The Wisdom of Self-Control

Tradition and Wisdom
Teaching and Learning:
Wisdom and Discernment

Proverbs 25:21-28

The Message

 ^21-22 If you see your enemy hungry, go buy him lunch;
   if he's thirsty, bring him a drink.
Your generosity will surprise him with goodness,
   and God will look after you.

 ²³ A north wind brings stormy weather,
   and a gossipy tongue stormy looks.

 ²⁴ Better to live alone in a tumbledown shack
   than share a mansion with a nagging spouse.

 ²⁵ Like a cool drink of water when you're worn out and weary
   is a letter from a long-lost friend.

 ²⁶ A good person who gives in to a bad person
   is a muddied spring, a polluted well.

 ²⁷ It's not smart to stuff yourself with sweets,
   nor is glory piled on glory good for you.

 ²⁸ A person without self-control
   is like a house with its doors and windows knocked out.

For Reflection
Being a Christian requires a special understanding and love of self that dislodges the need for selfishness and the search for self-affirmation.  It requires a kind of self-confidence that is clothed in humility which only a God-centered life can bring.  Giving over to the death of one's self and embracing the birth of a transformed self enables a new vision grounded in the wisdom that brings order to God's Kingdom. It gives birth to a new commonsense which overrides defensive tendencies to be judgmental and quick to criticize. Being a Christian is not just an exercise in self-control but also a journey in the company of God, the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit.

Pray
that you will respond to the new found life in the hollow of God's hand.  Pray for steadfast confidence and trust in the way of our Lord.  Give thanks for the grace of God which never abandons us in spite of our failures.