The self control of the wise and the folly of the fool
We finish this part of the book of Proverbs this week. More practical day to day wisdom in dealing with the realities of life on earth – including those who are fools, sluggards and liars.
Proverbs 25: More Proverbs of Solomon
1 These also are proverbs of Solomon which the men of Hezekiah king of Judah copied.
2 It is the glory of God to conceal things, but the glory of kings is to search things out.
3 As the heavens for height, and the earth for depth, so the heart of kings is unsearchable.
4 Take away the dross from the silver, and the smith has material for a vessel;
5 take away the wicked from the presence of the king, and his throne will be established in righteousness.
6 Do not put yourself forward in the king's presence or stand in the place of the great,
7 for it is better to be told, "Come up here," than to be put lower in the presence of a noble. What your eyes have seen
8 do not hastily bring into court, for what will you do in the end, when your neighbour puts you to shame?
9 Argue your case with your neighbour himself, and do not reveal another's secret,
10 lest he who hears you bring shame upon you, and your ill repute have no end.
11 A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in a setting of silver.
12 Like a gold ring or an ornament of gold is a wise reprover to a listening ear.
13 Like the cold of snow in the time of harvest is a faithful messenger to those who send him; he refreshes the soul of his masters.
14 Like clouds and wind without rain is a man who boasts of a gift he does not give.
15 With patience a ruler may be persuaded, and a soft tongue will break a bone.
16 If you have found honey, eat only enough for you, lest you have your fill of it and vomit it.
17 Let your foot be seldom in your neighbour's house, lest he have his fill of you and hate you.
18 A man who bears false witness against his neighbour is like a war club, or a sword, or a sharp arrow.
19 Trusting in a treacherous man in time of trouble is like a bad tooth or a foot that slips.
20 Whoever sings songs to a heavy heart is like one who takes off a garment on a cold day, and like vinegar on soda.
21 If your enemy is hungry, give him bread to eat, and if he is thirsty, give him water to drink,
22 for you will heap burning coals on his head, and the LORD will reward you.
23 The north wind brings forth rain, and a backbiting tongue, angry looks.
24 It is better to live in a corner of the housetop than in a house shared with a quarrelsome wife.
25 Like cold water to a thirsty soul, so is good news from a far country.
26 Like a muddied spring or a polluted fountain is a righteous man who gives way before the wicked.
27 It is not good to eat much honey, nor is it glorious to seek one's own glory.
28 A man without self-control is like a city broken into and left without walls.
Proverbs 26:
1 Like snow in summer or rain in harvest, so honour is not fitting for a fool.
2 Like a sparrow in its flitting, like a swallow in its flying, a curse that is causeless does not alight.
3 A whip for the horse, a bridle for the donkey, and a rod for the back of fools.
4 Answer not a fool according to his folly, lest you be like him yourself.
5 Answer a fool according to his folly, lest he be wise in his own eyes.
6 Whoever sends a message by the hand of a fool cuts off his own feet and drinks violence.
7 Like a lame man's legs, which hang useless, is a proverb in the mouth of fools.
8 Like one who binds the stone in the sling is one who gives honour to a fool.
9 Like a thorn that goes up into the hand of a drunkard is a proverb in the mouth of fools.
10 Like an archer who wounds everyone is one who hires a passing fool or drunkard.
11 Like a dog that returns to his vomit is a fool who repeats his folly.
12 Do you see a man who is wise in his own eyes? There is more hope for a fool than for him.
13 The sluggard says, "There is a lion in the road! There is a lion in the streets!"
14 As a door turns on its hinges, so does a sluggard on his bed.
15 The sluggard buries his hand in the dish; it wears him out to bring it back to his mouth.
16 The sluggard is wiser in his own eyes than seven men who can answer sensibly.
17 Whoever meddles in a quarrel not his own is like one who takes a passing dog by the ears.
18 Like a madman who throws firebrands, arrows, and death
19 is the man who deceives his neighbour and says, "I am only joking!"
20 For lack of wood the fire goes out, and where there is no whisperer, quarrelling ceases.
21 As charcoal to hot embers and wood to fire, so is a quarrelsome man for kindling strife.
22 The words of a whisperer are like delicious morsels; they go down into the inner parts of the body.
23 Like the glaze covering an earthen vessel are fervent lips with an evil heart.
24 Whoever hates disguises himself with his lips and harbors deceit in his heart;
25 when he speaks graciously, believe him not, for there are seven abominations in his heart;
26 though his hatred be covered with deception, his wickedness will be exposed in the assembly.
