The book of Proverbs is a guide for pursuing godly wisdom in our daily lives. In this four-week study, we will read a selection of topical proverbs covering different aspects of wisdom, from how to interact with our friends, families, and neighbors, to fearing God and keeping His commands. No matter the subject, these proverbs urge us to wrestle with and reflect on our own response to them. To help you better engage with the proverbs in this reading plan, we have provided you with a short introduction and reflection questions for each day.
Jesus says, “But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be children of your Father in heaven” (Matthew 5:44–45). Amos 5:15 reads, “Hate evil and love good.” One of the profound characteristics of a maturing Christ follower is a desire to live in the tension of hating evil while loving our enemies. In a way, this is the heart of the gospel: Christ came carrying an unwavering disdain for the sin at work in us while maintaining an unwavering love for us. We are also called to remain faithful and truthful keeping company with those who are reliable (Proverbs 25:19).
Reflection Questions:
How often would you say you are caught in an internal struggle between good and evil?
Read Proverbs 3:3. What does it mean to tie faithfulness around your neck and write it on the tablet of your heart?
Who are some faithful people in your life? If an unfaithful person is compared to a bad tooth or a busted foot (Proverbs 25:19), to what would you compare a faithful person?
Hanging on , at least for today, recognizing the tension of loving your enemies while hating evil. I have recently taken a step towards re investing in a relationship with my sister. I had to put up some boundaries for my own serenity during the election in an effort to not be pulled towards politics as my religion. For today, I will NoT once check my news app and focus on Christ and faithfulness.
Timely message today, so thankful for these words.
1) daily- the path to righteousness is narrow and we must 2) tie the loyalty and faithfulness around our necks so that we will be reminded constantly that God is forever faithful and in control. 3) I would compare the faithful person to the sunrise each morning- always comes in the morning with hope of a new chance to redeem yourself!!! Happy Friday ladies!! Love our group!!
Love the picture of the Daily Sun rise as an example of God’s faithfulness to us.
PAM K – So THANKFUL for prayers answered with your husband’s surgery! Thank you for the opportunity to pray along with you. Prayers continue for the recovery period.
THANKFUL for all the insightful comments here. They express my thoughts so well!
Rotten tooth/faltering foot – neither can be trusted with a challenge/trial ie.tough meat/rocky path. They represent people who can’t be trusted with helping us through a trial. The faithful person who can be trusted has JOY in the heart and feet firmly planted in the Gospel and offers strength and encouragement based on experience, faith, and wisdom.
Stay safe and well, ladies!
Searching- thanks for your prayers and support. It was good to bring my husband home yesterday and start focusing on recovery. Thanking the Lord for all He has done. I agree with so many of the comments here. We are called to be a light to the world, and these characteristics of integrity and faithfulness stand out. Taylor- I liked what you said about a faithful person- being like a healing balm or cold cup of water. Grateful for many examples in my life and ways God has shaped me to be that for others. I am challenged today to think how I can do better at faithfulness, in even little things.
Evil is all around us and a daily struggle we must hold tight to our heart faithfulness and loyalty
Well it’s talking about you giving steadfast love and living faithfully. Because you have free will, you have a choice not to love or live that way. It’s encouraging you to keep these ways ever before you so that these traits are not forsaken by you.
“3 Never let loyalty and faithfulness leave you.
Tie them around your neck;
write them on the tablet of your heart.
4 Then you will find favor and high regard
with God and people.“
The reference of tablets makes me think of the 10 commandments being written in tablets of stone and how the people were called to follow these commands and yet how they struggled. Deuteronomy 11:18 talks about laying up Jesus’ words on our hearts – owning them – they become a part of us and that’s what I think we see here with loyalty and faithfulness. They should be part of our being and not just stone that we reference when it is convenient.