For there also have to be factions among you, so that those who are approved may become evident among you. 1 Corinthians 11:19 NASB Factions – Paul uses the Greek term haíresis a few times in his letters. Today we think he’s writing about false doctrines. We transliterate the Greek as heresy, by which we mean something…
he said, “Is not this the great Babylon I have built as the royal residence, by my mighty power and for the glory of my majesty?” Daniel 4:30 NIV I have built – Nebuchadnezzar lacked the humility of recognizing that God is the true builder—and destroyer. Thinking that he was the author and finisher of his…
‘The right course which a man should choose for himself is that which he feels to be honorable to himself, and which also brings honor from mankind.” Pirke Avot 2.1 Honor – Let’s Review. Do you remember what each of these is about? Step number 1: Think about it! “What shall we answer for ourselves…
Whoever secretly slanders his neighbor, him I will destroy; No one who has a haughty look and an arrogant heart will I endure. Psalm 101:5 NASB 1995 Slanders – Many years ago I had what appeared to be the fully-satisfied life. Long before a crisis started me on the path of writing Today’s Word, I…
They are all plain to the discerning and straightforward to those who find knowledge. Proverbs 8:9 Robert Alter Plain – Wisdom cries in the streets: “My ways are all completely clear to those who seek.” But when I think seriously about this claim, I feel like those times I’ve tried to open a web page…
So if the Son makes you free, you will be free indeed. John 8:36 NASB Free – Consider the strangeness of this statement. Oh, you might have heard it so often that it doesn’t seem strange to you anymore, but pause just long enough to notice the verb eleutheróō. It means “to set free.” The apostle…
The second is like it, ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ Matthew 22:39 NASB Your neighbor – “Who is my neighbor?” The scribe’s question brought about the famous parable of the Good Samaritan. We all know the story. But perhaps we haven’t considered all the implications. Ira Stone helps us see one additional consequence:…
Drawn-out longing sickens the heart, but desire come true is a tree of life Proverbs 13:12 Robert Alter Drawn-out longing – By any account, Mother Teresa was a modern saint. For decades she poured out her life for India’s poor. Recognized worldwide for her uncompromised commitment to others, she appeared to be the perfect example…
I, Wisdom, dwell in shrewdness, and cunning knowledge I find. Fear of the LORD is hating evil. Proverbs 8:12-13a Robert Alter Hating evil – Doing good isn’t quite enough. It matters, of course. Micah makes that clear: “He has told you, mortal one, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, to love kindness, and…
I, Wisdom, dwell in shrewdness, and cunning knowledge I find. Fear of the LORD is hating evil. Proverbs 8:12-13a Robert Alter Shrewdness/ Cunning – Perhaps you’re more familiar with the typical English translations of this verse, like the NASB, “I, wisdom, dwell with prudence, and I find knowledge and discretion.” Unfortunately, such translations miss an…
