Proverbs 13:1-13 The soul of the sluggard craves and gets nothing,while the soul of the diligent is richly supplied. Proverbs 13:4 My guess is that Solomon primarily had material supply in mind here, where being a sluggard results in poverty, but diligent effort results in material gain. I think we can all attest to the …
Author Archives: John S.
July 6 / Proverbs 12:15-28
Proverbs 12:15-28 The way of a fool is right in his own eyes,but a wise man listens to advice. Proverbs 12:15 We can probably all relate personal stories where we’ve seen the truth of this proverb, particularly the first half. How many parents have witnessed their children making stupid decisions, refusing to take any advice …
July 5 / Proverbs 12:1-14
Proverbs 12:1-14 No one is established by wickedness,but the root of the righteous will never be moved. Proverbs 12:3 I hope we can all agree that this proverb should be true. Yet as we observed in our study of Job, things do not always work out so nicely in this life. Sometimes (oftentimes) the wicked …
July 4 / Proverbs 11:16-31
Proverbs 11:16-31 Whoever trusts in his riches will fall,but the righteous will flourish like a green leaf. Proverbs 11:28 I find it interesting that this proverb contrasts trusting in riches with being righteous. With a little life observation, I think most of us would fairly readily agree that trusting in riches is unwise (though the …
July 3 / Proverbs 11:1-15
Proverbs 11:1-15 A false balance is an abomination to the LORD,but a just weight is his delight. Proverbs 11:1 How is it that we all understand what is meant by a false balance or why it would be an abomination to the LORD? Why is it that we need laws governing weights and measures and …
July 2 / Proverbs 10:17-32
Proverbs 10:17-32 When words are many, transgression is not lacking,but whoever restrains his lips is prudent. Proverbs 10:19 Hmmm…
July 1 / Proverbs 10:1-16
As you can see, we are back to Proverbs for the next few weeks. Before we dive back in, here’s a quick recap of Proverbs 1-9 : Wisdom is good; folly is bad. I think we can all remember and agree that the first nine chapters contain a good bit more than that, but if …
June 30 / Psalm 75
Psalm 75 Judgment. What does that word mean to you? Is it filled with negative connotations? Do you think of a vindictive “God of the Old Testament” that goes around “smiting” people at the least provocation? Does that “God” stand in distinct contrast to the merciful “God of the New Testament”? I certainly hope not, …
June 29 / Psalm 74:12-23
Psalm 74:12-23 In yesterday’s reading, the psalmist painted a depressing picture, asking whether God has cast us off forever. Today we get an antidote to that perspective: recounting the Lord’s prior deeds and faithfulness while petitioning Him for His ongoing favor. Indeed, whenever we drift into thinking that God is absent or we start to …
June 28 / Psalm 74:1-11
Psalm 74:1-11 O God, why do you cast us off forever? (v. 1) Have you ever asked that question? Or (perhaps better) how often have you asked that question? Are you currently asking that question? As for me, I have certainly felt “cast off” occasionally, and sometimes for extended periods. Calling out to God and …