40 Days Pondering the Fruit of the Spirit
Dr Jim Brown's TruNorth Devotional
40 Days PONDERING the FRUIT OF THE SPIRIT
Day 35 | TEACHING WITH KINDNESS
40 Days PONDERING the FRUIT OF THE SPIRIT
Day 35 | TEACHING WITH KINDNESS
TEACHING WITH KINDNESS
Proverbs 31:26
“She opens her mouth with wisdom, and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue.” (ESV)
The woman written about here in Proverbs 31 was an amazing woman! The writer of Proverbs 31 (possibly Solomon under the pseudonym of “King Lemuel”) tells us something about the things she says.
The Amplified says: “She opens her mouth in skillful and godly wisdom.”
The NLT puts this verse as follows: “When she speaks, her words are wise, and she gives instructions with kindness.”
The Hebrew word for “kindness” used here, is “hesed,” pronounced kheh’-sed. Found some 250 times in the Old Testament, it expresses an essential part of God’s character. God is merciful and compassionate… often written as “hesed” in the Scriptures. But it means more than just a feeling; it also refers partially to loyalty and faithfulness in a relationship. It’s closely related to God’s covenant with His chosen people and God’s commitment to them, despite how frustrating they were.
As you study this word “hesed,” you find it also involves some ACTION towards someone in need.
Consider Moses and the 10 Commandments. In anger against his people, Moses smashed the first tablets and had to get a second set from the Lord. Then we read:
“‘The LORD is slow to anger and filled with unfailing love [hesed], forgiving every kind of sin and rebellion.” (from Numbers 14).
The “Proverbs 31 Woman” mentioned here, teaches and guides others with her words said with “hesed” – deep mercy, care, compassion, and action as needed.
In Exodus 20:6, God says that He lavishes His “hesed” for “a thousand generations on those who love Him and obey His commands.”
The Godly woman here is lavishing her “hesed” on the listener.
Prayer, LORD, help me to understand the depth of meaning in this simple Hebrew word – hesed. Help me use my words to teach and guide and bless with kindness keeping their best interest always on the tip of my tongue. Amen.
Proverbs 31:26
“She opens her mouth with wisdom, and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue.” (ESV)
The woman written about here in Proverbs 31 was an amazing woman! The writer of Proverbs 31 (possibly Solomon under the pseudonym of “King Lemuel”) tells us something about the things she says.
The Amplified says: “She opens her mouth in skillful and godly wisdom.”
The NLT puts this verse as follows: “When she speaks, her words are wise, and she gives instructions with kindness.”
The Hebrew word for “kindness” used here, is “hesed,” pronounced kheh’-sed. Found some 250 times in the Old Testament, it expresses an essential part of God’s character. God is merciful and compassionate… often written as “hesed” in the Scriptures. But it means more than just a feeling; it also refers partially to loyalty and faithfulness in a relationship. It’s closely related to God’s covenant with His chosen people and God’s commitment to them, despite how frustrating they were.
As you study this word “hesed,” you find it also involves some ACTION towards someone in need.
Consider Moses and the 10 Commandments. In anger against his people, Moses smashed the first tablets and had to get a second set from the Lord. Then we read:
“‘The LORD is slow to anger and filled with unfailing love [hesed], forgiving every kind of sin and rebellion.” (from Numbers 14).
The “Proverbs 31 Woman” mentioned here, teaches and guides others with her words said with “hesed” – deep mercy, care, compassion, and action as needed.
In Exodus 20:6, God says that He lavishes His “hesed” for “a thousand generations on those who love Him and obey His commands.”
The Godly woman here is lavishing her “hesed” on the listener.
Prayer, LORD, help me to understand the depth of meaning in this simple Hebrew word – hesed. Help me use my words to teach and guide and bless with kindness keeping their best interest always on the tip of my tongue. Amen.
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