SCRIPTURE: PROVERBS 25
MEMORY VERSES:
“A word aptly spoken is like apples of gold in settings of silver.” (Proverbs 25:11)
“Like the coolness of snow at harvest time is a trustworthy messenger to those who send him; he refreshes the spirit of his masters.” (Proverbs 25:15)
“Seldom set foot in your neighbor’s house – too much of you, and he will hate you.” (Proverbs 25:17)
“Like a club or a sword or s sharp arrow is the man who gives false testimony against his neighbor. Like a bad tooth or a lame foot is reliance on the unfaithful in times of trouble. (Proverbs 25:18-19)
“If your enemy is hungry, give him food to eat; if he is thirsty, give him water to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coasts on his head, and the Lord will reward you.” (Proverbs 25:21-22)
“Better to live on a corner of the roof than share a house with a quarrelsome wife.” (Proverbs 25:24)
“It is not good to eat too much honey, nor is it honorable to seek one’s own honor.” (Proverbs 25:27)
“Like a city whose walls are broken down is a man who lacks self-control.” (Proverbs 25:28)GOO
A GOOD LEADER:
- He knows to search out a matter. (v. 2)
- He knows how to keep his counsel. (v. 3)
- He removes the wicked. (v. 5)
BETWEEN NEIGHBORS:
- Keep problems between you and your neighbor. (v. 8)
- Do not betray each other’s confidence. (v. 9)
- Speak appropriately. (v. 11)
- Be trustworthy. (v. 13)
- Keep your promise. (v. 14)
- Refrain from setting foot in your neighbor’s house. (v. 17)
- Do not give false testimony. (v. 18)
- Be dependable. (v. 19)
- Be kind. (v. 20)
ENEMIES:
Give him food to eat when he is hungry and water to drink if he is thirsty. (v. 21)
EVERYONE:
- Be generous. (v. 25)
- Do not seek one’s own honor. (v. 27)
- Have self-control. (v. 28)
THOUGHTS:
You should not seek honor for yourself. It is better to quietly and faithfully accomplish the work God has given you to do. Let others notice the equality of your life rather than proclaiming it to draw attention from others. (vs. 6-7)
Most churches and mission organizations depend on people’s gifts to keep their ministry going. If you make a pledge, follow through your promise. (v. 14)
Giving false testimony or gossiping is like a club or a sword or a sharp arrow. Its effect can be as permanent as those of a wound. So, the moment you are tempted to pass on a gossip, imagine yourself wounding the victim of your remarks with a sword. (v. 18)
God told us to pray for those who hurt us, which is very difficult to do. Yet it is the most effective remedy because we are acknowledging God and trusting him to be the judge. (vs. 21-22)
When you compromise with the wicked, you are setting aside your standard of right and wrong. (v. 26)
Do not seek honor for yourself because if you dwell on the honors without the rewards that you expect, you will become bitter, discouraged or angry. Knowing that you did the best is the most satisfying feeling you can have. (v. 27)
Self-control is one the fruit of the spirit. It is a wall for defense and protection. Without walls, we will be vulnerable to attack by the enemies. (v. 28)