Posts with the tag “week-22”

Proverbs 22:17-24:34. “Attaining Wisdom” Repeatedly we are told to listen to the words of direction, and apply our heart, and heed the teaching, and stay attune to instruction.  The emphasis would be hard to miss.“Apply your heart to instruction.”  Many times, I can rush by a phrase like that and miss out on some of its meaning.  I often need to slow down and acquire some clarity.  For example, t...  Read More

Proverbs 20-22:16. “Dangerous Business” I enjoy reading quotes by Will Rogers, a great social humorist.  One of his comments on chitchat was, “Live that you wouldn't be ashamed to sell the family parrot to the town gossip.”In our society we have a lot of jokes and quips about gossip.  We’ve had various comic television series’ for years that have a character portraying a nosey neighbor or town go...  Read More

Proverbs 17-19.  “Parental Wisdom” I counted at least seven proverbs pertaining to children in these three chapters.  Several describe the pain a parent can experience when their child is on the road to folly.  A few others explain the benefits of discipline.  There was one, far more uplifting, although I believe a few teenagers would take exception, which read: “parents are the pride of their chi...  Read More

Proverbs 14-16.  “WQ” "Wise men talk because they have something to say; fools, because they have to say something." –PlatoThere are definitely certain characteristics that make a statement.  As Solomon continues to describe the wise there are two words that stand out; “witness” and “work.”  “Witness” encompasses the qualities of the wise.  They are pleasant, gentle, thoughtful, careful, humble in...  Read More

Proverbs 11-13.  “Life-Giving Fruit” In today’s chapters wisdom is associated with humility; with one who listens to advice; with not making a show of knowledge; accepting parent’s discipline; giving good advice; and thinking before acting.As much as I enjoy the idea of elaborating on each of these, there is one characteristic of wisdom listed in chapter 11 that I enjoy more.  Verse 30 tells us th...  Read More

Proverbs 8-10.  “It’s More Than Brains” Wisdom is described in these chapters as that which; is Contrasted by immorality, folly and foolishness; Fears the LORD; Is excellent and right; Speaks truth and hates deception; Has good judgment; Knows where to discover knowledge and discernment; Hates pride, arrogance, corruption, perverted speech, and evil; Rewards with gifts better than pure gold; Was c...  Read More

It is a joy to read the Proverbs. Sometimes you find yourself laughing at the candid way a proverb is written, and yet other times you find yourself stopping to consider the truth behind what was just shared.          A proverb is a short saying to express a truth. Therefore, it should not be surprising that in this week’s passage you will read the words “wisdom” or “wise” almost 100 times.  What is surprising is how wisdom is defined.  Read More