If you faint in the day of distress, how small is your strength! If you faintThe Hebrew word for "faint" here is "רָפָה" (raphah), which can mean to relax, sink down, or let go. In the context of this verse, it suggests a failure to maintain one's resolve or courage. Historically, this term is used in various parts of the Old Testament to describe a lack of perseverance or a giving up in the face of adversity. From a conservative Christian perspective, this phrase challenges believers to examine their spiritual resilience. It calls for a steadfast faith that does not waver when trials come, echoing the New Testament exhortation to "stand firm" in the faith ( 1 Corinthians 16:13). in the day of distress
The phrase "day of distress" refers to times of trouble or adversity. The Hebrew word for "distress" is "צָרָה" (tsarah), which can denote affliction, anguish, or tribulation. This term is often used in the Old Testament to describe periods of intense difficulty, whether personal, communal, or national. In the historical context of ancient Israel, such days could include invasions, famines, or personal crises. For the modern believer, this phrase serves as a reminder that trials are an inevitable part of life. It encourages Christians to prepare spiritually for such times, drawing strength from their relationship with God and the community of faith. how small is your strength!
The word "strength" in Hebrew is "כֹּחַ" (koach), which implies power, might, or vigor. This phrase is a rhetorical question that underscores the insufficiency of one's strength if it fails under pressure. In the biblical context, true strength is often depicted as reliance on God rather than on human ability alone. The historical and scriptural narrative consistently points to God as the source of strength for His people, as seen in verses like Isaiah 40:31, which promises renewed strength to those who hope in the Lord. From a conservative Christian viewpoint, this phrase is a call to cultivate a deep, abiding trust in God, recognizing that human strength is limited but divine strength is boundless. It inspires believers to seek God's empowerment through prayer, scripture, and the Holy Spirit, especially during challenging times. Persons / Places / Events 1. SolomonTraditionally attributed as the author of Proverbs, Solomon was the son of King David and known for his wisdom. He compiled these sayings to impart wisdom and understanding. 2. IsraelThe nation to whom the Proverbs were originally addressed, providing guidance for living a life pleasing to God. 3. Day of DistressThis phrase refers to times of trouble or adversity, which are common experiences in the life of every believer. Teaching Points Understanding True StrengthTrue strength is not measured by the absence of adversity but by the ability to stand firm in the face of it. The Role of Faith in AdversityFaith is crucial during trials. It is through faith that believers can access God’s strength and not rely solely on their own. Preparation for TrialsSpiritual preparation is essential. Regular prayer, study of Scripture, and fellowship with other believers equip us for the "day of distress." God’s Strength in Our WeaknessAcknowledge human limitations and seek God’s strength. His power is made perfect in our weakness. Encouragement in CommunityThe Christian community plays a vital role in supporting one another during difficult times, providing encouragement and strength. Bible Study Questions 1. How does understanding the original Hebrew word for "faint" (raphah) deepen our understanding of this verse? 2. In what ways can we prepare ourselves spiritually for the "day of distress" mentioned in Proverbs 24:10? 3. How do other scriptures, such as Isaiah 40:29-31, reinforce the message of Proverbs 24:10 about strength in adversity? 4. What practical steps can we take to rely more on God’s strength rather than our own during challenging times? 5. How can the Christian community support each other in times of distress, and what role do you play in that support system? Connections to Other Scriptures James 1:2-4This passage encourages believers to consider trials as opportunities for growth, similar to the message in Proverbs 24:10 about strength in adversity. Isaiah 40:29-31These verses speak of God giving strength to the weary, paralleling the idea that human strength is insufficient without divine support. Philippians 4:13Paul’s declaration of strength through Christ connects to the idea that true strength comes from reliance on God, not self. People SolomonPlaces JerusalemTopics Adversity, Courage, Distress, Faint, Faintest, Falter, Hast, Indeed, Limited, Losest, Power, Shewed, Slack, Straitened, Strength, Thyself, Trouble, WeakDictionary of Bible Themes Proverbs 24:9 8760 fools, characteristics
8782 mockery Proverbs 24:8-9 6186 evil scheming Library The Sluggard's Garden
'I went by the field of the slothful, and by the vineyard of the man void of understanding; 31. And, lo, it was all grown over with thorns, and nettles had covered the face thereof, and the stone wall thereof was broken down.'--PROVERBS xxiv. 30, 31. This picture of the sluggard's garden seems to be intended as a parable. No doubt its direct simple meaning is full of homely wisdom in full accord with the whole tone of the Book of Proverbs; but we shall scarcely do justice to this saying of the wise …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy ScriptureThe Broken Fence
A sermon (No. 3381) published on Thursday, November 20th 1913. Delivered by C. H. Spurgeon at the Metropolitan Tabernacle, Newington. "I went by the field of the slothful, and by the vineyard of the man void of understanding; and to, it was all grown over with thorns, and nettles had covered the face thereof, and the stone wall thereof was broken down, Then I saw, and considered it well: I looked upon it and received instruction."--Proverbs 24:30-32. This slothful man did no hurt to his fellow-men: …
C.H. Spurgeon—Sermons on Proverbs The Sluggard's Farm
A sermon (No. 2027) intended for reading on Lord's Day, June 3rd 1888, delivered by C. H. Spurgeon at the Metropolitan Tabernacle, Newington. "I went by the field of the slothful, and by the vineyard of the man void of understanding; And, lo, it was all grown over with thorns, and nettles had covered the face thereof, and the stone wall thereof was broken down. Then I saw, and considered it well: I looked upon it, and received instruction."--Proverbs 24:30-32. No doubt Solomon was sometimes glad …
C.H. Spurgeon—Sermons on Proverbs Epistle xxxvi. To Maximus, Bishop of Salona .
