Author: Danny Panter

Re:Verse passage – Proverbs 22:7 (day six)

This proverb is more than a morality tale about the consequences of loving money; it is also about the entropy of worldly systems. Every economic and political system favors the rich and powerful. It is systemic in the truest sense of the word. This is not because of the economic or political persuasion itself but because of what Paul calls the spirit of the world. This undertow pulls and tugs every system toward one trajectory: enslavement. The kind of enslavement doesn’t matter, whether political, economic, or cultural; the spirit of the world finds a way to lock up our time and resources to completely disable our ability to leverage all God has given for his Kingdom.

Jesus would say, “Don’t be naive. Be shrewd. Don’t be duped by worldly systems.  Whether a lot or a little, be free to make the most of the resources God has given you.”

Re:Verse passage – Proverbs 15:15-17 (day six)  

What does it profit a man, if he gains the whole world, but loses his soul?-Jesus, Matthew 16:26

I have come to give them life and life abundantly. -Jesus, John 10:10

Jesus wants us to have an abundant life, all that life has to offer. That can be hard to believe when the world tells us daily that the key to an abundant life is MORE-more money, more stuff, more security. King Solomon, much like Jesus, wants us to know what truly makes for an abundant life. A truly abundant life is found in loving God (fearing the Lord) and loving others.

After all, that is what we were made for. When we know and are known, we experience an abundance of joy. Knowing is also the antidote to the daily temptation to chase after MORE. Beholding God always puts everything in its proper place, especially money.

Re:Verse passage – Proverbs 14:34 (day six)

The most basic understanding of the first half of this proverb is that the people prosper under godliness. The implications are clear enough: godly leadership has a profound impact.

Godliness is never stagnant; it always spreads. Just as a single light can illuminate the darkest room or one seed yield a bountiful harvest, so it is with godliness. One godly person can ignite a chain reaction, profoundly impacting their peers as their godliness spreads.

Godliness is never a quiet personal experience. It never keeps to itself. It only knows one direction; it travels.

(And for those reading  this post on a Saturday [wink, wink], thank you for your commitment to Re:verse and loving your pastoral staff.)

Re:Verse passage – Proverbs 13:24 (day six)

According to Solomon, discipline is the opposite of rejection and abandonment. Parents who do not discipline their children have effectively rejected them. That’s why discipline is considered loving: a parent engages their child in the moments they need them most; they draw near to them.

Discipline, when done responsively, thoughtfully, and purposefully, is the epitome of care and vulnerability.

There is no greater example of this kind of care than our heavenly Father. In our most unlovely moments, he does not turn away from us, he draws near.

Re:Verse passage – Proverbs 9:1-18 (day six)

Wisdom is personal, which is why Solomon describes it as a person. It is part of God’s eternal nature and woven into the very fabric of creation. Therefore, it is not up for grabs or debate.

To reject wisdom is to reject God himself, a choice that carries significant consequences.

²¹ Yes, they knew God, but they wouldn’t worship him as God or even give him thanks. And they began to think up foolish ideas of what God was like. As a result, their minds became dark and confused.²² Claiming to be wise, they instead became utter fools. -Paul, Romans 1:21-22

You know that, of course. Our struggle isn’t knowing; it is consistently doing. That’s precisely why we need Jesus, the Wisdom of God. Be thankful today.

Re:Verse passage – Proverbs 3:9-10 (six)

“Honor the Lord from your wealth And from the first of all your produce;”

How do we honor the Lord with our wealth when he does not need it? We honor the Lord when we enjoy what he has given us and reinvest it into the Kingdom.

God doesn’t give to us so we can hoard; he intends for us to enjoy what he has given. A father is not honored when the son does not enjoy the gifts he has been given. Nor does He give so we can keep it to ourselves; he expects us to be generous as he is generous.

And enjoying what God has given and generosity is not mutually exclusive; after all, it is more blessed to give than to receive.

Re:Verse passage – Proverbs 3:5-7 (day six)

Trust in the Lord…

There’s only one God, and His power shines through everything. His authority fills every corner, every inch of existence. Nothing done in secret by people goes unnoticed by Him. Every action, every intention is laid bare before Him, including future events.– Eusebius of Ceasarea, 4th century.

We have every reason to trust the Lord; his power shines through everything, he knows all, and he is always working on our behalf. In contrast, we know very little and have no power of our own. God is an inexhaustible mine of invaluable wisdom. We are a decrepit, empty chasm.

It only makes sense to seek God’s wisdom rather than rely on ourselves. Without it, we can do nothing.

Re:Verse passage – Proverbs 1:1-7 (day six)

Then God looked over all he had made, and he saw that it was very good! Genesis 1:31

By good, I do not think God meant aesthetically pleasing, although his creation is awe-inspiring. I believe he meant that the way he ordered the universe (and the land) for our flourishing was good. Another way to say it is, God’s order in creation is intended for our good, that we would flourish in every way. As image bearers, we were always meant to walk in this goodness.

When we walk in God’s goodness, it is called wisdom. That’s what King Solomon is after in Proverbs.