Daily Proverbs: Proverb 11:10

The wealthiest man who ever lived wrote the proverbs. He must've known something! Although the Bible was written millenia ago, its contents actually are applicable and beneficial today. When eternal principals and laws (not talking about the ten commandments when I write "law" here. I am referencing governing systems that are alive, whether we know it or not! I believe Solomon understood these "laws".) are honored, your life will benefit, even if you don't adhere to the Judaeo-Christian beliefs contained in the rest of the Bible.

Unless otherwise noted, all scripture is from the Holman Christian Study Bible; all Hebrew/Greek/Aramaic references are from Strong's Concordance; all English definitions and word roots are according to Merriam-Webster.

When the righteous thrive, a city rejoices, and when the wicked die, there is joyful shouting. - Proverb 11:10

Remember from the Proverb 10:11 hub, righteous is also translated "just". When the just thrive, their community celebrates - overflows with joy. Most people are glad to see others do well, but it especially celebratory when a person who chooses what is fair and right at all times. We all know someone, or perhaps several people, who no matter what endeavor to be fair, understanding, honest, kind, generous. When we see these people do well, we rejoice with them.

The word "die" in this verse is translated from the Hebrew "a-bad" (pronounced aw-bad') and is more accurately translated perish, and its meaning includes to lose oneself, not escape, fail, lose, to utterly have no way to flee, to wander. We all know people (whether a bully at school, a particularly nasty neighbor or co-worker, a back-stabbing ladder-climber, a gossip) that when they are backed into a corner and cannot deny wrong-doing, we are glad their foul play has come to an end. Sometimes, the consequence is being fired from a job, other times it can be being kicked off of a team for cheating, other times a zero on a test, and in severe cases - it can be loss of freedom through imprisonment, or loss of life. In cases of elected leadership, it can be impeachment or loss of re-election.

This Proverb caused me to consider who in my life would rejoice at my success and who would rejoice at my demise. I desire to live a consistent lifestyle of love, peace, understanding, honesty and generosity that no one except the wicked would rejoice when I fail, but would be sorrowful with me. I desire to live such a life that touches everyone with whom I come in contact in such a positive light that at the mere mention of my name, brings a smile because they remember the joy experienced in my company.

I have a couple people I am considering writing -- that I am unsure of what their response would be if I were to thrive or perish. I would like to do all that is in my power and in propriety to reconcile and be at peace - if there is more to do. I've tried before -- perhaps I should try again?

What about you? How would people in your past or present respond to stories of your success or demise? This kind of life inventory is brutally honest with our lifestyle. I encourage you to consider well your pattern of thinking, your motives. Are they honorable and trustworthy? Is there room for improvement or reconciliation from past breaches? It may be your child or a parent, a neighbor or former friend, an ex-spouse or lover. Ponder and consider well. Be honest. Truth may hurt momentarily, but truth in action is powerful and you'll never regret it.

Creator of relationships and life,

Thank you for my mind, my will, my emotions, imagination and intellect. Show me any way or path I have chosen that does not lead to life, or to being just, fair, equitable. Help me to be honest with myself and to seek forgiveness where appropriate. Help me to forgive others who have wronged me. May my heart be pure before you, and my life a reflection of truth, love, joy, peace and generosity in action.

In Jesus' name, amen.

Thank you for reading my hub. I hope you are inspired to have the most fulfilling life available. I am not claiming to be perfect or to have arrived at any pinnacle. I do seek to improve myself and my home and sphere of influence daily.

I welcome your comments and suggestions.