Bible Chapter: Proverbs 27 & 28

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.
    Proverbs 27:17 is a very practical verse.  How does a strong item like iron get sharpened?  By being rubbed hard against another piece of iron.  It is sharpened by harsh action of having the rough edges taken away by something harder. A person has a good sharp knife because the knife is honed on a sharpening stone. That means that parts of the knife are taken away to leave a sharp edge. A good friend sharpens in the life of another. We must learn from others who can give us insight into the things that must improve or change in our lives. Regular and faithful contact with a godly person who will speak honestly to us will make our lives better.
    When wicked people rise to power, it brings fear in the hearts of people and they want to hide from them.  When wickedness perishes, the righteous increase. Power and authority are very dangerous in the wrong hands. Many lives have been destroyed because a wicked person gains power.

2.  What can I apply in my life from the reading?
    We are told that instead of fleeing, that a righteous person is bold. Learning a proper biblical boldness to stand for righteousness is an important concept to acquire. The goal of evil is to steal, kill and destroy. I need to know God’s ways to bring life and hope, and then step forward in His boldness to bring them to people.

3.  How can I help someone?
    One of these verses tells us that evil people do not understand judgment. The world seems to put an emphasis on letting people get away with things, instead of understanding the purpose and benefit of righteous judgment. I want to help people understand that, because He is righteous, God judges sin. The good news is that, because God is loving and merciful, He forgives sin when people repent.