Text: Prov 25:25-26 ESV

25 Like cold water to a thirsty soul, so is good news from a far country.

26 Like a muddied spring or a polluted fountain is a righteous man who gives way before the wicked.

-Prov 25:25-26 ESV

THE GOOD AND BAD NEWS

During the ancient times, people had to wait long hours, days, or even years to hear answers to their questions. Messages are sent by messengers by foot or horses. That was how fast messages travel. The relief of hearing good news, after an extended period of waiting and wondering, is compared to how cool water refreshes when one is thirsty in the desert. Today, it is quite different. Communication travels in a blink of an eye.

In the New Testament, missionaries like Paul had been overjoyed when messengers returned with good news from churches at far places. One example is Paul sending Tychicus to Ephesus so they could know how Paul and his companions were "and that he may encourage the hearts [of the Ephesian’s believers]" (Eph 6:21–22). He also planned to send Timothy to Philippi to collect good news about the believers. Timothy would return to Paul and the news would encourage Paul (Phil 2:19–23). In the meantime, he sent Epaphroditus to the Philippians, because Epaphroditus had been longing for them and was distressed because the Philippians had heard he was ill (Phil 2:25–26, 28).

Indeed, a drink of pure water from a spring or fountain is refreshing. But, if the waters are clogged with dirt, is it drinkable? It definitely would disappoint someone who came there looking to satisfy his thirst.The moment the spring is full of mud or pollution the water source is not potable anymore.

Solomon compares this to a righteous person who shrinks in the face of evil. In that moment, the righteous person fails to meet expectations. It's disappointing and unfortunate. A sinning believer muddies his testimony and disappoints anyone who looks to him for an example of righteousness. It is quite sad when a believer falls into sin before the eyes of the wicked, is it not? In modern times, the fall of a few well-known pastors and evangelists into the sin of adultery has sullied their testimony in the eyes of countless unbelievers. And, as a consequence, it damaged the church's credibility or witness.

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Text: Prov 25:24 ESV

24 It is better to live in a corner of the housetop than in a house shared with a quarrelsome wife.

-Prov 25:24 ESV

IS THERE A HOME IN THE HOUSE?

Solomon's advice about marriage is learned through a hard way. Even with his wisdom, he turned away from God's intended plan for one man to marry one woman. Solomon took seven hundred wives and three hundred concubines for himself. Two is too little too many. He realized no earthly pleasures could replace honor for God. He exclaimed, "Vanity of vanities! All is vanity." [Ecc 1:2] Many of the proverbs he wrote her are life lessons Solomon learned "the hard way." (Prov 25:1)

The picture here is of a quarrelsome wife but this applies to the husband as well. A married couple could live in a mansion, but if one annoys the other, they only have a house but not a home. The ‘corner of the housetop’ even the desert can be most preferable as a place to stay. This implies material blessings alone don’t build a harmonious relationship in marriage.

In the beginning God designed the woman as "a helper fit for him" (Gen 2:18). Marriage unites two human beings to be mutual partners. Peter did counsel wives to "let [their] adorning be the hidden person of the heart with the imperishable beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit", did he not? (1 Pet 3:4). On the other hand, he exhorts husbands to "live with your wives in an understanding way" and reminds them that their wives are "heirs with you of the grace of life" (1 Pet 3:7). These principles apply equally to both spouses. A harmonious relationship requires both partners to apply love and forbearance, rather than nagging and verbal abuse.

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God’s Word for Today

12 June, 2025

23 The north wind brings forth rain,

and a backbiting tongue, angry looks.

-Prov 25:23 ESV

THE NORTH WIND BRINGS FORTH RAIN

“As surely as a north wind brings rain, so a gossiping tongue causes anger!” [v.23, NLT] The exact Hebrew phrase used here implies something deceptive, secretive, or slanderous. Destroying others down with gossip and criticism damages one's own reputation.

These verbal sins, such as slander, backbiting, gossip, and many more are strongly condemned in Scriptures toward wicked people who practice these. Paul writes that "God gave them up to dishonorable passions" and "to a debased mind to do what ought not to be done" (Rom 1:26,28). He describes them as full of "all manner of unrighteousness, evil, covetousness, malice…envy, murder, strife, deceit, maliciousness. They are gossips, slanderers, haters of God, insolent, haughty, boastful, inventors of evil, disobedient to parents, foolish, faithless, heartless, ruthless" (Rom 1:29–31).

