Proverbs 25

Over August we're going to read through the book of Proverbs. There are 31 days in August and 31 chapters in Proverbs, so we'll be putting them up on Saturdays and Sundays too.

Instead of relying on other reflections on the passages, we want to make space for God to speak to us all in the expectation that we will be transformed into his likeness as we open ourselves to his Spirit and seek to live wise and godly lives.

Open yourself to the Spirit, ask him to highlight a particular verse, phrase or section for you to think about during the day.

Read the chapter slowly. If something jumps out at you or catches your attention stay with that for a while.

Ask yourself, does this make me feel uncomfortable/reassured/challenged?

Ask questions of the Proverb?
Why did the original writer think this was worth writing down?
How does did this apply to people's lives in the past?
How does it apply to my life now?

Ask the Spirit what he may be saying.
Is God calling me to change/repent/see things differently?
How would my life look different if I lived this out?
What steps can I take to make this happen?

Take this Proverb with you throughout the day and see how the wisdom of the ages can transform your life today.

25 These are more proverbs of Solomon, compiled by the men of Hezekiah king of Judah:
2 It is the glory of God to conceal a matter;
    to search out a matter is the glory of kings.
3 As the heavens are high and the earth is deep,
    so the hearts of kings are unsearchable.
4 Remove the dross from the silver,
    and a silversmith can produce a vessel;
5 remove wicked officials from the king's presence,
    and his throne will be established through righteousness.
6 Do not exalt yourself in the king's presence,
    and do not claim a place among his great men;
7 it is better for him to say to you, 'Come up here,'
    than for him to humiliate you before his nobles.
What you have seen with your eyes
8     do not bring hastily to court,
for what will you do in the end
    if your neighbour puts you to shame?
9 If you take your neighbour to court,
    do not betray another's confidence,
10 or the one who hears it may shame you
    and the charge against you will stand.
11 Like apples of gold in settings of silver
    is a ruling rightly given.
12 Like an earring of gold or an ornament of fine gold
    is the rebuke of a wise judge to a listening ear.
13 Like a snow-cooled drink at harvest time
    is a trustworthy messenger to the one who sends him;
    he refreshes the spirit of his master.
14 Like clouds and wind without rain
    is one who boasts of gifts never given.
15 Through patience a ruler can be persuaded,
    and a gentle tongue can break a bone.
16 If you find honey, eat just enough -
    too much of it, and you will vomit.
17 Seldom set foot in your neighbour's house -
    too much of you, and they will hate you.
18 Like a club or a sword or a sharp arrow
    is one who gives false testimony against a neighbour.
19 Like a broken tooth or a lame foot
    is reliance on the unfaithful in a time of trouble.
20 Like one who takes away a garment on a cold day,
    or like vinegar poured on a wound,
    is one who sings songs to a heavy heart.
21 If your enemy is hungry, give him food to eat;
    if he is thirsty, give him water to drink.
22 In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head,
    and the Lord will reward you.
23 Like a north wind that brings unexpected rain
    is a sly tongue - which provokes a horrified look.
24 Better to live on a corner of the roof
    than share a house with a quarrelsome wife.
25 Like cold water to a weary soul
    is good news from a distant land.
26 Like a muddied spring or a polluted well
    are the righteous who give way to the wicked.
27 It is not good to eat too much honey,
    nor is it honourable to search out matters that are too deep.
28 Like a city whose walls are broken through
    is a person who lacks self-control.