Proverbs 25:8-15 says,...

Today's verses are Proverbs 25:8-15, which read,

v.8-10 - Do not go out hastily to argue your case; otherwise, what will you do in the end, when your neighbor humiliates you?  Argue your case with your neighbor, and do not reveal the secret of another, or he who hears it will reproach you, and the evil report about you will not pass away.

In the book of Proverbs are many proverbs about relationships and here is another one.  We will have conflict with one another.  We will have times when we are angry with one another.  What do we do with that anger?  Do we immediately run to the court or to others and tell them about our problem in a one sided way to get their sympathy or support?  Do we run to the press or to FaceBook and put it out for all to see about the hurt of injustice that we feel?

This rush to report gives the one who has offended you a chance to respond in the public arena and if they truly don't like you then they probably have some "stuff" on you to also report.  They will fight back with fire and probably light a bigger fire about you than you did about them.  We are hypocritical people so if we are going to throw mud then we are going to get dirty with our shortcomings.  The proverb advises us that the mud that is thrown back will stick for a long time.

The proverb doesn't say to not deal with the injustice issue where we are wronged.  It just tells us the route to go to see some type of resolution.  Go to the person first.  Does this sound familiar.  Jesus gives us this instruction in Matthew 18:15-20.  Take some time to read it.  Jesus again uses the Bible and so should we when it comes to real life situations.  The wise person goes to the person directly instead of broadcasting it to the world.  

v.11-14 - Like apples of gold in the settings of silver is a word spoken in right circumstances.  Like an earring of gold and an ornament of fine gold is a wise reprover to a listening ear.  Like the cold of snow in the time of harvest is a faithful messenger to those who send him, for he refreshes the soul of his masters.  Like clouds and wind without rain is a man who boasts of his gifts falsely.

Here are four "like" statements, three good and one bad.  The word spoken in the right way and at the right time is like this beautiful arrangement of golden apples set against a silver backdrop.  The correction given by someone who is wise and doing it wisely will actually be heard and that is like a piece of fine jewelry to be admired and worn for others to see.  When the truth is given, not withheld, but delivered with love, it is like the refreshment of coolness to the harvesters like snow in the time of the hot harvest.  It brings needed energy after much energy has been dispersed and you push on to complete the task.  It is that "cold cup of water" on a hot day that replenishes the body to get to the end of the row.

Three positive "likes" and then a negative one.  It looks like rain.  It feels like rain.  The clouds are coming in and the wind is picking up but nothing comes down.  You are disappointed because the crops really needed some rain.  They were boasting of it but they did not deliver.  So is the man who boasts about his gifts for he is like that rainless cloud in a dry land.  He doesn't deliver what is needed.

v.15 -  By forbearance a ruler may be persuaded, and a soft tongue breaks the bone.

Instead of broadcasting it to the masses about some perceived injustice, the proverb is to put into place patience first.  Take a breath.  Think about what to do next.  Consult the Scriptures and those godly people God has put around you.  Think through what you need to say and how you should say it.  It will probably be much tamer then when you first thought about it.  It will be softer but not without impact.  Self-control is a powerful fruit of the Spirit that is within the life of the believer who has the Spirit within them.  When utilized in matters such as these, even rulers will listen who have the power to change things on a bigger level than you can.  The soft story spoken in truth and love wins the day and is done God's way.  Let us pray.

"Lord, we jump to conclusions too quickly.  We fire off a response before checking with You.  We say something ugly when You want us to be wise and respond in a way that resembles fine jewelry and cool refreshment to the situation.  Help us to follow Your wisdom and to be guided by the self-control of the Spirit to see better results.  Amen."

Pastor Adam