Day 296: Twenty-Five Ways to Be Useful to God (Proverbs 25:21-26:2, 2 Timothy 2:1-26, Jeremiah 49:7-50:10)
Proverbs 25:21-26:2
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.
26 Like snow in summer or rain in harvest,
honour is not fitting for a fool.
2 Like a fluttering sparrow or a darting swallow,
an undeserved curse does not come to rest.
Proverb Commentary
- Love your enemy
‘If you see your enemy hungry, go buy him lunch;
if he’s thirsty, bring him a drink.
Your generosity will surprise him with goodness,
and God will look after you’ (25:21–22, MSG; see also Romans 12:20).
- Watch your tongue
‘A north wind brings stormy weather,
and a gossipy tongue stormy looks’ (Proverbs 25:23, MSG).
If you want to change your actions, start with your thoughts and words. ‘Avoid godless chatter, because those who indulge in it will become more and more ungodly’ (2 Timothy 2:16).
- Avoid quarrelling
‘Better to live on the corner of the roof than to share a house with a quarrelsome wife’ (Proverbs 25:24).
On the same theme Paul writes, ‘Warn them before God against quarrelling about words; it is of no value, and only ruins those who listen’ (2 Timothy 2:14). He goes on to say, ‘Don’t have anything to do with foolish and stupid arguments, because you know they produce quarrels. And the Lord’s servants must not quarrel’ (vv.23–24).
- Bring good news
‘Like cold water to a weary soul is good news from a distant land’ (Proverbs 25:25). We are so privileged to be able to bring the good news of Jesus. It is like ‘cold water to a weary soul’.
- Stand your ground
‘Like a muddied spring or a polluted well are the righteous who give way to the wicked’ (v.26). Sometimes it is important to stand your ground.
- Do not seek honour
If you seek your own honour, you will find that true honour eludes you: ‘It is not good to eat too much honey, nor is it honourable to seek one’s own honour’ (v.27).
- Be self-controlled
‘A person without self-control is like a house with its doors and windows knocked out’ (v.28, MSG). Don’t try to control others. The only person you should try to control is yourself. Self-control is one of the characteristics that make up the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22–23).
- Don’t worry about what others say
You do not need to fear bad publicity or slander: ‘Like a fluttering sparrow or a darting swallow, an undeserved curse does not come to rest’ (Proverbs 26:2).
Prayer
2 Timothy 2:1-26
The Appeal Renewed
2 You then, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. 2 And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable people who will also be qualified to teach others. 3 Join with me in suffering, like a good soldier of Christ Jesus. 4 No one serving as a soldier gets entangled in civilian affairs, but rather tries to please his commanding officer. 5 Similarly, anyone who competes as an athlete does not receive the victor’s crown except by competing according to the rules. 6 The hardworking farmer should be the first to receive a share of the crops. 7 Reflect on what I am saying, for the Lord will give you insight into all this.
Comments
Post a Comment