From Proverbs 27-29
Sometimes things just catch you unawares. If we don’t know what will happen tomorrow. Our plans could come to nothing or we could die. There is a control issue. We cannot control our fate. God does. So dont place too much stock in what you intend to do in the future. The emphasis I think is to live today.
This post is part of my bible in a year series.
Passage and Comments
The series of proverbs chosen today start with boasting and praise.
27 Do not boast about tomorrow, for you do not know what a day may bring.
2 Let another praise you, and not your own mouth; a stranger, and not your own lips. (Pr 27.1-2)
Sometimes things just catch you unawares. If we don’t know what will happen tomorrow. Our plans could come to nothing or we could die. There is a control issue. We cannot control our fate. God does. So dont place too much stock in what you intend to do in the future. The emphasis I think is to live today.
Self praise is pride and arrogance. Nothing good comes of them. True value is recognised by others.
In community I think we are meant to support one another and encourage one another.
Perhaps someone who praises himself has no one else to praise them?
3 A stone is heavy, and sand is weighty, but a fool’s provocation is heavier than both.
4 Wrath is cruel, anger is overwhelming, but who can stand before jealousy? (Pr 27.3-4)
The proverb envisages their everyday work. Lifting and carrying stones and sand. Burdens to be borne in the construction of bricks, walls and buildings.
Dealing with some people is hard work.
Sometimes we have to bear with them as well.
Anger is obvious. The anger of another can be vented and let out. You see it coming. It is painful, but its time is short. The jealousy of another can last a whole lot longer. It is concealed and disguises itself. It will take you by surprise and is thus more dangerous.
5 Better is open rebuke than hidden love.
6 Faithful are the wounds of a friend; profuse are the kisses of an enemy. (Pr 27.5-6)
Personally I don’t like being rebuked. Who does? The proverb however appreciates the value of open rebukes over hidden love. Hidden love is not received. At least people can learn and grow from being rebuked.
In a similar theme, a friend who cares enough to rebuke you is a true friend indeed. Risking the relationship to improve it. A friend has your best in mind.
How would you go about rebuking your friend? How could you do it to reduce the hurt?
An enemy however can deceive you with flattery. Covering up their evil designs with words you want to hear.
7 One who is full loathes honey, but to one who is hungry everything bitter is sweet. (Pr 27.7)
Whether this is a remark describing the life of the rich and poor I don’t know. The rich have everything and are no longer satisfied with simple pleasures. The poor have nothing, everything the receive seems better by comparison.
8 Like a bird that strays from its nest is a man who strays from his home. (Pr 27.8)
There is a definite parallel drawn between the two. In both the verb ‘strays’ is used which carries a slight negative implication. Straying from something good.
9 Oil and perfume make the heart glad, and the sweetness of a friend comes from his earnest counsel.
10 Do not forsake your friend and your father’s friend, and do not go to your brother’s house in the day of your calamity. Better is a neighbor who is near than a brother who is far away. (Pr 27.9-10)
Good and well meaning friends are a blessing. We all need them.
You can choose your friends. You can’t choose your family. Sometimes relationships with your friends are better than those with your family.
The proverb switches this time favoring the brother. But nullifying his ability to provide assistance.
Well meaning people who are far away still cannot provide you with immediate help when needed. Develop good relationships with your neighbors, not just you Facebook friends.
Story of Jesus
The author of the starting proverb said, ‘Do not boast about tomorrow, for you do not know what a day may bring’ (Prov 27.1). Its wise advice which Jesus repeats in the gospel.
13 Someone in the crowd said to him, “Teacher, tell my brother to divide the inheritance with me.” 14 But he said to him, “Man, who made me a judge or arbitrator over you?” 15 And he said to them, “Take care, and be on your guard against all covetousness, for one’s life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions.”
16 And he told them a parable, saying, “The land of a rich man produced plentifully, 17 and he thought to himself, ‘What shall I do, for I have nowhere to store my crops?’ 18 And he said, ‘I will do this: I will tear down my barns and build larger ones, and there I will store all my grain and my goods. 19 And I will say to my soul, “Soul, you have ample goods laid up for many years; relax, eat, drink, be merry.”’ 20 But God said to him, ‘Fool! This night your soul is required of you, and the things you have prepared, whose will they be?’ 21 So is the one who lays up treasure for himself and is not rich toward God.” (Lk 12.13-21)
Do not boast about tomorrow. Live for God today.
Copyright © Joshua Washington and thescripturesays, 2015. All Rights Reserved.
