged , , | Comments Off on Proverbs 24

Proverbs 23

This chapter continues the theme of the previous, in which an aging ruler seeks to warn his heir from folly. We continue with the longer statements in small paragraphs. 1-3. When you sit down to eat with a ruler, look … Continue reading

Posted in bible | Tagged , , , , | Comments Off on Proverbs 23

Proverbs 22 (Part 2)

12. The eyes of the LORD keep knowledge, and He overthrows the words of the transgressor. This is a humorous play on words in that “keep” can imply hiding something or making it mysterious, while “transgressor” arises from the concept … Continue reading

Posted in bible | Tagged , , , , | Comments Off on Proverbs 22 (Part 2)

Proverbs 22 (Part 1)

In his better moments, Solomon was struck by the realization that much of what made life so sweet under his father’s reign was fading away. Some of it was buried under the wash of foreign influences his fame brought to … Continue reading

Posted in bible | Tagged , , , , | Comments Off on Proverbs 22 (Part 1)

Proverbs 21 (Part 2)

17. He who loves pleasure shall be a poor man; he who loves wine and oil shall not be rich. It should be obvious from the context, but the Hebrew word translated “love” here typically refers to mere sexual desire, … Continue reading

Posted in bible | Tagged , , , , | Comments Off on Proverbs 21 (Part 2)

Proverbs 21 (Part 1)

The specific context here appears in the first verse, but bears the broader implication of how we deal with the sorrows of human society in general. Divine wisdom is often silent in the face of apparent provocation, seeking whatever path … Continue reading

Posted in bible | Tagged , , , , , , | Comments Off on Proverbs 21 (Part 1)

Proverbs 20 (Part 1)

This chapter contrasts the difference between judging on the basis of human perception versus relying on the heart to grasp divine moral justice. 1. Wine is a mocker, strong drink is raging, and whoever goes astray by it is not … Continue reading

Posted in bible | Tagged , , , , | Comments Off on Proverbs 20 (Part 1)