[:en]SCRIPTURE: PROVERBS 25
“A word aptly spoken is like apples of gold in settings of silver” (Proverbs 25:11)
“Through patience a ruler can be persuaded, and a gentle tongue can break a bone” (Proverbs 25:15)
“Like a bad tooth or a lame foot is reliance on the unfaithful in times of trouble” (Proverbs 25:19)
“If your enemy is hungry,m give him food to eat; if he is thirsty, give him water to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coats 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 254:217)
“Like a city whose walls are broken down is a man who lacks self-control” (Proverbs 25:28)
PROVERBS OF SOLOMON
RELATIONSHIPS:
- Leaders (v. 3-7) – Leaders should be able to know what is going on. He should be wise to remove the wicked men from his presence. People should be able to know his position and not to exalt himself.
- Neighbors (vs. 8-19) – If you have problems with your neighbors, it is better to settle them out of court. Refrain from going to neighbor’s house frequently. Speak gently and do not give false witness against your neighbors.
- Enemies (s. 21-212) – Give food and water to you enemy when he is hungry and thIRsty. In doing so,m the Lord will reward you.
CHARACTERS WORTH DEVELOPING:
- Humility (v. 6) – Do not exalt yourself
- Patience (v. 8) – Learn how to be slow to anger. Before rushing into a matter, pray and think. Read God’s Word to allow the Spirit of God to give you inward peace.
- Truthfulness (v. 9) – Do not betray another man’s confidence.
- Prudence (v. 11) – A word aptly spoken is like apples of gold in settings of silver.
- Wisdom (v. 12) – Ponder what to say, how to say and when to say it.
- Trustworthiness (v. 13) – A trustworthy man is loyal and can be depended upon.
- Faithfulness (v. 19) – Reliance on the unfaithful in times of trouble is like a bad booth on a lame foot.
- Gentlemness (v. 15) – A gentle tongue can break a bone. Gentleness is not weakness. It is the power under control. Do not react to someone’s arrogance by being mean to him in return.
- Kindness (vs. 21-22) – Do not add coals to the fire of anger. Instead, put out the fire by showing love and kindness. It will be like oil that will heal the troubled waters.
- Self-Control (v. 28) – If you force wrath and encourage trouble, you will have more trouble to come. Learn to control your anger because when anger flares up in temper, it becomes destructive. Solomon compares the beginning of a strife to a small leak from a dam. I you are not careful, the break will lead to a flood in your hands. Better stop the small leak at the start than to control a raging flood.
Learn to be humble, patient, truthful, prudent, wise, trustworthy, faithful, gentle, kind, and exercise self-control. Let the Holy Spirit control you so that you can be a Christ-like Christian.[:]