Proverbs – Page 4 – Be Still…

Proverbs 25:1-14 – Keep Your Word

Disappointment. Nobody likes to be disappointed. If you can avoid it, never disappoint someone else. Today’s verse (14) says, “A person who promises a gift but doesn’t give it is like clouds and wind that bring no rain.” For a bit of context, think of how dry it is in Israel. Yet there are farmers and people who live off the land. Imagine the joy when a cloud appears in the sky. A cloud dark in appearance would seem to promise rain. Imagine the let down when it passes over without a drop of rain having fallen. The frustration is great.

I think we have all experienced disappointment in our life at one time or another. We have relied on someone’s word, and they let us down. I am taking the “gift” in this verse to mean any act of service or promise that is made to benefit someone else. If I say I’ll arrive tomorrow to take you to the store, I need to keep my word and show up at the appropriate time. If I don’t, you will not only be upset you will not get the items you needed at the store.

Proverbs 24:17-34 – Do This

Read Proverbs 24:17-34

We’re seeing a lot of the same wisdom being repeated over and over. Some of these themes are don’t seek revenge, fear the Lord, don’t be lazy, and don’t associate with rebels. These are all good reminders. I much prefer the “do this” examples of wisdom. After all, when we are told “not” to do something, aren’t we more inclined to want to do it? I can just picture someone saying, “don’t look now, but…” What happens? The other person will undoubtedly look!

So, the verse I’d like to focus on today is a “do this” instance. “Do your planning and prepare your fields before building your house.” We are not currently planning to build a house, but here in Mexico that would certainly be a possibility. We would definitely need to plan well, which would include finding a contractor with a good reputation and work ethic. I see this nugget of wisdom as reminding us of the importance of preparation. We shouldn’t rush to have something we aren’t ready for.

Proverbs 24:1-16 – Be Strong When You Feel Weak

Read Proverbs 24:1-16

Have you ever failed at something you were good at? I think of gymnasts who train and train and train some more. Then at a meet, with medals on the line something goes wrong and their move just doesn’t happen they way they’ve always executed it. I had an experience just this week during an interview for a podcast appearance. I froze. The words weren’t there. I know my material, but you’d never know it. I was crushed.

So, you can imagine the counsel today spoke to me in a big way. Verse 10 says, “If you fail under pressure, your strength is too small.” I need to be strong and not let this set back get in my way. You have probably had similar situations. You just want to curl up and hide. But failure will happen. We will stumble. The Christian life is not a road without bumps. Great men and women do not quit. They overcome.

Proverbs 23:19-35 – What’s Your Remedy?

Read Proverbs 23:19-35

This passage has some bigger chunks of wisdom. Solomon paints a little more of a picture into the wisdom he imparts. I wasn’t sure at first what to reflect on. There are recurring themes here. After some discussion with my husband, discernment has finally come. We’ll focus on verses 29-35. I am reminded of the years we spent involved with Celebrate Recovery ministry, as well as the words of David’s sermon yesterday on being shackled to our sin.

We all have addictions of some kind or habits or hang-ups that are interfering with our life in some way. Chances are good our relationship with God takes a hit when we desire things other than him. Today’s passage speaks of the abuses of alcohol. That isn’t something everyone struggles with, however it is only the outward “remedy” for a hurt much deeper inside. We all have our remedies to help us forget the pain.

Proverbs 23:1-18 – Don’t Envy

Read Proverbs 23:1-18

There are some interesting truths shared in today’s reading. I’m sure I’m missing some of the intended meanings due to cultural differences and such. What spoke to me most is the counsel on envy in verse 17, with the promise in verse 18. “Don’t envy sinners, but always continue to fear the Lord. You will be rewarded for this; your hope will not be disappointed.”

How many times have you wished for something your neighbor had? One of my childhood memories is longing for a horse of my own when the neighbor girl across the street got hers. She would ride this majestic creature from the pasture where she kept him into our suburban neighborhood. She would brush him and give him a bath… right there in her driveway! Of course, I would be glued to the window watching her every move, wondering when my day would come to have a horse of my own. That is still a bucket list item for me – to have a horse of my own.