Proverbs 16:27 ESV A worthless man plots evil, and his speech is like a scorching fire. [https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=proverbs+16%3A27&version=ESV] When dealing with a difficult relationship, we have two impulses: first, to cut them out as soon as possible and (try to) never look back; second, to hold on forever, thinking that perhaps one last interaction can…
Proverbs 16:26 ESV A worker’s appetite works for him; his mouth urges him on. [https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=proverbs+16%3A26&version=ESV] Reality is reality. Sometimes that sucks. Sometimes that’s awesome. Sometimes, as here, we need to take a second and a third and even a fourth look before we understand both sides of the problem. This verse falls into the…
Proverbs 16:25 ESV There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way to death. [https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=proverbs+16%3A25&version=ESV] We’re experts at deciding the right way to go. Left, right, up, down, family, work, church, that politician, this politician, that book, this one, that medicine, this one. We develop plans, and…
Proverbs 16:24 ESV Gracious words are like a honeycomb, sweetness to the soul and health to the body. [https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=proverbs+16%3A24&version=ESV] Living life is a tiring proposition. At some point, be I who I may be, I will get worn down, tuckered out, even flat-out hurt. Bad things happen, we sin to our own harm, and…
Proverbs 16:23 ESV The heart of the wise makes his speech judicious and adds persuasiveness to his lips. [https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=proverbs+16%3A23&version=ESV] Smooth-talking, silver-tongued, these are words we can easily give a negative connotation. We call it persuasion but it seems more like manipulation, and it’s hard to find the line where indeed charisma or persuasion becomes…
As a functional medicine pediatrician, I have a responsibility to both treat the young patients in front of me as well as advocate for the well-being of children in society. Obviously, there is considerable overlap between these two roles. As I evaluate studies and research findings in order to apply new discoveries in either arena,…
Proverbs 16:22 ESV Good sense is a fountain of life to him who has it, but the instruction of fools is folly. [https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=proverbs+16%3A22&version=ESV] Good teachers are not a dime a dozen, unfortunately. In fact, on inspection, money seems to have irritatingly little to do with teaching quality; certainly the more expensive a university, the…
Proverbs 16:21 ESV The wise of heart is called discerning, and sweetness of speech increases persuasiveness. [https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=proverbs+16%3A21&version=ESV] I’ve been in an argument or two, in my time. Siblings like them, it turns out, and not just siblings. In those arguments, I generally feel myself to be entirely in the right, and I wonder why…
Contrary to common beliefs, individuals with autism do experience complex emotions, but their language of experiencing and expressing them is different. If this Rutgers University researcher is correct, the long-held belief that autistic individuals have very muted emotions may need to be altered. With that change in approach, maybe a better way to think of…
Proverbs 16:20 ESV Whoever gives thought to the word will discover good, and blessed is he who trusts in the Lord. [https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=proverbs+16%3A20&version=ESV] In all the rush and hurry of daily life, Scripture is easily set aside. We know what it says, after all; we’ve got all the doctrine right up here in our heads,…