27 Whoever digs a pit will fall into it, and a stone will come back on him who starts it rolling.
28 A lying tongue hates its victims, and a flattering mouth works ruin.
Things to think about…
1. Prov 25:1-9 speak about the blessing and the fear that the presence of the king brings as well as the worth of keeping a secret. We have our heavenly King Jesus who exalts His throne. Verse 1 says Hezekiah copied the words of Solomon. Hezekiah’s reign was 200 years after Solomon’s. Are our words worth recording? What legacy are we leaving for your children and grand-children etc? Will they desire to be like you or will your words and actions be forgotten because they weren’t that memorable or important? How will you be remembered? Solomon refers to keeping a secret, Prov 25:2&9 referring to trustworthiness. In this context it surrounds reconciliation – especially with a neighbour or friend. If you know something about someone that could do them harm if it is shared with others, keep it to yourself. This is the difference between someone who is trustworthy as opposed to someone being a gossip. God has secrets about Himself, Dt 29:29, but has revealed to us what we need to know, Jn 1:1-9.
2. What is your understanding of Prov 25:22 with respect to an enemy, that you will put “burning coals on his head”. This is as a result of an act of kindness or undeserved mercy. The burning coals refers to the conscience that the enemy feels in the light of their actions towards you. Has someone wronged you? Then bless them. Perhaps God will turn their heart and they will be your strongest advocates. Remember Christ loved you while you are in rebellion and rejection of Him.
3. The rest of Proverbs 25 speaks about relationships with neighbours, enemies and even that quarrelsome wife again, vs 24. A lot of practical advice for general living. Do you think we need the Holy Spirit to apply any of this, or is this common sense freely available for all? While it is sound advice, without the Holy Spirit holy living is impossible to maintain in the flesh.
4. Never be the person referred to in Prov 25:26. Stand your ground. If you die, you will receive the Lord’s commendation and be with Him for eternity. The fruit of the Spirit is self-control, Prov 25:28, Gal 5:23.
5. Proverbs 26:1-12 deals with the character and actions of the fool. We have recently looked at the character of the fool in our preaching series. Jump online if you missed it. Do you know anyone who exhibits these characteristics? What about you, how much of the fool still resides within?
6. Prov 26:4&5 seem to be in contradiction, but actually there are two sides of this one coin. Discernment allows you to determine what action should be taken in the moment with respect to the words and actions of a fool.
7. We have also considered the characteristics of the sluggard Prov 26:13-16. Would you say the term “dole bludger” referred to in our day fits into this category? Is there anything the church can do about this? Consider what the scriptures teach about such a person 2Thess 3:10ff.
8. The quarrelsome and those who deceive are dealt with in Prov 26:17-28. These are a bane to any society and are instruments of Satan when they come into the church. Have a look at what we should do when they do come into the church, vs 26. They need to be exposed. It is often the case that they do a very good job of this themselves, but the church must deal with them all the same.
9. Prov 26:27 is another way of saying, “you reap what you sow”.
Vision Point for cell groups
CBC’s Vision :- To be a growing biblical church community, significantly influencing our city and beyond, through intentional outreach, fulfilling our mission.
Title was “Two cities same message – Reading Joel 2, Nahum 3
1. Minor prophets speak about two cities – Joel – Zion and Nahum – Nineveh. What is your understanding of Nineveh’s history? 100 years after revival Nahum speaks of judgement upon Nineveh. Why? What message is here for the church?
2. Joel 2 speaks of judgement that will come upon Zion – Judah in general and Jerusalem in particular. But there is a significant difference between the final outcome of Zion’s fortunes as opposed to Nineveh’s fortunes. Discuss.
3. Joel 2 finishes with what will happen during the later days of Zion with the outpouring of the Holy Spirit, Joel 2:28-32. These verses are of course echoed by Peter in Acts 2:16-21 at Pentecost. They have had a partial fulfillment at Pentecost, but have not been fully fulfilled. Discuss what relevance this is to the church and as Christians individually.
4. Pray for each other.
Prayer Points
1. Many have covid now. Pray as it finally runs its course through the community.
2. Continue to pray for Sally Gauntlett and dear Richard.
3. Peace to rest over Ukraine.
4. Pray for other building projects – café roof, the repair of the house roof.
5. Growth, conversions, joy in the Word and Spirit to remain and increase.
Praise Points
1. Doug’s preaching at such short notice
2. Many returning back to full health.
3. Worship on Sunday – thankyou Paul, Suzy, Zac, Richard, Bec, and Tim.
4. All those who faithfully serve in ministries, Worship, Sound/Technical/Kids Church/ Cell Groups/Admin - Bulletins/Finances/Property/Welcoming/Spiritual Leadership/Cafe
5. Joy, peace and grace we see at CBC. Thankyou Lord
Announcements
1. Remember to check your duty rosters.
2. Church bank details bsb:- 704 913 and Acc number:- 4000 4388 1
3. Tune in again this week on our youtube page. Subscribe to the CBC channel Chuwar Baptist YouTube channel.
Catechism question for July...
Q.6. What will become of the wicked on the day of judgment? A. They shall be cast into hell.
