Text: Proverbs 27:19 (ESV)

19 As in water face reflects face, so the heart of man reflects the man.

THE NEED OF SELF-REFLECTION

Still water is as a mirror. When you look into a pool, you will see your reflection. You can see what you truly look like, which might be different from what you think. Similarly, a person's heart reflects who he really is. Self-examination is a necessary thing (2 Cor 13:5; Prov 4:26). It can surface out what's happening deep within ourselves.

Some thought that this "reflection" in question comes through other people. Their argument is that this is in line with the idea presented in an earlier proverb that ‘iron sharpens iron’ (Prov 27:17). In other words, it implies that one learns more about themselves by seeing how words and actions are received by others. It also echoes the idea of two people interacting "face to face."

The imagery of the "heart" here is typically associated with thoughts and attitudes more than with emotions or desires. However, let us be warned for we have reasons to be skeptical of our own "hearts," regardless of the context. Why? Jeremiah depicts the natural human heart as deceitful and desperately wicked.[Jer 17:9] Our corrupted heart leads us away from God (Isa 53:6). Paul even says, "All have turned aside; together they have become worthless; no one does good, not even one." Adding to the description of unregenerate individuals, he says, "Their feet are swift to shed blood; in their path are ruin and misery" (Romans 3:12-15).

But God does give sinners a new heart and a new way of living, doesn’t He? When He changes the heart, He sets a person on a new path. The apostle Paul explains that with redemption comes adoption into God's family. And God sends the Spirit of Jesus into our hearts. Immediately, the old sinful habits will begin to drop off, and the new godly habits will take their place. As Paul said, “ Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come. (2 Cor 5:17) This transformation is the work of the Spirit alone.

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Text: Proverbs 27:18 (ESV)

18 Whoever tends a fig tree will eat its fruit,

and he who guards his master will be honored.

DILIGENCE HAS REWARDS

Diligence and hard work usually pay off. Generally, a person who puts in the necessary work will reap the expected rewards of those efforts and sacrifices. Farmers can't reap crops unless they plant and tend to them, can they? Athletes win because they've invested time and effort by rigid training. An employee is more likely to be honored and promoted by an employer when they perform well. Any righteous effort to work hard, for the right things, will ultimately be rewarded by God (Eph 6:5–8).

Fig trees were important source of food in the Middle East. One day, Jesus and His disciples passed by a fig tree. Jesus expected that a fig tree would be fruitful. Upon seeing that it was barren, he cursed it (Mat 21:18–19). This story has an allusion in Amos 4:9. The Lord said He was chastising Israel to lead them to repent. The Lord recalls, "I struck you with blight and mildew…your fig trees and your olive trees the locusts devoured; yet you did not return to me."

There was an old man at his deathbed saying to his two sons that he had left for them an inheritance. He buried it in the vineyard. When the man died, the two brothers began digging the vineyard diligently. They did it day in and day out, but no treasure can be found. However, they noticed that the vines bear clusters of fruit. Then and only then, they realized the wisdom of their father. The treasure is the fruitful vine because of their hard work.

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Text: Proverbs 27:17 (ESV)

17 Iron sharpens iron,

and one man sharpens another.

IRON SHARPENS IRON

In ancient days, the common method to sharpen steel or iron was to use a similar piece of metal. When the two scrape against each other, both are shaped and rough spots and rust are removed. In the same manner, two people can interact and help refine each other.

Other proverbs note the importance of hearing other people's views, such as;

“Where there is no guidance, a people falls,

but in an abundance of counselors there is safety.”[Prov 11:14]

“ The one who states his case first seems right,

until the other comes and examines him.”[Prov 18:17]

“Oil and perfume make the heart glad,

and the sweetness of a friend comes from his earnest counsel.”[Prov 27:9).

Of particular note is that this lesson implies a constructive level of conflict. There must be friction. The two pieces don't become sharper unless they bump into each other (Prov 27:6)! Fellow believers who never challenge or question one another are liable to remain dull and narrow-minded.

The bible is replete with examples. Jesus may have sent His disciples out two by two because each one would sharpen the other's testimony. The process of mentoring is also a good example of one Christian improving the spiritual life of the other. The apostle Paul mentored the younger Timothy with intentionality. And, he charged Timothy to mentor others. He writes, "What you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses entrust to faithful men, who will be able to teach others also."[2 Tim 2:2] In the Old Testament, David and Jonathan are a good example of two men who improved each other's lives. True friendship can help edify two people to enjoy a stronger faith and a buoyant spirit. The dynamics of friendship include encouraging each other, laughing together, sympathizing together, and praying together.

