DBG - July 20 - Proverbs 16-18

In this chapter we continue a collection of miscellaneous proverbs.

vs. 1-33 - Further contrasts between the wise and the unwise.  There are warnings against pride in vs. 18-19.  In vs. 2 and 25 we have reminders that every person does what they believe is right, whether it is right or not by God’s standard.  We have reminders of the power of humility and patience in vs. 19 and 32. 

In this chapter we continue a collection of miscellaneous proverbs.

vs. 1-28 - Further contrasts between the wise and the unwise.  Some personal favorites are vs. 27-28, which remind us that few words are often better.  In vs. 22 is the sage advice of the power of the spirit over the body.  How often have we seen this played out in the sick bed! 

In this chapter we continue a collection of miscellaneous proverbs.

vs. 1-19 - Further contrasts between the wise and the unwise.  We have wonderful verses here on relationships.  We see the value of marriage in vs. 22.  In vs. 24 is the principle that to have friends you must be friendly yourself.  In vs. 19 we are warned of the dangers of offending a brother.

Another of the great themes of Proverbs is that of controlling our speech.  We are warned that words have great power, for good or evil.  It is a constant battle for us to manage our tongue.  Let us strive to speak in purity and love to all men and let the praises of our Lord be ever upon our lips.

We have seen much in our reading today about our relationships.  Today’s hymn, “I’ve Found a Friend”, written by James G. Small in 1866, reminds us that Christ is the greatest Friend to all.

I’ve found a Friend, oh, such a friend!
He loved me ere I knew Him;
He drew me with the cords of love,
And thus He bound me to Him.
And round my heart still closely twine<
Those ties which naught can sever,
For I am His, and He is mine,
Forever and forever.

I’ve found a Friend, oh, such a friend!
He bled, He died to save me;
And not alone the gift of life,
But His own Self He gave me!
Naught that I have mine own I call,
I’ll hold it for the Giver,
My heart, my strength, my life, my all
Are His, and His forever.

I’ve found a Friend, oh, such a friend!
All pow’r to Him is given,
To guard me on my onward course,
And bring me safe to heaven.
Th’ eternal glories gleam afar,
To nerve my faint endeavor;
So now to watch, to work, to war,
And then to rest forever.

I’ve found a Friend, oh, such a friend!
So kind and true and tender,
So wise a Counselor and Guide,
So mighty a Defender!
From Him who loves me now so well
What pow’r my soul can sever?
Shall life or death, shall earth or hell?
No! I am His forever.