The Book of Proverbs offers profound insights into the nature of anger and how we should manage it. Proverbs emphasizes the value of patience and self-control, highlighting that a person who is slow to anger is wiser and more powerful than one who is quick-tempered The teachings also stress the importance of responding gently to defuse anger. This underscores the power of calm and measured responses in preventing conflicts. Moreover, Proverbs warns against the folly of uncontrolled anger. This highlights that wisdom lies in maintaining composure and not letting anger dictate our actions. Overall, Proverbs teaches that managing anger with patience, gentleness, and self-control leads to wisdom and peace, while unchecked anger leads to folly and discord. It’s not that we should never get angry, it’s more about what we ‘do’ with that anger. Download the Anger Management Chapter from Matt’s book – Deeper Places.

The Book of Proverbs provides timeless wisdom on how to navigate various relationships with wisdom, discipline, and a deep trust in the Lord. It encourages virtues of righteousness, justice, loyalty, respect, and mutual edification in all relationships. In this book of wisdom we can gain valuable insights into the nature of true friendship. It encourages loyalty, trust, and mutual respect. For instance, “A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for a time of adversity” (Proverbs 17:17). It also warns against making friends with a hot-tempered person (Proverbs 22:24-25) and highlights the importance of honest rebuke in friendship (Proverbs 27:5-6). The writer of Proverbs also underscores the importance of familial relationships and the role of wisdom within the family unit. It advises children to heed the instruction of their parents (Proverbs 1:8). It also highlights the joy and grief parents can experience due to the actions of their children (Proverbs 10:1, 15:20).

“Whoever restrains his words has knowledge, and he who has a cool spirit is a man of understanding.” Why? Because he is wise enough to understand that he does not know it all. It takes sincere humility to admit, “I was wrong” rather than submitting to the captivity of our pride. Prov. 3:5-8: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths. Be not wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord, and turn away from evil. It will be healing to your flesh and refreshment to your bones.” Relying on God rather than the image we manage to project is an act of wise humility. If we are willing to see ourselves for what we are rather than being wise in our own eyes, God will loom all the larger and we will have all the more reason to lovingly fear him, turn away from the evil of pride and do others the good to which we have been called. Pride. It is how we treat others in the name of truth, how we view ourselves, how we conduct our lives in the presence of God.

Proverbs: Wealth Poverty Diligence Sloth The Bible presents a nuanced view of sloth, diligence, poverty, and wealth. It warns against laziness and the love of money, while encouraging diligence and generosity towards the poor. Ultimately, it emphasizes the importance of a balanced perspective, recognizing that wealth and poverty are not merely material conditions but also spiritual states of being.

“Death and life are in the power of the tongue …” Proverbs 18:21a

Whether we are speaking face-to-face, talking on the phone or even using our digital tongues in a comment thread or text message, remember this: Our words are powerful, and they have consequences.

The Book of Proverbs is a profound anthology of biblical wisdom literature, primarily penned by Solomon. It serves as a guide to leading a life that is pleasing to God, emphasizing that the fear of the Lord is the foundation of true knowledge and wisdom. This collection of sayings and teachings covers a wide array of topics, including personal conduct, social justice, and moral behavior. It contrasts the paths of the wise and the foolish, consistently advocating for a life lived in reverence of God. Proverbs teaches that wisdom is not merely intellectual but deeply spiritual, intertwining practical advice with spiritual understanding. It's a treasure trove of ageless wisdom that remains relevant across centuries, encouraging readers to seek divine wisdom above all.

The intertestamental period, also known as the "400 Silent Years," spans roughly from the time of Nehemiah to the time of Christ, about 430 years. This era is significant in Jewish history as it saw the rise of Hellenistic Judaism and is roughly contiguous with the Second Temple period. During this time, while prophecy may have ceased, Israel was anything but silent and God was very much active. The region witnessed numerous conquests and reconquests, significantly shaping Jewish thought. This period also saw the creation of a vast amount of Jewish literature, including the Apocrypha and Pseudepigrapha. These works, though not part of the canonical Jewish Bible, provide valuable insights into Jewish thought and society during this era. The histories of Josephus and the first two books of Maccabees are key historical sources for this period. The discovery of the Dead Sea Scrolls has further illuminated our understanding of this era. Despite the challenges, the Jewish people's faith and identity remained resilient, setting the stage for the New Testament era. Understanding this period in Jewish history provides an important context for what we read and hear about at the start of the New Testament.

The Book of Joel begins with a vivid description of a devastating locust plague that has ravaged the land of Judah. Joel interprets this natural disaster as a sign of God's judgment and a call for the people to repent of their sins. He urges the priests to mourn and to summon the nation to repentance and fasting. Joel's message goes beyond the immediate crisis, as he prophesies about the "Day of the Lord," a time of divine judgment and restoration. Joel offers hope for those who repent, promising God's restoration and blessings. He speaks of the outpouring of God's Spirit on all people, foreshadowing the coming of the Messiah. Joel describes the restoration of Judah and Jerusalem, a future time of abundance and divine presence. He promises that God will dwell among His people and judge the nations for their mistreatment of Israel. The book concludes with a vision of judgment for the enemies of God's people and blessings for those who call on the name of the Lord.

The Book of Malachi contains a series of dialogues between God and the people, addressing issues of religious indifference, social injustice, and moral corruption. Malachi begins by declaring God's love for His people but confronts them with their lack of honor and respect toward Him. He accuses the priests of offering polluted sacrifices. Malachi also condemns the people for their unfaithfulness, including their practice of divorce. In response to the people's complaints, Malachi delivers pronouncements from God, challenging their doubts and calling them to repentance. He speaks of a coming messenger who will prepare the way for the Lord's arrival, a prophecy pointing to John the Baptist. Malachi warns of the day of judgment when God will distinguish between the righteous and the wicked, rewarding the faithful and punishing the disobedient. Despite the people's failures, Malachi ends on a note of hope, promising blessings for those who fear God and remain faithful to His covenant.