Wisdom with Neighbors

Tradition and Wisdom
Teaching and Learning:
Wisdom and Discernment

Proverbs 25:16-20

The Message

A Person Without Self-Control

 ^16-17 When you're given a box of candy, don't gulp it all down;
   eat too much chocolate and you'll make yourself sick;
And when you find a friend, don't outwear your welcome;
   show up at all hours and he'll soon get fed up.

 ¹⁸ Anyone who tells lies against the neighbors
   in court or on the street is a loose cannon.

 ¹⁹ Trusting a double-crosser when you're in trouble
   is like biting down on an abscessed tooth.

 ²⁰ Singing light songs to the heavyhearted
   is like pouring salt in their wounds.

For Reflection
A couple of days ago I ate a whole large bag of chocolate covered peanuts. It didn't make me sick.  I guess I didn't eat too much!

Do you remember a time when you were tempted to suggest that you were siding against a friend just so the group you were with could identify you as one of them?  Didn't you realize at the moment you said untoward things that you were wrong.  Selfishness won as it sometimes does. The sacrifice of self is one of the most difficult sacrifices we make and it is difficult.

Pray
that you will hesitate to elevate your self at the expense of others.  Pray that you never sing light songs to the heavy hearted.  Pray that you empathy for others is authentic.  Pray for God's gentle nudge toward righteousness.