To Maximus, Bishop of Salona [113] . Gregory to Maximus, &c. When our common son the presbyter Veteranus came to the Roman city, he found me so weak from the pains of gout as to be quite unable to answer thy Fraternity's letters myself. And indeed with regard to the nation of the Sclaves [114] , from which you are in great danger, I am exceedingly afflicted and disturbed. I am afflicted as suffering already in your suffering: I am disturbed, because they have already begun to enter Italy by way …
Saint Gregory the Great—the Epistles of Saint Gregory the Great The Portrait of a Drunkyard
'Who hath woe? who hath sorrow? who hath contentions? who hath babbling? who hath wounds without cause? who hath redness of eyes? 30. They that tarry long at the wine; they that go to seek mixed wine. 31. Look not thou upon the wine when it is red, when it giveth his colour in the cup, when it moveth itself aright. 32. At the last it biteth like a serpent, and stingeth like an adder. 33. Thine eyes shall behold strange women, and thine heart shall utter perverse things. 34. Yea, thou shalt be as …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture 2 Cor. Iii. 5
Not that we are sufficient of our selves, to think any thing as of our selves: but our Sufficiency is of God. IN my former Discourse upon these Words, I shewed you that it was the sole Design of St. Paul in them, to declare, that, in the setting about, and executing, the difficult and laborious Work of an Apostle, He did not arrogate to himself the Power, and Ability, and Success, which he had: but that he ascribed his Sufficiency for this great Work, as well as his being designed to it, to God himself, …
Benjamin Hoadly—Several Discourses Concerning the Terms of Acceptance with God How to Make Use of Christ for Taking the Guilt of Our Daily Out-Breakings Away.
The next part of our sanctification is in reference to our daily failings and transgressions, committed partly through the violence of temptations, as we see in David and Peter, and other eminent men of God; partly through daily infirmities, because of our weakness and imperfections; for, "in many things we offend all," James iii. 2; and, "if we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us," 1 John i. 8; "a righteous man falleth seven times," Prov. xxiv. 16; "there is not …
John Brown (of Wamphray)—Christ The Way, The Truth, and The Life The Justice of God
The next attribute is God's justice. All God's attributes are identical, and are the same with his essence. Though he has several attributes whereby he is made known to us, yet he has but one essence. A cedar tree may have several branches, yet it is but one cedar. So there are several attributes of God whereby we conceive of him, but only one entire essence. Well, then, concerning God's justice. Deut 32:4. Just and right is he.' Job 37:23. Touching the Almighty, we cannot find him out: he is excellent …
Thomas Watson—A Body of Divinity The Necessity of Actual Grace
In treating of the necessity of actual grace we must avoid two extremes. The first is that mere nature is absolutely incapable of doing any thing good. This error was held by the early Protestants and the followers of Baius and Jansenius. The second is that nature is able to perform supernatural acts by its own power. This was taught by the Pelagians and Semipelagians. Between these two extremes Catholic theology keeps the golden mean. It defends the capacity of human nature against Protestants and …
Joseph Pohle—Grace, Actual and Habitual Meditations on the Hindrances which Keep Back a Sinner from the Practice of Piety.
Those hindrances are chiefly seven:-- I. An ignorant mistaking of the true meaning of certain places of the holy Scriptures, and some other chief grounds of Christian religion. The Scriptures mistaken are these: 1. Ezek. xxxiii. 14, 16, "At what time soever a sinner repenteth him of his sin, I will blot out all," &c. Hence the carnal Christian gathers, that he may repent when he will. It is true, whensoever a sinner does repent, God will forgive; but the text saith not, that a sinner may repent whensoever …
Lewis Bayly—The Practice of Piety Scriptures Showing the Sin and Danger of Joining with Wicked and Ungodly Men.
Scriptures Showing The Sin And Danger Of Joining With Wicked And Ungodly Men. When the Lord is punishing such a people against whom he hath a controversy, and a notable controversy, every one that is found shall be thrust through: and every one joined with them shall fall, Isa. xiii. 15. They partake in their judgment, not only because in a common calamity all shares, (as in Ezek. xxi. 3.) but chiefly because joined with and partakers with these whom God is pursuing; even as the strangers that join …
Hugh Binning—The Works of the Rev. Hugh Binning A Treatise on Good Works
I. We ought first to know that there are no good works except those which God has commanded, even as there is no sin except that which God has forbidden. Therefore whoever wishes to know and to do good works needs nothing else than to know God's commandments. Thus Christ says, Matthew xix, "If thou wilt enter into life, keep the commandments." And when the young man asks Him, Matthew xix, what he shall do that he may inherit eternal life, Christ sets before him naught else but the Ten Commandments. …
Dr. Martin Luther—A Treatise on Good Works Proverbs
Many specimens of the so-called Wisdom Literature are preserved for us in the book of Proverbs, for its contents are by no means confined to what we call proverbs. The first nine chapters constitute a continuous discourse, almost in the manner of a sermon; and of the last two chapters, ch. xxx. is largely made up of enigmas, and xxxi. is in part a description of the good housewife. All, however, are rightly subsumed under the idea of wisdom, which to the Hebrew had always moral relations. The Hebrew …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament Links Proverbs 24:10 NIVProverbs 24:10 NLTProverbs 24:10 ESVProverbs 24:10 NASBProverbs 24:10 KJV
Proverbs 24:10 Commentaries
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