From science to an abscessed tooth…
In Proverbs 25, we find ourselves back with further wise sayings of Solomon. 28 in all. Let’s go back to picking out a few that may cover different ground to all the proverbs we have already looked at.
God delights in concealing things;
scientists delight in discovering things. Proverbs 25:2
Interesting angle. Of course, as my friend Sarah is often pointing out, the two are not mutually exclusive. Science is not the enemy. It’s putting all of our faith and confidence in science and not allowing space for God that is the problem. There is an unknown. And in my opinion, there always will be, because no human will ever fully understand the ways of God. Science operates on the fringes of the unknown, discovering more and more about the wonders of how the universe works. Which is really exciting. But I’m sure I read a quote from Brian Cox, which I can’t now find, in which he said it is entirely possible for that gap between what is known and what will probably never be known to be inhabited by God. I like that idea. Science is fine. Of course it is. But it will only ever go so far. Only God will ever hold all the answers.
Don’t work yourself into the spotlight;
don’t push your way into the place of prominence.
It’s better to be promoted to a place of honour
than face humiliation by being demoted. Proverbs 25:6-7
Don’t push too hard for it. Wait until you’re ready. And that is often when someone else thinks you’re ready. Confidence is a fragile thing. And without it, we can achieve nothing. My friend Wendy has a theory that most people are encouraged to be promoted until they arrive at one level above what they are comfortably capable of – and this is what makes many people unhappy and stressed. Better then to stay at the level you know you can do well and be happy.
Don’t jump to conclusions—there may be
a perfectly good explanation for what you just saw. Proverbs 25:8
I am so guilty of this. It’s human nature, I’m sure. It’s instinct. It comes so easily. Recently, I found out that someone I thought had a real issue with me does not at all. I’d built up this whole story on a few small indications and jumped to a lot of conclusions. I’d then acted in a certain way towards this person based on what I thought to be the truth. That ended up not being the truth at all.
Reliable friends who do what they say
are like cool drinks in sweltering heat—refreshing! Proverbs 25:13
Ooh yes. I am a big fan of reliability.
When you’re given a box of candy, don’t gulp it all down;
eat too much chocolate and you’ll make yourself sick;
And when you find a friend, don’t outwear your welcome;
show up at all hours and he’ll soon get fed up. Proverbs 25:16-17
It’s all about self-control, isn’t it? Knowing when you’ve had enough and being able to stop. Because you really can have too much of a good thing. Life is all about balance and moderation in the end. Over-indulgence always has its consequences.
Trusting a double-crosser when you’re in trouble
is like biting down on an abscessed tooth. Proverbs 25:19
Sorry, but I just like the image. Well, not like, obviously, but it is one that so many of us can relate to from personal experience and are wincing right now simply by being reminded of it.
Like a cool drink of water when you’re worn out and weary
is a letter from a long-lost friend. Proverbs 25:25
My Dad was really good at letters. My sister is too. I love receiving a letter through the door. More than a text or an email. I intend to send more.
A person without self-control is like a house with its doors and windows knocked out. Proverbs 25:28
Self-control is often seen as a killjoy and a bad thing. Whereas the strength and discipline that accompany self-control can make us healthier and happier. More confident. More resilient. Better able to cope with life. We look after ourselves better. We are less vulnerable.
