The Fourth Day of Lent
Posted on March 8, 2025 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
In our reading for today, Solomon gives us all divinely inspired advice that is of great value in living out our lives of faith on this earth. Many of these sayings are quite striking, and even though our society is not as familiar with the Bible as it once was, several of these sayings might still be very familiar, even to those who are not regular churchgoers.
In particular, verses 21-22 teach us something very important about ourselves, and about how we view our enemies. It is simple enough to view enemies as enemies, and to try to hurt them, or at least not help them. It does not seem very strange to want to see our enemy be hungry, or thirsty. But our enemy is still our neighbor, and it is good for us to show kindness.
These verses show us that not only is it God-pleasing to show kindness to those who have not treated us well, it also may affect our enemy’s conscience. In the end, more than our own pride or feelings not being hurt, what we should be seeking from our enemy is repentance. This is yet another way to put “Love your neighbor as yourself ” into practice.
Collect: Almighty and Everlasting God, Who hatest nothing that Thou hast made, and dost forgive the sins of all 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.
