2018 Sep 26 Sept 26 Proverbs 26, Psalms, 1Timothy 6
2018 Sep 26 Sept 26 Proverbs 26, Psalms, 1Timothy 6
Hey there! Let's continue looking at the first few verses of Proverbs, this time Proverbs 26:1-5:
"1 Like snow in summer and rain at harvesttime, Honor is not fitting for someone stupid. 2 Just as a bird has reason to flee and a swallow to fly, So a curse does not come without a real reason. 3 A whip is for the horse, a bridle is for the donkey, And the rod is for the back of stupid people. 4 Do not answer the stupid one according to his foolishness, So that you do not put yourself on his level. 5 Answer the stupid one according to his foolishness, So that he does not think he is wise."
Verse 1: According to the Scriptures, the "stupid" person is one who knows the right thing, but many times won't do it. At first lacking in understanding, he tends toward a prideful haughty spirit. He doesn't appreciate the loving counsel and discipline of Jehovah, which he needs in order to humble himself under God's mighty hand. Rather, he is easily offended whenever counsel is offered. Accordingly, Ecclesiastes 7:9 says: "Do not hurry yourself in your spirit to become offended." Such a person needs to keep ever in mind that "whom Jehovah loves he disciplines; in fact he scourges every one whom he receives as a son." Such a person should not be selfishly promoting his own ideas, but receive of God's word and seek to honor Him in all speech and actions. "Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time." May we appreciate what blessings God bestows upon us now, and in the future, being ever appreciative of God's gifts, thanking Him often for these. Such things may help a stupid one to become wise in a genuine way.
Verse 2: If we're on the receiving end of a curse, we should try to figure out the reason. Perhaps the originator is drunk, and less inhibited in his speech. It may or may not go deeper. If so, or if the person is of sound mind, perhaps the individual was offended by something we said or did. Can we remember what it may have been? Jehovah treasures peaceful relations among humans, and his new world is to be one of peace--finding "exquisite delight in the abundance of peace." (Psalm 37:11). Choosing an appropriate time, perhaps you can approach the individual humbly to apologize for any possible error on your part, seeking an understanding of the matter. Pray to speak mildly, or gently to the person, to maintain self-control in your speech, and for Jehovah's blessing on your efforts. Not everyone is willing to pursue peace, but do your part to seek it, and, if you must, leave the matter in Jehovah's hand.
Verse 3: A stupid one has not gained understanding of spiritual matters, so may necessarily receive strong discipline at times for his wayward course. He must humble himself to benefit from God's correction, appreciating it's ultimate motive of love for him and all others.
Verse 4: We shouldn't respond to a foolish statement by such a person by speaking foolishness in return, putting ourselves on his level.
Verse 5: However, we should respond appropriately, revealing the foolishness in his words said perhaps with an improper motive, that he not consider himself wise by his self-centered and foolish words.
Psalm 67 (Book 2, psalm 26) God "will show us favor and bless us" that His way "may be known in the earth," his salvation "even among all the nations." Yes, God wants all nations to have reverential respect for Him, benefitting from God's wisdom and merciful love. "Let national groups rejoice and cry out joyfully, for [He] will judge the peoples with uprightness; And as for national groups, on the earth [He] will lead them."
1Timothy 6 mentions that the genuine teaching of true Christianity accords with "godly devotion," which involves a close personal attachment to God, sincerely drawn to Him and therefore submissive and obedient to His loving guidance and word. v.3: "If any man teaches other doctrine and does not assent to healthful words, those of our Lord Jesus Christ, nor to the teaching that accords with godly devotion, he is puffed up [with pride], not understanding anything,...thinking that godly devotion is a means of gain. To be sure, it is a means of great gain, [this] godly devotion along with self-sufficiency. For we have brought nothing into the world, and neither can we carry anything out. So having sustenance and covering, we shall be content with these things."
As we come to have true love in our hearts for God and others, we realize this is more important than loving money or the things money can buy, not that there's anything wrong with having material possessions, especially those that help us in pursuing the will of God and enable us to communicate with loved ones and friends. Having an inordinate love for money, however, leads to calamity, as God's inspired word continues in v.9,10: "But those who are determined to be rich fall into temptation and a snare and many senseless and harmful desires that plunge men into destruction and ruin.10 For the love of money is a root of all sorts of injurious things, and by reaching out for this love some have been led astray from the faith and have stabbed themselves all over with many pains."
Thus, let's keep money in it's place, and treasure the relationships we can have with God and others, as among the most important things in life.
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