“Now about eight days after these sayings Jesus took with him Peter and John and James and went up on the mountain to pray. And while he was praying, the appearance of his face changed, and his clothes became dazzling white. Suddenly they saw two men, Moses and Elijah, talking to him. They appeared in glory and were speaking of his departure, which he was about to accomplish at Jerusalem. Now Peter and his companions were weighed down with sleep; but since they had stayed awake, they saw his glory and the two men who stood with him. Just as they were leaving him, Peter said to Jesus, ‘Master, it is good for us to be here; let us make three dwellings, one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah’—not knowing what he said. While he was saying this, a cloud came and overshadowed them; and they were terrified as they entered the cloud. Then from the cloud came a voice that said, ‘This is my Son, my Chosen; listen to him!’ When the voice had spoken, Jesus was found alone. And they kept silent and in those days told no one any of the things they had seen.”

Deeper Dive into the Passage

The Transfiguration reveals Jesus’ divine nature. The dazzling white clothes and the voice from the cloud affirm Jesus as the Son of God. This event reassures the disciples of Jesus’ divine authority, especially as they face the impending challenges in Jerusalem. Moses and Elijah represent the Law and the Prophets, respectively. Their presence signifies that Jesus is the fulfillment of both. This underscores the continuity between the Old and New Testaments, highlighting Jesus as the culmination of God’s plan. The discussion of Jesus’ “departure” (or “exodus”) in Jerusalem foreshadows his crucifixion and resurrection. This prepares the disciples for the trials ahead, offering them a glimpse of the glory that follows suffering.

The Gospel of Luke was written for a Gentile audience, emphasising Jesus’ universal mission. The Transfiguration reassures early Christians of Jesus’ divine authority amidst persecution. Today, it reminds us of the transformative power of faith. Just as the disciples were called to listen to Jesus, we too are invited to heed his teachings in our lives. A modern parallel might be finding hope and strength in faith during personal trials, knowing that challenges can lead to spiritual growth and deeper understanding.

The Transfiguration is a well-attested event in the Synoptic Gospels (Matthew, Mark, and Luke). While the exact details may be symbolic, the core message of divine revelation and fulfillment is consistent across accounts, suggesting a strong theological basis rather than a purely historical narrative.

Whoever loves discipline loves knowledge, but those who hate to be rebuked are stupid.

The good obtain favour from the Lord, but those who devise evil he condemns.

No one finds security by wickedness, but the root of the righteous will never be moved.

A good wife is the crown of her husband, but she who brings shame is like rottenness in his bones.

The thoughts of the righteous are just; the advice of the wicked is treacherous.

The words of the wicked are a deadly ambush, but the speech of the upright delivers them.

The wicked are overthrown and are no more, but the house of the righteous will stand.

One is commended for good sense, but a perverse mind is despised.

Better to be despised and have a servant, than to be self-important and lack food.

The righteous know the needs of their animals, but the mercy of the wicked is cruel.

Those who till their land will have plenty of food, but those who follow worthless pursuits have no sense.

The wicked covet the proceeds of wickedness, but the root of the righteous bears fruit.

The evil are ensnared by the transgression of their lips, but the righteous escape from trouble.

From the fruit of the mouth one is filled with good things, and manual labour has its reward.

Fools think their own way is right, but the wise listen to advice.

The vexation of a fool is known at once, but the prudent man ignores an insult.
He who speaks the truth gives honest evidence, but a false witness utters deceit.
There is one whose rash words are like sword thrusts, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.

Deeper Dive into the Passage

Proverbs 12 offers a rich tapestry of wisdom, contrasting the righteous and the wicked. The writer of Proverbs, traditionally attributed to Solomon, aimed to provide practical guidance for living a life pleasing to God. The emphasis on discipline, righteousness, and diligence reflects a desire to instil values that lead to a stable and prosperous community. In ancient Israel, wisdom literature served as a tool for teaching young people how to navigate life’s challenges.

It highlights the impact of speech, comparing rash words to sword thrusts. This metaphor underscores the belief that words can cause harm or bring healing. In a society where oral tradition was paramount, the power of speech was well understood. Today, this can be likened to the influence of social media, where words can quickly spread and have significant consequences. Hard work was also essential for survival and prosperity. This principle remains relevant today, as diligence and perseverance are often key to success in various fields. Proverbs 12 can be seen as a timeless guide for ethical living. Its teachings on discipline, speech, and work ethic are applicable in modern contexts, such as professional environments and personal relationships. For example, the idea that “the diligent hand brings wealth” resonates with the notion that hard work and dedication lead to success. Proverbs is a collection of sayings rather than a historical account. Its purpose is to convey moral truths rather than document events. Therefore, its historical accuracy is not in question, as it serves as a guide for ethical living rather than a record of historical events.

