v.1-15
A few verses today remind me that we have our own limit. Only God is Sovereign.
v.9 A person plans his course,
but the LORD directs his steps.
but the LORD directs his steps.
Even our intention of what to say and the resulting words coming from our mouth we have no control, but coming from the LORD
v.1 The intentions of the heart belong to a man,
but the answer of the tongue comes from the LORD
Therefore, Scriptures remind us to depend on God
v.3 Commit your works to the LORD,
and your plans will be established
See NET notes, "The verb (“to commit”) is from the root (“to roll”). The figure of rolling... as in rolling one’s burdens on the LORD... It portrays complete dependence on the LORD. This would be accomplished with a spirit of humility and by means of diligent prayer, but the plan must also have God’s approval."
Do you have any anxiety in your heart because of the unknown future? What is something that you have not "rolled over to the LORD" because you want to have total control of your life? Let's face the reality that we have little control of our life. We all have our limits and only God is sovereign. (See my other email for the suggestions of praying for your husband).
From v.10-15 there are proverbs for the king, see NET notes in v.10 to avoid some misunderstandings (the Chinese translation can be very confusing),
v.10 The divine verdict is in the words of the king,
his pronouncements must not act treacherously against justice.
" The second line gives the effect of the first: If the king delivers such oracular sayings (“divine verdict”), then he must be careful in the decisions he makes. The imperfect tense ( "must not act treacherously against justice" )... stress the obligation of the king not to act treacherously against justice. It would also be possible to translate, "Let the king not act treacherously against justice.""
v.16-33
Again the Proverbs teach us how to speak:
v.21 The one who is wise in heart is called discerning,
and kind speech increases persuasiveness
The 1st and 2nd part form something like, "A, what more than that is B," type of sentence. A wise person has a wise heart, and on top of that, their speech is kind. Do you find your words are not persuasive and no one in your home listening to you? Be wise in heart and have kindness in your speech. See NET notes on "kind", "The idea of “sweetness” must be gracious and friendly words. The teaching will be well-received because it is both delightful and persuasive (cf. NIV “pleasant words promote instruction”)."
Sweet words are compliment in
v.21 The one who is wise in heart is called discerning,
and kind speech increases persuasiveness
The 1st and 2nd part form something like, "A, what more than that is B," type of sentence. A wise person has a wise heart, and on top of that, their speech is kind. Do you find your words are not persuasive and no one in your home listening to you? Be wise in heart and have kindness in your speech. See NET notes on "kind", "The idea of “sweetness” must be gracious and friendly words. The teaching will be well-received because it is both delightful and persuasive (cf. NIV “pleasant words promote instruction”)."
Similar idea is found in v.23, but here the wisdom adds persuasiveness.
v.23 A wise person’s heart makes his speech wise
and it adds persuasiveness to his wordsSweet words are compliment in
v.24 Pleasant words are like a honeycomb,
sweet to the soul and healing to the bones.
sweet to the soul and healing to the bones.
Have you heard any good words like this? Your whole body feels better because of someone who encourage you, comfort you, inspire you, or give you some guideline when you are lost?
Two negative examples of speech:
v.28-29 A perverse person spreads dissension,
and a gossip separates the closest friends.
A violent person entices his neighbor,
and leads him down a path that is terrible.
Guard yourself from gossip, which is very common among ladies. What is gossip? Pastor in my previous church defines it this way, if you are not the person who is doing that, or you are not going to help the person who is doing it then dont talk about that. I think it is a very simple definition.
and a gossip separates the closest friends.
A violent person entices his neighbor,
and leads him down a path that is terrible.
Guard yourself from gossip, which is very common among ladies. What is gossip? Pastor in my previous church defines it this way, if you are not the person who is doing that, or you are not going to help the person who is doing it then dont talk about that. I think it is a very simple definition.
Audrey
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