An important consideration is to carefully choose who we "brush up against." A good friend can lead us to self-improvement and greater godliness (Prov 12:5; 15:22; 17:17). On the contrary, ungodly people are likely to lead us towards conflict, sin, and disaster (Prov 13:20; 22:24–25; 23:20).

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God’s Word for Today

12 Jul, 2025

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.

-Prov 27:15-16 ESV

WHEN NAGGING BECOMES UNBEARABLE

Constant dripping from a leaking roof or persistent rain are annoying. The effects of a few drips are minor. But the experience of constant drip may become unbearable. The same is true of a spouse who habitually complains or irritates their partner. This is frustrating.

God saw that it wasn't good for Adam to be alone. He created Eve from one of Adam's ribs and presented her to Adam as a fitting helpmate (Gen 2:18, 21–22). The two became one, and from that day forward husband and wife were to exist as a loving unit (Gen 2:24). Paul commands husbands to love their wives as Christ loved the church and gave Himself for her. [Eph 5:25] Wives are commanded to "submit to your own husbands, as to the Lord" (Eph 5:22). A nagging spouse disobeys this command and dishonors God's purpose for marriage.

Verse 16 shows how difficult it can be to stop such bad behavior as stopping the wind. Many people would like to restrain the wind before it causes damage or ruins a day's plans, but it cannot be stopped. In another analogy, Solomon also compares restraint of a nagging spouse to grabbing a handful of oil. No matter how hard one tries, oil just slips out between the fingers. A person can try to force a spouse to stop bickering and needling, but the task is impossible. Unless the other person decides to change, the situation isn't likely to improve.

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God’s Word for Today

11 Jul, 2025

14 Whoever blesses his neighbor with a loud voice,

rising early in the morning,

will be counted as cursing.

-Prov 27:14 ESV

BEWARE OF UNTACTFULNESS

Timing is everything. This statement is always true. A good act done untimely is construed as cursing. When and where a person chooses to act is as important as what they are doing, is it not? Offering thanks or deserved praise is a good thing, certainly (Rom 13:7; Phil 4:8). However, doing these in a poor timing can turn them into an obnoxious intrusion.

A person shouting affirmations to a neighbor exceedingly early in the morning sounds commendable at the outset. Though people generally appreciate being complimented yet most do not want to lose sleep to hear it. It is untactfulness. Even if the gesture is meant for good, it will be interpreted negatively. This follows the lessons of other proverbs that note the importance of tact and discretion.

Solomon says, “To make an apt answer is a joy to a man, and a word in season, how good it is!” [Prov 15:23). The emphasis here is on words which are especially well-timed and fitting to the moment at hand. Not only is it joyful for the person who can give such an answer, it is a blessing to the one who hears.

Our words should edify and bring joy to people. To say the right words is not enough. We must say it at the right time.

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God’s Word for Today

10 Jul, 2025

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.

-Prov 27:13 ESV

A RESPONSIBLE ACT OF GENEROSITY

This is a repeat of Prov 20:16. A lender should be cautious when lending to an unreliable person. He must practice prudence [see v.12] A believer who chooses to "lend" to unreliable people is a gamble. When lending, there should be a much prudent approach that puts great accountability on the borrower to repay.

Believers must be cautious about how they handle God’s resources. Generosity and sacrificial giving do not mean Christians should be gullible or senseless (2 Thess 3:10; 2 Tim 3:6). "Loaning" to an underserving, immoral person who seems likely to abuse the gift is not showing good stewardship, is it not? Believers ought to recognize that every good and perfect gift comes from God and should be managed wisely (Jas 1:17; 1 Tim 4:4). Ultimately, our financial resources belong to God. Squandering God's gift of money is tantamount to showing ingratitude and an understanding of the faithfulness God demands of stewards.

In the Old Testament times, real help and compassion must be done only to the deserving helpless people. "If ever you take your neighbor's cloak in pledge, you shall return it to him before the sun goes down, for that is his only covering, and it is his cloak for his body; in what else shall he sleep?" (Ex 22:26–27). In a similar tone, Deut 24:10–13 says that lending to those who are truly in need should be done with respect for their dignity.

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Text: Proverbs 27:12 (ESV)

12The prudent sees danger and hides himself,

but the simple go on and suffer for it.

BE PRUDENT

It is always wise to try to avoid undue risks. We have to think many times over when making decisions. However, the simple-minded person is impulsive. He walks headlong into danger. God wants us to seek "wisdom." That is, a proper understanding of God and His will (Prov 1:7; 2:6–7). The exercise of being "prudent," or "sensible," is to gather a lot of related information and notice risks and to take appropriate steps. Those who are governed by mere grit and emotion tend to act out of bravado. They lack the intelligence or the self-control to be aware of dangers. Thus, they often suffer the consequences of bad decisions (Prov 6:5; 13:14; 22:5). This lesson applies both to physical and spiritual threats.

