Category Archives: Proverbs

Add value and beauty by your reproof!
Reading:

Proverbs 25:1-12

That’s the kind of correction I would like to give!

In other words, when I must correct someone, I would like to be as one who adds something of value and beauty to the “target” of my reproof. Like this:

“As an earring of gold, and an ornament of fine gold, so is a wise reprover upon an obedient ear” (Proverbs 25:12).

But how do I and my reproof become that kind of jewel?

What does it take to attain to such value and beauty?

Well, “unfortunately” it’s a painful, often unwelcome process:

“Take away the dross from the silver, and there shall come forth a vessel for the finer” (Proverbs 25:4).

😯 I have to experience and submit to the heat of the purifying fire!

Ouch!!

Only then will my reproof and counsel reach the degree of value, beauty, and purity which I crave.

Only then will my words be like this:

“A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in pictures of silver” (Proverbs 25:11).

The Scriptures say in Proverbs 25:8 -- Go not forth hastily to strive

from Proverbs 25:8

Reading:

Proverbs 23:1-12

Why God wants me to work. I mean, why does God want me to work?

“Labour not to be rich: cease from thine own wisdom” (Proverbs 23:4).

Well, it makes sense to me that I should work hard to acquire wealth. But I’m supposed to turn away from my own wisdom.

So…why should I avoid wealth acquisition as my motivation for working?

“Wilt thou set thine eyes upon that which is not? for riches certainly make themselves wings; they fly away as an eagle toward heaven” (Proverbs 23:5).

Material wealth is nothing. Like a sunset, its beauty is arresting but its durability is fleeting. Here for a moment; gone forever.

So what should be my purpose in labor?

[The Scriptures say in Proverbs 23:5 -- Wilt thou set thine eyes upon that which is not?]

from Proverbs 23:5