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| Photo Courtesy of Patrick Gage |
This is part of a series, studying the book of Proverbs during the month of July, 2011. For more details click here.
Theme
It is in Chapter 25 that we see the final turn of Kings Solomon's wisdom. It is here where his instruction begins the turn towards wisdom for leaders. Remember if you will, chapters 1-9 were focused on younger people, chapters 10-24 were wisdom for all people, and now these final 7 chapters are aimed at those in authority.
We also see in these final passages that these proverbs of wisdom are being compiled by the men of King Hezekiah. Hezekiah was one of the good kings of Judah, who rules approximately 250 years after Solomon passed away. 2 Kings 18:3 shares that Hezekiah "Did what was pleasing in the LORD's sight, as had David."
1 Kings 4:32 shares that King Solomon had composed 3,000 proverbs and 1,005 songs. Through the years, those not recorded properly were disappearing. The book of Proverbs only contains 915 verses, and even if you include the two chapters of Psalms that he wrote (72 and 127), along with the books of Ecclesiasates and Song of Solomon, there are more wise words lost to us today than recorded in scripture.
Yet each word written down is monumental in its truth. Several times now I've written about verses repeating themselves within Proverbs. But how about a couple of verses from this chapter being repeated as a proverb from the lips of Jesus? Verses 6-7 reappear as red letters in Luke 14:7-11 as a parable about humility.
What are you saying or creating that's worthy of being recorded and repeated?
We also see in these final passages that these proverbs of wisdom are being compiled by the men of King Hezekiah. Hezekiah was one of the good kings of Judah, who rules approximately 250 years after Solomon passed away. 2 Kings 18:3 shares that Hezekiah "Did what was pleasing in the LORD's sight, as had David."
1 Kings 4:32 shares that King Solomon had composed 3,000 proverbs and 1,005 songs. Through the years, those not recorded properly were disappearing. The book of Proverbs only contains 915 verses, and even if you include the two chapters of Psalms that he wrote (72 and 127), along with the books of Ecclesiasates and Song of Solomon, there are more wise words lost to us today than recorded in scripture.
Yet each word written down is monumental in its truth. Several times now I've written about verses repeating themselves within Proverbs. But how about a couple of verses from this chapter being repeated as a proverb from the lips of Jesus? Verses 6-7 reappear as red letters in Luke 14:7-11 as a parable about humility.
What are you saying or creating that's worthy of being recorded and repeated?
Key Verses For Me
Proverbs 25: 6-7 - Don’t demand an audience with the king or push for a place among the great. It’s better to wait for an invitation to the head table than to be sent away in public disgrace.
Quote
If a man empty his purse into his head, no man can take it away from him. An investment in knowledge always pays the best dividends. - Ben Franklin
Related Scriptures
Luke 14:7-11 - When Jesus noticed that all who had come to the dinner were trying to sit in the seats of honor near the head of the table, he gave them this advice: “When you are invited to a wedding feast, don’t sit in the seat of honor. What if someone who is more distinguished than you has also been invited? The host will come and say, ‘Give this person your seat.’ Then you will be embarrassed, and you will have to take whatever seat is left at the foot of the table! “Instead, take the lowest place at the foot of the table. Then when your host sees you, he will come and say, ‘Friend, we have a better place for you!’ Then you will be honored in front of all the other guests. For those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.”
Prayer
Father, may all we speak, or share, or write - be worthy of You.
So what verse(s) stick out to you and why?
I love verse 24:
ReplyDeleteIt’s better to live alone in the corner of an attic than with a quarrelsome wife in a lovely home.
Not that you know anything about that though, Bruce. haha
Verse 11 "A word aptly spoken is like apples of gold in settings of silver."
ReplyDeleteIt doesn't matter where we are or whom we are with that the words we speak can either destroy or build a relationship. If you lack sound judgement when you speak you will look foolish and ban yourself from others. The words are not pleasing to them. A word spoken properly with good intent will gain you much and an ear will listen because you obtain wisdom. Be wise and truthful in what you say which is pleasing to the Lord.