Proverbs: Wise Advise To Live By
Proverbs 25:6-7, 11-12, 14, 19, 25, 28
Vs 6-7: “Do not exalt yourself in the king’s presence, and do not claim a place among his great men; it is better for him to say to you, “Come up here,” than for him to humiliate you before his nobles."
Vs 11-12: "Like apples of gold in settings of silver is a ruling rightly given. Like an earring of gold or an ornament of fine gold is the rebuke of a wise judge to a listening ear."
Vs 14: "Like clouds and wind without rain is one who boasts of gifts never given."
Vs 19: "Like a broken tooth or a lame foot is reliance on the unfaithful in a time of trouble."
Vs 25: "Like cold water to a weary soul is good news from a distant land."
Vs 28: "Like a city whose walls are broken through is a person who lacks self-control.”
Well, all of these verses jumped out at me today.
Verses 6-7 struck me, as to when we are invited to a dinner party. It is WAY more embarrassing, to sit somewhere, and then be told, you need to move because that "spot" is for someone else! Yet, it is WAY more flattering to have chosen a "spot" and then be asked to 'move up' to a different place. I've learned, to usually wait until I am actually seated, or I ask, "Where would you like us to sit?" and that alleviates discomfort on both ends :-)
Verses 11-12 We know several people that are in situations that are dealing with court, and judges. Some for circumstances beyond their control, and some of their own making - either way, these verses are hopeful, that justice WILL prevail! However, even in those moments, when the judge is about to speak - we need to have an open heart, mind, and listening ears. These promises of a 'ruling rightly given' is hope in my eyes.
Verse 14 Picture it: is a cloudy day, with what look like dark clouds, and the wind is blowing, like a storm is coming. You can even smell the moisture in the air... However, the rain doesn't come. No water what-so-ever. That feeling of preparing for the storm, and even over-dressing in layers...then to have nothing happen?!?! It can be a relief, but normally it is a 'let-down' instead. The same happens to us and our kids when someone says they are going to do or give something, but then they do not follow through on their statements. This could be from a boss, co-worker, spouse, parent, friend, family, neighbor... OR from us towards others! We need to be considerate of our words, our promises that we make and say to others.
Verse 19 got me in the gut! How many times I have relied on someone that is unfaithful, in my times of trouble!?! I have far too many times, turned to someone that really has not proven to give good or godly advise, when I'm in a pinch or bind. I think it is because of desperation at the moment. But, scripture tells us all too often, to be slow to anger, quick to listen - which also means in all situations. The visual of a broken tooth or a lame foot: how painful and unusable both of these are in that condition! A tooth, you cannot chew, or anything on that side where it is broken. And a lame foot, is nearly impossible to do anything or get anything done. Then, other parts of the body start compensating, and THEY too become stressed and unusable. This is just how things go, when we turn to someone unwise and unfaithful for guidance.
Verse 25 came across my minds eye, as someone walking in a marathon. There comes a point in the miles, that they become weary, exhausted, drained, tired, wore out... and right about that time: The WATER Station!!! (angels singing!) Oh how refreshing it is to them to be able to pause and get a nice refreshing drink! You can feel the water going all the way down into the body! Cool, refreshing, soothing even. Well, this is the same type of feeling for us, when we hear good news from far off, about any of our family members (or friends like family)! For those who have family/friends over seas in our military. For those who are away at school. Interesting tho, is that this can apply to us right here, when we are facing "waiting" for news on something for us. Like a test result, court ruling, job information....all of these are like the 'answer' is coming from a far off land. The good news that comes, is like this water, but to our very soul! :-)
Verse 28 gave me quite the visual too! A city with a protective wall, that is damaged, fallen, and broken in areas: I saw a building here in town, that was once alive and full of people doing good and helping others. The building started to have problems. Slowly, more and more was wrong, and not being repaired fast enough. Causing more and more damage. So, then the people started leaving. Pretty soon, the building that once was beautiful and inviting, became dark, gloomy, broken, unsafe. THEN, things started to be vandalized, broken, painted, destroyed - used for ungodly activities. Now the building is like a fortress for anyone still left inside, that once lived a good and healthy life. Even tho the building has signs, and fences to keep people out - it has broken down spots, and that allows all of the darkness to get in. Not having 'self-control' in situations, is like this building. It may start out looking good, and even beneficial to do or say something, or even try something - but once you have opened that 'door' the flood of what happens or comes next, very seldom turns in to good and positive results. However, when we learn new ways to "act" and "respond" to situations, verses 'reacting' - then not only do we feel better, but then we normally see things from a different perspective/view, that we hadn't thought of before. There are ALWAYS two sides to every situation! We have to be willing to control our selves, our emotions, our temper, and our actions - to see both sides.
Today, I pray that whatever circumstance you may be in, that you sincerely ask God with all of your heart, to show you His truth. His way. I pray for His mercy upon you, so that you can and will find His mercy and compassion. I pray that you see, feel, hear, and KNOW His love for you today! Be well, be safe, love you!
