- Here are more of Solomon's proverbs. They were copied by the officials of King Hezekiah of Judah.
- God is praised for being mysterious; rulers are praised for explaining mysteries.
- Who can fully understand the thoughts of a ruler? They reach beyond the sky and go deep in the earth.
- Silver must be purified before it can be used to make something of value.
- Evil people must be removed before anyone can rule with justice.
- Don't try to seem important in the court of a ruler.
- It's better for the ruler to give you a high position than for you to be embarrassed in front of royal officials. Be sure you are right
- before you sue someone, or you might lose your case and be embarrassed.
- When you and someone else can't get along, don't gossip about it.
- Others will find out, and your reputation will then be ruined.
- The right word at the right time is like precious gold set in silver.
- Listening to good advice is worth much more than jewelry made of gold.
- A messenger you can trust is just as refreshing as cool water in summer.
- Broken promises are worse than rain clouds that don't bring rain.
- Patience and gentle talk can convince a ruler and overcome any problem.
- Eating too much honey can make you sick.
- Don't visit friends too often, or they will get tired of it and start hating you.
- Telling lies about friends is like attacking them with clubs and swords and sharp arrows.
- A friend you can't trust in times of trouble is like having a toothache or a sore foot.
- Singing to someone in deep sorrow is like pouring vinegar in an open cut.
- If your enemies are hungry, give them something to eat. And if they are thirsty, give them something to drink.
- This will be the same as piling burning coals on their heads. And the LORD will reward you.
- As surely as rain blows in from the north, anger is caused by cruel words.
- It's better to stay outside on the roof of your house than to live inside with a nagging wife.
- Good news from far away refreshes like cold water when you are thirsty.
- When a good person gives in to the wicked, it's like dumping garbage in a stream of clear water.
- Don't eat too much honey or always want praise.
- Losing self-control leaves you as helpless as a city without a wall.
Kings: Regarding kings, Solomon advised that it was to a king's credit to investigate matters of God for understanding. But it was also a credit to kings that they do not reveal all they know. If a king is to establish a righteous reign, he must get rid of any wicked assistants or advisors. Doing so is like removing the impurities from silver to produce a metal of value for the silversmith. Further advise concerning kings is actually given for the benefit of those related to the king. One should not brag about himself to the king or try to position himself among the great in an attempt to promote himself. It is better to demonstrate one's abilities and have the king promote them than to be publicly demoted.
Court: One should not be in too big a rush to take a matter to court. First he should be sure he has a case and that his case can stand up in court. Otherwise he will be humiliated and in a worse situation than before. Furthermore, when making a case, be sure you can do so without revealing another's confidence. You may win your case but be disgraced anyway. And don't give false testimony against a neighbor. You may as well club him or stab him.
Words: Our words have great impact on others - much more than we may give them credit. Therefore, just as we wouldn't handle a weapon carelessly, neither should we use our words without thought of their impact. Solomon speaks of the impact of a gentle tongue. It has the power to "break a bone," he says. In other words, difficult situations can be traversed with gentle words. Rulers can also be persuaded through patience. Impatience, reflected in our words will not be persuasive. Nor will backbiting produce the results we wish. Rather than "put someone in their place," they may anger that person enough to put us in our place. A word spoken at the right time is like "golden apples on a silver tray," just as good news from afar is like "cold water to a parched throat."
Moderation: Solomon makes the point that even good things should be used in moderation. Otherwise they become unsavory. For instance, though honey is sweet and tasty, if too much is eaten it will make one sick. Moderation is also good with people. For instance, we should not visit our neighbor's house too often or we will make ourselves unwelcome.
Inappropriate Behavior: Solomon gives several examples of inappropriate behavior. For instance, one should not boast of giving a gift that does not exist. Though he may wish to impress people, the opposite will be true when the gift is not delivered. Another example is attempting to cheer one up who has a troubled heart. False cheerfulness, such as singing songs, is as helpful as "taking off clothing on a cold day." Nagging is another example. A husband is better off to isolate himself in small quarters than to live in a spacious house with a nagging wife. So says Solomon. Nor is it wise for a man to let his temper get out of control. It makes him vulnerable to trouble as "a city whose wall is broken down."
Unwise Choices: Solomon gives advise that we might consider as unwise choices. One is to trust an unreliable person in a time of trouble. It is not wise to trust an unreliable person even in a positive situation, but one is made especially vulnerable in a time of trouble. Another unwise choice is for a righteous person to yield to the wicked. It is like polluting a well. Rather than any good coming from it, what is already good will be spoiled.
A Wise Choice: Finally, Solomon gave advise that seems paradoxical. He said it is to our advantage to treat an enemy well. If he is hungry or thirsty, give him food and water. Paul quoted this proverb in Romans 12:20. No one is hurt by treating the enemy with kindness, and it is just possible that the enemy will be turned into a friend.
No comments:
Post a Comment