Proverbs 25 is a kind of Greatest Hits Album of Solomon. It begins by telling us it is “more proverbs of Solomon, compiled by the men of Hezekiah“. I can only assume these are things Solomon said more than once and it makes me wonder, what are my greatest hits? What things do I say often enough for people to replay them? All of us have said thing awkwardly, but what do we continue to repeat enough to become the sound track of someone else’s life? The chapter continues, “It is the glory of God to conceal a matter“. God’s truth is not a procedure manual for success, but rather it is communicated in songs, psalms, proverbs, parables and histories. The apostle Paul said, “For now we see only a reflection… Now I know in part; then I shall know fully” (1 Corinthians 13:12). By His Spirit, His truth is revealed, and over time, we continue to be refined, “Remove the dross from the silver, and a silversmith can produce a vessel“. Next he adds, “Do not exalt yourself in the king’s presence” by sitting in a seat of honor, but wait to be invited. A little success can quickly go to our head. It is cool when someone says, “I told someone about what you said”, until they repeat it, and you think “Did I say THAT?”.
Next he talks about integrity. How well do our words line up with our actions? He says, “Do not betray another’s confidence“. Here he is talking about exposing someone else in order to make us look better. Putting others down does nothing but diminish our reputation. “Like a snow-cooled drink at harvest time is a trustworthy messenger to the one who sends him, he refreshes the spirit of his master“. Are you a blessing or a burden? Do you edify those around you or bring them down? God’s Word is full of hope because God’s love is unconditional. Solomon notes, “Through patience a ruler can be persuaded“. Some of us were taught that we had to convince God of our worthiness, but I believe he is talking about us! It is God’s patience toward us that leads us to His mercy. “Or do you show contempt for the riches of his kindness, forbearance and patience, not realizing that God’s kindness is intended to lead you to repentance?” (Romans 2:4). Are you listening?
So how do we get along with all the other imperfect people around us? “If you find honey, eat just enough… Seldom set foot in your neighbor’s house too much of you, and they will hate you“. The more time we spend with people, the more we are exposed to their flaws. When we spend too much energy on other people’s problems, we tend to neglect fixing our own. Don’t expect perfection from the imperfect, “Like a broken tooth… reliance on the unfaithful in a time of trouble“. He offers this advice for dealing with troublesome people; rather than getting down in the muck with them, “If your enemy is hungry, give him food to eat; if he is thirsty, give him water to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head“. Funny, but he follows that with, “Better to live on a corner of the roof than share a house with a quarrelsome wife“. He offers this relationship advice, “Like cold water to a weary soul is good news from a distant land“. We tune out bad news after a while, there has to be a balance. Don’t sugar-coat everything either, “It is not good to eat too much honey“. He closes with an observation, “Like a city whose walls are broken through is a person who lacks self-control“. So what do your greatest hits sound like?