Proverbs: Chapter 13

For additional notes and resources check out Douglas’ website.Salient points:Undisciplined people are usually not good with money things (v.11).When are hopes are unsatisfied, we may become heartsick (v.12). Be real about how you feel.Walk with the wise and become wise (v.20). We need people -- help, models, counsel...The proverb about inheritance (v.22) should not be taken as a law or even an ideal, but as an observation. In western societies inheritances do not mean the difference between life and death -- but between moderate comfort and affluence and extreme comfort and affluence.What is the "rod" (v.24)? In 23:13-14 it is the instrument of discipline (see Exod 21:20). Perhaps a better translation would be "stick." The Bible forbids abuse, but encourages discipline. As someone wisely put it, "Many juvenile delinquents are youngsters who have been given a free hand -- but not in the proper place." On the other hand, each child is different, and for some corporal punishment is ineffective or even harmful. Once again, we must be careful about absolutizing proverbs.Bible versionsEach day I have read from the NIV plus one other version.Today I read from the Septuagint.  which as the O.T. -- actually the entire Bible, until the N.T. was written -- of the vast majority of 1st century Christians. My version is A New Translation of the Septuagint, tr. 2007.In coming days I will be reading from the Jerusalem Bible (a Catholic translation) and also The Message (a paraphrase, not a translation).Challenge:Find a disciplined person -- someone strong in an area where you are weak, or someone of integrity whom you respect and who might be able to help you.Initiate a discussion."Most people, when they come for advice, want their opinions strengthened, not corrected." May we as God's people be humble enough to seek out the wise.Next lesson: Proverbs 14.