I find etymology, the study of the origin of words and their meanings, intriguing. One example is found in Proverbs 12:25, which reads: “Worry weighs a person down; an encouraging word cheers a person up”. The word “worry” comes from the Old English word “wyrgan”, initially meaning “strangle.” If you’ve ever grappled with intense anxiety,… Continue reading Pro 12v25 – Releasing the strangle
One of the greatest gifts and lessons our Christian faith gives us is to always “love your neighbour.” What does this truly mean, though? Well, it doesn’t just mean to love those who are around you but also those you may never encounter again. Proverbs reinforces this mindset, stating, “The merciful man does himself good,… Continue reading Pro 11v17 – Love always
I am very fortunate to be able to witness the harvest in the Franschhoek vineyards each year. Harvest time is the culmination of months of meticulous cultivation and years of hard work and planning, all to produce this incredible fruit. Proverbs speaks of our choice to make use of this abundance or not. ”He who… Continue reading Pro 10v5 – The harvest
“Have you heard about the new supplement that has been proven to add years to your life?” These types of claims have been around for centuries. Yet, what if there was a supplement that worked? Well, there is. “For through wisdom your days will be many, and years will be added to your life.” (Proverbs… Continue reading Pro 9v11 – The life-extending supplement
A new year brings new opportunities. What will you be focusing your time and attention on this year? Your career, degree, a building project, your business? If you had to stop for a moment and ask yourself, “Why will I be pouring all my time and energy into this?” Is it so you can earn… Continue reading Pro 8v10 – Better than gold
“Say to wisdom, ‘You are my sister,’ and call insight your intimate friend” (Proverbs 7:4). Solomon is pleading with his son to pay full attention to wisdom and understanding for his safety and success. Without it, he is likely to be tempted into all manner of sin that will lead to his ruin! Just as… Continue reading Pro 7v4 – The best friend
The Bible often points to lessons for us that can be gleaned from nature. Solomon was a dedicated naturalist: He spoke about plant life and animals and birds, reptiles and fish. Proverbs 6:6 is one example: “Go to the ant, you sluggard; consider its ways and be wise!” Here, King Solomon challenges a lazy person… Continue reading Pro 6v6 – An ant lesson
Just be honest. “For your ways are in full view of the LORD, and he examines all your paths.” (Proverbs 5:21). In a world clouded by secrets and lies, the call for honesty echoes louder than ever. Our journey toward transparency begins by acknowledging that God sees all—as our verse says “all our ways are… Continue reading Pro 5v21 – Just be Honest
In Proverbs, Solomon writes, “The beginning of wisdom is: acquire wisdom. Though it cost all you have, get understanding.” (Proverbs 4:7) This might sound a bit strange, but I think the key lies in the meaning of the word “acquire”. The Hebrew word suggests an intense desire to own, buy, or attain something. So, Solomon’s… Continue reading Pro 4v7 – Intense Desire
While skiing the other day, we saw a small kid skiing, attached to a harness, with the parent holding on tight. The rope was long enough for the kid to feel like he was flying down the slope, but he knew he would never lose control down the hill because his mom, quite literally, had… Continue reading Pro 3v26 – Attached to God