To learn to read and to understand the words of Scripture
חֲנֹ֣ךְ לַ֭נַּעַר עַל־פִּ֣י דַרְכֹּ֑ו גַּ֥ם כִּֽי־֝יַזְקִ֗ין לֹֽא־יָס֥וּר מִמֶּֽנָּה׃ (Proverbs 22:6) Train the youth according to his way; even when he grows old, he will not turn from it. The Way a Child Should Go Proverbs 22:6 stands as one of the most quoted and widely discussed verses in the Hebrew Bible regarding parenting and education.…
Proverbs 25:2 in Hebrew כְּבֹ֣ד אֱ֭לֹהִים הַסְתֵּ֣ר דָּבָ֑ר וּכְבֹ֥ד מְ֝לָכִ֗ים חֲקֹ֣ר דָּבָֽר׃ Introduction to the Verse Proverbs 25:2 presents a contrast between divine and royal wisdom, highlighting the nature of hidden and revealed knowledge. The verse states: כְּבֹ֣ד אֱ֭לֹהִים הַסְתֵּ֣ר דָּבָ֑ר – "It is the glory of God to conceal a matter." וּכְבֹ֥ד מְ֝לָכִ֗ים חֲקֹ֣ר…
Proverbs 23:5 in Hebrew הֲתָעִיף עֵינֶ֥יךָ בֹּ֗ו וְֽאֵ֫ינֶ֥נּוּ כִּ֤י עָשֹׂ֣ה יַעֲשֶׂה־לֹּ֣ו כְנָפַ֑יִם כְּ֝נֶ֗שֶׁר וָעִ֥יף הַשָּׁמָֽיִם׃ Introduction to Hebrew Idioms in Proverbs Proverbs 23:5 uses vivid metaphorical language and idiomatic expressions to describe the fleeting nature of wealth. The verse states: הֲתָעִיף עֵינֶ֥יךָ בֹּ֗ו וְֽאֵ֫ינֶ֥נּוּ – "Will you set your eyes upon it, and it is…
חֶ֥סֶד וֶאֱמֶ֗ת אַֽל־יַעַ֫זְבֻ֥ךָ קָשְׁרֵ֥ם עַל־גַּרְגְּרֹותֶ֑יךָ כָּ֝תְבֵ֗ם עַל־ל֥וּחַ לִבֶּֽךָ׃ Kindness and truth, do not let them leave you; bind them upon your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart. Introduction to Proverbs 3:3: Where Character Becomes Ornament In Proverbs 3:3, the speaker urges the hearer to take hold of two foundational virtues: חֶ֥סֶד (loyal…
בְּ֭נִי אִם־תִּקַּ֣ח אֲמָרָ֑י וּ֝מִצְוֹתַ֗י תִּצְפֹּ֥ן אִתָּֽךְ׃ (Proverbs 2:1) My son, if you take my sayings, and my commandments you store up with you. Wisdom as a Stored Inheritance Proverbs 2:1 opens a conditional exhortation from a father to his son, a structure common to wisdom literature. The verse emphasizes the receptive posture necessary for wisdom,…
Introduction to Proverbs 12:1: The Affection for Wisdom Proverbs 12:1 presents a sharp contrast between those who love wisdom and those who despise correction. The verb אֹהֵב (ʾōhēv, "loves") is central to this verse, establishing love as the defining characteristic of the wise. By analyzing this verb, we uncover the profound relationship between discipline (מוּסָר,…
Introduction to Proverbs 11:1: The Scales of Righteousness Proverbs 11:1 presents a powerful moral and theological declaration about honesty in commerce and divine justice. The phrase מֹאזְנֵי מִרְמָה (moznê mirmāh, "deceitful scales") serves as a metaphor for fraudulent business practices, which are described as an abomination to YHWH. This verse contrasts dishonest dealings with righteous…
Introduction to Proverbs 10:1: Wisdom and Folly in the Household Proverbs 10:1 marks the beginning of a new literary section—the collected sayings of Solomon. This verse presents a stark contrast between wisdom and folly, framed within the parental relationship. The verb יְשַׂמַּח (yəsammaḥ), "he makes glad," plays a central role, revealing the power of a…
Introduction to Proverbs 9:1: The Architecture of Wisdom Proverbs 9:1 presents one of the most striking images in biblical poetry—Wisdom, personified as a master architect, building her house with seven pillars. The verb בָּנְתָה (bāntāh), "she has built," is not merely a grammatical structure; it is a theological and poetic blueprint, revealing how divine wisdom…
Introduction to Proverbs 8:1: When Wisdom Speaks Proverbs 8:1 stands as a grand overture to one of the most elevated poetic personifications in biblical literature—Wisdom (חָכְמָה, ḥokhmāh). Unlike the enticing voice of folly in earlier chapters, here Wisdom herself takes center stage, raising her voice, summoning all who would heed her call. The verb תִקְרָא…