Proverbs 25 - 27

 Read Proverbs 25 - 27 by clicking HERE.

Today's chapters are a collection of writings by King Solomon which were compiled together and arranged by the advisors to King Hezekiah some 250 years later. Somehow these collections of proverbs and wise sayings were discovered much later than the other proverbs throughout the book. Perhaps the advisors to King Hezekiah had discovered them hidden away within the never ending tunnels near the Temple and under the old city of King David. No one knows for sure, but fortunately King Hezekiah was able to pull them together with the many other proverbs of King Solomon and add to the books size. 

While it would be too lengthy to write about each of these timeless treasures of wisdom, here are a few I'd like to comment on:

1. How to wisely handle a major contention with someone.   

Note 25:7-8: "Do not go hastily to court; For what will you do in the end, When your neighbor has put you to shame? Debate your case with your neighbor, and do not disclose the secret to another; lest he who hears it expose your shame, and your reputation be ruined."

We live in litigious times where people are quick on the draw to take others to court. Sadly, in the end, it can really turn out bad for you! So, what should you do?  Here's what Solomon recommends:

- First, if you have a problem with someone, your first action is to discuss the matter thoroughly with the person. Solomon's suggestion is that you do everything you can to resolve the issue at this level.

- Second, you should NEVER discuss your problem with others. Keep it between you and the person you're dealing with.

- Third, if you are hasty in bringing someone to court keep in mind that you could lose your case, and if you've discussed the matters with others, they can potentially be brought up to testify against you!  How shameful would that be?!

2.  How to be rewarded by God.

God sees everything. And He loves it when His children treat others lovingly...even your enemies.  In 22:21, Solomon tells us we should look upon our enemies with pity. If they're hungry, our hearts should be full of the love of God that we help feed them. If they're thirsty, we should exercise God's nature to love and forgive and provide them with water to drink. To your enemies, doing so will confound them. That's how we live out the bible and allow others to come to know our loving Heavenly Father in a more personal way.  Jesus even quoted and expounded on this verse during his sermon on the mount in Matthew 5:43-48.  The benefits are God's rewards!

3. How to answer a foolish person.

Foolish people can typically be identified as people who hate to take advice, would rather follow their own ideology, and think nothing of spinning a false narrative that culminates in winning an argument. In fact, many of them love arguments.

Solomon sounds like he is totally contradicting himself in 26:4-7, but he uses this seemingly contradictory passage as way of making you think through what he trying to tell us.  In verse 4 he says, "When arguing with fools, don't answer their foolish arguments or you will become foolish as they are." But then is verse 5 he says, "When arguing with fools, be sure to answer their foolish arguments, or they will become wise in their own estimation."

So what is Solomon trying to say?  Basically this - don't answer a fool in the same way he acts or thinks. When you do, you are no better than them.  Then, in verse 5, Solomon tries to offer advice when you do answer a fool, using wisdom, maturity, and integrity.  Just walking away from them makes them think they've won the argument and they're wise. So answer them, but with maturity and wisdom.

And, keep in mind that in spite of all the wisdom you give a foolish person, they just won't get it. You can give them proof, but it still doesn't help.  Regardless of how powerful and persuasive your arguments may be, a fool is a fool and is enslaved by it without the ability to truly reason with you. That's why Solomon says in 27:22, "You cannot separate fools from their foolishness, even though you grind them like grain with mortar and pestle."

While so much more can be discussed within these 3 chapters, I leave it to you to find those things that speak to you the most. Respond to this post, and let me know which verse really impacted you.