Study in Proverbs 25-26 (ESV) Women of Wisdom, February 7, 2024 Lucy Burggraff
Chapter 25
This chapter provides timeless wisdom about leadership, humility, dispute resolution, and self-control. Through the study of chapter 25, we can achieve personal growth and strengthen our relationships.
1 These also are proverbs of Solomon which the men of Hezekiah king of Judah copied.
2 It is the glory of God to conceal things, but the glory of kings is to search things out.
3 As the heavens for height, and the earth for depth, so the heart of kings is unsearchable.
There are things that God has chosen to remain a mystery to us. There are things that we as humans will never be able to understand or comprehend. However, we as believers (and stewards of God’s Word), need to search (and research) out the things God has revealed. Genesis 1:28
4 Take away the dross from the silver, and the smith has material for a vessel;
5 take away the wicked from the presence of the king, and his throne will be established in righteousness.
Who is speaking into our lives? Are we allowing God to remove the dross from our lives and remove those wicked influences?
6 Do not put yourself forward in the king's presence or stand in the place of the great,
7 for it is better to be told, "Come up here," than to be put lower in the presence of a noble.
In Luke 14:7-10, the parable of the wedding feast, Jesus elaborates on these verses.
7b What your eyes have seen 8 do not hastily bring into court, for what will you do in the end, when your neighbor puts you to shame?
Be sure that what you are saying about someone is true. Don’t misinterpret what you see.
9 Argue your case with your neighbor himself, and do not reveal another's secret,
10 lest he who hears you bring shame upon you, and your ill repute have no end.
If you have a problem with someone, go to that person rather than speaking to others about it. You may not have the full picture, or there may be an explanation that you were unaware of. If you are wrong in what you share, your reputation will be damaged.
11 A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in a setting of silver.
12 Like a gold ring or an ornament of gold is a wise reprover to a listening ear.
Saying the right thing at the right time can be a blessing. Kindness even when correcting or rebuking is wise.
13 Like the cold of snow in the time of harvest is a faithful messenger to those who send him; he refreshes the soul of his masters.
This describes a cold drink on a hot day. Are we known for refreshing souls?
14 Like clouds and wind without rain is a man who boasts of a gift he does not give.
This describes the “big talker” – someone who constantly brags about their abilities. No matter what someone else has done, they’ve done it better. However, typically, that person has little to show for it.
15 With patience a ruler may be persuaded, and a soft tongue will break a bone.
Many times all that is needed is patience and a soft answer – quiet persistence.
16 If you have found honey, eat only enough for you, lest you have your fill of it and vomit it.
Avoid wanting too much – know when enough is enough. Be aware of greed.
17 Let your foot be seldom in your neighbor's house, lest he have his fill of you and hate you.
Don’t overstay your welcome. Be a good guest.
18 A man who bears false witness against his neighbor is like a war club, or a sword, or a sharp arrow.
Falsehoods cause so much damage! Ephesians 4:15 “Speak the truth in love.”
............For the rest of the notes email WOW@Shepherds.org
