Bible Chapter: Proverbs 25 & 26

Because the Bible is practical, here are some statements to get you thinking.

1.  Write one or two key thoughts that come from today’s reading.
    As I read through Proverbs, I find many very interesting statements. One of them is “Don’t visit your neighbors too often, or you will wear out your welcome”.  Another translation says to withdraw your foot from your neighbor’s house, lest he be weary of you. I see the principle here of being a good friend but not trying to take advantage of people. I have seen people drive their friends and family away because they became so needy. This is a good practical concept to apply.
    One interesting way to gain the attention of an enemy is to give him food when he is hungry. It says that in doing so we will heap coals of fire upon his head.  This doesn’t mean that he becomes injured, but that it will bring shame to his heart to see how you treat him in such a kind way that he would never do for you. God’s goal in this is that it will cause the person to be brought to the Lord.

2.  What can I apply in my life from the reading?
    If there is no wood to fuel a fire, the fire will go out. So, when gossip stops, then strife and arguments will cease. When coal or wood is added to a fire, the fire grows. If a person is contentious, they continue to kindle strife. There are times when the best thing to do is for a person to be quiet and quit trying to win the argument. I believe that at least part of the application here is to be willing to let problems cease by being careful not to be contentious and telling stories about people. We can wound people with our words.

3.  How can I help someone?
    One verse here tells us that flattery leads to ruin. It is important to learn the balance between good compliments and flattery. Learn to accept good compliments and reject that which comes across as flattery.