Welcome to BibleBum where we are exploring the entire Bible in one year to better learn how to follow God’s instructions and discover the purpose for our lives.  The BibleBum blog uses The One Year Chronological Bible, the New Living Translation version.  At the end of each day’s reading, Rob, a cultural history aficionado and seminary graduate, answers questions from Leigh An, the blogger host, about the daily scripture.  To start from the beginning, click on “Index” and select Day 1.

Proverbs 22:17-24:22

Questions & Observations

Q. (23:1): Can you explain these verses?

A. I am not entirely clear, but the deception mentioned probably has something to do with being influenced by this ruler who is offering you food.  My notes indicate that this could mean that the ruler is trying to impress and influence you into going along with potentially dangerous decisions or schemes of this ruler.  The knife to the throat would be a way of saying, “limit your intake.”

Q. (23:13-14): We talked about punishment and spanking a few readings back.  This looks like the Bible supports spanking.

A. Oh I think that’s quite clear.  Not disciplining children via some form of physical punishment is a modern concept.  I leave it up to you to decide if such decisions are wise, but the Bible is clear on its’ recommendation of spanking.

O. (23:15-16): It’s nice to hear our good choices bring joy to God!  Now I am starting to feel that child-parent feeling toward God.  Being on both sides of parenting — being the child and the parent — I feel how God would just smile real big like I do when my kids’ delight me.  And, on the flipside, I remember living in fear of my parents.  I did not want to ever disappoint them.

Q. (23:22): I find this verse odd, but I’m sure it can happen?

A. Remember that widows often were forced to live with their sons to survive.  It would be easy — but not socially acceptable in that era — to deny her a place to live and cast her out; but to do so would clearly be to despise her.

O. (23:26): I never thought of God asking for your heart.  But, the concept is real and the feeling is awesome.