Now all the tax collectors and sinners were coming near to listen to him. And the Pharisees and the scribes were grumbling and saying, “This fellow welcomes sinners and eats with them.” So he told them this parable: … Then Jesus said, “There was a man who had two sons. The younger of them said to his father, ‘Father, give me the share of the property that will belong to me.’ So he divided his property between them. A few days later the younger son gathered all he had and travelled to a distant country, and there he squandered his property in dissolute living. When he had spent everything, a severe famine took place throughout that country, and he began to be in need. So he went and hired himself out to one of the citizens of that country, who sent him to his fields to feed the pigs. He would gladly have filled himself with the pods that the pigs were eating; and no one gave him anything. But when he came to himself he said, ‘How many of my father’s hired hands have bread enough and to spare, but here I am dying of hunger! I will get up and go to my father, and I will say to him, “Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you; I am no longer worthy to be called your son; treat me like one of your hired hands.”’ So he set off and went to his father. But while he was still far off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion; he ran and put his arms around him and kissed him. Then the son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you; I am no longer worthy to be called your son.’ But the father said to his slaves, ‘Quickly, bring out a robe—the best one—and put it on him; put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. And get the fatted calf and kill it and let us eat and celebrate; for this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found!’ And they began to celebrate. Now his elder son was in the field; and when he came and approached the house, he heard music and dancing. He called one of the slaves and asked what was going on. He replied, ‘Your brother has come, and your father has killed the fatted calf, because he has got him back safe and sound.’ Then he became angry and refused to go in. His father came out and began to plead with him. But he answered his father, ‘Listen! For all these years I have been working like a slave for you, and I have never disobeyed your command; yet you have never given me even a young goat so that I might celebrate with my friends. But when this son of yours came back, who has devoured your property with prostitutes, you killed the fatted calf for him!’ Then the father said to him, ‘Son, you are always with me, and all that is mine is yours. But we had to celebrate and rejoice, because this brother of yours was dead and has come to life; he was lost and has been found.’”

Deeper Dive into the Passage

The parable primarily illustrates God’s boundless mercy and forgiveness. The father’s reaction to the prodigal son’s return is a metaphor for God’s unconditional love for sinners who repent. This reflects the teachings of Jesus, who often emphasised forgiveness and reconciliation. The audience, primarily composed of Pharisees and scribes, would have been challenged by this radical notion of grace. The elder son represents those who follow the law but lack compassion. His anger at the father’s forgiveness highlights the tension between justice and mercy. This character invites the audience to reflect on their own attitudes towards forgiveness and grace. The elder son’s struggle is a reminder that adherence to rules without love can lead to resentment.

In the historical context, asking for one’s inheritance while the father was still alive was a grave insult. The younger son’s actions would have been shocking to Jesus’ audience. The parable challenges societal norms by showing that love and forgiveness transcend cultural expectations. Today, this can be related to modern family dynamics where reconciliation and forgiveness are needed despite past grievances.

Today, this parable can be seen as a call to embrace forgiveness in our personal relationships. It encourages us to welcome back those who have strayed, just as the father welcomed his son. A modern example might be a family member who has been estranged due to past conflicts but is welcomed back with open arms when they seek reconciliation. The parable is a teaching tool rather than a historical account. It is unlikely to have happened as a literal event but serves as a powerful narrative to convey Jesus’ message of forgiveness and love.

Wine is a mocker, strong drink a brawler, and whoever is led astray by it is not wise.

The dread anger of a king is like the growling of a lion; anyone who provokes him to anger forfeits life itself.

It is honourable to refrain from strife, but every fool is quick to quarrel.

The lazy person does not plough in season; harvest comes, and there is nothing to be found.

The purposes in the human mind are like deep water, but the intelligent will draw them out.

Many proclaim themselves loyal, but who can find one worthy of trust?

The righteous walk in integrity—happy are the children who follow them!

A king who sits on the throne of judgment winnows all evil with his eyes.

Who can say, “I have made my heart clean; I am pure from my sin”?

Diverse weights and diverse measures are both alike an abomination to the Lord.

Even children make themselves known by their acts, by whether what they do is pure and right.

The hearing ear and the seeing eye—the Lord has made them both.

Do not love sleep, or else you will come to poverty; open your eyes, and you will have plenty of bread.

“Bad, bad,” says the buyer, then goes away and boasts.

There is gold, and abundance of costly stones; but the lips informed by knowledge are a precious jewel.

Deeper Dive into the Passage

Proverbs 20 offers a collection of wise sayings that provide guidance on living a righteous life. The writer warns against excessive drinking, stating that “wine is a mocker” (Proverbs 20:1). In ancient times, excessive drinking was seen as leading to poor judgment and social disgrace. Today, this can be likened to the modern understanding of addiction and its impact on personal and social life. Proverbs 20:7 highlights the importance of integrity, suggesting that a righteous person who walks in integrity brings happiness to their children. This reflects the societal value placed on honesty and moral uprightness, which remains relevant today as a foundation for trust and respect in relationships. The passage also praises patience, stating it is a man’s glory (Proverbs 20:3). In the context of ancient Israel, patience was seen as a virtue that prevented unnecessary conflict. Patience today is still valued as a means to maintain peace and understanding in a fast-paced world.

