Day #169

Sermon - Audio
Proverbs 25-26 - Audio
Proverbs 25-26 - Reading

Daily Insights - Please Comment

Proverbs 25 (the collection includes Proverbs 25-29) begins the second collection of Solomon’s proverbs. This section speaks either directly or indirectly to kings and rulers. Matters justice, standards for rulers, and the behavior of rulers dominate these chapters.

25.2-3: God’s greatness and glory are shown by his wisdom that is far deeper than all others. The glory of a king is shown first in his seeking out the truth in difficult circumstances and second by being like God in that he too is unsearchable. This picture is one where God is seen first place, the king second, and the rest of people live in third place. It is a hierarchy of importanc and wisdom

25.4-5: The importance of good and righteous advisors for the ruler. When a ruler banishes wicked advisors, then he does the good God desires. A powerful example of this is found in 1 Kings.

25.11-12: These verses continue the legal framework of verses 7-10. When a right judgment is made it is like the crafting of fine jewelry. When the reprover or judge (NIV “wise man’s rebuke speaks truth to correct our path it is like a gold ring in the ear--a thing of beauty.

25.15: We are given wisdom on how to influence a ruler. True influence comes not from brawn but from brains and wise words.

25.16-17: Too much honey will make you sick, too much time at the neighbors will make him sick. This proverb calls us to know and practice proper limits.

25.26: When the righteous give way before the wicked the community become muddy and polluted as the good is overtaken by evil. The righteous must stand firm if the community is to drink of the clear and refreshing waters of justice, mercy, and covenant faithfulness.

25.27: Proper limits apply to both eating honey and being a glory hound.

Proverbs 26.1-12 form a unit concerning fools (notice that the word “fool” is used in every verse verse 2). Verses 13-16 form a second unit that talk about a sluggard, a subclass of fools. Ray Van Leeuwen in his commentary of Proverbs gives some very important insight, “...the passage uses the problem of interaction with fools to teach out the need to properly ‘read’ other people situations, and even oneself (vs. 12). In doing so, it teaches about the nature of proverbs and their use (vv. 7-9). Wise interpretation of proverbs, of persons, and of circumstances should lead to fitting relations and actions in every area of life.” (From The New Interpreter’s Bible)

26.1: Here is a proverb that would be well used in our day: It is not fitting for there to be snow in the summer, so also it is not fitting for a fool to receive honor. The word “honor” is “kavob” (pronounced “ca-vod with the “a” short and the “o” long) which is often interpreted glory. Fools do not deserve renown, importance , etc. Oddly, in our culture we believe it is fitting to give fools glory and honor. We see the paparazzi pursuing celebrities and all kinds of attention paid to those who are fools. Such attention is not fitting and is not good for either us for the fool.

26.4-5: In these verses we find a key to understanding the book of Proverbs. These two Proverbs contradict one another. One tells us not to answer a fool, the other tells us to answer a fool. A wise person knows that it is fitting at times to answer and at other times to remain silent when dealing with a fool. A wise person figures out which time is which. The problem, of course, is that these verses give us no hint as when to follow which course. Perhaps one good bit of advice is we answer a fool when others are listening who might be led astray by them if we do not speak up

26.11: Humor: Dogs return to their own vomit and eat it because they like the smell, fools are not wiser that dogs, they love the “smell” of their foolish ways so much they keep going back to them

26.12: This proverb calls us to evaluate ourselves in light of verses 1-11. Do we think we are wise in our own eyes (see Proverbs 3.4ff), if so we are fools. Only those who are not wise in their own eyes but instead rely on God’s wisdom are truly wise.

26.17-28: This section gives wisdom on a very important topic: what causes fights and conflicts between neighbors. In telling us what causes such conflict we also learn behaviors that make for being good neighbors.