Posted by Jeff Short on May 3, 2017 · Leave a Comment
Hope deferred maketh the heart sick: but when the desire cometh, it is a tree of life.
– Proverbs 13:12
The word for
deferred means to stretch or draw out. It indicates a
hope, or expectation, that is delayed. The phrase
heart sick is akin to what we would call depression, though not necessarily the full clinical sense. The point is the unbearable discouragement of endless waiting. When that longing is fulfilled,
it is a tree of life. This imagery is used a few times in Proverbs (Proverbs 3:18; 11:30). It indicates a source that is life-giving and sustaining. The phrase here speaks of a reviving of the overwrought soul.
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Posted by Jeff Short on May 2, 2017 · Leave a Comment
Wealth gotten by vanity shall be diminished: but he that gathereth by labor shall increase.
– Proverbs 13:11
The word for
vanity means empty. It is contrasted in this proverb with
labor, which indicates work with the hands. So
vanity here doesn’t exclude illegitimacy but the contrast speaks more to haste and trying to gain wealth without working for it. It reminds us of those always attracted by the offer of making a lot of money with little time or effort. Other similar proverbs speak of haste instead of vanity (Proverbs 20:21; 21:5). The general tenor of Proverbs teaches that diligence, hard work, and good stewardship increases wealth without the attendant sorrows of the vain pursuers (Proverbs 27:23-27).
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Posted by Jeff Short on May 1, 2017 · Leave a Comment
Only by pride cometh contention: but with the well advised is wisdom.
– Proverbs 13:10
The word for
contention means a quarrel or strife. The first phrase reveals how it comes by
pride, or stubborn arrogance. The proud bringer of strife is identified as a scorner (Proverbs 21:24). They will not receive counsel because they know best (Proverbs 12:15; 1:7). This is shown to be foolish by the contrast with
wisdom in the last phrase. Wisdom is frequently described as instruction or correction (Proverbs 1:2-3, 23; 3:11). Acquiring wisdom necessarily means listening to and receiving good counsel, instruction, and correction (Proverbs 19:20; 20:18; 25:8).
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I was aware this book was surrounded by controversy, but not informed as to the exact nature of the controversy. I read it on a recommendation from a friend and am glad I did. I appreciated the highlighting of the lordship of Jesus in the G...
Proverbs 13:12
Posted by Jeff Short on May 3, 2017 · Leave a Comment
Hope deferred maketh the heart sick: but when the desire cometh, it is a tree of life.
The word for deferred means to stretch or draw out. It indicates a hope, or expectation, that is delayed. The phrase heart sick is akin to what we would call depression, though not necessarily the full clinical sense. The point is the unbearable discouragement of endless waiting. When that longing is fulfilled, it is a tree of life. This imagery is used a few times in Proverbs (Proverbs 3:18; 11:30). It indicates a source that is life-giving and sustaining. The phrase here speaks of a reviving of the overwrought soul.– Proverbs 13:12
Listen to the Proverbs sermon series
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