Proverbs was written as a guide for living wisely and righteously in ancient Israel. The audience was likely young men being prepared for leadership roles. The teachings aimed to instil values that would lead to personal and communal prosperity. Today, these proverbs continue to offer timeless wisdom applicable to modern life, encouraging us to live with integrity, patience, and moderation. Proverbs is a collection of sayings rather than historical accounts, so its accuracy is not in question. Instead, its value lies in the timeless wisdom it imparts.

The king’s heart is a stream of water in the hand of the Lord; he turns it wherever he will. All deeds are right in the sight of the doer, but the Lord weighs the heart. To do righteousness and justice is more acceptable to the Lord than sacrifice. Haughty eyes and a proud heart—the lamp of the wicked—are sin. The plans of the diligent lead surely to abundance, but everyone who is hasty comes only to want. The getting of treasures by a lying tongue is a fleeting vapor and a snare of death. The violence of the wicked will sweep them away because they refuse to do what is just. The way of the guilty is crooked, but the conduct of the pure is right. It is better to live in a corner of the housetop than in a house shared with a contentious wife. The souls of the wicked desire evil; their neighbours find no mercy in their eyes. When a scoffer is punished, the simple become wiser; when the wise are instructed, they increase in knowledge. The Righteous One observes the house of the wicked; he casts the wicked down to ruin. If you close your ear to the cry of the poor, you will cry out and not be heard. A gift in secret averts anger, and a concealed bribe in the bosom, strong wrath. When justice is done, it is a joy to the righteous, but dismay to evildoers.

Deeper Dive into the Passage

Proverbs 21:2 highlights that while humans may justify their actions, God evaluates the heart’s true intentions. This reflects the ancient belief that God is the ultimate judge of morality, beyond mere outward appearances. Today, this can be seen in how we value authenticity and integrity over superficial actions. Proverbs 21:5 emphasises that careful planning leads to abundance, contrasting with the pitfalls of haste. In ancient times, this would have resonated with agrarian societies reliant on careful planning for successful harvests. It reminds us of the importance of strategic planning in achieving long-term goals. Proverbs 21:13 warns against ignoring the needs of the poor, suggesting that such neglect leads to divine retribution. This reflects the biblical theme of justice and care for the marginalised. In modern terms, it underscores the importance of social responsibility and empathy in community life.

Proverbs, attributed to Solomon, was written for an audience seeking wisdom and moral guidance. The emphasis on justice, diligence, and inner integrity reflects societal values of the time. Today, these teachings remain relevant, encouraging ethical living and social consciousness. Proverbs is a collection of wisdom sayings rather than historical accounts. Its teachings are timeless principles rather than events, making its “accuracy” more about moral truth than historical fact.

When you sit down to eat with a ruler, observe carefully what is before you,

and put a knife to your throat if you have a big appetite.

Do not desire the ruler’s delicacies, for they are deceptive food.

Do not wear yourself out to get rich; be wise enough to desist.

When your eyes light upon it, it is gone; for suddenly it takes wings to itself, flying like an eagle toward heaven.

Do not eat the bread of the stingy; do not desire their delicacies;

for like a hair in the throat, so are they. “Eat and drink!” they say to you; but they do not mean it.

You will vomit up the little you have eaten, and you will waste your pleasant words.

Do not speak in the hearing of a fool, who will only despise the wisdom of your words.

Do not remove an ancient landmark or encroach on the fields of orphans,

for their redeemer is strong; he will plead their cause against you.

Apply your mind to instruction and your ear to words of knowledge.

Do not withhold discipline from your children; if you beat them with a rod, they will not die.

If you beat them with the rod, you will save their lives from Sheol.

My child, if your heart is wise, my heart too will be glad.

Deeper Dive into the Passage

The advice against overindulgence when dining with a ruler (verses 1-3) reflects the importance of self-control and awareness of social dynamics. In ancient times, dining with a ruler was a privilege, but it also required caution. The writer warns against being swayed by appearances or desires, as these can lead to deception. Verses 10-11 emphasise the protection of the vulnerable, such as orphans. The ancient Israelites valued justice and fairness, and moving boundary markers was a serious offense. This reflects a broader biblical theme of caring for the marginalised, which remains relevant today. Modern parallels can be seen in advocating for the rights of the underprivileged. The warning against loving wine and oil (verse 21) highlights the dangers of excess and indulgence. In a society where resources were limited, such behaviour could lead to poverty. These days this can be related to the consequences of consumerism and the importance of moderation.

Proverbs was written as a guide for living wisely and righteously. The original audience was likely young men being groomed for leadership or societal roles. The advice remains applicable today, encouraging us to live with integrity and mindfulness. Proverbs is a collection of wisdom literature rather than historical narrative. Its teachings are timeless principles rather than specific historical events.