Proverbs 25:16-20 – Self-Control
Verse 16 – Enjoy your earthly blessings with self-control. They are gifts from God, but they are never to be put in the place of God. We aren’t safe in loving anything else if we haven’t fixed our love first on God.
Verse 17 – Without mutual respect and thoughtfulness, even the closest friendship can be in trouble. But thankfully there is no need of caution and care in our approach to God. We may wear out our friend’s kindness, but never our Father’s love. Our Lord is never tired of us coming to Him. His doors are always open. The more frequent the visits, the more welcome, and the more fruitful.
Verse 18 – What a picture there is in this verse of cruelty and malice, even intentional murder. Little better that false witness is the gossip and slander and insinuation that takes place everywhere. Would you shrink with horror at the thought of beating out your neighbour’s brains with a hammer? The gossip that destroys their reputation, wounds their best interests, and mangles their character is no better.
Verse 19 – A bad tooth and a lame foot are not only useless, but a source of pain and uneasiness. So is an unfaithful man in time of trouble. But whoever is unfaithful, God is true. No one who trusts in Him will be disappointed.
Verse 20 – What could be more cruel than taking away a coat in the winter? What is more useless than pouring vinegar on soda and seeing it dissolve? The tender heart that knows how to weep with those who weep, as members of the same body, and directs them to their friend and God – this is Christian sympathy and precious for the broken heart.
Questions
- How should we enjoy our earthly blessings?
- How does gossip hurt others?
- How can we deal with those who are grieving?
Prayer Points
- Pray that we would show love to others.
- Use prayer points from your congregation.
- Pray for family matters.