10-Special-Proverbs

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Tanakh versions:

Throughout this site I use any of the following three versions of the Tanakh: 1. “Jewish Publication Society” (JPS-1917), 2Mechon-Mamre.org (MEC), and 3. Sefaria.org (SEF), three brilliant versions!

Colour coded details of our beloved TaNaKh:

1. Torah = History & Law, 2. Nevi’im = The Prophets. 3. *Ketuvim = all other Writings.

*The Ketuvim - Includes, Poetical books - Psalms, Proverbs, Job, the Megillot, or Scrolls - Song of Solomon, Ruth, Lamentations of Jeremiah, Ecclesiastes, and Esther, prophecy of Daniel, and history of Ezra, Nehemiah, and Chronicles I & II.

Please Note: Some alterations or (additions) have been made relating to ‘Names’ and ‘Attributes’ of אֱלֹהִים - Elohim, having been corrected like it once was pre the “Masoretic Text”.

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Remember the following truth from our beloved Torah!

Ye shall NOT ADD TO THE WORD which I command youNEITHER SHALL YE DIMINISH FROM IT, that ye may keep the commandments of יְהוָה אֱלֹהֵיכֶם - the LORD your Eloleichem, which I command you”. Davarim - Deuteronomy 4:2. (JPS-1917).

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 “Ten Special Proverbs

(All verses shown are from the JPS-1917 version of the Tanakh).

With Rabbi, Dr. Reuven Ben Avraham-Goossens, PhD.

Introduction: “The Compass of the Soul”.

The Book of Proverbs (Sefer Mishlei) is more than a collection of ancient maxims; it is a practical roadmap for the soul navigating a complex world. King Solomon did not merely offer us “good advice” he provided a “Divine framework for transforming human character into a vessel for wisdom”. 

As we explore these specific verses, we find a beautiful symmetry between our internal world and our external actions. We begin with the foundational Awe of Heaven, move through the discipline of the heart, and conclude with the vital importance of a holy community. Whether we are seeking guidance in times of anxiety or looking for the strength to speak with kindness, these verses serve as a timeless compass, pointing us toward a life of purpose, integrity, and peace.

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In this very special study, we are going to look at ‘Ten Amazing Proverbs by Solomon’:

Proverbs 1:7:

“The fear of יְהוָה - the LORD is the beginning of knowledge; Foolish ones despise wisdom and discipline”.

יִרְאַת יְהוָה, רֵאשִׁית דָּעַת; חָכְמָה וּמוּסָר, אֱוִילִים בָּזוּ

This verse sets the tone for the entire book. True wisdom starts with ‘reverence for אֱלֹהִים - Elohim’. In modern times, it reminds us to put אֱלֹהִים first before seeking answers elsewhere!

Proverbs 3:5-6:

Trust in יְהוָה - the LORD with all thy heart, and lean not upon thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge Him, and He will direct thy paths. In all thy ways acknowledge Him, and He will direct thy paths.

בְּטַח אֶל-יְהוָה, בְּכָל-לִבֶּךָ; וְאֶל-בִּינָתְךָ, אַל-תִּשָּׁעֵן

בְּכָל-דְּרָכֶיךָ דָעֵהוּ וְהוּא, יְיַשֵּׁר אֹרְחֹתֶיךָ

This is one of the most quoted passages in Scripture, this verse calls us to rely fully on אֱלֹהִים Elohim, בָּרוּךְ שֵׁם קָדוֹשׁוֹ - “Baruch Shem Kadosho” - “Blessed be His Holy Name”! When life feels uncertain, trusting Him brings us ‘peace’ and ‘clarity’.

Proverbs 4:23:

“Above all that thou guardest keep thy heart; for out of it are the issues of life”.

מִכָּל-מִשְׁמָר, נְצֹר לִבֶּךָ: כִּי-מִמֶּנּוּ, תּוֹצְאוֹת חַיִּים

What we allow into our being and hearts shapes everything that we do. In today’s digital world, this is a reminder to ‘guard our thoughts’, ‘influences’, and emotions’ very carefully!

Proverbs 9:10:

“The fear of יְהוָה - the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the All-Holy is understanding”.

תְּחִלַּת חָכְמָה, יִרְאַת יְהוָה; וְדַעַת קְדֹשִׁים בִּינָה

This verse goes deeper into the link between ‘wisdom’ and ‘reverence’. Our true insight comes not just from ‘books’ or ‘trends’ but from knowing אֱלֹהִים - Elohim Himself!

Proverbs 11:25:

“The beneficent soul shall be made rich, and he that satisfieth abundantly shall be satisfied also himself”.

