June 18 - Proverbs 27-29: The End of Solomon's Proverbs

Today’s Reading: Proverbs 27-29

The Message

English Standard Version

Thought to Guide Your Reading

The heart directs all other actions. Good hearts lead to good lives.

Summary in 100 Words or Less

Allow others to draw attention to you.
Friendship restores the soul in times of trouble.
Nagging spouses are worse than leaky faucets.
Tests of the heart prove a person's true nature.
A good leader can straighten out a nation—and will be well respected and rewarded in return.
Practicing God's Law leads to wisdom.
God does not listen to one-sided prayers.
Mercy for sins is only found in confession, not in secrecy.
Sage advice can quiet an entire town.
Discipline for children works in their favor and in yours.
Don't help criminals.
Good and evil people will never get along.

How Today’s Reading Contributes to the Gospel: God is Setting All Things Right

Expressions of true feelings are better than silence, even when they aren't encouraging.

Two proverbs back-to-back mention this idea. The first is that a reprimand is better than silence. The second contrasts a wound from a lover to the kisses of an enemy. When a person's true emotions are expressed you learn more about the person. When someone hears no answer from what they do the feel ignored, uncared for, and unable to please. They feel better knowing you did not like what they did than not knowing at all. It is better to reprimand or wound than leave a person not knowing you approve.

Friendship is beautiful.

Friendship has many lovely benefits. Friends refresh each other. Friends are closer than family. Friends sharpen each other. There are few things better than a good friend.

Take care of those things which bring blessings.

Solomon tells farmers and ranchers to take care of their plants and animals. In return they will be greatly blessed. To broaden the advice out, we could apply this to anything we have that brings blessings. Take care of your possessions, especially those that bless in return. Animals, people, things need care.

God has no use for one-sided prayers.

One-sided prayers are when you pray to God for blessings but either close yourself off for God to work in you or do not stop to listen to God's words spoken to you. In essence, the purpose of prayer is not so God will know what is on our hearts but prayer is for us to know what is on God's Heart by submitting our hearts to Him. This is why God has no use for our prayers when we are unwilling to submit to Him.

Sages calm situations down through quiet, reflective advice.

Cynics do not accept wisdom. Because they do not accept any wisdom, they are constantly angry. When they are constantly angry they make accusations which stir up crowds. These stirred-up crowds can cause havoc in the city. Sages, on the other hand, accept wisdom as coming from God. Because they accept wisdom based on God, they are able to have peace. When they have peace, they are able to discern truth in times of havoc. When they discern truth, everyone calms down. Don't cause havoc in your city. Be a sage.

Do you have a reputation for wisdom?

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