Vs 6-7: “Do not exalt yourself in the king’s presence, and do not claim a place among his great men; it is better for him to say to you, “Come up here,” than for him to humiliate you before his nobles."
Vs 11-12: "Like apples of gold in settings of silver is a ruling rightly given. Like an earring of gold or an ornament of fine gold is the rebuke of a wise judge to a listening ear."
Vs 14: "Like clouds and wind without rain is one who boasts of gifts never given."
Vs 19: "Like a broken tooth or a lame foot is reliance on the unfaithful in a time of trouble."
Vs 25: "Like cold water to a weary soul is good news from a distant land."
Vs 28: "Like a city whose walls are broken through is a person who lacks self-control.”
Well, all of these verses jumped out at me today.
Verses 6-7 struck me, as to when we are invited to a dinner party. It is WAY more embarrassing, to sit somewhere, and then be told, you need to move because that "spot" is for someone else! Yet, it is WAY more flattering to have chosen a "spot" and then be asked to 'move up' to a different place. I've learned, to usually wait until I am actually seated, or I ask, "Where would you like us to sit?" and that alleviates discomfort on both ends :-)
Verses 11-12 We know several people that are in situations that are dealing with court, and judges. Some for circumstances beyond their control, and some of their own making - either way, these verses are hopeful, that justice WILL prevail! However, even in those moments, when the judge is about to speak - we need to have an open heart, mind, and listening ears. These promises of a 'ruling rightly given' is hope in my eyes.
Verse 14 Picture it: is a cloudy day, with what look like dark clouds, and the wind is blowing, like a storm is coming. You can even smell the moisture in the air... However, the rain doesn't come. No water what-so-ever. That feeling of preparing for the storm, and even over-dressing in layers...then to have nothing happen?!?! It can be a relief, but normally it is a 'let-down' instead. The same happens to us and our kids when someone says they are going to do or give something, but then they do not follow through on their statements. This could be from a boss, co-worker, spouse, parent, friend, family, neighbor... OR from us towards others! We need to be considerate of our words, our promises that we make and say to others.
Verse 19 got me in the gut! How many times I have relied on someone that is unfaithful, in my times of trouble!?! I have far too many times, turned to someone that really has not proven to give good or godly advise, when I'm in a pinch or bind. I think it is because of desperation at the moment. But, scripture tells us all too often, to be slow to anger, quick to listen - which also means in all situations. The visual of a broken tooth or a lame foot: how painful and unusable both of these are in that condition! A tooth, you cannot chew, or anything on that side where it is broken. And a lame foot, is nearly impossible to do anything or get anything done. Then, other parts of the body start compensating, and THEY too become stressed and unusable. This is just how things go, when we turn to someone unwise and unfaithful for guidance.
Verse 25 came across my minds eye, as someone walking in a marathon. There comes a point in the miles, that they become weary, exhausted, drained, tired, wore out... and right about that time: The WATER Station!!! (angels singing!) Oh how refreshing it is to them to be able to pause and get a nice refreshing drink! You can feel the water going all the way down into the body! Cool, refreshing, soothing even. Well, this is the same type of feeling for us, when we hear good news from far off, about any of our family members (or friends like family)! For those who have family/friends over seas in our military. For those who are away at school. Interesting tho, is that this can apply to us right here, when we are facing "waiting" for news on something for us. Like a test result, court ruling, job information....all of these are like the 'answer' is coming from a far off land. The good news that comes, is like this water, but to our very soul! :-)
Verse 28 gave me quite the visual too! A city with a protective wall, that is damaged, fallen, and broken in areas: I saw a building here in town, that was once alive and full of people doing good and helping others. The building started to have problems. Slowly, more and more was wrong, and not being repaired fast enough. Causing more and more damage. So, then the people started leaving. Pretty soon, the building that once was beautiful and inviting, became dark, gloomy, broken, unsafe. THEN, things started to be vandalized, broken, painted, destroyed - used for ungodly activities. Now the building is like a fortress for anyone still left inside, that once lived a good and healthy life. Even tho the building has signs, and fences to keep people out - it has broken down spots, and that allows all of the darkness to get in. Not having 'self-control' in situations, is like this building. It may start out looking good, and even beneficial to do or say something, or even try something - but once you have opened that 'door' the flood of what happens or comes next, very seldom turns in to good and positive results. However, when we learn new ways to "act" and "respond" to situations, verses 'reacting' - then not only do we feel better, but then we normally see things from a different perspective/view, that we hadn't thought of before. There are ALWAYS two sides to every situation! We have to be willing to control our selves, our emotions, our temper, and our actions - to see both sides.
Today, I pray that whatever circumstance you may be in, that you sincerely ask God with all of your heart, to show you His truth. His way. I pray for His mercy upon you, so that you can and will find His mercy and compassion. I pray that you see, feel, hear, and KNOW His love for you today! Be well, be safe, love you!
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