May 21, 2013 – Daily Bible Reading

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Proverbs – Chapter 25 –

The Danger of Boasting – Proverbs 25:6-7, 27

In other words, “It is better to be humble than to be proud”. The concept is repeated in Pro 25:27 from a different perspective. Pride and boasting are twin brothers.

I remember when I was a young believer, I made this mistake. Probably there were many other occasions before, when the Holy Spirit was trying to teach me, but I was too dull to realize it. However, that time, although there were no negative consequences, the Holy Spirit convicted me. I realized what I had done and felt really embarrassed. That was a good lesson for dealing with my pride and I vividly remember it to this day. Since then, I have been much more careful about boasting. I learned to follow the wise advice in Pro 27:2. “Let others praise you instead of praising yourself.”

Pride can be present even when we do not boast and the Lord deals with all of us in this area. Let us remember that Lucifer, because of pride, rebelled against God and became Satan. Pride comes before destruction (Pro 16:18-19).

Jesus taught on this subject in Lk 14:8-10 using the example of where to sit at a wedding feast. He also showed that even our prayer can be an expression of our pride (Lk 18:14). Peter and James told us that God resists the proud but gives grace to the humble (1 Pet 5:5, Jam 4:6).

Trust Must Be Earned – Proverbs 25:19

Confidence or trust should not be given lightly. They must be earned. It is foolish to trust others without a proof. Jesus understood human nature and “He did not trust himself unto them, for that he knew all men, and because he needed not that anyone should bear witness concerning man; for He himself knew what was in man. (John 2:24-25 ASV)

Many young believers are hurt because they trust anybody who is a Christian. They do not understand that even Christians have issues to resolve and that they can hurt them. We can be accepting and kind but should learn to base our trust and expectations of others according to their track record. This will reduce many negative experiences. The Lord if faithful and will never let you down, but people will let you down (2 Ti 4:16-17) and offences will come (Mat 18:7, Lk 17:1).

Overcoming Evil with Good – Proverbs 25:21-22

This proverb is quoted by Paul in Rom 12:20-21. We are called to overcome evil with good and not to retaliate. The result:

• The Lord shall reward you.
• Coals of fire will be poured on their head.

The second statement is often misunderstood as demonstrated even by Jesus’ disciples (Lk 9:54-49). It does not mean that because of our kindness they will be punished for their action, but that their conscience will convict them of their wrong doing and they may even repent. That is God’s desire for them.

The Power of Self-Control – Proverbs 25:28

Here we are warned against a lack of self-control and allowing our emotions to rule us. Anger, desires, gluttony, negativity, lusts, greed, when uncontrolled, will make us as vulnerable as a city without walls. Today’s walls may not provide much protection for a city but in those days walls were an essential defense against attacking armies. Self-control gives us great power not to fall victim of our circumstances.

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I thank you Father, because Your Holy Spirit teaches us how to live a happy and prosperous life. You save us from embarrassment, hurts, and temptations, and through us You spread Your love and righteousness in this world. In Christ we are more than conquerors.

Thank you, in Jesus’ name. Amen!

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