" Good understanding giveth favour: but the
way of the transgressors is hard."
Consequences. This is what comes to mind when I read and think about this verse. It's the cause and effect principle. In life, what we do or say, carries consequences. If we do dumb things, usually we reap the poor benefits of them. If we do the right thing, usually the outcome is a.o.k. This verse, if you think abut it, really paints a pretty clear picture. The word for good here is tob.
Tob indicates that a given word, act, or circumstance contributes positively to the condition of a situation. (Vines Old testament concordance) The word for understanding is sekel sekel. It means discretion, knowledge, policy, prudence, sense, understanding, wisdom, wise. (Strongs concordance) So if we put these together, the picture painted is one of positive understanding. Also the word favour, khane, is one that means pleasant. So here God tells us that it will be pleasant to us and in a sense, bring some peace to our lives. This is the direct opposite of the last half of the verse. The word for way is an interesting one. It is dehrek. It literally means a road, or course of life, or action. It can also mean a journey. That's what we are on, a journey. The word for transgressor is bagad. It means to deal treacherously, faithlessly or act deceitfully. Lastly is the word hard. Eythan. It can mean perpetual, constant, or even permanent. So in direct contrast to the first half of the verse, being a transgressor means a life of hardship and pain. Pain leads to anger, anger leads to hate, hate is the path to the dark side. (Master Yoda) This was a joke, feel free to laugh. Moving on. As a Christian, I have transgressed the Lord's commands in my own personal life at times. I can attest to the hardness it brings. It causes bitterness, strife, uncertainty. All of which I can do without. God truly wants us to have a life that is abundant. See John's Gospel 10:10. Christ Himself said it. Life more abundantly. In order to have this, one of the things we need is good understanding. Wisdom and Knowledge that come from God. He is the author of them. If you don't believe me, look where man's wisdom has gotten us. Wars, hate, uncertainty. In the grand picture of life, we are going to make mistakes. We are not always going to have good understanding. We react at times to situations instead of prayer and seeking God on them. I have found that yes, they lead to a harder road. The wonderful thing about it is that God provides off ramps. Man my trip ticket has need plenty of those. The greatest one though I have ever taken advantage of is giving my life over to Him. I don't resemble a Christian at times. I don't act like one at times. Hey, I'm not perfect and neither are you! Praise be to God though for having the patience and understanding that we all need in order to survive this thing called life. If you are on one of those roads that is hard right now, can I ask, no implore you, take the next available off ramp. I've been down that road myself and it is lonely and goes nowhere. God knows what is best for us. The older I get, the more I understand that. Have a great week. Be blessed.
Bob
Consequences. This is what comes to mind when I read and think about this verse. It's the cause and effect principle. In life, what we do or say, carries consequences. If we do dumb things, usually we reap the poor benefits of them. If we do the right thing, usually the outcome is a.o.k. This verse, if you think abut it, really paints a pretty clear picture. The word for good here is tob.
Tob indicates that a given word, act, or circumstance contributes positively to the condition of a situation. (Vines Old testament concordance) The word for understanding is sekel sekel. It means discretion, knowledge, policy, prudence, sense, understanding, wisdom, wise. (Strongs concordance) So if we put these together, the picture painted is one of positive understanding. Also the word favour, khane, is one that means pleasant. So here God tells us that it will be pleasant to us and in a sense, bring some peace to our lives. This is the direct opposite of the last half of the verse. The word for way is an interesting one. It is dehrek. It literally means a road, or course of life, or action. It can also mean a journey. That's what we are on, a journey. The word for transgressor is bagad. It means to deal treacherously, faithlessly or act deceitfully. Lastly is the word hard. Eythan. It can mean perpetual, constant, or even permanent. So in direct contrast to the first half of the verse, being a transgressor means a life of hardship and pain. Pain leads to anger, anger leads to hate, hate is the path to the dark side. (Master Yoda) This was a joke, feel free to laugh. Moving on. As a Christian, I have transgressed the Lord's commands in my own personal life at times. I can attest to the hardness it brings. It causes bitterness, strife, uncertainty. All of which I can do without. God truly wants us to have a life that is abundant. See John's Gospel 10:10. Christ Himself said it. Life more abundantly. In order to have this, one of the things we need is good understanding. Wisdom and Knowledge that come from God. He is the author of them. If you don't believe me, look where man's wisdom has gotten us. Wars, hate, uncertainty. In the grand picture of life, we are going to make mistakes. We are not always going to have good understanding. We react at times to situations instead of prayer and seeking God on them. I have found that yes, they lead to a harder road. The wonderful thing about it is that God provides off ramps. Man my trip ticket has need plenty of those. The greatest one though I have ever taken advantage of is giving my life over to Him. I don't resemble a Christian at times. I don't act like one at times. Hey, I'm not perfect and neither are you! Praise be to God though for having the patience and understanding that we all need in order to survive this thing called life. If you are on one of those roads that is hard right now, can I ask, no implore you, take the next available off ramp. I've been down that road myself and it is lonely and goes nowhere. God knows what is best for us. The older I get, the more I understand that. Have a great week. Be blessed.
Bob
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