Author Archives: jgarrott

Isaiah 28:12 to whom he said, “This is the resting place, let the weary rest”; and, “This is the place of repose”– but they would not listen. God is not mean. So many people have such trouble believing that! We … Continue reading →

Isaiah 2:3 Many peoples will come and say, “Come, let us go up to the mountain of the LORD, to the house of the God of Jacob. He will teach us his ways, so that we may walk in his … Continue reading →

Proverbs 23:12 Apply your heart to instruction and your ears to words of knowledge. To me the Japanese is stronger than the NIV here, saying “exercise your will,” rather that “apply your heart.” It may be a small difference, but … Continue reading →

Proverbs 22:6 Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it. Much has been made of this verse by various good teachers, but reading it in two languages just … Continue reading →

Proverbs 16:21, 24 The wise in heart are called discerning, and pleasant words promote instruction. Pleasant words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones. There’s more than one way to say almost anything. Our choice … Continue reading →

Proverbs 15:10 Stern discipline awaits him who leaves the path; he who hates correction will die. This is the other side of “The Lord disciplines those He loves.” (Proverbs 3:12) Discipline must be received for it to be effective. When … Continue reading →

Proverbs 13:24 He who spares the rod hates his son, but he who loves him is careful to discipline him. It would be hard to find a verse in the Bible that is more ignored or explicitly denied than this … Continue reading →

Proverbs 9:8 Do not rebuke a mocker or he will hate you; rebuke a wise man and he will love you. I had never thought of it in these terms before, but this verse provides a good way to check … Continue reading →

Proverbs 3:7 Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the LORD and shun evil. Verses 5-6 have been central to me personally for many years, and verses 11-12 are central to the whole idea of discipleship training, but … Continue reading →

Psalm 144:1 Praise be to the LORD my Rock, who trains my hands for war, my fingers for battle. We tend to forget that training involves repeated action that is increasingly like the real thing. This verse brings to mind … Continue reading →