Reading:
Proverbs 17:20-28

When someone has a cough, offer them a zinc lozenge or a dose of cough syrup or some Vitamin C or all three.

If the problem is a headache, offer aspirin or acetaminophen.

For a cut, a triple antibiotic.

A stab wound? Call 9-1-1. (At least.)

But what about hurts and wounds to the soul and spirit?

What if the threat of infection is to the mind or the will or the emotions?

Or the morals? Or the values? Or the convictions?

My thoughts have flowed along that channel after reading this verse:

“A merry heart doeth good like a medicine: but a broken spirit drieth the bones” (21).

I want to be one whose state of heart and spirit does good to others (and to me).

[Even a fool, when he holdeth his peace, is counted wise (Proverbs 17:28)]
from Proverbs 17:28

A little bit more from Proverbs 17: That You?

Reading:
Proverbs 17:11-19

“A friend loveth at all times, and a brother is born for adversity” (17).

Let that be I!

Sure, I want a friend who loves me at all times.

Sure, I want a brother who stands by me in adversity.

But I also want to be that friend and brother to another.

Even when my friend fails (or merely grates on me), I want to love him.

Even when my friend is terribly down and unpleasant to be around, I want to be faithfully at his side.

[Leave off contention (Proverbs 17:14)]
from Proverbs 17:14

A little bit more from Proverbs 17: Heart Room