Justice (Tzedek) — A Tri-Literal Root

November 1, 2019

Doing what is Right “To receive the instruction of wisdom, justice, and judgment, and equity” (Proverbs 1:3). by Jonathan Gray The three Hebrew words Tze-dek, Tzedak-ah, and Tzad-dik, are the words for Justice, Charity, and a Righteous One. The root of these Hebrew words yields many branches of words with specific meaning; all of these words are related and interconnected. In other translations of our banner scripture, a variety of English words are used for “justice.” The NIV uses “right,” and the […]

Equity: Perfect Justice

November 1, 2019

Equity Over Equality “Then shalt thou understand righteousness, and judgment, and equity; yea, every good path” (Proverbs 2:9). by Benjamin and Gabriella Stein Equity is a one-word summary of many lessons in the Book of Proverbs. It conveys the thought of perfect justice — unattainable to mankind, yet natural for God. Equity implies equal opportunity. It differs from equality in that equity considers our unique strengths and capacities rather than simply treating all of us exactly the same. Wisdom by itself is […]

Solomon: A Case Study

November 1, 2019

Wise Counsel from an Imperfect Man “Solomon my son, know thou the God of thy father, and serve him with a perfect heart and with a willing mind: for the LORD searcheth all hearts, and understandeth all the imaginations of the thoughts: if thou seek him, he will be found of thee; but if thou forsake him, he will cast thee off forever” (1 Chronicles 28:9). by James Mistarz Solomon lived in a world of nearly infinite possibilities, endless growth, and continual […]

The Virtuous Woman

November 1, 2019

Her Works Shall Praise Her “Give her of the fruit of her hands; and let her own works praise her in the gates” (Proverbs 31:31). In all human history, the wise have pursued virtue. The Scriptures use the word virtue to indicate “moral character and excellence of soul” (Strong’s 1411). Therefore, one who is virtuous possesses the strength of character, moral excellence, and intrinsic value and stability. Proverbs 31 describes the lovely quality of virtue as it is displayed within the character […]

A Lifestyle of Wisdom

November 1, 2019

A Wise Man Will Hear “A wise man will hear, and will increase learning; and a man of understanding shall attain unto wise counsels: To understand a proverb, and the interpretation; the words of the wise, and their dark sayings. The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction” (Proverbs 1:5-7). by Todd Alexander When God created Adam and Eve, He commissioned them to rule the world (Genesis 1:28). God gave them free will to […]