Proverbs 17:1-4, Character Insights

November 7, Proverbs 17:1-4

Matthew 5:1-16 “A man’s heart us what he is.”

Character Insights

Here is a quick survey of a few Proverbs, most of which we have encountered before. Only let this repetition drive their message all the more surely home.

1. Love that Blesses; Hate that Blights (vs.1): Which is more important, what we eat or with whom? Love can transform a dry morsel into a meal, while strife turns even a banquet into a bitter bone (of contention, 15:17). It’s a case of the little leaven of malice corrupting all it touches, and it touches all. A mind contented, how precious it is! “Riches cannot secure happiness, and poverty cannot destroy it. Invite Christ to come into the house, and into the hearts of its inmates, for He is our peace, and constrain Him to abide” (Arnot).

2. Sonship that Shames; Servanthood that Shines (vs.2): This was true of Solomon’s servant Jeroboam and his own son (1 Kg.11:28, 36). How tragic to witness the disgraceful lives of the Royal sons of Windsor today! There are many examples where the servant is a credit, while the son is a fool. True merit does not go by dignity. No servant shines more brightly than Abraham’s faithful steward, Eliezer (Gn. 15; 24). Joseph was Potiphar’s slave, but became his sovereign. The man who troubles his family may forfeit his future and his fortune as well (16:2; 20:27; Matt. 8:11-12). The prodigal son, in his confession of sin, was ready to take his place with the hired servants (Lk. 15:19). Yet, all such honour from men is fraught with danger and calls for sincere humility before God.

3. Trials that End; Treasures that Endure (vs.3): The soul of man is gold; all else is dross. Man tries for the silver and gold of this world. God alone tries the heart, the gold of eternity. Trial by fire, for man, is a painful process. The silversmith must see his own image reflected in the silver. Only then is the refining complete. The reason for the believer’s trials is to show the dross, the remnants of sin in the heart (Rom. 8:27). Peter says that the trial of your faith is more precious than gold that perishes (1 Pt. 1:7). God’s purpose is to see Christ in you, reflecting the glory of the gold of Heaven (Isa. 48:10; Jer. 17:10; Job 23:10; Mt. 6:19-20).

4. False Props; Flawed Plots (vs.4): Evil doers find support in flattery. Their trade is with others of like evil design. “Birds of a feather flock together” (Jn. 3:20). What people “say and hear” is an indication of what they are really like. The naughty tongue has only evil desires; it is destructive. In 10:3 it was substance with the margin reading wickedness! These love the lie and readily listen to false tales (Isa. 30:10). “Flatterers, especially false teachers, are welcome to those that live in sin” (Henry). Does not the company we seek reflect something of our true character (Acts 4:23)? “There would not be so many open mouths, if there were not so many willing ears to entertain them” (Bp. Hall).

Thought: “Character is better than ancestry” (Thomas Barnado).

Prayer: Lord, fill my heart and tongue with the grace of Thy Spirit.