Here are some more
of Solomon’s proverbs.
They were copied by the officials
of King Hezekiah of Judah.
God is praised
for being mysterious;
rulers are praised
for explaining mysteries.
Who can fully understand
the thoughts of a ruler?
They reach beyond the sky
and go deep in the earth.
Silver must be purified
before it can be used
to make something of value.
Evil people must be removed
before anyone can rule
with justice.
Don’t try to seem important
in the court of a ruler.
It’s better for the ruler
to give you a high position
than for you to be embarrassed
in front of royal officials.
Be sure you are right
before you sue someone,
or you might lose your case
and be embarrassed.
When you and someone else
can’t get along,
don’t gossip about it.
Others will find out,
and your reputation
will then be ruined.
The right word
at the right time
is like precious gold
set in silver.
Listening to good advice
is worth much more
than jewelry made of gold.
A messenger you can trust
is just as refreshing
as cool water in summer.
Broken promises
are worse than rain clouds
that don’t bring rain.
Patience and gentle talk
can convince a ruler
and overcome any problem.
Eating too much honey
can make you sick.
Don’t visit friends too often,
or they will get tired of it
and start hating you.
Telling lies about friends
is like attacking them
with clubs and swords
and sharp arrows.
A friend you can’t trust
in times of trouble
is like having a toothache
or a sore foot.
Singing to someone
in deep sorrow
is like pouring vinegar
in an open cut.
If your enemies are hungry,
give them something to eat.
And if they are thirsty,
give them something
to drink.
This will be the same
as piling burning coals
on their heads.
And the Lord
will reward you.
As surely as rain blows in
from the north,
anger is caused
by cruel words.
It’s better to stay outside
on the roof of your house
than to live inside
with a nagging wife.
Good news from far away
refreshes like cold water
when you are thirsty.
When a good person gives in
to the wicked,
it’s like dumping garbage
in a stream of clear water.
Don’t eat too much honey
or always want praise.
Losing self-control
leaves you as helpless
as a city without a wall. (Contemporary English Version)
The wise sayings in this chapter of the Book of Proverbs have to do with relational topics such as: relating to a leader; relating to others; and relating to oneself (self-control).
Relating To a Leader
When it comes to relating to any sort of leader above us, it is best to avoid arrogance and embrace humility.
Whether we realize it, or not, or like it, or not, leaders have a perspective that others don’t. They see the big picture of what is happening, and ideally, make wise decisions based upon all the factors and people involved.
This means that we are not always, maybe not even usually, going to understand what a leader or ruler is doing. This is why it is so important for leaders themselves to consult and collaborate with others, and choose wisely.
Humility isn’t only for followers, it is just as much, perhaps even more, necessary for the leader. Making decisions in a vacuum, or just trusting in one’s own counsel, usually doesn’t work out well. Everyone has character flaws, yet a leader’s flaws, weaknesses, and sins can stick out rather easily to others.
That doesn’t mean, however, that anyone has a right to believe they themselves can do a better job, or know more about how to lead, or have all the information. Because they don’t.
The ways of God are mysterious because it is a very big picture that only the Lord sees. And there are a lot of moving parts and people to all of God’s choices and movements in this world.
The important part, for us, is to recognize the goodness and wisdom of God, and to trust that the Lord – as the God of Love – always does what is right, just, and good, even though it may not always seem that way.
Relating To Others
When it comes to how we generally relate to our fellow humanity, we are to show some empathy and deference. The ability to put yourself in another’s shoes is quite important and necessary, in order to relate well to others.
In failing to do this, and only thinking of oneself, we end up overstaying a welcome from someone who was thinking of us; or not paying attention that my morning blessing feels more like a curse to the night owl; or sharing some juicy tidbit of information that isn’t ours to share, so that others listen and pay attention to me.
Today, in this day and age, many persons fail to think of others when they are driving. Far too many people drive as if they own the road, and as if the traffic laws don’t apply to them. If they think of another driver at all, it’s only to curse them for hindering their ability to get to where they want to go.
Relating to Self
In contrast to all of that, we ourselves are to practice self-control and choose to live differently. Instead of cursing, we bless; and rather than selfishness, we practice selflessness.
If we would but all learn to exercise kindness over revenge, our world would be a very different place than it is today. And if we would but choose to speak the truth in love, rather than tell lies in hate or indifference, then there would be a lot less harm and hurt in this old fallen world.
By practicing self-control, we stop the cycle of hate, injustice, and unkindness. But if we choose the path of escalating verbal and/or physical violence, then this only leaves us vulnerable to harm. And it may open a way of having those you care about be harmed, as well.
I myself am the only person I’m in control of. And so I choose to:
- be honest, trustworthy, and let God provide the judgment and justice needed for others
- consider others, and think before talking
- listen to wise counsel, and not entertain the manipulative words of the foolish
- walk the patient path of wisdom
O God, grant me the wisdom I need in all my relationships. Help me recognize when things may be unsafe. I pray your protection over me and my family when we feel vulnerable. Thank you for having the power to heal broken relationships. Amen.
Rev. Tim Ehrhardt 