Nuggets of Learning

One enjoyable aspect of daily Bible reading is stopping when I come to passages that seem unclear or pique my curiosity, and studying a bit to get a clearer picture of what the author had in mind (albeit, guided to write by the Spirit). So, in Proverbs 24, I took a bit of time this morning to slow down on account of a few words, phrases, and points.


First, the term ‘scoffer’ appears often in Proverbs, but just what, or who, is a scoffer? The word used is closely tied to ‘mocker’, and think about someone who has mocked you. Why are they doing it? Chances are, you have presented a viewpoint or your side of an issue, and the other party not only disagrees, but decides to belittle you along with disagreeing. Likewise, in Proverbs then, a scoffer is one who does not take very well to correction or suggestion for improvement. Good to keep in mind the next time the word comes up.

Second, I wondered about this phrase in verse 26, “He kisses the lips who gives a right answer.” I read that and thought, OK, someone who answers correctly gets a kiss. Not even close. Sweet, but no. All the translations use ‘kiss’ or ‘kisses’. This is a great place to look at the context of verses 23-26, which concludes with this verse. You’ve got partiality in judgment discussed, falsely claiming the wicked to be righteous, rebuking the wicked, and then verse 26, a kiss when someone tells the truth.

The best way to explain this is that when someone tells the unbiased truth, naysayers and those trying to get around justice are silenced. A proper verdict, given by an upright man of character, who gives a clear and straight analysis of a situation is likened to what happens when a man and woman kiss. There is no more talking. The issue is settled, is what the writer is saying.


Finally, verses 28 are not difficult to understand, but perhaps the principle is difficult to consistently practice. There is to be no public display of settling scores or disputes. Humility is once again brought to mind, as we are to think much less of ourselves, and much more of others.

I, for one, am thoroughly enjoying the challenges presented to living a life of wisdom for the Lord. If I said I had them all mastered, then I’d be speaking from Glory. Since I am not, then I’m in the fight alongside you. Praying today that wisdom will indeed prevail in our choices today.