Through the Bible with Poetry: Proverbs
Jon’s thoughts: Proverbs twelve ten, like so many quips in Proverbs, boils down an idea, righteousness in this case, to a simple litmus test. If you want to be a righteous person, then have regard for the life of your beasts. I am sure that it is not meant to be exhaustive in its scope, but like the old saying, “If your dog does not like someone you probably shouldn’t either,” it can be telling about a person’s character.
For this one I tried my hand at translating the text by expanding on each of the key terms in the English Standard Version (ESV). It is combined with a passage from the Gospels, reminding us of God’s “righteousness.” Proverbs 12:10
Whoever Is Righteous
Proverbs 12:10 — “Whoever is righteous has regard for the life of his beast, but the mercy of the wicked is cruel.”
Anyone who desires to act in accord with the divine and moral law,
Is required by the law to show respect and consideration
For the sequence of physical and mental experiences
That make up the existence of the creatures entrusted to them for care and preservation.
However, the compassion and forbearance shown,
Especially to an offender or to one subject to power,
By the fierce and vicious,
Is disposed to inflict pain and suffering: devoid of humane feelings for the other.
When you consider all these things;
If you know how to give good gifts,
How much more will your father,
Who is in heaven, give that which uplifts?
Jon Bannon
© Jon Bannon 2021