Thursday, January 23, 2014

“SIH’s Think On These Things: Proverbs 18:22-24”


He layeth up sound wisdom for the righteous (Prov 2:7)

Wisdom and Foolishness – A Contrast: Our Relationships (2): Proverbs 18:22-24

22) [Whoso] findeth a wife findeth a good [thing], and obtaineth favour of the LORD.
23) The poor useth intreaties; but the rich answereth roughly.
24) A man [that hath] friends must shew himself friendly: and there is a friend [that] sticketh closer than a brother.


Wisdom applied to our relationships with others….

EXPOSITION:

22) [Whoso] findeth a wife findeth a good [thing], and obtaineth favour of the LORD.

Based upon the context of this statement, Solomon is clearly speaking of the attaining of a virtuous, Godly wife:
1.  When a man acquires a Godly woman, it is very beneficial, pleasing, and precious to him.
2.  This man, who has sought and found a Godly woman, is blessed of the Lord for seeking a mate that pleases Him.

These principles apply to both genders in a marital relationship.  Finding a Godly mate is beneficial in two ways:  The one faithful in finding a Godly mate will benefit:
1.  from their new-found spouse
2.  from the blessings of God that accompanying that spouse.

A virtuous woman [is] a crown to her husband: but she that maketh ashamed [is] as rottenness in his bones.
 (Proverbs 12:4)



23) The poor useth intreaties; but the rich answereth roughly.
1.  Many times, those who are reliant upon the mercy of others will possess a humble attitude and will deal with their benefactors in a very kind gracious way.
2.  Those who are not reliant upon others will possess a prideful attitude which will cause them to speak fiercely to those around him.

When we develop a spirit of pride and self-reliance, it will lead us to mistreating others.  It is only when we are humble of spirit that we will treat others as if they are better than ourselves, and bring honor to the Lord in our relationships with others.

Let the brother of low degree rejoice in that he is exalted:  But the rich, in that he is made low: because as the flower of the grass he shall pass away.   (James 1:9-10)


24) A man [that hath] friends must shew himself friendly: and there is a friend [that] sticketh closer than a brother.
1.  Our treatment of others will dictate the number and type of friends that we possess.  The idea of being “friendly” involves spoiling others, or treating others better than they might deserve.  Many times, by us going the extra mile for others, we will gain their favor and enter into friendships with them.
2.  In some cases, it is possible for friends to become so close that they will make greater sacrifices for one another than sacrifices made between family members. 

The relationship between the Lord and His people is a wonderful example of this type of friendship.  In this friendship we find that Christ was willing to give His life for us, and in return, we are to give our lives in service for Him…

This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you.  Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.  Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you.  Henceforth I call you not servants; for the servant knoweth not what his lord doeth: but I have called you friends; for all things that I have heard of my Father I have made known unto you.   (John 15:12-15)

For whoso findeth me findeth life, and shall obtain favour of the LORD.   (Proverbs 8:35)


SUMMARY:

In this text we have seen three very important principles for wisdom in our relationships with others:
1.  Finding a Godly mate is beneficial in two ways:  blessings from their new-found spouse,  from the blessings of God that accompanying that spouse.
2.  When we develop a spirit of pride and self-reliance, it will lead us to mistreating others.  It is only when we are humble of spirit that we will treat others as if they are better than ourselves, and bring honor to the Lord in our relationships with others.
3.  Our treatment of others will dictate the number and type of friends that we possess.

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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