P31 CHALLENGE: Proverbs 25

Proverbs 25 New Living Translation (NLT)   These are more proverbs of Solomon, collected by the advisers of King Hezekiah of Judah. 2 It is God’s privilege to conceal things     and the king’s privilege to discover them. 3 No one can comprehend the height of heaven, the depth of the earth,     or all that goes on in the king’s mind! 4 Remove the impurities from silver,     and the sterling will be ready for the silversmith. 5 Remove the wicked from the king’s court,     and his reign will be made secure by justice. 6 Don’t demand an audience with the king     or push for a place among the great. 7 It’s better to wait for an invitation to the head table     than to be sent away in public disgrace. Just because you’ve seen something, 8     don’t be in a hurry to go to court. For what will you do in the end     if your neighbor deals you a shameful defeat? 9 When arguing with your neighbor,     don’t betray another person’s secret. 10 Others may accuse you of gossip,     and you will never regain your good reputation. 11 Timely advice is lovely,     like golden apples in a silver basket. 12 To one who listens, valid criticism     is like a gold earring or other gold jewelry. 13 Trustworthy messengers refresh like snow in summer.     They revive the spirit of their employer. 14 A person who promises a gift but doesn’t give it     is like clouds and wind that bring no rain. 15 Patience can persuade a prince,     and soft speech can break bones. 16 Do you like honey?     Don’t eat too much, or it will make you sick! 17 Don’t visit your neighbors too often,     or you will wear out your welcome. 18 Telling lies about others     is as harmful as hitting them with an ax, wounding them with a sword,     or shooting them with a sharp arrow. 19 Putting confidence in an unreliable person in times of trouble     is like chewing with a broken tooth or walking on a lame foot. 20 Singing cheerful songs to a person with a heavy heart     is like taking someone’s coat in cold weather     or pouring vinegar in a wound. 21 If your enemies are hungry, give them food to eat.     If they are thirsty, give them water to drink. 22 You will heap burning coals of shame on their heads,     and the Lord will reward you. 23 As surely as a north wind brings rain,     so a gossiping tongue causes anger! 24 It’s better to live alone in the corner of an attic     than with a quarrelsome wife in a lovely home. 25 Good news from far away     is like cold water to the thirsty. 26 If the godly give in to the wicked,     it’s like polluting a fountain or muddying a spring. 27 It’s not good to eat too much honey,     and it’s not good to seek honors for yourself. 28 A person without self-control     is like a city with broken-down walls.     REFLECTION Lord, I want to be a person of humility as Christ displayed humility in placing our needs ahead of His own.  Teach me today to be content with who You made me to be and where You have placed me to serve You.  May I know that You don’t make mistakes and You will give me the grace to fill whatever You have called me to do.  May I be Your humble servant and choose to exalt others today and not myself, trusting You know my heart.     ----- Missed any days from the P31 Challenge?  All the P31 e-mails are archived here.