Over this week, 18-24 July, the Book of Proverbs, which often reads like those Reader's Digest snippets of wisdom, is the focus of a daily thought. This book of ancient wisdom has a lot to say about truth, integrity, words, motives and character. So it speaks right into our current cultural malaise about truth-speaking and the corrosive effects of lies on such community essentials as trust, integrity, honesty and relationships within which we love, do business, and live as neighbours
These were first written for our church community in Montrose
Monday
Proverbs 22.1 “A good name is to be chosen rather than great riches, and favour is better than silver or gold.
Our reputation matters. I’ve just written to a friend whose dad died recently saying “he was held in deep affection and respect.” He wasn’t rich, but in his life and the way he lived it he enriched many other people. When his name is spoken people smile. “Favour” means esteem, someone who is looked up to as an example.
Tuesday
Proverbs 27.21 “The crucible is for silver, and the furnace is for gold, and a man is judged by his praise.”
What people praise us for is a good measure of who we are. To be known as someone whose words encourage rather than diminish; to have a reputation for being kind and faithful in friendship; when our neighbours are glad we live in their street; when we show a willingness to spend the time of day with folk – these are the precious metals of human community. We’re doing OK if we are praised for such things as loving our neighbour!
Wednesday
Proverbs 19.1 “Better is a poor man who walks in his integrity than a rich man who is perverse in his ways.”
Proverbs is unimpressed with money as a way of buying power and influence. The word “integrity”, or lack of it is now headline news. It is essential in those who have power and who lead our public life. It is also one of the barcode identifiers of a Christian life. Integrity is when what we say, think and do are integrated into a character shaped by honest words and just actions. Such a person is the real influencer in our time or any time.
Thursday
Proverbs 25. 14 “Like clouds and wind without rain is a man who boasts of a gift he does not give.”
Long before our modern elections, there are warnings about promises not kept and gifts not given. Promises made to get others to trust us only work if the promise is kept. A promise is a test of our integrity and our faithfulness to our own words. Parents to children, friend to friend, employer to employee, teacher to student, lover to beloved – promises are for keeping, or our words are clouds without rain.
Friday
Proverbs 25.11 “A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in a setting of silver.”
I love this verse! Artist at work! The right words at the right time, spoken to heal or to help, words that are wise and honest, are words fitly spoken. They “fit” the circumstances, and they have a glow of gold that is set off against shining silver. Think of yourself as a jeweller working with words, finding the exactly fitting word for this complicated setting. Now thank God for those in your life whose words are fitly spoken, like apples of gold in a setting of silver.
Saturday
Proverbs 12.25 “Anxiety in a man’s heart weighs him down, but a good word makes him glad.”
This proverb is about the life enhancing gift of encouragement. Praise not criticism, encouragement not diminishment, lifting up not pulling down, hopeful words not doleful words. The antidote to anxiety can often be encouraging words, and someone who helps us to be more hopeful, positive and trusting of God’s purposes for our lives, is a gift, at the right time, with the right words..
Sunday
Proverbs 4.5-6 “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.” NIV)
“Put all your trust in the Lord and do not rely on your own understanding. At every step you take keep him in mind and he will direct your path.” (Revised English Bible)
These words are amongst the best known and loved in the Bible – or should be. It isn’t that we are to stop thinking – it’s that we mustn’t stop praying while we’re thinking! Wise Christians seeking to understand God’s leading are strongly advised to pray thoughtfully, and think prayerfully, when decisions have to be made.
A Prayer for the Week
Lord Jesus Christ, the way, the truth and the life!
Do not let us stray from your path, for you are our way.
Do not let us distrust your promises, for you are the truth.
Do not let us rest in anything other than you, for your are our life. Amen
(Erasmus of Rotterdam, 1467-1536)
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