Wisdom builds her house, but folly with her own hands tears it down.
He who walks in uprightness fears the Lord, but he who is devious in his ways despises him.
The talk of a fool is a rod for his back, but the lips of the wise will preserve them.
Where there are no oxen, there is no grain; but abundant crops come by the strength of the ox.
A faithful witness does not lie, but a false witness breathes out lies.
A scoffer seeks wisdom in vain, but knowledge is easy for a man of understanding.
Leave the presence of a fool, for there you do not meet words of knowledge.
The wisdom of a prudent man is to discern his way, but the folly of fools is deceiving.
God scorns the wicked, but the upright enjoy his favour.
The heart knows its own bitterness, and no stranger shares its joy.

The house of the wicked will be destroyed, but the tent of the upright will flourish.
There is a way which seems right to a man, but its end is the way to death.
 Even in laughter the heart is sad, and the end of joy is grief.
A perverse man will be filled with the fruit of his ways, and a good man with the fruit of his deeds.
The simple believes everything, but the prudent looks where he is going.
A wise man is cautious and turns away from evil, but a fool throws off restraint and is careless.

Deeper Dive into the Passage

Proverbs 14:1-16 offers timeless wisdom that resonates with both ancient and modern audiences. The writer of Proverbs, traditionally attributed to Solomon, aimed to impart practical wisdom for daily living. The emphasis on wisdom versus folly reflects a societal need for moral guidance. In ancient Israel, wisdom was seen as a divine gift, essential for maintaining social order and personal integrity. The passage contrasts the outcomes of wise and foolish behaviour. For instance, “The wise woman builds her house” (v.1) suggests that wisdom leads to stability and prosperity, while folly results in destruction. This reflects the cultural context where family and community stability were paramount. The recurring theme of fearing the Lord (v.2) underscores the belief that reverence for God is foundational to wisdom. This aligns with the broader biblical narrative that positions God as the source of all wisdom and moral authority.

Today, these proverbs can be seen as guiding principles for ethical living. For example, the idea that “there is a way that seems right to a person, but its end is the way to death” (v.12) warns against self-deception and encourages seeking counsel and wisdom beyond oneself. In a modern context, this could relate to making decisions based on short-term gains without considering long-term consequences. Proverbs is a collection of sayings rather than historical accounts, so its accuracy is not in question. Instead, its value lies in its enduring wisdom and moral teachings.

A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.
The tongue of the wise dispenses knowledge, but the mouths of fools pour out folly.
The eyes of the Lord are in every place, keeping watch on the evil and the good.
A gentle tongue is a tree of life, but perverseness in it breaks the spirit.
A fool despises his father’s instruction, but he who heeds admonition is prudent.
In the house of the righteous there is much treasure, but trouble befalls the income of the wicked. The lips of the wise spread knowledge; not so the minds of fools.

 The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination to the Lord, but the prayer of the upright is his delight.
The way of the wicked is an abomination to the Lord, but he loves him who pursues righteousness.
There is severe discipline for him who forsakes the way; he who hates reproof will die.
Sheol and Abaddon lie open before the Lord how much more the hearts of men!
A scoffer does not like to be reproved; he will not go to the wise.
A glad heart makes a cheerful countenance, but by sorrow of heart the spirit is broken.

Deeper Dive into the Passage

Proverbs 15:1-13 offers timeless wisdom that resonates with both ancient and modern audiences. The writer of Proverbs emphasises the power of words to either heal or harm. In ancient times, as today, communication was key to maintaining harmony in relationships. A gentle answer can defuse tension, while harsh words can escalate conflict. This wisdom is applicable today, as seen in conflict resolution strategies where calm communication is encouraged. Verse 3 highlights the omnipresence of God, whose eyes are in every place. This was a comforting reminder to the original audience that God sees both good and evil, offering justice and protection. Today, this can be interpreted as a call to live righteously, knowing that our actions are always observed by a higher power. The passage contrasts the outcomes of the righteous and the wicked. The righteous are associated with treasure and joy, while the wicked face trouble.

Historically, this reflects the belief that moral living leads to divine favour and prosperity. In modern terms, it suggests that ethical behaviour often leads to positive outcomes, both spiritually and materially. Proverbs was written in a time when wisdom literature was highly valued for teaching moral and ethical living. The original audience would have been familiar with the societal norms and expectations of righteous behaviour. Today, these proverbs continue to offer guidance on living a life that aligns with moral and ethical principles. 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.