(Proverbs 27:1-27)
1 Do not boast about tomorrow,
For you do not know what a day may bring.
2 Let another praise you, and not your own mouth;
A stranger, and not your own lips.
3 A stone is heavy and the sand weighty,
But the provocation of a fool is heavier than both of them.
4 Wrath is fierce and anger is a flood,
But who can stand before jealousy?
5 Better is open rebuke
Than love that is concealed.
6 Faithful are the wounds of a friend,
But deceitful are the kisses of an enemy.
7 A satisfied person despises honey,
But to a hungry person any bitter thing is sweet.
8 Like a bird that wanders from its nest,
So is a person who wanders from his home.
9 Oil and perfume make the heart glad,
And a person’s advice is sweet to his friend.
10 Do not abandon your friend or your father’s friend,
And do not go to your brother’s house on the day of your disaster;
Better is a neighbor who is near than a brother far away.
11 Be wise, my son, and make my heart glad,
So that I may reply to one who taunts me.
12 A prudent person sees evil and hides himself;
But the naive proceed, and pay the penalty.
13 Take his garment when he becomes a guarantor for a stranger;
And for a foreign woman seize a pledge from him.
14 One who blesses his friend with a loud voice early in the morning,
It will be considered a curse to him.
15 A constant dripping on a day of steady rain
And a contentious woman are alike;
16 He who would restrain her restrains the wind,
And grasps oil with his right hand.
17 As iron sharpens iron,
So one person sharpens another.
18 One who tends the fig tree will eat its fruit,
And one who cares for his master will be honored.
19 As in water a face reflects the face,
So the heart of a person reflects the person.
20 Sheol and Abaddon are never satisfied,
Nor are the eyes of a person ever satisfied.
21 The crucible is for silver and the furnace for gold,
And each is tested by the praise accorded him.
22 Though you pound the fool in a mortar with a pestle along with crushed grain,
His foolishness still will not leave him.
23 Know well the condition of your flocks,
And pay attention to your herds;
24 For riches are not forever,
Nor does a crown endure to all generations.
25 When the grass disappears, the new growth is seen,
And the herbs of the mountains are gathered in,
26 The lambs will be for your clothing,
And the goats will bring the price of a field,
27 And there will be enough goats’ milk for your food,
For the food of your household,
And sustenance for your attendants.
TODAY'S THOUGHTS AND MEDITATION:
For you do not know what a day may bring.
2 Let another praise you, and not your own mouth;
A stranger, and not your own lips.
3 A stone is heavy and the sand weighty,
But the provocation of a fool is heavier than both of them.
4 Wrath is fierce and anger is a flood,
But who can stand before jealousy?
5 Better is open rebuke
Than love that is concealed.
6 Faithful are the wounds of a friend,
But deceitful are the kisses of an enemy.
7 A satisfied person despises honey,
But to a hungry person any bitter thing is sweet.
8 Like a bird that wanders from its nest,
So is a person who wanders from his home.
9 Oil and perfume make the heart glad,
And a person’s advice is sweet to his friend.
10 Do not abandon your friend or your father’s friend,
And do not go to your brother’s house on the day of your disaster;
Better is a neighbor who is near than a brother far away.
11 Be wise, my son, and make my heart glad,
So that I may reply to one who taunts me.
12 A prudent person sees evil and hides himself;
But the naive proceed, and pay the penalty.
13 Take his garment when he becomes a guarantor for a stranger;
And for a foreign woman seize a pledge from him.
14 One who blesses his friend with a loud voice early in the morning,
It will be considered a curse to him.
15 A constant dripping on a day of steady rain
And a contentious woman are alike;
16 He who would restrain her restrains the wind,
And grasps oil with his right hand.
17 As iron sharpens iron,
So one person sharpens another.
18 One who tends the fig tree will eat its fruit,
And one who cares for his master will be honored.
19 As in water a face reflects the face,
So the heart of a person reflects the person.
20 Sheol and Abaddon are never satisfied,
Nor are the eyes of a person ever satisfied.
21 The crucible is for silver and the furnace for gold,
And each is tested by the praise accorded him.
22 Though you pound the fool in a mortar with a pestle along with crushed grain,
His foolishness still will not leave him.
23 Know well the condition of your flocks,
And pay attention to your herds;
24 For riches are not forever,
Nor does a crown endure to all generations.
25 When the grass disappears, the new growth is seen,
And the herbs of the mountains are gathered in,
26 The lambs will be for your clothing,
And the goats will bring the price of a field,
27 And there will be enough goats’ milk for your food,
For the food of your household,
And sustenance for your attendants.
TODAY'S THOUGHTS AND MEDITATION:
Bragging about anything is not a good look, but if we brag about something that hasn't even happened yet, we only look foolish if and when it doesn't happen. And provoking people also is not a good look. Not only will people think we are unwise, but they will try to avoid us. That, or they will pick up the fight and create even more of a disturbance to everyone in the vicinity. But this behavior is obviously wrong to us and others. Jealousy is more subtle, but just as dangerous. And even when we are striving to be a better person, it is easy for these things to creep into our lives.
Having close acquaintances with foolish people will only help bring us down further. Whoever is close to us, will have a very real impact on our own reputation. Therefore, it is best to avoid evil. Having close acquaintances and friendships with those who are faithful believers will edify us. For iron to sharpen iron, means that these two elements must be, not just in close proximity, but they must be touching. In other words, for us to be able to give constructive feedback to others, we really need to know each other enough to have gained trust and respect.
It is very beneficial for us to be open to criticism. Even if it isn't delivered nicely, we can still learn from it. And we do need to be open about our love for others, especially toward our family members and friends. I try to tell my spouse that I love him at least once a day. Same thing for when our kids were still living in the house! Now, whenever I see them or speak to them, I still tell them. It's not like this type of message will ever get old! This is something that makes a person feel secure, appreciated and encouraged. So when we find ourselves in the midst of trouble, it is always best to go to a person who is close to us and cares deeply.
Now, we must beware of the affections from those who don't mean well. Especially, for example, when you are single and someone is paying special attention to you, before falling for their flattery and kind words, get to know them first. If you are a believer, make sure that they are a solid believer with good intentions. Do not be desperate! It helps to have a very strong relationship with the Lord, because it is only Jesus who can satisfy and complete us. Never think that another person is going to fill that void. And when you do meet someone who also has a strong relationship with the Lord, you know that they will be a faithful person with integrity.
As well, never think that you can change someone once you are married. If, for example, a person is argumentative and intent on always getting their own way, this will not change. In fact, it will only get worse. Only God can change that person - but - only if that person desires to allow God to transform them. Therefore, when dating, if anyone doesn't quite fit your walk with God, this is not the person you should marry. Yes, your heart might need some healing when you break it off, but it is way better than getting married and then divorced, or suffering through years and years of misery. Much better to be single and happy, than married and unhappy.
What a person does and says, reflects what is in their heart. So, for those with Jesus in our hearts and in our lives, Jesus will be reflected in all areas: at home, church, school, work, and out in the world. This in itself is a great reward, because only the Lord can satisfy us with purpose and fulfillment. And we can rely on Him for everything, doing all things in His strength and wisdom.
We are not to boast about tomorrow, but we are to plan and prepare. In working hard and being wise with our time and resources honors the Lord. In fact, the only thing we should boast about is the Lord, and what He has done, is doing and will do in our lives! We do not know what the future holds, but we can have faith in Him to provide for us. And when we have plans or are given plans that are in God's will, He will make sure that these happen.
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