Proverbs 25

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 5TH, 2003
PROVERBS 25

V. 1 Hezekiah was one of the better king’s in Israel’s history
He reformed, cleansed, and found Proverbs 25-29, probably all the way to the end
These are geared towards leaders, but all who’ve lived by 1-24 will be leaders!

V. 2-3 God knows everything. He has more knowledge than we can handle. Rom. 11:33.
Kings don’t know everything. He should seek out wisdom and knowledge.
A King is humbled by the knowledge God has
We haven’t gotten very far out into space
We haven’t gotten very far down into the earth
We haven’t gotten very far down into a king’s heart
A common man is humbled by the knowledge a King has

V. 4-5 You’d want scum off of metal before you used the metal
You’ll want scum out of the castle before you establish your kingdom

V. 6-7 Everyone enjoys the humble being honored
Everyone enjoys the proud being dishonored
Luke 14:7-11

V. 8-10 Do everything you can to settle disputes privately
Once the argument goes public, the public starts to argue
Once others are involved you’ll get enemies and a bad reputation

V. 11-12 Four options for when to use encouragement/rebuke
1. Wrong word/Wrong Time
2. Wrong word/Right Time
3. Right word/Wrong time
4. Right word/Right time

V. 13 They would bring snow from the mountains to cool their drinks, very refreshing
A trustworthy messenger is refreshing to a king

V. 14 Those who put up a big front, those who make big promises….
“Full of sound and fury, signifying nothing”
It’s very disappointing, back up your bold claims with action.

V. 15 Rulers don’t typically like people trying to force things on them
Be patient and gentle in your attempts to persuade them, and you may

V. 16-17 There is such a thing as too much of a good thing
Too much honey
Too much of you!
My dorm room door at Bethany

V. 18-19 An untruthful person causes sharp pain
An unfaithful person causes chronic pain

V. 20 It’s possible to be thoughtful without thinking
Laughter may be the best medicine, but sometimes people aren’t ready
People need to go through the grieving process, it’s natural

V. 21-22 Romans 12:19-21, Matthew 5:44
Kindness softens the heart, he’ll feel shameful for treating you poorly
OR get revenge and enjoy it for a lifetime

V. 23 If there is a north wind you can expect rain
If you’re going to make cutting comments, expect anger

V. 24 21:9, 19
It’s better to be alone than with someone who always causes trouble

V. 25 Great to get letters from distant friends and relatives (care-package, The Postman)

V. 26 The opposite of refreshing is polluting. It’s disgusting to see a good man give in

V. 27 27:2 Let others praise you or let it go

V. 28 Self-control is limiting, but necessary. Lack of it leaves you open to defeat.