Chapter 25

Proverbs 25 (Megan)

I just love the similes used in the Proverbs. They are simple, but effectively get their message across in a way that can be understood in any time in history, including today.

Proverbs 25:19 “Like a bad tooth or a lame foot is reliance on the unfaithful in times of trouble.”

How true. Most people have had the experience of being ditched by friends when things got tough or unpleasant. Not only does their ‘friendship’ become useless, but their lack of support causes pain just like the bad tooth or lame foot. This can be contrasted with Proverbs 17:17 “A friend loves at all times.” Who we choose as friends can deeply affect our lives long-term.

Proverbs 25:24 “Like cold water to a weary soul is good news from a distant land.”

Having moved around a lot as a kid and living overseas in different countries, I can really appreciate this verse. I think of people who put themselves on the line daily including soldiers in Iraq and missionaries. Words of encouragement written and sent in the form of a card or an email can make someone’s week. Writing can be a ministry that can encourage, uplift, and recharge people. The apostle Paul took time out of his busy schedule of preaching, being persecuted, and imprisoned to write encouragement to people. Maybe we should too.

Proverbs 25:28 “Like a city whose walls are broken down is a man who lacks self-control.”

Broken walls mean that unwanted, even dangerous things or people can enter. When we fail to practice self-control or discipline, we allow our guard to fall. Unhealthy consequences result. This can be in the form of physical, mental, emotional or spiritual detriments. The result is always painful and in some cases death. God is trying to protect us here, but whether or not we listen is up to us.