To believers, Peter commanded his readers to "put away all malice and all deceit and hypocrisy and envy and all slander." He indicated that putting those sins away was necessary for spiritual growth (1 Pet 2:1,2). One of the most important marks of maturity is bridling the tongue. James says, “For we all stumble in many ways. And if anyone does not stumble in what he says, he is a perfect man, able also to bridle his whole body.”[Jas 3:2]

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God’s Word for Today

11 June, 2025

21 If your enemy is hungry, give him bread to eat,

and if he is thirsty, give him water to drink,

22 for you will heap burning coals on his head,

and the LORD will reward you.

-Prov 25:21,22 ESV

LOVE YOUR ENEMY

These verses are quoted in the New Testament by Paul (Rom 12:20). Human nature instinctively seeks revenge. And, this leads to an endless cycle of retaliations and more violence. A more radical yet effective strategy to stop this hate to escalate is to show compassion and love for those who wrong us. This diffuses their need for retaliation. This can lead to self-reflection and a change of heart (Mat 5:39). This does not recommend attempting to "do good" with malicious intent. Rather, we do good simply because we are called to do so. Leaving vengeance to God is wise. Why? It is because He is much more capable than we are (Deut 32:35).

Jesus is our example. The apostle Peter reminds us that when He was reviled, "he did not revile in return; when he suffered, he did not threaten but continued entrusting himself to him who judges justly" (1 Peter 2:23). The command to "love your neighbor as yourself" (Lev 19:18; Mark 12:31) applies not only to those who are easy to love but also to those who harm us. The idea applies to more than simply offering bread and water for it is to respond to ill-treatment with kindness like Christ.

The English phrase "kill them with kindness" is related to this proverb. However, that expression implies a deliberate intent to create misery or angst. The reference to burning coals is not a suggestion about pain or even punishment. An ancient Egyptian ritual involved carrying a pan of burning coals on the head as a sign of repentance. Kind acts, towards the very person who has harmed us, are intended to encourage repentance. This teaching indicates that God will bless those who treat their enemies kindly. That not only motivated by avoiding further retaliation and promoting understanding. This also reflects someone who correctly understands their personal need for forgiveness (Mat 6:14–15). It is a reflection to how God showed His love to us when we were His enemies by giving His Son for us (Rom 5:8).

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Text: Proverbs 25:20 (ESV)

20 Whoever sings songs to a heavy heart

is like one who takes off a garment on a cold day,

and like vinegar on soda.

AVOID ADDING INSULT TO INJURY

Were you guilty before of giving careless and untactful comments to a person in sorrow? Classic examples are phrases like, "There's a reason for everything," or "At least it wasn't something worse." When offered to those in grief, such comments can magnify the suffering. Even if those sentiments are true, in a coldly logical sense, they're not usually helpful for the person grappling with tragedy.

Trying to "comfort" someone with overly simple measures is not merely ineffective; it's insulting. Well-meaning comments might seem to minimize the experience. It is like depriving him the warmth by removing the cloak during the cold day. If it's soaked with water, it is reasonable to take it off. Songs can help cheer a mourning person, in the right situation. However, when someone is sad and discouraged, it's inappropriate to assume a simple song will make them feel better. There is a lack of empathy.

Another picture of inappropriateness is putting vinegar into a container filled with soda. This produces an energetic reaction, but nothing else. The mixture will bubble towards overflowing. Both the vinegar and the soda are lost, and what's left is much less useful. Trite attempts to cheer up those who mourn might spark a reaction, but not the one intended.

The classic examples are Job’s friends who were careless and insensitive words. These misguided comforters did more harm than good by speaking volumes to Job when he was burdened with physical pain and grief. Sometimes the best course of action to take when comforting a discouraged person is simply to sit with him in silence. Paul understood there is a time to grieve and a time to rejoice, and he kept the two in perspective. Paul writes in Rom 12:15, "Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep." Only an insensitive person tries to rejoice with someone weeping, as if they could force a change in mood.

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Text: Proverbs 25:18-19 (ESV)

18 A man who bears false witness against his neighbor is like a war club, or a sword, or a sharp arrow.

19 Trusting in a treacherous man in time of trouble is like a bad tooth or a foot that slips.

BEING DEPENDABLE

Giving false testimony against someone is as hitting him with a sharp weapon. Dishonest statements can ruin a neighbor's life, destroy his livelihood, hurt his family, and damage his reputation beyond repair. As believers, Paul appeals to believers to renounce lies. He said, "Therefore, having put away falsehood, let each one of you speak the truth with his neighbor, for we are members one of another." The book of Proverbs repeats God's condemnation of false witnesses (Prov 6:16–19; 19:5; 21:28).

