It would be nice if knowledge of Scripture, even a deep education in it, equated to righteousness and a heart of faith. But since it doesn’t, we need to educate differently. We all want respect. We want to be seen and known for who we are as individuals. The LORD does this for us. Shouldn’t we be willing to do the same for one another? When we dedicate, initiate, and train others, we can’t walk in with a one-size-fits-all, cookie-cutter curriculum. Let’s heed the true words of the Proverb and honor the soul of the student. They will hold those lessons for life.
Tag Archives: Proverbs
What Does Evil Have to Teach Us? – Proverbs 16
“The Lord has made all for Himself, yes, even the wicked for the day of doom.”
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I propose to you, therefore, that the L’rd creates those who are prone to cause strife so that they may be like our tutors, helping to teach us right from wrong by showing us what true wrong looks like. Through experiencing the strife they cause, we learn what not to be like, and gain a greater appreciation for goodness.
Building a House or Tearing it Down – Proverbs 14
“The wise woman builds her house, but the foolish pulls it down with her hands.”
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Well, in psychology it is often said that the house represents the self. One’s house is one’s personal space, a place that we can customize and make to represent us.
In high school I was in a psychology class where the teacher told us each to design a house, and she didn’t first explain that the house represented the self. After she explained that, she had us analyze each other’s houses a bit, and then told us a story about a student she’d had years ago.
Honesty in Business – Proverbs 28:6
“Better is the poor who walks in his integrity than one perverse in his ways, though he be rich.”
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We need to be honest in our business dealings, because failing to do so just sets us up for failure in the long-run.
Spare the Rod – Proverbs 13:24
“He who spares his rod hates his son, but he who loves him disciplines him promptly.” -Proverbs 13:24
This passage is often cited by people who want to promote beating children to get them to behave. While I would agree that spanking may have its place as a last resort (to be used sparingly, lovingly, and carefully), I do not believe that this passage is saying “beat your children with a stick.”
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So, let’s present a more accurate translation that’s more to the point.
“He who refrains from his tribe (his people, his community) works against his son, but he who loves him seeks instruction.”