He
layeth up sound wisdom for the righteous (Prov 2:7)
God’s Word Affects: Our Relationships With
Others (2): Proverbs 19:8-11
8) He that getteth wisdom loveth his own soul: he that keepeth
understanding shall find good.
9) A false witness shall not be unpunished, and [he that] speaketh lies shall perish.
10) Delight is not seemly for a fool; much less for a servant to have
rule over princes.
11) The discretion of a man deferreth his anger; and [it is] his glory to pass over a
transgression.
We
now continue Solomon’s teachings on the many principles from God’s Word we can
use in the forming and developing solid relationships with others…
EXPOSITION:
8) He that getteth wisdom loveth his own soul: he that keepeth
understanding shall find good.
Principle
#1 – Both wisdom and understanding are vital assets to obtaining quality
relationships with others.
1. When we seek and obtain the application of
God’s Word to our life, we are only helping ourselves in every area of our
life, including our relationships with others.
In doing so, we are showing a love and willingness to sacrifice of
ourselves for our own long-term good.
2. Likewise, those who securely hold fast to understanding
the truths of God will bring upon themselves that which is pleasing to the Lord,
their associates, and themselves.
The
more of the Word that we understand and apply, the more helpful we become to
others. Through our acts of kindness,
Godly counsel, and concern for others, our relationships are nurtured and
strengthened.
“He that hath my
commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me
shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to
him.” (John 14:21)
9) A false witness shall not be unpunished, and [he that] speaketh lies shall perish.
As
we have already seen in verse 5 of this text, deceit and fraud will only hinder
our relationships.
1. Those who profess falsehoods against others
will not be able to escape the deserved results of their actions.
2. Those who speak falsely will eventually
experience utter ruin.
Why
would Solomon repeat this dire warning to us?
Perhaps, it is due to the serious results of dishonesty in our
relationships. There is nothing that
will destroy a relationship more quickly than dishonesty, which will foster an
attitude of distrust and resentment.
“He that overcometh shall
inherit all things; and I will be his God, and he shall be my son. But the fearful, and
unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and
sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake
which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death.” (Revelation 21:7-8)
10) Delight is not seemly for a fool; much less for a servant to have
rule over princes.
Principle
#2 – Godly relationships require us to recognize our shortcomings and the strength
of others around us.
1. To find joy in their position in life is not
beneficial for the fool. This breeds a
spirit of contentment and lack of want which hinders them seeing their need of
forgiveness and change.
2. Likewise, it is not beneficial for a foolish
servant to be promoted to rule over those who have a greater amount of wisdom
and ability.
True
friends will recognize the need to take a back seat to those of greater
knowledge and abilities in certain areas of their relationship. They will be ready to accept responsibilities
in their areas of strength, while turning over responsibilities in areas of their
weakness. This is a key principle in
bringing unity and success to our relationships.
“Draw nigh to God, and he
will draw nigh to you. Cleanse [your] hands, [ye] sinners; and purify [your]
hearts, [ye] double minded. Be afflicted, and mourn,
and weep: let your laughter be turned to mourning, and [your] joy to heaviness. Humble yourselves in the
sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up.” (James 4:8-10)
11) The discretion of a man deferreth his anger; and [it is] his glory to pass over a
transgression.
Principle
#3 – Forgiveness is another key factor in possessing successful relationships.
1. Knowledge that produces success will cause a
man to patiently hold back his wrathful anger.
2. It will bring praise and honor of others,
when a man overlooks actions that step over the line in opposition to him.
Forgiveness
is releasing the offender from deserved punishment for the actions he has
performed against us. It is saying “Although
you have brought harm upon me, I do not desire for you to be punished for your
actions.” It is a wiliness to lay down
our thoughts and desires for vengeance, by overlooking their wrongdoing. How important forgiveness is to any relationship. Because we are fallen creatures, we will
fail, abuse, and bring harm upon others.
No one is exempt from this. It is
during these times, that a spirit of forgiveness must be had to sustain the
relationship. By forgiving, not only are
we seeking to continue the relationship, but we are exhibiting one of the
greatest testimonies of Christ (His love, forgiveness and sacrifice) that is
possible to a lost and dying world.
“Put on therefore, as the
elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of
mind, meekness, longsuffering; Forbearing one another,
and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as
Christ forgave you, so also [do] ye.” (Colossians 3:12-13)
SUMMARY:
In
this first part of our study these are the principles we have learned about the
forming and keeping of our relationships with others:
Principle
#1 – Relationships are formed and sustained when benefits can be received
through the relationship.
Principle
#2 – Honesty is another key factor in the forming and sustaining of strong
relationships.
Principle
#3 – Relationships require a gracious, humble, giving of oneself for those who
are undeserving of our aid.
Principle
#4 – Relationships should not be taken for granted, nor should the actions of
our friends on our behalf be ignored, unappreciated, or neglected. To the best of our ability we are to seek to
give back to those who sacrificially give to us.
Principle
#5 – Both wisdom and understanding are vital assets to obtaining quality
relationships with others.
Principle
#6 – Godly relationships require us to recognize our shortcomings and the strength
of others around us.
Principle
#7 – Forgiveness is another key factor in possessing successful relationships.
By
God’s grace, let us all study these proverbs diligently, giving them the value
that they deserve.
May the
Lord bless us as we receive this sound wisdom and then “Think On These Things”.
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