Category: Devotions

“Friendship is the only thing in the world concerning the usefulness of which all are agreed” (Cicero). But is friendship nothing but a calculation of benefits, a device for selfishness? True, Christianity did not create friendship, but it was transformed in the Person of Jesus Christ. He is the true Friend, “the One who loves,” and whose loving friendship knows no end (Jn. 13:1).

There are obvious common elements in these three proverbs. They raise questions about the different treatment of rich and poor. What is our responsibility to both these classes? What about the poor-rich and the rich-poor? One of the most vexing and politically explosive issues today is how to “address” the widespread poverty and homelessness.

How profaned and disregarded is the “holy institution” of marriage! It is God’s creation ordinance, and honoured by Him, but most vilely dishonoured by man. “There is no estate to which Satan is more opposed as to marriage” (Luther). Is it too much to say that the judgments falling on nations, and the deadness that lies on churches, are the results of our “defiling that which God desires to keep holy as a fitting emblem of Christ’s union with the saved”? (Arnot)

If one is filled with the increase of his lips will his belly be satisfied? Will his words provide a nutritious or noxious diet, either for himself or his hearers? Will the power of the tongue bring ruin or relief? Such is the question raised by today’s proverbs.

Shakespeare wrote, “In a false quarrel there is no valour,” and he would include “no virtue.” Did the famous bard find this answer in the Bible? These three proverbs touch life at many points, and we frequently feel their touch.

Jesus pronounced blessed all who hunger and thirst after righteousness and after God (Matt. 5:6; 6:33). It was the cry of the Psalmist (42:1-2; 63:1-2). It was the heart’s longing of Apostle Paul (Phil. 3:10), and the motivation of every true Christian (2 Tm. 2:15).

Paul testifies, We glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation works patience; and patience experience, and experience hope: and hope makes not ashamed: because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Spirit (Rm. 5:3-5).

Both proverbs refer to before and after of certain acts. Before destruction (shattering) haughtiness may control, but after humility (affliction) may come honour (vs.12). In debate it is always wise to quietly listen before answering lest after a hasty answer comes shame (reproach). These bring us face to face with what we might call the old adversaries of even the redeemed (Lk. 14:11; 1 Pet. 5:5)!

It is sober truth that souls of men are in danger. The world religions, man’s conscience, God’s Word, all attest to this. What an awful illusion to think otherwise! Yet, sinners, left to their own devices, don’t know their peril. They cry in scorn, “Who says we are lost?” But “saints tears are better than sinner’s triumphs!”

Bad work is destroying work! Kidner quotes, “He who leaves a work undone is next of kin to him who destroys it.” The “slothful in his work” shows himself to be slack (Jos. 18:3) or faint (24:10). His hands are slack and hang down, not from physical exertion, but from sloth! His brother, is a great waster, literally, a lord or master of destruction. “The one gets nothing. The other spends what he gets” (Bridges). John Calvin, speaking of the failure of man, said, “The whole life of man until he is converted to Christ is a ruinous labyrinth of wanderings…. He who disregards his calling will never keep the straight path in the duties of life.”