Proverbs 25:1-28
25:1-2 God is the embodiment and proliferation of wisdom. He designed the universe; there is so much about His knowledge that is unattainable to us because of its complexity. But is the glory of God's faithful children to search Him, to seek within those omnipotent spaces for the character of God. As our relationship develops with Him, more and more is revealed, so much of life is able to be understood.
25:3 We have God's complexity within us; as vast as the earth, our own hearts are searched thoroughly by Him. He endeavors to know us well and fully, and we endeavor for the same: to know Him as well as we possibly can.
25:4-5 Our relationship with God is a cleansing, molding, sharpening, refining process. As we learn from Him and become more disciplined in the things of Spirit (love, wisdom and justice in all their forms) the more securely we are established in righteousness.
25:6-7 We are taught to be humble creatures. For when we boast and shove ourselves in places, we will shamefully discover that we are not welcomed there. God recognizes humility in His children; He knows that a humble character is able to learn and grow and therefore become qualified for exalted positions. We do not have to force our way into opportunities, relationships, or anything else. God will tailor those things to our specific measurements and will secure us within them.
25:8-10 God does not want us to rush into arguments and entanglements. He wants us to act wisely, patiently and observe. Reflect. Contemplate. He does not want us to gossip or stir up tension or anxiety. Poor behavior will ruin our reputation and cause a shameful result.
25:11-12 Appropriate responses to people and situations are like valuable treasure, fresh fruit. We should interact and behavior, therefore, with respect and solemnity.
25:13 There is purity in an honest messenger. It is troublesome to embellish or downplay. Circumstances can best be dealt with when the information is full and honest, and no more or less than that.
25:14 A disciplined student of God develops whatever particular gift God has given them. They use it to change the lives of the people around them for the better. But we have to be careful not to force ourselves into spiritual positions that we are not qualified for: it harmful at worst and useless at best. We all have gifts and places to develop and use those gifts, we must listen to and follow God into the places we are meant to be.
25:15 There is great power in perseverance, as well as in a gentle. God teaches us humble, honorable, patient, quiet ways to make huge impacts in our life.
25:16 Moderation is advised. We shouldn't spoil ourselves with things; we must always remember to exhibit patient and discipline, reservation when necessary. We must always practice self control.
25:17 It's important not to overstep boundaries.
25:18 To lie about person or event can do lethal damage to a life or situation.
25:19 Arrogance in an unrighteous person hurts others and dismantles good things. We must be righteous people at all times, so that when a difficult situation arises, we have the God-taught wherewithal to persevere wisely through it (rather than cause further destruction).
25:20 Do not be foolish: when people need kindness, do not give them cruelty.
Matthew 5:46 For if you love those who love you, what reward have you? Do not even the tax collectors do the same?
25:23 Anger within a person will come out as anger to others. We have to do construction within ourselves in order not to do harm to others. We have to learn and grow in patience and kindness and communication.
25:24 It is truly traumatizing to life with a contentious person, therefore endeavor to not even be that contentious person. God teaches us peace and kindness for a reason; it's important for the health of all souls involved.
25:25 There are simple pleasures that bring complex joy; we should not take them for granted.
25:26 Our relationship with God builds courage within us; because of God's strength, we are able to stand against injustice. Our lives are useful when our faith is our armor and commander.
25:27 It is not good to overindulge or to be arrogant. We spoil and corrupt ourselves (our careers, our friendships, relationships, and everything else) when we have no self control and too much self-righteousness.
25:28 We must be a faithful fortress within ourselves. We must be self-disciplined and faithful in order to have strong borders, defense and courage. If we are unable to control ourselves, our entire lives will be chaotic and undisciplined.