In verse 19, Solomon warns against trusting unreliable and disloyal people during challenging times. The mention of "time of trouble" is key to note that one is in a crisis. It gives caution to take risks. These include the risk of putting trust in someone known to be a liar, fraud, or traitor. In those moments, it's important to keep that risk in mind when this most likely will lead to disaster.

The metaphors used here point out the suddenness of betrayal. A rotten tooth might seem fine until it gives a sudden pain and misery. "A foot that slips" refers to something unsure, unreliable, and unbalanced. And, in an instant, disaster can strike. And, what was supposed to provide support instead caused harm. Putting our trust in liars and crooks is extremely dangerous.

Job expressed similar sentiments about his undependable neighbors. He said, "My brothers are treacherous as a torrent-bed, as torrential streams that pass away, which are dark with ice, and where the snow hides itself. When they melt, they disappear; when it is hot, they vanish from their place" (Job 6:15–17). They resembled a riverbed. In the rainy season, it fills up with water. It runs fast and full, as snow melts and pours into it. But, in the heat of summer, when it is most needed, it is bone dry. When Job most needed dependable friends, he could not find them. They disappeared. A friend in need is a friend indeed.

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Text: Prov 25:17 ESV

17 Let your foot be seldom in your neighbor's house, lest he have his fill of you and hate you.

-Prov 25:17 ESV

HAVE A SENSE OF PROPRIETY

A good thing does become bad, even nauseating when one has too much of it, does it not? That is the reason why moderation is needed in eating food, pleasures, and others. Here, similarly, a visitor will become a burden when he is taking undue advantage of another person's hospitality. A common Filipino expression is to practice ‘delicadeza.’ Have a sense of propriety. An esteemed visitor should not "wear out one's welcome" of a hospitable host. He is to avoid exploiting a host's goodwill and become a nuisance. Company is good, but even good company can become an irritation when it's overdone. It is an abuse already. The pleasure becomes an irritation.

In the ancient times, their culture has placed immense importance on hospitality. Hosts were expected to be gracious, generous, and helpful to visitors. Hosting a guest is not always enjoyable. The host will sacrifice time, resources, and effort. Even when the visitor is likable, a neighbor can soon become "sick" of having them around if he stays long enough. Thus, Solomon wisely advises a person to visit only occasionally to his neighbor to avoid angering or irritating him.

Scriptures commend neighborliness and hospitality. We should be hospitable as Heb 13:2 says, “Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for thereby some have entertained angels unawares.” Even, James writes, "Religion that is pure and undefiled before God the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their affliction, and to keep oneself unstained from the world" (Jas 1:27). Yet the Bible also notes that spending too much time in a neighbor's house is not good for either guest or host. At Ephesus, Paul warned Timothy about those who spent undue time flitting from one neighbor's house to another as busybodies, saying, "They learn to be idlers, going about from house to house, and not only idlers, but also gossips and busybodies, saying what they should not" (1 Tim 5:13). Instead of haunting a neighbor's house, one should use proper discernment and know when to allow the neighbor to enjoy personal space.

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Text: Prov 25:16 ESV

16 If you have found honey, eat only enough for you, lest you have your fill of it and vomit it.

-Prov 25:16 ESV

THE VIRTUE OF MODERATION

At first glance, this verse warns us about the danger of over-eating, which may result to an upset stomach. However, the meaning of this proverb is broader than just eating food. The general idea is like to our modern English expressions "too much of a good thing." In reasonable doses, many things can be enjoyed (1 Tim 4:4), including many types of food, drink, and pleasure (Psa 16:11; Deut 26:9; 1 Cor 10:30–33; Col 2:18). But even good things become harmful when they're overused, idolized, or turn into addictions (1 Cor 6:12; 1 John 2:15). Moderation is the key to appropriate enjoyment of those things God provides for our legitimate enjoyment.

