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Proverbs 25:1-14 (ESV)
More Proverbs of Solomon
25 These also are proverbs of Solomon which the men of Hezekiah king of Judah copied.
2 It is the glory of God to conceal things, but the glory of kings is to search things out. 3 As the heavens for height, and the earth for depth, so the heart of kings is unsearchable. 4 Take away the dross from the silver, and the smith has material for a vessel; 5 take away the wicked from the presence of the king, and his throne will be established in righteousness. 6 Do not put yourself forward in the king’s presence or stand in the place of the great, 7 for it is better to be told, “Come up here,” than to be put lower in the presence of a noble. What your eyes have seen 8 do not hastily bring into court, for what will you do in the end, when your neighbor puts you to shame? 9 Argue your case with your neighbor himself, and do not reveal another’s secret, 10 lest he who hears you bring shame upon you, and your ill repute have no end. 11 A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in a setting of silver. 12 Like a gold ring or an ornament of gold is a wise reprover to a listening ear. 13 Like the cold of snow in the time of harvest is a faithful messenger to those who send him; he refreshes the soul of his masters. 14 Like clouds and wind without rain is a man who boasts of a gift he does not give.
Yesterday we focused on wise relationships in the Sunday message and we will continue our journey through the book of Proverbs this week in chapters 25-27. The beginning of Proverbs 25 focuses on how to act wisely in the presence of a king. You should not attempt to search his heart (3), or come hastily into his presence (6), or bring a case before him too quickly (7b-10). But Jesus, our King, has changed this. We cannot know God, but He has made Himself known through the cross and in His Word and we are able to come into his presence because we have been washed by the blood of Jesus. We are able to bring our issues to him for counsel. This Proverb guides us when we go before our earthly leaders for counsel and judgment so that we are careful not to think too highly of ourselves and assume we are always right; but in Christ we have confidence to stand before the king and know we are welcomed, loved, cared for and that our prayers will be heard by our loving Father.