How To Make A Lasting Impact
February 22, 2026Pastor Patrick presented today's message, "How To Make A Lasting Impact." A video of today's message is here on YouTube. It may help to be familiar with the message but that is not required to enjoy the thoughts below.
Patrick spent some time early on discussing the meaning of "prosper" in Proverbs 11:25. I'd like to add to that breadth by pointing you to BibleHub again, this time to the Hebrew word dah-SHEN (דָּשֵׁן) translated in this passage as prosper (NIV). Scroll down to where it says, "Topical Lexicon." Here's one quote: "In each instance true "fatness" belongs not to the self-indulgent but to those who live by covenant virtues — generosity, diligence, faith, and edifying speech. Material wealth may follow, but the accent falls on inward saturation with divine favor."
Bruce Waltke, author of The New International Commentary on the Old Testament's volume on Proverbs 1-15 (see Credits tab above), suggests that Proverbs 11:25 is part of a 5-verse framework including Proverbs 11:23-27 (see pages 504-510). Here is his translation:
23. The desire of the righteous is only good, but the hope of the wicked is wrath.
24. There is one who scatters and who is increased still more, and one who withholds from what is right and comes only to lack.
25. A life bestowing blessing will be fattened, and as for one who drenches, he in turn will be soaked.
26. As for the one who withholds grain, people curse him, but blessing is on the head of the one who sells it.
27. The one who diligently seeks good will find favor, but as for him who searches for evil, it will come to him.
First, Waltke notes that the quintet is surrounded by the word "good" (in verses 23 and 27). Embedded is the paradoxical fulfillment of a giver gaining and a victimizer victimizing himself. The giver elaborates on his generosity, and the hoarder elaborates on his stinginess.
Waltke uses the word "fattened" rather than prospers. He also uses "drenches" and "soaked" rather than refreshes. Both are agricultural metaphors: fattened animals and well-watered crops.
An interesting note is that the reference to "the one who sells it (grain)" is likely pointing to Joseph who opened the granaries of Egypt during the famine to feed the people.
The many books under the umbrella of The New International Commentary on the Old Testament go greatly in depth with a ridiculous number of footnotes throughout. Waltke covers Proverbs in about 1400 pages across 2 volumes. I find these more helpful for referencing rather than sitting down and reading.
Bonus
Daily Devotions Based on Proverbs
Timothy Keller's book, God's Wisdom for Navigating Life: A Year of Daily Devotions in the Book of Proverbs, is exactly what it says it is. And a good one at that.Here are some quotes from the first introductory pages of the book:
"A proverb is a poetic art form that instills wisdom in you as you wrestle with it."He goes on to point out that Proverbs are more for the gray areas of life, like whom to marry, what job to take, whether to move or not, whom you choose as friends, etc. (as opposed to the very black and white don't steal, don't commit murder, etc.).
"Perhaps the mark of Hebrew poetry is parallelism. Two phrases, clauses, or sentences are brought into close connection with each other so that they modify and expand each other. The second may magnify and extend the thought of the first, or it may offer a counterpoint that limits and softens the first. The two thoughts mutually clarify each other."
"Another prominent feature is vivid imagery. Images and metaphors are always invitations to think of the many ways that 'this is like that.'"
"Proverbs was written not for private reading but as a manual to be worked through in a community of learners with older, wiser mentors."
"Scriptural teaching should play out in your life."
"Wisdom is not only for deep thinkers. It is how you get through daily life."
So there you go, 365 one-a-day proverbs to ponder for a full year!
Bonus2
Proverbs Overview and Summary Outlines
There are quite a few books out there on Proverbs. Here's another one for today: Proverbs Overview and Summary Outlines by Faith S. Lumens.The main body of the book contains 2-page spreads on each of the 31 chapters of Proverbs. On each spread are these sections for each chapter: Summary, Key Themes, Symbols and Imagery, Key Verses, Life Applications, Jesus in Scripture, Reflection, and My Prayer.
Here are some quotes from the introductory pages:
Proverbs is one of scripture's most practical and profound gifts.
This book offers short, powerful sayings that guide us in how to live wisely, walk in integrity, speak with discernment, and honor God in all we do.
It's not just about gaining knowledge, Proverbs call us to action, to character, and to a life that reflects God's heart.
Ask, "How can I reflect this truth today?"
When Proverbs speaks of wisdom calling out, guiding the humble, and leading people into life and understanding, we are given a glimpse of Jesus - our Teacher, Redeemer, and Guide.
Bonus3
Big Theater Week
This blurb is really an apology with an excuse for why this essay page got out so late this week. It was a huge theater week not just for me, but for the whole family. Antonio and Matteo opened "Macbeth" at DCC High School on Thursday, and I did two sets of production photos in one week (that's a first): "I Remember Mama" at First Company Theatre and "Macbeth" at DCC (High School) Theatre. Production photos usually mean shooting a couple thousand photos during final dress rehearsal then choosing and processing them down to a few hundred "best shots" to give to the company, cast, and crew. Below are some samples from this week.
I Remember Mama (First Company Theatre)
Macbeth (DCC Theatre)