Category Archives: Proverbs

Reading:
Proverbs 25:1-8

Imagine a good piece of literature. Imagine also that in addition to being of literary excellece, it is also of remarkable wisdom.

Now the question: Which do you think you would rather be — the original writer or a duplicator?

So what do you make of the opening verse of this chapter?

“These are also proverbs of Solomon, which the men of Hezekiah king of Judah copied out.”

Copiers of God’s inspired Word — what an honor to be part of the chain of scribes chosen and used by God to preserve and pass it along!

So they weren’t commissioned to do Solomon’s job.

What would they have gained in wishing to have had that job?

Nothing!

Better to be faithful at the task assigned to me than to wish for that of another.

Better to be faithful at the remaining assignment than to continually bemoan the lost or squandered opportunities.

I really need help in that.

[Take away the dross from the silver (Proverbs 25:4)]
from Proverbs 25:4

A little bit more from Proverbs 25: Advisors and Associates Matter!

Reading:
Proverbs 24:24-34

I recall the pleasure at realizing I have given a right answer to a question or comment. Alas, sometimes that pleasure has been outright pride. 🙁 (And sometimes amazed incredulity.)

I also recall the dismay at having given the wrong (or inappropriate) answer. Unfortunately, sometimes there’s been pride when there should have been dismay. (And sometimes there’s been that amazed and stunned incredulity.)

Whatever the case, we treasure right answers — especially when we give them.

But this?

“Every man shall kiss his lips that giveth a right answer” (26).

My Western mind doesn’t understand. (Yes, I looked up the verse in my Spanish Bible…and the wording is essentially the same.) I don’t want every man (or even every woman) kissing my lips.

But I still want to have lips that give right answers.

So what does the verse mean and what is its cultural/historical context?

[Deceive not with thy lips (Proverbs 24:28)]
from Proverbs 24:28

A little bit more from Proverbs 24: Don’t Pay Back in Kind