Fourth Day of Lent
Posted on February 25, 2023 by under
Scripture: Proverbs 25:8-22 (NKJV)
25:8 Do not go hastily to court; For what will you do in the end, when your neighbor has put you to shame?
9 Debate your case with your neighbor, and do not disclose the secret to another;
10 Lest he who hears it expose your shame, and your reputation be ruined.
11 A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in settings of silver.
12 Like an earring of gold and an ornament of fine gold is a wise rebuker to an obedient ear.
13 Like the cold of snow in time of harvest is a faithful messenger to those who send him, for he refreshes the soul of his masters.
14 Whoever falsely boasts of giving is like clouds and wind without rain.
15 By long forbearance a ruler is persuaded, and a gentle tongue breaks a bone.
16 Have you found honey? Eat only as much as you need, lest you be filled with it and vomit.
17 Seldom set foot in your neighbor’s house, lest he become weary of you and hate you.
18 A man who bears false witness against his neighbor is like a club, a sword, and a sharp arrow.
19 Confidence in an unfaithful man in time of trouble is like a bad tooth and a foot out of joint.
20 Like one who takes away a garment in cold weather, and like vinegar on soda, is one who sings songs to a heavy heart.
21 If your enemy is hungry, give him bread to eat; And if he is thirsty, give him water to drink;
22 For so you will heap coals of fire on his head, and the Lord will reward you.
Devotion
This passage contains a number of sayings that are directly attributed to Solomon himself. It is interesting how much they show about the human heart, and how, in some ways, very little has changed in the three thousand or so years since this was written.
These sayings are not so much about what to do or not do, as how and when to do them. Rather than suggesting that Christians cannot or should not use the court system, Solomon here says that this should not be the first option. We should try to work things out privately before that. In many ways, these sayings show us the same things as we have been encouraged to reflect on this week. Love for our neighbor will prevent us from taking advantage of their hospitality (vs. 17). Understanding when someone is in grief or distress may keep us from bringing levity in a situation where it is not wanted (vs. 20). Doing good for those who hate us, such as giving them food and drink, can show that we have a good heart and good intentions, and this may help smooth things over (vs. 22).
In any case, we should show generosity when we can, instead of repaying hate and spite in kind. May God give us the will to follow this advice, and the curiosity and desire to keep returning to His Word for more!
Prayer: O Lord, we beseech Thee mercifully hear our prayers, and, having set us free from the bonds of sin, defend us from all evil; through Jesus Christ, Thy Son, our Lord, Who liveth and reigneth with Thee and the Holy Ghost, ever One God, world without end. Amen.
Collect for the Season of Lent
Almighty and Everlasting God, Who hatest nothing that Thou hast made, and dost forgive the sins of all those who are penitent: Create and make in us new and contrite hearts, that we, worthily lamenting our sins, and acknowledging our wretchedness, may obtain of Thee, the God of all mercy, perfect remission and forgiveness; through Jesus Christ, Thy Son, our Lord, Who liveth and reigneth with Thee and the Holy Ghost, ever One God, world without end. Amen.
Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
