.jpg)
Continuing to think about passion, I found Proverbs 14:30. I have pasted it here in context, which as is often the case in Proverbs, is not a continuous flow. Also, this is the New American Standard version and the use of passion as the translation for the Hebrew is not consistent in other versions. What translators do to the original is another topic, but I think passion here is a fair use of the varied meanings of the Hebrew word.
26 In the fear of the LORD there is strong confidence, And his children will have refuge.
27 The fear of the LORD is a fountain of life, That one may avoid the snares of death.
28 In a multitude of people is a king's glory, But in the dearth of people is a prince's ruin.
29 He who is slow to anger has great understanding, But he who is quick-tempered exalts folly.
30 A tranquil heart is life to the body, But passion is rottenness to the bones.
31 He who oppresses the poor taunts his Maker, But he who is gracious to the needy honors Him.
2 comments:
I was thinking on this proverb somewhere in the past two weeks though I primarily focused on the first half. Wow the blessing of a tranquil heart especially in the midst of such a confused violent world.
passion is to me like fire or like a lion in power. I recall the lion of Judah and the prowling lion. I recall the supernatural fire which did not destroy the bush and the word in Jude to snatch those out of the fire.
in the bones -- rotteness. Is this a reference to our natural passions harm to us? yes, in part. Yet, I cannot help but notice it is in the bones. The bones are the place the word of God dwelled in Jeremiah when it was shut up.
And is not passion a reference to that desire which is strong enough to endure pain. If one shuts up such strong desire in his bones rather than releasing/realizing it how can he do more than rot inside. Yet if pure passion is released will a man not be tranquil as a growing bush/plant though he be engulfed in flames.
Interesting and insightful response, Josiah. Thanks for commenting.
Post a Comment