Scripture reading – Proverbs 25; Proverbs 26
Continuing our second of two devotionals from today’s Scripture reading, I invite you to consider Proverbs 26:17-19.
Proverbs 26:17 – “He that passeth by [pass over; provokes], and meddleth [pass over; provokes; alienates] with strife [controversy; lawsuit; dispute] belonging not to him, is like one that taketh [restrains; catch; seize] a dog [fierce, hungry dog] by the ears.”
A lot of people are more adept at giving advice, than they are at accepting counsel, and managing their own lives and concerns! Those sanctimonious types are a lot more proficient at creating problems than solving problems. They are what Paul described as “busybodies” in 2 Thessalonians 3:10-12; individuals who are slackers in dealing with their problems, but experts in sowing discord and undermining the authority of spiritual leaders (2 Thess. 3:14-15).
Paul found the same sin in the church at Ephesus among the younger women. He described them as “idle, wandering about from house to house; and not only idle, but tattlers also and busybodies, speaking things which they ought not” (1 Timothy 5:13).
Believers, beware of busybodies! They will surely suffer the fate of one foolish enough to grab a fierce dog by its ears—their sins will come back to bite! (26:17).
Before concluding today’s devotional, allow me the liberty of addressing two more proverbs (26:18-19).
Proverbs 26:18-19 – “As a mad [rabid; insane] man who casteth [shoots] firebrands [burning arrows], arrows [i.e., spear or dart that wounds], and death,
19 So is the man that deceiveth [beguiles; betrays] his neighbor [companion; friend], and saith, Am not I in sport? [play; laugh; mock]”
“I’m sorry… I was kidding… I didn’t mean anything by it!” may be an easy out for one who has cast a firebrand and wounded another’s feelings. Such a man throws his verbal darts without considering how or where they fall. His callousness and careless thought earn him the label of a man to be guarded against, and one who should be avoided.
A word of advice: Don’t believe his excuses! The Lord taught His disciples a valuable lesson regarding the words that proceed from a man’s mouth:
Matthew 15:18-20 – “But those things which proceed out of the mouth come forth from the heart; and they defile the man.
19 For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, blasphemies:
20 These are the things which defile a man…”
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Copyright © 2021 – Travis D. Smith
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