This week I would like to continue with some reflections on various proverbs!
Proverbs 17:1 - Better a dry crust with peace and quiet than a house full of feasting, with strife.
This proverb reminds me of what is truly valuable in a person's life at home. We are so easily convinced by our society that the good life is found in having the nicest stuff, living in the nicest neighborhoods, eating the nicest foods. We close our eyes to the danger of such thinking; it is the love of these things that often leads to the most relational discord. The proverb reminds us that the relational life of ones home is one of the most valuable things in life. We often say you can have everything, but if you don't have your health, what do you have? I am reminded that I can think of my relational health in the same way.
Proverbs 19:17 - Whoever is kind to the poor lends to the Lord, and he will reward them for what they have done.
Isn't it interesting that the bible considers generosity and kindness to the poor as being a wise thing to do? In a me-first world, what sense does it make to be generous to the poor? What is the practical value of doing such things? Biblical wisdom says that benevolence to the poor is actually a very wise thing to do because God sees us.
Proverbs 25:28 - Like a city whose walls are broken through is a person who lacks self control.
Self control is like the walls of a city that protect it from invaders and the enemy. It is like that ongoing, consistent, line of defense that is built up over time. Self control is never built in the moment it is needed, just like how a defensive wall is never built as the enemy is attacking. Rather, if I am in need of self control in a particular moment, but have not been working on it in advance, it will not be there. It is a strong reminder to me of the need for daily spiritual discipline!
Proverbs 27:18 - The one who guards a fig tree will eat its fruit, and whoever protects their master will be honored.
This proverbs reminds me of the value of loyalty to people. Our world has become so transient, where we enter and exit relationships, jobs, even cities, so quickly. We wonder why people are so guarded and unwilling to share their true selves. The proverb shows me that sometimes relationships require the long view, like a tree maturing to bear fruit. Sometimes the sweetest parts of a relationship only become accessible after years of loyal and committed love.
Proverbs 30:8-9 - give me neither poverty nor riches, but give me only my daily bread. Otherwise, I may have too much and disown you and say, ‘Who is the Lord?’ Or I may become poor and steal, and so dishonor the name of my God.
I love this proverb for the balanced perspective that it brings towards the pursuit of money. It recognizes the peril found at both extremes. When we have too little, we face the temptation to steal out of desperation. When we have too much, we face the temptation to forget about God. One is not more deadly or harmful than the other, both are equally godless!