Proverbs – Day 25
Scripture: Proverbs 25
These are more proverbs of Solomon, compiled by the men of Hezekiah king of Judah:
It is the glory of God to conceal a matter;
to search out a matter is the glory of kings.
As the heavens are high and the earth is deep,
so the hearts of kings are unsearchable.
Remove the dross from the silver,
and a silversmith can produce a vessel;
remove wicked officials from the king’s presence,
and his throne will be established through righteousness.
Do not exalt yourself in the king’s presence,
and do not claim a place among his great men;
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
do not bring hastily to court,
for what will you do in the end
if your neighbor puts you to shame?
If you take your neighbor to court,
do not betray another’s confidence,
or the one who hears it may shame you
and the charge against you will stand.
Like apples of gold in settings of silver
is a ruling rightly given.
Like an earring of gold or an ornament of fine gold
is the rebuke of a wise judge to a listening ear.
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.
Like clouds and wind without rain
is one who boasts of gifts never given.
Through patience a ruler can be persuaded,
and a gentle tongue can break a bone.
If you find honey, eat just enough—
too much of it, and you will vomit.
Seldom set foot in your neighbor’s house—
too much of you, and they will hate you.
Like a club or a sword or a sharp arrow
is one who gives false testimony against a neighbor.
Like a broken tooth or a lame foot
is reliance on the unfaithful in a time of trouble.
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.
If your enemy is hungry, give him food to eat;
if he is thirsty, give him water to drink.
In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head,
and the Lord will reward you.
Like a north wind that brings unexpected rain
is a sly tongue—which provokes a horrified look.
Better to live on a corner of the roof
than share a house with a quarrelsome wife.
Like cold water to a weary soul
is good news from a distant land.
Like a muddied spring or a polluted well
are the righteous who give way to the wicked.
It is not good to eat too much honey,
nor is it honorable to search out matters that are too deep.
Like a city whose walls are broken through
is a person who lacks self-control.
Devotional:
Have you ever come inside after mowing the lawn or finishing a run on a hot day and downed a tall glass of ice water? It feels like the most wonderful thing you’ve ever had to drink, curing your thirst and giving you renewed energy. Your words can have the same refreshment to someone who is thirsty for good news.
In Proverbs 15, we looked at how gentle and timely words can be nourishment to the soul. In this chapter we read how words can be refreshing “Like the coolness of snow at harvest time” and “Like cold water to a weary soul” (v. 13, 25). Both verses refer to how encouraging words can be like cold, crisp water to someone who may be traveling through a dry desert of doubt or depression. We often use the phrase “Don’t shoot the messenger!” to excuse having to deliver bad news to someone. But Solomon emphasizes the positive aspect when he writes, “Light in a messenger’s eyes brings joy to the heart, and good news gives health to the bones.” (Prov 15:30) Yet he also cautions us to be sensitive to those hurting. “Like one who takes away a garment on a cold day, or like vinegar poured on soda, is one who sings songs to a heavy heart.” (v. 20) Sometimes, when you encounter someone hurting, you need to come alongside them in their grief, not try to pull them out.
There is certainly a refreshing message that every follower of Christ can bring to others. I’m a “word nerd,” so I was fascinated to learn that the word “gospel” is the translation of the Greek noun euangelion meaning “good news.” If that looks familiar, it’s because we also get our word “evangelize” from the word. Euangelion itself comes from the word angelos, meaning “messenger.” (If you see the word angel in that word, now you know why angels are called God’s messengers). There is no better good news than to share with someone the message of God’s love and faithfulness in your life! Isaiah’s words declares this when he says, “How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of those who bring good news, who proclaim peace, who bring good tidings, who proclaim salvation, who say to Zion, “Your God reigns!”” (Is 52:7).
John, in his revelation of the end of days, recorded a vision in which God announces, “I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either one or the other! So, because you are lukewarm—neither hot nor cold—I am about to spit you out of my mouth.” (Rev 3:15-17) Your life, including your words, have the power to be cold and refreshing, hot and passionate, or lukewarm and devoid of impact. How will you use your words today?
Key Verse:
“Like cold water to a weary soul is good news from a distant land.” ~ Proverbs 25:25
Questions:
- To whom can you deliver a message today that will be like cold water?
- If you were to weigh your words over a typical day, how many would be cold, hot, and lukewarm?
- What can you do to change the temperature of your words?