נֶפֶשׁ-בְּרָכָה תְדֻשָּׁן; וּמַרְוֶה, גַּם-הוּא יוֹרֶא

Generosity is not only a ‘blessing to others’ but also ‘brings joy and refreshment back into our own lives’. Sharing ‘time’, ‘kindness’, or ‘resources’ reflects אֱלֹהִים - Elohim’s love in action.

Proverbs 12:25:

“Care in the heart of a man boweth it down; but a good word maketh it glad”.

דְּאָגָה בְלֶב-אִישׁ יַשְׁחֶנָּה; וְדָבָר טוֹב יְשַׂמְּחֶנָּה

We all know the burden of worry. This verse encourages us to speak ‘life-giving words’ to others reminding us of the power of encouragement in ‘friendships’ and ‘families’.

Proverbs 13:20:

“One who walks with wise people will be wise, But a companion of fools will smart for it”.

הלוך (הוֹלֵךְ) אֶת-חֲכָמִים וחכם (יֶחְכָּם); וְרֹעֶה כְסִילִים יֵרוֹעַ

Our relationships shape us. Choosing ‘friends’ who encourage ‘faith’ and ‘good choices’ can help us grow in wisdom. In today’s terms: choose your circle carefully!

Proverbs 15:1:

“A soft answer turns away wrath, but a grievous word stirs up anger”.

מַעֲנֶה-רַּךְ, יָשִׁיב חֵמָה; וּדְבַר-עֶצֶב, יַעֲלֶה-אָף

How many arguments could be softened if we followed this verse? Responding with ‘kindness’ instead of ‘anger’ can change the ‘course of conversations’, ‘and relationships’.

Proverbs 16:9:

“A man’s heart deviseth his way; but יְהוָה - the LORD directs his steps”.

לֵב אָדָם, יְחַשֵּׁב דַּרְכּוֹ; וַיהוָה, יָכִין צַעֲדוֹ

Planning is good, but this verse reminds us to hold plans loosely and trust  אֱלֹהִים- Elohim’s direction. Life’s ‘detours’ often lead exactly where He wants us.

Proverbs 27:17:

“Iron sharpeneth iron; so a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friends”.

בַּרְזֶל בְּבַרְזֶל יָחַד; וְאִישׁ, יַחַד פְּנֵי-רֵעֵהוּ

This verse highlights the value of ‘community’. We ‘grow stronger in faith’ and ‘character’ when we walk alongside others who challenge and encourage us!

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My Closing Message: “From Wisdom to Action”.

Wisdom, in the Hebraic tradition, is never meant to remain in the realm of the intellect. As we have seen through these verses from the sharpening of one friend by another to the quiet trust we place in our Creator the ultimate goal of ‘Chochmah (wisdom) is Ma’aseh (action).By internalising these truths, we do more than just improve our own lives; we become a “calm word” in a world of anger, and a “generous soul” in a world of scarcity. May the insights shared in this study move from the page ‘into your heart’, and ‘from your heart’ into ‘every interaction you have’. Let us remember that while we may plan our course, it is the steady hand of the Divine that directs our steps! May you walk that path with a ‘guarded heart and a spirit full of light’.

Please Note: “hebraicstudies” links are located down the page!

This site was originally created, for those who desired to return to our blessed and wonderful faith. Thus be wise and work on your faith and pray at least two or three times a day (if possible) and always seek our beloved אֱלֹהִים - Elohim’s guidance, for His love is always with us, especially when we seek Him, blessed be He! However this site has become very much a teaching site with hundreds of studies!

Remember what אֱלֹהִים - Elohim, blessed be He, said the following via several of our prophets...

Return unto Me, and I will return unto you, saith צְבָאוֹת- יְהוָה- the LORD of hosts”. Mal’a’chi - Malachi 3:7. (JPS).

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“Hebraic Studies” motto is as follows;

“The More Torah, the More Life”

He is the one who gave us our Life!”

May the שָׁלוֹם - Shalom = Peace of צְבָאוֹת- יְהוָה= the LORD of hosts. be with you, and please always uphold our blessed שַׁבָּת - Shabbat, as well as the מוֹעֲדִים - Mo’a’dim - Feasts, and continue saying your daily תְּפִלָּה - Tefeelah’s - Prayers and regular בְּרָכָה - Be’ra’chah’s - blessings before food and drinks, etc!

שָׁלוֹם עֲלֵיכֶם Shalom Aleichem - Peace be with you!

Rabbi, Dr. Reuven Ben Avraham-Goossens, PhD.

 

 

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