The Bible is filled with profound truths that encourage us when times are hard and point us to a deeper understanding of God. Then there are some verses that make you wonder how they slipped into the final edit. We’re used to seeing the inspirational Isaiah 40:31 printed across coffee mugs but there are a few verses that granny wouldn’t hang over her rocking chair or maybe she would, I don’t know your granny like that.

#1 Let beer be for those who are perishing, wine for those who are in anguish! Proverbs 31:6

At first glance, this verse might look like the Bible is encouraging us to drink our cares away but that’s not exactly what’s going on here.

It’s in the Bible because

Even though wine or strong drinks are referred to in different situations throughout the Bible, this verse is referring to a situation where alcohol was given to someone who was dying, either by terminal illness or to ease the pain of a criminal during a crucifixion. The most notable mention of this was when Jesus was offered a drink while on the cross (which He refused btw). Proverbs 31:6 is encouraging us to be merciful when you see someone experiencing suffering. And while this verse isn’t suggesting turning to alcohol as a form of coping, it is however, reminding us to show compassion, even when you don’t think a person deserves it.

#2 Your nose is like the tower of Lebanon looking toward Damascus. Song of Songs 7:4

I don’t know about you, but I wouldn’t enjoy my nose being compared to a tower. I would hope that if my significant other were to describe my beauty, it wouldn’t be in a way that makes it seem like Pinocchio was my twin brother.

It’s in the Bible because

It might be an odd way to describe a woman, but this verse is not talking about how big her actual nose was and it wasn’t a stab at her outer beauty. In all actuality, being described in this way was compliment. The nose is how we smell and identify things, it helps us know if food has gone bad or maybe smells danger like smoke from a fire. The nose protects us from many different things. So, her nose being compared to the tower of Lebanon, a tall tower that was able to see the entire city of Damascus, was alluding to the idea that she had great discernment. Having a nose like the tower of Lebanon meant she was able to smell false teachers and doctrines, dedicated to seeking and knowing truth.

So, I guess, we too should have a nose like the tower of Lebanon! Holding fast to what is true and being diligent to sniff out anything that goes against God.

#3 Better to live on a corner of the roof than share a house with a quarrelsome wife. Proverbs 21:9

The idea of living on the roof to avoid getting into an argument may seem crazy, but if you and your spouse have ever had the same argument 47 times, the roof can look pretty good.

It’s in the Bible because

The corner of the roof was the Old Testament’s version of a man cave, but with way less amenities and exposure to all the outside elements. So, I guess in a lot of ways, not a very great man cave. Even though the roof was a place for temporary retreat, it’s not a place you would want to live. But Solomon was pointing out that in a figurative and literal sense, a man would rather be alone and uncomfortable on the roof than be inside a warm and cozy home with a wife that is continuously trying to start an argument. So, let Proverbs 21:9 be a reminder to show love to your spouse. Instead of nagging and arguing with your spouse, remember that your words can bring peace, or they can bring destruction.

#4 Like a gold ring in a pig’s snout is a beautiful woman who shows no discretion. Proverbs 11:22

When flipping through the Proverbs, you might stop here and wonder what exactly is going on. Picturing a pig wearing gold is like seeing a football player in a tutu, the two things are incompatible.

It’s in the Bible because

The contrasting analogy is giving insight to men in their search for a wife. Just like gold doesn’t pair well with a pig, a woman without character doesn’t pair with beauty. It’s about what’s on the inside that matters. Your character determines your beauty. So, really the takeaway here isn’t just for men to use wisdom when looking for a spouse. It’s a principle that we can all learn, to surround yourself with people of character.

#5 “Get out of here, baldy!” 2 Kings 2:23

Even though 85% of men will experience some kind of hair loss, you don’t gotta call them out like that! Poor Elisha received major shade from a group of young men for having a bald head.

It’s in the Bible because

It does seem like an odd verse, especially because Elisha called down a curse on them which resulted in God sending bears to maul 42 of the young men. Seems like a lot for a mean comment. But it wasn’t that simple. This group of young men weren’t little children like some translations allude to. These were young men, fully aware of what they were doing. It was the intentional act of mocking a prophet of God. They weren’t simply making fun of the fact he had no hair but sarcastically insulting him by alluding to the death of Elijah, his mentor. So, this verse isn’t just about God punishing young men for being a bully, rather for disrespecting a prophet in relation disrespecting God himself.

The Bible is filled with crazy stories and even some seemingly random verses, but everything that fills the pages of all 66 books has a purpose. So, next time you come across a verse that doesn’t make sense or is a little confusing, be sure to dig in. Use the opportunity to read its context and study why it’s there and what it means. You’ll have a deeper understanding of God when you do!

All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work. 2 Timothy 3:16-17

How Well Do You Know Scripture: Grandma Saying or Bible?