Daily Proverbs - Proverb 16:2

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/Armaic references are from Strong's Concordance; all English definitions and word roots are according to Merriam-Webster.

All a man's ways seem right to him, but the LORD evaluates the motives. - Proverb 16:2

All the ways of a man are clean in his own eyes; but the LORD weigheth the spirits. - Proverb 16:2 KJV

I included the King James Version of this verse because the translation adheres more closely with the original Hebrew language.

The word "clean" is translated from the Hebrew word "zak" (pronounced "zak") and means "clean: clear and pure." The phrase "in his own eyes" originates from the Hebrew "'ayin" (pronounced ah'-yin), and is used for outward appearance. The first part of this verse means, "All the ways of man appear clear and pure in their outward appearance."

The word "weigheth" (those superfluous eths are boogers, aren't they?) is translated from the Hebrew "takan" (pronounce taw-kan'), which means "to balance" and "to measure out", as well as "weigh". What does "to measure out" mean? It is not simply to measure, or the definition would read, "to measure". Measuring in and of itself is to take the dimensions of something in its current state. To measure "out" means to measure beyond the current existence. This term suggests measuring the ramifications and ensuing results of a path taken rather than just its mere appearance.

For example, the media, movies, and Western culture promote having multiple lovers in a lifetime. The Biblical guideline is lifelong monogamy. Imagine if every human being that every lived had adhered to Biblical guidelines for sexual and romantic relationships. There would not be fatherless children (except by death), there would not be sexually transmitted disease (can you imagine?), there would not be years of emotional problems from absent parents, sexual abuse, betrayal. Suddenly, what the world has pegged as archaic and unreasonable standards appears as perhaps preventative instructions?

I questioned everything I believed during a season of my life, and started with the basics to establish my belief system. The more I study the wisdom of the Bible - truly study - the more amazed I am at its solidity for a full, joyful life. I realize that its Author does not want to keep anything good from me, but rather, the guidelines are to protect my soul (mind, emotions, will, imagination & intellect), my body and my spirit (life itself).

Man looks at the initial, outward appearance of choice and life paths. God measures out the ensuing results of each path, and has given us intruction according to His infinite knowledge. (He warns about MOLD in the old testament! Plagues could have been circumvented had cultures adhered to God's instruction for disposing human waste.) Even some of the rigidity of the law begins making sense as one learns about generational traits/curses/blessings that are passed through lineage as a result of an action.

As we learn to look deeper into the longterm consequences or benefits of certain paths - whether financial, relational, political, or social - we will begin to make better choices.

Creator of the Universe,

You alone know the beginning from the end. You have measured out paths of life. You know the ensuing results. Teach me to consider fully the ramifications of actions and life paths before I step into one. Help me to hear and know and implement wisdom always.

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.

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