Fountains of Wisdom—A Study in Proverbs Part 41— Leaders, Counselors and Faithful Servants of Christ
To this point in our study of Proverbs, Solomon has been writing to his sons. He longed to leave them the legacy of wisdom that God had so freely given Him by grace. Chapter 25 begins a listing of parables preserved by the men of Hezekiah King of Judah. It is said that the total proverbs of Solomon were greater than 3500; yet, God caused to be preserved those that are here for us. Since I believe that the Bible is the inspired Word of God—preserved as He has ordained in His Sovereign Reign; I must believe that the proverbs preserved are each one uniquely important to the Christian Life. That is part of the reason that I have continued so slowly through the book of Proverbs in this series. Yesterday, we looked at the mystery of God.
Artwork used by permission of Ronald Barba and is protected by copyright.
So much about God we are incapable of understanding or comprehending. We struggle with our limited knowledge which demands faith to see beyond what is visibly obvious before us. From that kind of Faith, Hope and Joy Burst Forth—expecting, awaiting the magnificent Glory that is ever present before us
. So as we move on forward in Proverbs 25, I so want us to not miss even a minute blessing. Therefore, let me carry us on through by paraphrasing the remaining verses to help you understand; but, do not fail to read the scripture yourself in either the Geneva Bible or the King James Version. Since I do not read Hebrew, I proclaim no authority in my paraphrase; so, study these yourself.
2. Though God’s Glory is shrouded in mystery, the true King (or leader) will spend their life searching to know God better, to find His wisdom and to know truth.
3. No one can understand the height of the heavens, the depths of the earth; neither, can anyone understand truly the heart of a King or a leader.
4-5 The same as removing the impurities from the silver allows for a fine vessel to be formed; by removing the rubbish of evil counsel from the King or leader, He will be established in strength. As the dross of evil is removed from the leaders heart; God’s righteousness can be established and shine forth like silver. It is important that leaders have Godly counselors.
6-7 When invited to a group presence before the King or the leaders; don’t presume a seat of position unless offered. In humility, take the lowliest of position; thus, it is better to be exalted from a humble position than to be asked to step down from a seat of prominence. Humbly perform your work with the heart of a servant.
8-13 When you have strife with a neighbor go and discuss it honestly with the neighbor in an attempt to work it out peaceably. Don’t just run forth and take legal action, nor gossip about it with anyone else. This is true also when you see a brother stumble in his walk—go to him, gently offer to help or counsel—don’t go running to everyone else saying, “Oh, we need to pray for our brother and then begin to gossip about what is happening.” Let your words be like “apples of gold with pictures of silver.” A wise man will heed the counsel of a wise counselor sent from God in a timely moment. God has always sent me the right counselor at the right moment—sometimes in person, sometimes by a song and sometimes in a sermon. A faithful messenger of God is as refreshing to the soul as would be a cool, white snow which hails the end and completion of the years of laborious harvest.
14. A man who boasts in the liberality that they have in Grace are those with outward appearance; but, have no understanding, depth or truth. Those who proclaim their liberty to sin because of Grace; could never have known the price paid for their sin. Anyone who truly knows Christ as their Savior can never be content with failures of their own heart. Anyone who knows Christ, loves Him so much as to be willing to suffer the loss of everything else that they might know Him more. Those who have a heart for Christ, understand that they are not yet perfect; but, they make pressing forward in Christ their highest priority.
Philippians 3: 13 Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, 14 I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. 15 Let us therefore, as many as be perfect, be thus minded: and if in anything ye be otherwise minded, God shall reveal even this unto you.
© 2014 Effie Darlene Barba
Artwork used by permission of Ronald Barba. to view artwork available go to http://fineartamerica.com/art/all/ronald+barba/all
Disclosure of Material Connection: I have not received any compensation for writing this post. I have no material connection to any brands, products or services that I have mentioned. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides regarding the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”