PROFITING FROM PROVERBS

“Lest he that heareth it put thee to shame, and thine infamy turn not away. A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in pictures of silver . . . Withdraw thy foot from thy neighbour's house; lest he be weary of thee, and so hate thee” (Proverbs 25:10-11).

Infamy is to have a bad reputation, it is just the opposite of fame, it is a loss of reputation. “A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in pictures of silver.” Apples of gold and pictures of silver remind us of contrast, harmony, and balance. In other words, a picture of apples of gold in pictures of silver is something that would be pleasing and harmonious to the to the eye. It wouldn't be out of order; it would be in the right order. It would look right; it would have a very pleasing affect upon you. Well, a word gently spoken is the same way. That is, the right words at the right time. They are the right words that fit the occasion, “fitly spoken.”

In other words, when somebody is rejoicing, rejoice with them. That is a fit word. When somebody's weeping it's time to weep—be sorrowful with them.

It’s not time to joke or jest at that point. See, “a word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in pictures of silver.” It'll fit the occasion, and it will be right.

“Withdraw thy foot from thy neighbour's house; lest he be weary of thee, and so hate thee.”

That's just a plain old passage about wearing out your welcome. be careful of too much Visitation. In verse 16, overindulgence and in verse 17, just too much social life.

Daily Bible study is necessary if we are going to begin our day with the right attitude and the right spiritual diet. Proverbs has 31 chapters, and most months have 31 days, so let's read a chapter of Proverbs a day and see what God might have for us. As the Lord leads, share with us what God has shown you in a special way and by His grace let us build up a devotional repository. Let's keep our knives and forks handy for some daily bread! Ideally, a chapter or two of Proverbs will fit in nicely with a good plan of reading our Bibles through each year.

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