Proverbs 25:8-15 – The Christian Life
Verses 8-10 – Hasty strife is always wrong. Think well beforehand whether your case is right, and even if it is, whether it’s worth fighting for. Think about the uncertainty and consequences of what you plan to do. If an argument is inevitable, then do it honourably. Show that you are not disputing for the fun of it, but that you genuinely want to get things resolved as quickly as possible. And do not betray the trust others have placed in you out of a desire to win your case. You will quickly be known as someone who can’t be trusted.
Verses 11-12 – Truth is attractive, and when it is spoken well, it is even more attractive. We need to not only determine to do good, but look for the right time to do it. When people are in trouble or have a tender conscience, the right word, lovingly said, can do much. To speak to others rudely or harshly, may put a stumbling block in their way. Reproof should be well-timed and well-taken. It’s a mark of God’s grace in our lives when we see reproof as a kindness and appreciate the love that motivates it.
Verse 13 – We are God’s messengers of the Gospel to the world. Do we refresh Him by being faithful?
Verse 14 – The boaster is rich in promises, but performs nothing; raises expectations, then sinks them in disappointment. Whether he speaks proudly thinking he can carry out what he says, or whether he is a hypocrite, either way, he’s telling lies.
Verse 15 – Patience has tremendous power to persuade. Gentleness is far more powerful than hardness and irritation. Use it against those who hate God. God has used many patient, uncompromising men and women to win over the hardest hearts.
Questions
- How should we deal with arguments?
- What is wrong with the boaster?
Prayer Points
- Pray for the salvation of family, friends, and neighbours.
- Use prayer points from your congregation.
- Pray for family matters.