DBG - July 23 - Proverbs 25-27

In this chapter we continue a collection of miscellaneous proverbs.

vs. 1-28 - Further contrasts between the wise and the unwise.  The power and beauty of a right word is compared to beautiful treasures in vs. 11.  The principle of being kind toward your enemies in vs. 21-22 is repeated by Christ in Matthe7 5:44 and by Paul in Romans 12:20-21.  The chapter closes in vs. 28 with the vivid picture of someone who has no self-control.  They are like a city without walls, exposed for all to be spoiled at will.

In this chapter we continue a collection of miscellaneous proverbs.

vs. 1-28 - Further contrasts between the wise and the unwise.  We have the humorous but true comparison of a fool in vs. 11 to a dog that eats its own vomit.  The impact of gossip is seen in vs. 20-22.  The ludicrous excuses of the lazy man are revealed in vs. 13. 

In this chapter we continue a collection of miscellaneous proverbs.

vs. 1-27 - Further contrasts between the wise and the unwise.  In vs. 1 we are warned against taking the future for granted.  In vs. 2 we are told to let others praise us instead of praising ourselves.  The actions of a true friend, even if they are hurtful, are seen in vs. 6.  In vs. 17 the role we play in edifying one another is described as iron sharpening iron.  In vs. 23 we are exhorted again to not take things for granted, but to be mindful of our possessions.  This verse easily applies to our finances and business.

The beauty of a fit word is compared in 25:11 to “apples of gold in pictures of silver”.  This verse rightly describes the Proverbs and their powerful imagery.  I may not always consider that a fool does not learn their lesson and keeps repeating their mistakes, but I do remember they are compared to dogs eating their own vomit.  Sometimes we settle for just stating the truth and find it ineffective.  So many times the reason is because we fail to find ways to impress it on the imagination.  God knows us.  We may not remember every line or precept, but dogs eating vomit?  How could we forget that?

Our song today is “Somebody”, written by John Clements in 1901.  We have read much in Proverbs about how we should interact with others, and this song exhorts us to the one that makes a difference in others’ lives.

Somebody did a golden deed,
Proving himself a friend in need;
Somebody sang a cheerful song,
Bright'ning the sky the whole day long, -
Was that somebody you?
Was that somebody you?

Somebody tho't 'tis sweet to live,
Willingly said, "I'm glad to give;"
Somebody fought a valiant fight,
Bravely he lived to shield the right, -
Was that somebody you?
Was that somebody you?

Somebody made a loving gift,
Cheerfully tried a load to lift;
Somebody told the love of Christ,
Told how His will was sacrificed, -
Was that somebody you?
Was that somebody you?

Somebody idled all the hours,
Carelessly crushed life's fairest flow'rs,
Somebody made life loss, not gain,
Tho'tlessly seemed to live in vain, -
Was that somebody you?
Was that somebody you?

Somebody filled the day with light,
Constantly chased away the night;
Somebody's work bore joy and peace,
Surely his life shall never cease, -
Was that somebody you?
Was that somebody you?