Tag Archives: proverbs

Proverbs 23

Posted on December 16, 2015 by ehurst

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 →

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Proverbs 22 (Part 2)

Posted on December 15, 2015 by ehurst

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 →

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Proverbs 22 (Part 1)

Posted on December 14, 2015 by ehurst

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 →

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Proverbs 21 (Part 2)

Posted on December 8, 2015 by ehurst

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 →

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Proverbs 21 (Part 1)

Posted on December 4, 2015 by ehurst

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 →

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Proverbs 20 (Part 2)

Posted on November 25, 2015 by ehurst

(Recall that the context here is contrasting human justice against God’s divine moral character.) 16. Take the garment of him who is surety for a stranger; and take a pledge from him for strangers. Making loans on these terms are … Continue reading →

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Proverbs 20 (Part 1)

Posted on November 20, 2015 by ehurst

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 →

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Proverbs 19

Posted on September 26, 2015 by ehurst

The world is a hard place. This chapter collects sayings that address what we can honestly expect from fallen humanity, even when we presume a covenant community. Please note that there are two words for “poor” here; one denotes being … Continue reading →

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Proverbs 18

Posted on September 20, 2015 by ehurst

The primary topic here is dealing with the wider society that is not close kin. A critical background element is the recognition that some things should stay in your heart and other things belong in the privacy of the home, … Continue reading →

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Proverbs 17

Posted on August 19, 2015 by ehurst

The emphasis here is filial piety and personal loyalty. Shalom starts at home. 1. Better is a dry piece of bread, and quietness with it, than a house full of sacrifices with fighting. A literal rendering of the Hebrew would … Continue reading →

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