Since the Old Testament times, honey has been valued as a deliciously sweet food until today. Like most sugar-rich substances, too much honey can cause nausea and vomiting. What applied to honey in the ancient world applies today to modern eating habits. Sweet foods are enjoyable for most people, but too much can lead to stomach distress. This is also applied to wine and meat. Wine was a common beverage in Bible times but overindulging in wine could lead to drunkenness. Thus, Solomon warns about drinking wine, "Wine is a mocker, strong drink a brawler, and whoever is led astray by it is not wise."[Prov 20:1] The apostle Paul advised Timothy to drink just a little wine for his stomach's sake and for his frequent ailments (1 Tim 5:23). There, again, moderation is the key to properly enjoying God's creation.

Today, let’s remember that God gives us liberty to enjoy His blessings and creation. However, this is not promoting over-indulgence. We are bound to pleasure and enjoy the things He provides until a certain limit – until it does not edify others and we are sinning. Moderation is the key.

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God’s Word for Today

5 June, 2025

With patience a ruler may be persuaded,

and a soft tongue will break a bone.

-Prov 25:15 ESV

HAVE A SOFT TONGUE

The persuasive person exhibits patience and speaks softly when trying to convince others especially those in authority. The Hebrew term used here can also apply to judges or chiefs. Harsh, impatient words typically make others more resistant (Prov 15:1). Have you not seen employers and government officials who react poorly to impolite criticism? (Prov 14:35; 20:2) A wiser approach is to be patient, waiting for the right moment to give the right words (Prov 15:23). The Hebrew phrase translated "patience" or "forbearance" literally means "length of anger.” This implies delaying and holding on one's frustration before reacting. An impatient attitude may be expressed in a passionate speech that creates tension.

The mention of a tongue breaking a bone is a figure of speech. Obviously, this can’t be taken literally. The lesson is that soft words can accomplish difficult tasks. Well-timed, well-chosen words can persuade a ruler to pursue a difficult course of action. An example of the power of soft words is seen in Abigail's conversation with David. Her husband Nabal arrogantly rejected David's request for provisions; David was prepared to retaliate. However, Abigail went to David and persuaded him not to shed blood (1 Sam 25). David commended her, saying, "Blessed be your discretion, and blessed be you, who have kept me this day from bloodguilt and from working salvation with my own hand" (1 Sam 25:33).

Indeed, a soft answer turns away wrath. The saying, “Stones and sticks may hurt my bones burt words, never.” Is not true. Words, soft and gently said are powerful.

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God’s Word for Today

4 June, 2025

13 Like the cold of snow in the time of harvest

is a faithful messenger to those who send him;

he refreshes the soul of his masters.

14 Like clouds and wind without rain

is a man who boasts of a gift he does not give.

-Prov 25:13-14 ESV

A FAITHFUL MESSENGER

Solomon recognized the quality of a person who faithfully follows instructions. A faithful messenger. Knowing someone is diligently carrying out their task brings great relief to a supervisor or king. The sluggard, on the other hand, causes irritates as vinegar to our teeth or smoke to our eyes (Proverbs 10:26; 25:19; 26:6)

Harvesting time is intense. It is laborious to gather crops to be processed for the upcoming winter. In the ancient world, it was backbreaking. In Solomon's time, ice and snow could be obtained from mountains, but with much difficulty. Today we can get ice easily. Undoubtedly, a cool drink is a great comfort during hot, and tiresome work day.

Paul identifies the servants of Christ as "stewards" and notes that such persons should be "found faithful." [1 Cor 4:1–2 ] Believers are the Lord's messengers, charged with the responsibility to take the good news of salvation into all the world (Mat 28:19). They are supposed to be faithful stewards of this good news, are they not? They are to serve as ambassadors for Christ by urging unbelievers to be reconciled to God. God makes his appeal through them (2 Cor 5:18–20). Definitely, God is pleased when His servants faithfully carry His message.

On the other hand, there are untrustworthy people. They promise but do not fulfill it causing disappointment. The imagery is as in the dry climate of the Middle East. Farmers might look at the gathering clouds, feel the wind, and anticipate rain for the good of their crops. But some clouds and wind just passed by without rain. This would be disappointing. These clouds and sky would suggest one thing, but not deliver.

Similarly, a person who brags about their good works or generosity without ever acting on is disappointing. Giving others hope, only to let them down, brings a bad reputation. So, too, does taking credit for the accomplishments of others could be equally disappointing. Jesus indicted false religious teachers as hypocrites and announced, "On that day many will say to me, 'Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and cast out demons in your name, and do many mighty works in your name?' And then will I declare to them, 'I never knew you; depart from me, you workers of lawlessness'" (Mat 7:22–23).

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