Proverbs 26
Scripture
Proverbs 26:12
Do you see a person wise in their own eyes? There is more hope for a fool than for them.
Observation - What does it say?
The first 11 verses of this chapter illustrate the Bible’s negative view, and ultimately God’s negative view (as the Bible’s author), of fools. In many of the proverbs, the fool is portrayed as the person on the opposite end of the spectrum from the wise and righteous. For the past 25 chapters, we’ve seen that there is no benefit to being a fool. The person who is most despised and hopeless appears to be the fool. Then comes a major insight in this verse:
There is someone more hopeless than the fool. It’s the person who is wise in their own eyes.
Understanding - What does it mean?
As I read the first 11 verses of this chapter, I found myself thinking, “Dang, good thing I’m not a fool!” Then, as if wise Solomon knew this would be the thought of some, he delivers a tremendous blow to them (and me!) in verse 12. “If you think you’re wise in your own eyes, you’re worse off than the fool.” Ouch! I fell into the trap. These are the same people Jesus had the hardest time with. The religious leaders and teachers of the law thought they had it all together and complained about Jesus, “Why are you and your disciples always hanging out with sinners?!” Jesus replied, “It’s not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance."
Jesus avoided those who thought they were healthy, thought they were righteous and thought they were wise. And he pursued those who realized they were sick, realized they were sinful and realized they needed wisdom.
Psalm 138:6 Though the LORD is great, he cares for the humble, but he keeps his distance from the proud.
Life Application
Repent of pride!
God, forgive me for my pride! Humble me and remove any offensive way in me. I can't bear the thought of you keeping your distance from me! You are my only hope for this life and for eternity. I desire You above all things and long for more of Your presence in my life. Destroy my pride and make me more aware of my desperation for You. Amen.
- Pastor Levi Thompson
Proverbs 25
Scripture
“Like one who takes away a garment on a cold day, or like vinegar poured on a wound, is one who sings songs to a heavy heart.” -Proverbs 25:20
Observation-What does it say?
As verse 1 states, “These are more proverbs of Solomon, compiled by the men of Hezekiah king of Judah:” Proverbs 25:1
Commentary says that the men, hired by King Hezekiah, copied these Proverbs from various books that Solomon wrote, in order to preserve them (Geneva Study Bible and John Gill's exposition). So, it's still God given wisdom and inspiration given to King Solomon from God. The above verse I chose speaks on the issue of showing empathy and compassion for those who are hurting. We don't sing songs to a heavy heart. Rather, we comfort a heavy heart.
Understanding-What does it mean?
“Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn.” Romans 12:15 NIV
“There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens..... a time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance...a time to be silent and a time to speak..."Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 NIV
One of the many things that I love about Jesus is that even though He knew He was going to raise Lazarus from the dead, He still wept with Mary and Martha when their brother had died. He was showing empathy and compassion for their sorrow at that moment. He wept because He met them where they were at.….no trying to encourage them that He was going to raise Lazarus from the dead, or giving them advice to deal with it; nor did He tell them to stop their emotional response. He didn't even say that Lazarus was going to be in a better place, so they should turn their weeping into joy. Instead, he wept with them. Scripture said He was deeply moved and troubled when he saw Mary and the other Jews weeping. (John 11:33-36)
Life Application
Run to Jesus FIRST with your problems in order to learn how to show empathy for others.
2 Corinthians 1:3-4- Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves received from God.
We need to put ourselves in another person's shoes and take people where they're at and not where we're at. If God knows every tear that has fallen in our lifetime (Ps. 56:8), we must share that same level of empathy and comfort with others to show that we care. We must pray for the broken and hurting, not neglect them.
Dear Jesus, there are seasons where we do need compassion and empathy from others. But I pray that we would be people who strive to be the givers of that compassion and empathy as we run to You first for empathy, compassion, healing, wisdom and direction. Amen.
-Michelle Gaddi
John 10-9.8.21
Scripture
John 10:10
The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.
Observation
As Jesus is talking to the Pharisees He gives a parable to explain that He is the Messiah. Although they do not pick up on this right away, He continues by saying that no one comes to eternity except through Him alone. He also warns against thieves that only come to steal and cause destruction to the flock.
Understanding
Now Jesus uses the example of a thief to point out discrepancies of false leaders, and then he sharply contrasts with His own nature. Bear with me for a second, okay? We all know that the way that a banker spots a counterfeit is becoming so accustomed to the real thing, that if someone hands in a fake one it is glaringly not the genuine thing. In the same way sheep come to know their shepherd’s voice so that if someone else tries to lead them astray, they know that they are not the real thing. It seems so simple, but how do we still fall for it? Because when the thief comes and steals, kills, and destroys we blame God not the thief.
PG talked about this on Sunday: just because we are following God doesn’t mean we won’t experience hardships. Living a full life because of the “gatekeeper” we have means that we have stamina to experience the goodness of God during difficulties. It means we have the ability to work hard, we have what it takes to be victorious, and most importantly we have the endurance to give honor to our shepherd.
Life Application
Jesus tells us to “take heart” because He has “overcome the world.” If that same power is living within me, I don’t see how I can lose! Jesus came to give us life to the full, and I want to be able to give Him back a life of abundance. Do not grow weary in doing good, we got this!
-Allison Khan