Thirty-One Days of Proverbs, Day 12
I'm glad that today I was able to read this passage before going to church. My pastor, the author of this devotional, was teaching Sunday School this morning and it was the first time in a long time that he took questions before starting the class. Therefore, I was able to ask him about my confusion about the "despised" man in verses 8 & 9.
While he wasn't able to give an answer off hand, after Sunday School a lady in class told me that in her Bible a definition for the word "despise" was provided. I don't remember exactly the definition but I do remember that it wasn't quite as severe as what we have come to associate with the word. It was more along the lines of "not well regarded".
I have seen this happen with many words from Bible days, from the 16 or 1700s when the Bible I solely use was translated, and on to today. Often the words take on more or less severe meanings than they had in times past. It's the same with the word "hate". The Bible speaks in a number of places about certain people that God "hates". While we associate something very very negative with the word hate, I have found in a cursory word study that oftentimes hate in the Bible means something more like "not preferred" or "turned away from". This is what we see when we read about Jacob's "hated" wife Leah verses his more loved wife Rachel.
It was a good day of learning; therefore, I would update my statement on what I've learned from today's passage to say, instead, "I've learned a little more about the word "despise" and how it was used in God's Word".
Here is the text for today:
Proverbs 12
1 Whoso loveth instruction loveth knowledge: but he that hateth reproof is brutish.
2 A good man obtaineth favour of the Lord: but a man of wicked devices will he condemn.
3 A man shall not be established by wickedness: but the root of the righteous shall not be moved.
4 A virtuous woman is a crown to her husband: but she that maketh ashamed is as rottenness in his bones.
5 The thoughts of the righteous are right: but the counsels of the wicked are deceit.
6 The words of the wicked are to lie in wait for blood: but the mouth of the upright shall deliver them.
7 The wicked are overthrown, and are not: but the house of the righteous shall stand.
8 A man shall be commended according to his wisdom: but he that is of a perverse heart shall be despised.
9 He that is despised, and hath a servant, is better than he that honoureth himself, and lacketh bread.
10 A righteous man regardeth the life of his beast: but the tender mercies of the wicked are cruel.
11 He that tilleth his land shall be satisfied with bread: but he that followeth vain persons is void of understanding.
12 The wicked desireth the net of evil men: but the root of the righteous yieldeth fruit.
13 The wicked is snared by the transgression of his lips: but the just shall come out of trouble.
14 A man shall be satisfied with good by the fruit of his mouth: and the recompence of a man's hands shall be rendered unto him.
15 The way of a fool is right in his own eyes: but he that hearkeneth unto counsel is wise.
16 A fool's wrath is presently known: but a prudent man covereth shame.
17 He that speaketh truth sheweth forth righteousness: but a false witness deceit.
18 There is that speaketh like the piercings of a sword: but the tongue of the wise is health.
19 The lip of truth shall be established for ever: but a lying tongue is but for a moment.
20 Deceit is in the heart of them that imagine evil: but to the counsellors of peace is joy.
21 There shall no evil happen to the just: but the wicked shall be filled with mischief.
22 Lying lips are abomination to the Lord: but they that deal truly are his delight.
23 A prudent man concealeth knowledge: but the heart of fools proclaimeth foolishness.
24 The hand of the diligent shall bear rule: but the slothful shall be under tribute.
25 Heaviness in the heart of man maketh it stoop: but a good word maketh it glad.
26 The righteous is more excellent than his neighbour: but the way of the wicked seduceth them.
27 The slothful man roasteth not that which he took in hunting: but the substance of a diligent man is precious.
28 In the way of righteousness is life: and in the pathway thereof there is no death.
You can read the entire 31 daily Proverbs devotional series by clicking here.
Do you know, if you were to die today, whether or not you'll go to be with Christ after you die? Are you 100% and completely assured of your salvation? If not, please take the time to read this salvation message today. There is nothing more important than giving your life to Christ and securing your place in eternity. I pray the Holy Spirit leads you to a personal relationship with Christ today, and I pray that you follow where the Holy Spirit leads you.
