Daily Challenges Archive
“Do not say, “I’ll do to them as they have done to me; I’ll pay them back for what they did.”
This is literally the opposite of what Jesus tells us is the summary of the law and prophets. The big difference is that Jesus instructs us to do “as you would have them do” not pay them back for what they did do. Revenge may be one of the most un...
“Do you see someone skilled in their work? They will serve before kings; they will not serve before officials of low rank.”
My 10 year old granddaughter is a diligent worker. I occasionally ‘hire’ her to help with projects around my house. She was going shopping with her mom the other day so she wanted to know if I had some projects she could do to earn money. I did. F...
“The wicked put up a bold front, but the upright give thought to their way.”
Self reflection is a bit of a missing art these days. Social media, a zillion channels of streaming entertainment and all the other things designed to get the average person focused on a product, service or other distraction keeps many people from...
“The glory of young men is their strength, gray hair the splendor of the old.”
Can I swap my gray headed splendor for some young man strength? Just a thought. Solomon knows that young people tend to feel healthy and invincible. His reference in this verse is the result of self discipline and exercise. Today one in five, 2 to...
“Penalties are prepared for mockers, and beatings for the backs of fools.”
As ‘Let God Be True’ puts it, “Fools are stubborn; scorners (mockers) are malicious.” I certainly don’t want to be either of those. The consequences will impact a person’s life but more seriously it will also impact their eternity. This guaranteed...
“If you play the fool and exalt yourself, or if you plan evil, clap your hand over your mouth!”
Solomon sees a person anticipating that they are about to open their mouth to offer praise for themselves. Before the bragging begins he is advising them to cover their mouth and resist the urge. If you plan to say something negative it is also a ...
“I applied my heart to what I observed and learned a lesson from what I saw:”
It’s easy to walk by what the Lord is doing around us and miss out on what He has for us to learn. The specific lesson learned in this verse was about how foolish and what a waste awaited lazy and slothful behavior. Solomon, as wise as he was, sti...
“A violent person entices their neighbor and leads them down a path that is not good.”
The last phrase in this verse literally means ‘that is very sinful’. Solomon left no doubt what this person was up to and where they wanted to drag others. I live in a neighborhood with a loose HOA. Thankfully most of us tend to look out for each ...
“The Lord is far from the wicked, but he hears the prayer of the righteous.”
Realizing that God is everywhere this verse is clearly about spiritual intimacy. When the wicked speak to God, if they speak to Him, their prayers are empty. When His followers speak with Him their conversation is about Him. Seeking His interventi...
“Whoever is patient has great understanding, but one who is quick-tempered displays folly.”
Take a deep breath. How often have we heard this said in encouraging someone to calm down. That expression is from a very practical place as well as a literal one in this verse. The actual translation of patience in this passage is ‘long in nostri...
“In the end it bites like a snake and poisons like a viper.”
I hate snakes. I’ve been told some are actually good to have around. I don’t care, I still would rather they not exist. Let’s all agree they were banished to crawl on their belly in the dust by God. Solomon is not putting forth a great picture of ...
“Better a patient person than a warrior, one with self-control than one who takes a city.”
That is not me. Before you judge I know enough of you to know that it is not many of you as well. I confess that our society, as well as some great historic movies, have me wanting to be the warrior taking cities. The patient, self controlled role...
Become A Partner
Join The Edge Partner Company Program and experience the benefits of a Kingdom-inspired culture.
