Contemplative Bible Reading

Proverbs 15:15 (New Living Translation) For the despondent, every day brings trouble; for the happy heart, life is a continual feast. Can we describe life any simpler than this? I don’t know how. Then again, I wasn’t sure of the definition of despondent. Let’s look at this definition: Adjective: In low spirits from loss of hope […]

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Proverbs 25:21-22 (New International Version 2011) 21 If your enemy is hungry, give him food to eat; if he is thirsty, give him water to drink. 22 In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head, and the LORD will reward you. This proverb is quoted in the New Testament in Romans 12. […]

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Proverbs 24:17-18 (New International Version) 17 Do not gloat when your enemy falls; when they stumble, do not let your heart rejoice, 18 or the LORD will see and disapprove and turn his wrath away from them. This is a timely read considering the recent death of Osama bin Laden and the ensuing celebrations. Perhaps […]

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Proverbs 16:33 (New International Version 2011) The lot is cast into the lap, but its every decision is from the LORD. We are back to casting lots to make decisions. This verse strikes me as one more simple example of using the lot or the die to seek what the Lord wants us to do. […]

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Proverbs 18:18 (New International Version) Casting the lot settles disputes and keeps strong opponents apart. I read this week as well. It was another of those, “What does this say? This must be a misprint!” The writer of this proverb is telling me to “roll the dice” or “cut a deck of cards” to settle […]

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Proverbs 20:30 (New International Version) Blows and wounds cleanse away evil, and beatings purge the inmost being. I read this passage just this week. Something must be wrong here, this must be a misprint. If nothing else, this passage can easily be misapplied. I mean look at it, if someone is sinning you take a […]

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Proverbs 28:21 (New International Version) To show partiality is not good— yet a man will do wrong for a piece of bread. A simple, yet profound Proverb. America, 2009. Food is a problem here. We have too much food, and food is too convenient. Fried potatoes are not  good for you, especially if you don’t […]

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Sometimes I think that I can work with anyone. I am smart enough, have the knowledge, have the patience, and have whatever it takes to work agreeably with anyone. Then, I read this verse from Proverbs. Proverbs 22:10 (New International Version) Drive out the mocker, and out goes strife; quarrels and insults are ended. Maybe, […]

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This is a tough topic. I don’t have all the answers and I’m not sure I have even half of the questions. In the spirit of weakness, let’s go into this. Proverbs 24:30-34 (New International Version) 30 I went past the field of the sluggard, past the vineyard of the man who lacks judgment; 31 […]

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Proverbs 1:1 and 1:4 (New International Version) 1 The proverbs of Solomon son of David, king of Israel:…4 for giving prudence to the simple, I love the phrase giving prudence to the simple. I had to study the word prudence. From http://dictionary.com, prudence, noun, caution with regard to practical matters; discretion. Prudence, calculation, foresight, forethought […]

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