Proverbs 25:21-25 – Love for Others
Verses 21-22 – Circumstances may keep us from retaliating against our enemy. They may be out of our reach, or too great to offend. But the grudge remains. We think of him only in connection with how he has offended us. We determine our conduct toward him by his toward us. And if we ever return good for evil, we are filled with self-righteousness. Too often our “love” for our enemies only means that we won’t argue with them any more. We may say that we love them, that we pray for them, but unless we are ready to give them practical help, we are deluding ourselves. No man ever conquered his enemy’s heart by revenge; many by love. Isn’t that how Jesus conquered us? Even if the heart is not softened, the Lord will reward you. Remember that you are the disciple of Him who died for His enemies.
Verse 23 – A sly person, a person who gossips, who insinuates, who slanders is a pest. He is a pest in the world, among his friends, and in the church. We should be angry with these people; we should refuse to listen. But too often the faults of others, real or imagined, are the main topic of our conversation.
Verse 24 – This verse drives home the importance of marrying in the Lord, of praying for Godly spouses for our covenant children, and of working hard to cultivate Godly marriages that are pleasing to God.
Verse 25 – We all know what it’s like to receive good news. But have you heard and welcomed the good news from the far country? Do you know your need, your danger? What can compare with the good tidings of great joy brought to you from heaven of a Saviour and Lord.
Questions
- How should we treat our enemies?
- How should we deal with gossip?
- What is the best news we can hear?
Prayer Points
- Give thanks for the good news of salvation.
- Use prayer points from your congregation.
- Pray for family matters.