Today's Proverb starts off with an introduction to this section of the compilation of Proverbs, which is also referenced in another of Solomon's writings in Ecclesiastes 12:9 And moreover, because the preacher was wise, he still taught the people knowledge; yea, he gave good heed, and sought out, and set in order many proverbs. We read how the Holy Spirit inspired Solomon to deliver many Proverbs, and king Hezekiah had his men copy them out. The reason why some believe Hezekiah did this was because many of the following Proverbs deal with political precepts and for the conduct of their house and kingdom (John Wesley).
What we see here is that Solomon authored many Proverbs, and many more that were not preserved by the Holy Spirit in our Holy Bible. I believe this is a picture of Christ, who was a "greater than Solomon." Remember how John ended his Gospel account: John 21:25 And there are also many other things which Jesus did, the which, if they should be written every one, I suppose that even the world itself could not contain the books that should be written. Amen.
As we continue to read and study these Proverbs, lets remember the One who is greater!
John was right -- not everything became scripture, which to me means God inspired and preserved what He wanted us to read and know. No man's review, interpretation, or defense should over write what God inspired.
ReplyDeleteAnd for my favorite verse in this chapter:
If thine enemy be hungry, give him bread to eat; and if he be thirsty, give him water to drink: For thou shalt heap coals of fire upon his head, and the LORD shall reward thee. [Proverbs 25:21-22 KJV]
Sometimes being the nicest is the best revenge. Everyone benefits!
The two verses that stick out the most to me are the ones about how our words can be an encouragement to others when spoken at the right time:
ReplyDeleteProverbs 25:11 A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in pictures of silver.
Proverbs 25:25 As cold waters to a thirsty soul, so is good news from a far country.