JULY 8 PROVERBS 25-29

Proverbs 25-29

After some of Solomon’s collected “words of the wise,” we find more of Solomon’s own proverbs, which were researched and collected by the wise men of Hezekiah’s reign.

Here is just a sampling of themes from these five chapters:

Advice for Future Kings!  This section begins with several wise sayings that keep kings humble before God (25:2) and others humble before kings (25:3-7).

Moderation!  Scattered through these chapters (and elsewhere in Proverbs) are gentle, persistent reminders NOT to overdo it when it comes to eating (25:16), visiting (25:17), singing songs (25:20), and talking (27:14-15). Help me, Lord!

Humility!  Given my life verse, “God opposes the proud, but give graces to the Humble (James 4:6; 1 Peter 5:5; Proverbs 3:34; see Proverbs 29:23, too!), it is easy for me to see this lesson repeated throughout the Bible. Proverbs 26:1-12 demonstrates the critical importance of this truth. For the first 11 verses of the chapter, “fools” are condemned, ridiculed and sternly warned. Then, in verse 12, Solomon throws us a zinger: “Do you see a man who is wise in his own eyes? There is more hope for a fool than for him!” Pride is a far more dangerous problem than foolishness! Here are some more truths concerning pride and humility:

• Moderation produces humility! (25:27)
• Laziness produces pride! (26:16)
• Humility doesn’t presume upon tomorrow (27:1)
• Praise tests one’s pride quotient! (27:21)
• Good friends defeat pride and encourage humility (27:5-6, 17).

Laziness!  This theme pops up again and again. Read Proverbs 26:13-16 for a few laughs!

Integrity!  For those of you that knew Dale Rithaler, see if these verses on integrity don’t fit his life well:  “Better is a poor man who walks in his integrity than a rich man who is crooked in his ways.” (Proverbs 28:6)  “A faithful man will abound with blessings...” (Proverbs 28:20).

Lord God, keep us humble before You, that we might know Your grace more fully each day! Amen and amen.

Tomorrow, the Proverbs of Agur and Lemuel!

Your fellow Bible trekker,

Pastor Gary