Proverbs 16:19 ESV It is better to be of a lowly spirit with the poor than to divide the spoil with the proud. [https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=proverbs+16%3A19&version=ESV] To be of a lowly spirit is a hard saying and, if some thought is given to it, an obscure one too. What does it mean to be of a…
Proverbs 16:18 ESV Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall. [https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=proverbs+16%3A18&version=ESV] Maturity is a difficult art, one in which every summit turns out to be a valley and every victory only the start. For every moment in which we are satisfied with our heart and our actions, there’ll be another…
Proverbs 16:17 ESV The highway of the upright turns aside from evil; whoever guards his way preserves his life. [https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=proverbs+16%3A17&version=ESV] The Christian has many foes with which he contends, and they come in three flavors: the world, the flesh, and the devil (Eph 2:2-3). None of them can be treated with contempt; none of them…
Proverbs 16:16 ESV How much better to get wisdom than gold! To get understanding is to be chosen rather than silver. [https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=proverbs+16%3A16&version=ESV] It’s easy to prioritize literally everything besides Scripture. I’ve done it; you’ve done it; we’ve all done it. The day starts, and you’re in a hurry, so no time there. Work or…
You just got invited over to some new friends who are excited that you are also trying to live a healthier life by limiting toxins, simplifying life, and eating healthy. Every new health minded friend is a blessing, but you already know that the healthy or Crunchy lifestyle comes in different degrees of crunchiness. These…
Proverbs 16:15 ESV In the light of a king’s face there is life, and his favor is like the clouds that bring the spring rain. [https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=proverbs+16%3A15&version=ESV] The role of a Christian in this world has no real easy spots, however great its joy. We are to be priests, seeking God continually by the grace of…
Parents generally want to spare their children the effects of prolonged inflammation now and in the future, but too many are unaware of how important that could be for their child’s mental health. We live in an age of inflammatory diseases and effects. Beyond the natural toxicities of a fallen world such as venomous snakes…
Proverbs 16:14 ESV A king’s wrath is a messenger of death, and a wise man will appease it. [https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=proverbs+16%3A14&version=ESV] The authority of God is a hard pill to swallow, even for those of us used to swallowing hard pills. We want a pleasantly schizophrenic deity- vicious towards our enemies, blinds to our faults, flattering…
Proverbs 16:13 ESV Righteous lips are the delight of a king, and he loves him who speaks what is right. [https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=proverbs+16%3A13&version=ESV] This verse is yet another Proverb that at first blush seems flat contrary to common sense and history. Sure, we’d all love if our rulers appreciated being told when they’re wrong, that they…
Proverbs 16:12 ESV It is an abomination to kings to do evil, for the throne is established by righteousness. [https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=proverbs+16%3A12&version=ESV] What makes a king a king, a man a man, a parent a parent, a deacon a deacon? Certainly for all of these, some prerequisites are set- whether formal investiture, in the first and…