Let us be aware that the Devil is deceitful to set dangerous traps. And, he tries to lure believers into them. An unwise person is prone to walk right into such snares and traps. But, a prudent believer heeds the apostle Peter's exhortation, that is, "Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. Resist him, firm in your faith" (1 Pet 5:8–9). In a similar warning, the apostle Paul refers to the schemes of the Devil. He counsels believers to "take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm" (Ephesians 6:11-13).

Peter learned this lesson the hard way. Although Jesus warned him that the Devil planned to aggressively tempt him, he exuded with much arrogance and self-confidence. He strongly assured Jesus that he would never forsake Jesus (Luke 22:30-33). Before long, however, Peter slid into the Devil's trap and denied Jesus vehemently three times (Luke 22:60–62). The humble sees danger approaching and avoid it. Hence, he is prudent.

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Text: Proverbs 27:11 (ESV)

11 Be wise, my son, and make my heart glad,

that I may answer him who reproaches me.

A WISE SON, A GLAD FATHER

A child's behavior do reflect on their parents, don’t they? Kids who act badly bring shame on their fathers and mothers (Prov 17:25; 19:26). This is not absolute. We see well-raised children still making poor choices in life. Nevertheless, either right or wrong conduct of children is attributed to their upbringing. The impression of people is ‘like father like son.’ In a similarway, students are reflections of their teachers.

Professing Christians, whether true or not, do affect the reputation of Jesus Christ. Do our deeds and attitudes reflect that we belong to God? As Matthew 5:16 exhorts believers, "Let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven." The apostle Paul gives a similar exhortation, saying, "Do all things without grumbling or disputing, that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world."[ Phil 2:14–15]

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Text: Proverbs 27:9-10 (ESV)

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 neighbor who is near

than a brother who is far away.

DO VALUE A FRIEND’S ADVICE

In the ancient world, oil was used popularly for soothing wounds and for giving a massage. The Good Samaritan used oil and wine to treat an abused traveler's wounds (Luke 10:34). James also mentions the anointing of the sick with oil (Jas 5:14). A woman of ill repute washed Jesus' feet with expensive ointment and received His commendation (Luke 7:37–48). The same concept is used here of healing and honor tthrough the loving advices given by a true friend.

A friend who is like a soothing oil is priceless. Solomon writes, "Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil. For if they fall, one will lift up his fellow. But woe to him who is alone when he falls and has not another to lift him up!" [Ecc 4:9–10] Such friend shows genuine love and is often expressed as correction (v.5–6). It is well-timed and well-suited to the situation (Prov 15:23).

The implication of the Hebrew phrases used here is to take a friend's advice than insisting on one's own opinion. Indeed, a loving guidance is pleasant and valuable. In some interpretations like the NIV, it implies that what makes a friendship pleasant is the "heartfelt advice" it brings.

Each one of us do have a blind spot, don’t we? It will take a genuine friend to alert us to warn us not to fall into ruin. Let’s not be a person who is easy to take an offense. Someone who has an onion skin. When a stranger will say something about us, me may not pay careful attention. But, we should pay attention to a loving friend. He is ‘speaking the truth in love.” [Eph 4:15] Faithful are the wounds of a friend.

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God’s Word for Today

5 Jul, 2025

8 Like a bird that strays from its nest

is a man who strays from his home.

-Prov 27:8 ESV

BE AT HOME

A bird wandering from nest to nest is trading security for insecurity. This restless bird will become vulnerable to danger, hunger, and isolation. This is especially true if the bird is young. It is not ready to survive in the wild world on its own. Similarly, a man who leaves home out of discontent faces insecurity, danger, hunger, and isolation. Ultimately, he may regret his decision to leave home.

Jesus related the story of the prodigal son that illustrates this person. He demanded his share of the inheritance from his father. He left and wandered far from home, squandered his money, and lived with reckless abandon. After depleting his inheritance, he worked as a pig herder and fed the pigs. He was so mesirable and destitute that he was tempted to eat the pigs' food. At last, he came to his senses. He regretted his actions and longed to be back home. Fortunately, he returned home and found his loving father waiting for him (see Luke 15:11–24).

What does this mean to us today? There is no safer place apart from home. And, God is our home. Psa 90:1 says, “Lord, you are our dwelling place in all generations.”

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