Sunday, January 5, 2014

“SIH’s Think On These Things: Proverbs 17:8-11”


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

The Wisdom of The Lord: Self-Sacrifice For Others: Proverbs 17:8-11
8) A gift [is as] a precious stone in the eyes of him that hath it: whithersoever it turneth, it prospereth.
9) He that covereth a transgression seeketh love; but he that repeateth a matter separateth [very] friends.
10) A reproof entereth more into a wise man than an hundred stripes into a fool.
11) An evil [man] seeketh only rebellion: therefore a cruel messenger shall be sent against him.

Solomon now shares some ways to sacrifice for the benefit of others.

EXPOSITION:

8) A gift [is as] a precious stone in the eyes of him that hath it: whithersoever it turneth, it prospereth.
Any act of sacrifice on behalf of another can be considered a “gift” that is given to the beneficiary…
1. a gift when given is like a piece of jewelry that, when worn, encourages the wearer by enhancing their beauty and feeling of self-worth.  Why does any sacrificial gift beautify the receiver?  It is a sign they are loved, they are being thought about, and the giver thinks highly of them.
2. giving a gift will succeed in encouraging others when many other methods fail.  Talk is cheap, but when a person sees an act of self-sacrifice on their behalf it is a very powerful display of reassurance, support and self-esteem.

When we sacrifice for the benefit of others,  is one of the greatest ways to encourage those who are struggling and in need.

“But unto every one of us is given grace according to the measure of the gift of Christ.”   (Ephesians 4:7)

Note: this is not teaching us that we should attempt to bribe someone to get our way…. Keep in mind, the only type of gift being described here is one of SELF-SACRIFICE.  In other words, the gift is given with no expectation of return.  It is given entirely with a heart of desire to help others and gain nothing for ourselves.

“He that walketh righteously, and speaketh uprightly; he that despiseth the gain of oppressions, that shaketh his hands from holding of bribes, that stoppeth his ears from hearing of blood, and shutteth his eyes from seeing evil;  He shall dwell on high: his place of defence [shall be] the munitions of rocks: bread shall be given him; his waters [shall be] sure.”   (Isaiah 33:15-16)



9) He that covereth a transgression seeketh love; but he that repeateth a matter separateth [very] friends.
In this text, to “cover a transgression” can be describing forgiveness or not revealing it for publically…
Confidentiality and forgiveness are other ways we can sacrifice of ourselves for the benefit of others…
1.  When confidences are kept and/or forgiveness is granted, a clear desire for continued love and friendship is being displayed. 
2.  When the keeping of a friend’s confidences are replaced by gossiping and tale-bearing will only cause their friendship to deteriorate and end in ruin.

“[A Psalm] of David, Maschil. Blessed [is he whose] transgression [is] forgiven, [whose] sin [is] covered.”   (Psalms 32:1)
“And above all things have fervent charity among yourselves: for charity shall cover the multitude of sins.”  (1 Peter 4:8)


10) A reproof entereth more into a wise man than an hundred stripes into a fool.
Giving, and accepting, reproof is an act of love and self-sacrifice.
1.  Risking rejection, when we are willing to give corrective advice to those in need, is a clear display of self-sacrifice for the good of others.
2.  Willingness to humble self and accept reproof from the mouth of a friend, instead of rejecting the reproof and risking harming the friendship is an act of self-sacrifice also.

Only fools would willfully reject the advice of a friend and risk hurting and alienating those who are lonely trying to help.    

“Let the righteous smite me; [it shall be] a kindness: and let him reprove me; [it shall be] an excellent oil, [which] shall not break my head: for yet my prayer also [shall be] in their calamities.”   (Psalms 141:5)


11) An evil [man] seeketh only rebellion: therefore a cruel messenger shall be sent against him.
Another proof of self-sacrifice, and wisdom, is willingness to be submissive to higher authorities (as long as they do not oppose the Word of God…  One of the results of rebellion is to cause strife and a warring attitude from those of higher authority.

If we wish to be able to have peace, compromise and friendly communication with those over us, we must treat them with respect and willful submission.  Both respect and willful submission are self-sacrificial acts performed on behalf of those who rule over us. 

“But those mine enemies, which would not that I should reign over them, bring hither, and slay [them] before me.”   (Luke 19:27)


SUMMARY:

How can we display wisdom in our lives?
1.  by giving others the gift of self-sacrifice which displays reassurance, support and love for them.
2. when confidences are kept and/or forgiveness is granted, a clear desire for continued love and friendship is being displayed. 
3.  Giving, and accepting, reproof is also an act of wisdom, love and self-sacrifice.
4.  willingness to show respect and willful submission to those in authority over us.


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”.

SIH Homepage: http://www.settledinheaven.org


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