Here’s how the study works: Read the chapters mentioned in the heading during the week and share any words, thoughts, verses that stood out to you. Having a week for several chapters creates the opportunity to revisit them and make additional comments as you feel inclined as well as make comments on other people’s insights.
Proverbs 26-30
26:2 Like a fluttering sparrow or a darting swallow, an undeserved curse does not come to rest.
It was commonly believed that blessings and curses had objective existence – that once uttered, the word was effectual. Scriptures make it clear that the power of a blessing or a curse depends on the power of the one behind it. This proverb provides a correction of this superstition. An “undeserved curse does not come to rest” – it will not be effective.
26:2 Like a fluttering sparrow or a darting swallow, an undeserved curse does not come to rest.
It was commonly believed that blessings and curses had objective existence – that once uttered, the word was effectual. Scriptures make it clear that the power of a blessing or a curse depends on the power of the one behind it. This proverb provides a correction of this superstition. An “undeserved curse does not come to rest” – it will not be effective.
27:14 If anyone loudly blesses their neighbor early in the morning, it will be taken as a curse.
Sometimes we ‘bless’ people in a way that is not a blessing. To be a blessing we need to be empathetic and think about what the other person would consider a blessing.
27:14 If anyone loudly blesses their neighbor early in the morning, it will be taken as a curse.
Sometimes we ‘bless’ people in a way that is not a blessing. To be a blessing we need to be empathetic and think about what the other person would consider a blessing.
28:1 The wicked flee though no one pursues, but the righteous are as bold as a lion.
The wicked are always worried about being found out so they can never relax. The righteous however have nothing to hide so they can be as bold as a lion.
28:1 The wicked flee though no one pursues, but the righteous are as bold as a lion.
The wicked are always worried about being found out so they can never relax. The righteous however have nothing to hide so they can be as bold as a lion.
29:21 A servant pampered from youth will turn out to be insolent.
Pampering employees breeds a lack of respect. But this doesn’t mean treating them badly. There is a balance and it’s still possible to bless one’s employees.
29:21 A servant pampered from youth will turn out to be insolent.
Pampering employees breeds a lack of respect. But this doesn’t mean treating them badly. There is a balance and it’s still possible to bless one’s employees.
30:9 Otherwise, I may have too much and disown you and say, ‘Who is the Lord?’ Or I may become poor and steal, and so dishonor the name of my God.
The assumption here is that people only want God for what they get out of the relationship. God is worthy of worship whether he gives me anything or nothing.
30:9 Otherwise, I may have too much and disown you and say, ‘Who is the Lord?’ Or I may become poor and steal, and so dishonor the name of my God.
The assumption here is that people only want God for what they get out of the relationship. God is worthy of worship whether he gives me anything or nothing.