Hope for the Future

January 5, 2023

by Andy Sochor Throughout the book of Proverbs, a contrast is made between wisdom and foolishness. Since the wisdom described in the book comes from above, those who follow this and live according to its precepts will be righteous. Conversely, those who reject the way of wisdom will inevitably find themselves engaged in wickedness. Despite…

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The Path of the Righteous

June 2, 2021

by Matthew W. Bassford “But the path of the righteous is like the light of dawn, that shines brighter and brighter until the full day. The way of the wicked is like darkness; they do not know over what they stumble” (Proverbs 4:18-19). Look with me at Proverbs 4:18-19. These are two short verses, but…

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Can you explain “the way of a man with a maid”?

April 13, 2018

Question: Hi Jeff, Can you explain Proverbs 30:19, especially the statement: “the way of a man with a maid.” Answer: “There are three things which are too wonderful for me, yes, four which I do not understand: the way of an eagle in the air, the way of a serpent on a rock, the way of…

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Pearls from Proverbs: A Seemingly Right Course

November 19, 2015

by Irvin Himmel “There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death” (Proverbs 14:12). So important is the thought of this verse that it is repeated in Proverbs 16:25. Things are not Always What They Seem To an infant, a pair of scissors may seem…

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Does Proverbs 31:6-7 give approval to the use of alcohol?

June 12, 2015

Question: I was reviewing your articles on alcohol. I realize that you are not the author of all of the articles, but I did not see a reference to Proverbs 31:6-7. Proverbs 31 specifically does not condemn strong drink. However, you have a sermon, Drinking in the Old Testament, posted on your website that claims that…

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Why is Proverbs frequently quoted and applied today?

May 27, 2013

Question: Why is Proverbs frequently quoted as applying today when it is in the Old Testament? Wasn’t the Old Testament done away with? Answer: “For whatever things were written before were written for our learning, that we through the patience and comfort of the Scriptures might have hope” (Romans 15:4). Count the number of times…

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What does it mean to gird yourself with strength?

October 26, 2012

Question: Hello brother, My question is: would you explain Proverbs 31:17 to me? Thank you. Answer: “She girds herself with strength, and strengthens her arms. She perceives that her merchandise is good, and her lamp does not go out by night” (Proverbs 31:17-18). “Girding” refers to the older style of clothing. If you had a…

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What does it mean that a man is reduced to a piece of bread?

April 4, 2012

Question: In Proverbs 6:26, what does reducing a man to a piece of bread mean? Does this mean the appearance of a relationship, friendship, and love is so shallow that the reality is the man is viewed as nothing more than an object by which to make money? All thoughts of the man as a…

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