Solomon gives us some practical wisdom as to how to rule well regardless of the context, as well as the character of the rich and the poor.
Proverbs 27:
1 Do not boast about tomorrow, for you do not know what a day may bring.
2 Let another praise you, and not your own mouth; a stranger, and not your own lips.
3 A stone is heavy, and sand is weighty, but a fool's provocation is heavier than both.
4 Wrath is cruel, anger is overwhelming, but who can stand before jealousy?
5 Better is open rebuke than hidden love.
6 Faithful are the wounds of a friend; profuse are the kisses of an enemy.
7 One who is full loathes honey, but to one who is hungry everything bitter is sweet.
8 Like a bird that strays from its nest is a man who strays from his home.
9 Oil and perfume make the heart glad, and the sweetness of a friend comes from his earnest counsel.
10 Do not forsake your friend and your father's friend, and do not go to your brother's house in the day of your calamity. Better is a neighbour who is near than a brother who is far away.
11 Be wise, my son, and make my heart glad, that I may answer him who reproaches me.
12 The prudent sees danger and hides himself, but the simple go on and suffer for it.
13 Take a man's garment when he has put up security for a stranger, and hold it in pledge when he puts up security for an adulteress.
14 Whoever blesses his neighbour with a loud voice, rising early in the morning, will be counted as cursing.
15 A continual dripping on a rainy day and a quarrelsome wife are alike;
16 to restrain her is to restrain the wind or to grasp oil in one's right hand.
17 Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another.
18 Whoever tends a fig tree will eat its fruit, and he who guards his master will be honoured.
19 As in water face reflects face, so the heart of man reflects the man.
20 Sheol and Abaddon are never satisfied, and never satisfied are the eyes of man.
21 The crucible is for silver, and the furnace is for gold, and a man is tested by his praise.
22 Crush a fool in a mortar with a pestle along with crushed grain, yet his folly will not depart from him.
23 Know well the condition of your flocks, and give attention to your herds,
24 for riches do not last forever; and does a crown endure to all generations?
25 When the grass is gone and the new growth appears and the vegetation of the mountains is gathered,
26 the lambs will provide your clothing, and the goats the price of a field.
27 There will be enough goats' milk for your food, for the food of your household and maintenance for your girls.
Things to think about…
1. Prov 27:5&6 should be common among Christians. True love tells the truth, even when it hurts, so long as it is done in love. How are you going with giving and receiving this truth?
2. Raising boys had its challenges, especially when they are establishing their own moral compass as young men. But Solomon says a son that doesn’t listen to counsel is a burden for any parent. Sons that are wise are a rebuke to anyone who comes against their father. Their witness is a justification before his enemies, Prov 27:11. The reverse is also true of course.
3. Proverbs 27:13 may be difficult to understand at first reading. David Guzik gives some helpful comments on this verse. He says, “Take the garment of him who is surety for a stranger”: If someone is a bad credit risk (foolish enough to be surety for a stranger), then we should hold a deposit as security against anything they owe to us (take the garment). b. “When he puts up security for an adulteress”: This person is as immoral and foolish as one who is surety for an adulteress. Such a person should especially be regarded as a credit risk.”
4. There she is again, Prov 27:15, 16, this annoying woman/wife with her continuing dripping dribble. I thank God that in our church our women bring words of grace, truth and healing. Husbands let’s continue to love our wives the way we should, so that continues.
5. Iron does sharpen iron Prov 27:17. We have to make sure that we are sharpening rather than grating one another. Young men, especially when they discuss different theological opinions, can tend to grate on each other and others around them, rather than sharpening each other’s understanding. Continue to pray that our young men become strong in grace as well as theology.
6. Everyone needs more goat’s milk Prov 27:27. Apparently enough for our food, so our daughters can be nourished by it! Goats milk has a very unique flavour. I used to have a goat I milked growing up. I now have daughters in law. I reckon if I asked my wife, she would be happy to serve them some goats milk and cook up some goaty goodness, so they feel maintained. In all seriousness, milk and meat was a sign of abundance and blessing, Dt 11:9 12:20. The ancient Israelites upon entering Canaan were told the land was flowing with milk and honey and that they could eat as much meat as they desired. May our sons and daughters be blessed with abundance as they seek after and honour the Lord. Jesus put it this way, “seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.” Matt 6:33.
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 “a healthy heart and mind” – Reading Phil 4:1-9
1. If you could describe what would make you perfectly content in this life, what would it be?
2. Euodia and Syntyche were having a disagreement. Paul asks that they “agree in the Lord”. What does this mean do you think? Discuss how this should apply in every church.
3. Read vs 8 and 9 again. How do you, or would you apply these things into your life? What are the distractions or limitations to making it happen?
4. The promise when we do is that the God of peace will be with us. Sow a thought, reap an action, sow an action, reap a habit, sow a habit, reap a character, sow a character, reap a destiny.
Prayer Points
1. The right choice for a full time Youth and Young Adults Pastor.
2. Ministry leaders within the church.
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. Quite a few young people and visitors on Sunday
2. Give thanks for Sam and Krystal Beatty – a wedding that honoured Christ, was a real joy to be part of.
3. Many returning back to full health.
4. Worship on Sunday – thankyou Beatty boys and Rosie Dunn looking after Kidz at Church, Maddie doing the words and maintaining her cool with the pastor’s dodgy slides. Fiona and Suzy in café always do a stellar job. Thankyou for those who welcomed at the door.
5. All those who faithfully serve in ministries, Worship, Sound/Technical/Kids Church/ Cell Groups/Admin - Bulletins/Finances/Property/Welcoming/Spiritual Leadership/Cafe
6. Joy, peace and grace we see at CBC. Thankyou Lord
Announcements
1. Remember to check your duty rosters.
2. Members’ meeting 28th August after the morning service.
3. Church bank details bsb:- 704 913 and Acc number:- 4000 4388 1
4. Tune in again this week on our youtube page. Subscribe to the CBC channel Chuwar Baptist YouTube channel.
Catechism question for August...
Q. 7. What is hell? A. A place of dreadful and endless punishment & torment.
