2018 Sep 25 Sept 25 Proverbs 25, Psalms, 1Timothy 5
2018 Sep 25 Sept 25 Proverbs 25, Psalms, 1Timothy 5
Hello! Let's give attention this time to Proverbs 25:1-5:
"1 These also are the proverbs
of Solʹo·mon, which the men of Hez·e·kiʹah the king of Judah transcribed:2 It
is the glory of God to keep a matter secret, And the glory of kings is to
search through a matter. 3 As the heavens are high and the earth is deep, So
the heart of kings is unsearchable. 4 Remove the dross from the silver, And it will
emerge completely refined. 5 Remove the wicked one from the king’s presence,
And his throne will be firmly established in righteousness."
Verse 1: Thanks to God and faithful king Hezekiah, we have a few more chapters of Proverbs to learn from.
Verse 2: Can you keep a secret? At some point, God may request this of you. How are you at searching through a matter--perhaps you've sought to understand a matter better using the internet or other resources such as an encyclopedia and dictionary. The Bible term "understanding" involves putting all the pieces of a puzzle together, seeing how all the gems of knowledge fit, to make the whole picture of a matter. "Searching through" a matter may include investigation, asking questions to find out what happened, who was involved, what was the cause of a problem. Usually we need to get to the root cause to properly ascertain what really happened. God sees all things, and can help the truth to surface, which needs to happen for the benefit of all involved, and for some to receive needed help to recover from any error made.
Verse 3: Those who are, or who are to become, kings should acquire a wealth of knowledge, especially true knowledge of God's word and spiritual matters, to deal faithfully in their governance. "Knowledge comes easily to the person with understanding." (Proverbs 14:6). Most importantly, having the right motive is vital, loving God with one's whole heart and mind, seeking to please Him in all actions and decisions.
Verses 4-5: How many rotten apples does it take to spoil the entire bunch? An evildoing person has no good motive, usually being selfishly prideful, not motivated to please God. The humble one God sees, but the haughty he knows "only from a distance." While loving all and trying to help wrongdoers repent, may we keep our distance from those not loving God or not willing to learn more with proper motive.
Psalm 66 (Book 2, 25th psalm) calls upon "all the earth" to shout in triumph to God, to sing praises to his glorious name, saying in v.3: "How awe-inspiring your works are! Because of your great power your enemies cringe before you." v.7: "He rules forever by his might. His eyes keep watch on the nations. Those who are stubborn should not exalt themselves." v.10: "For you have examined us, O God; As silver is refined, so you have refined us." May we let God refine us, and bring us to being complete spiritually, by our faith in Him and instruction in wisdom and love.
1Timothy 5:8 contains a vital principle for family heads, showing the importance of caring for the needs of his family, both materially and spiritually. Of course, situations vary, but notice what it says: "Certainly if anyone does not provide for those who are his own, and especially for those who are members of his household, he has disowned the faith and is worse than a person without faith." If someone is failing in this, certainly our merciful God just wants him or her to do their best, praying about the matter persistently, to find the resources necessary to carry out their responsibility here, but not just materially. How important to put spiritual matters first, teaching and instructing especially young ones, but encouraging older ones as well. God will bless the efforts of those putting Him and spiritual matters first.
Find Life and See
Between Winchester, Virginia, and hopefully, Washington D.C., having confidence that our thankful trust in God will not fail to inspire us to the peace He has purposed via His Kingdom!
