Proverbs 27:1-9
Q.1. How should we plan for the future? Why is self-promotion dangerous? – (Prov.27:1-2 c.f. Lk.12:19-20; Jms.4:13-16)
Jesus encouraged His followers to plan. However, it seems that He had this proverb in mind, when He shared the parable of the Rich Fool, who failed to factor God into his future plans (Prov.27:1 c.f. Lk.12:19-20; Lk.14:28-32). James advocated including God in our plans, with an attitude of – If God wills (Jms.4:15). Furthermore, how others see us is more likely to be realistic than how we see ourselves. Neither self-promotion nor boastfulness is ever attractive.
Q.2. How do anger and jealousy express themselves? What makes them hard to bear? – (Prov.27:3-4)
Anger is hard to bear, like a heavy stone, or a flood when it breaks its banks. However, anger is more easily observed. Jealousy is less straightforward, is harder to discern, and so is often harder to bear.
Q.3. In what way may love be painful? What kind of people should get our attention, and whom should we avoid? Why? – (Prov.27:5-9)
True love (we call it tough love) involves correction, and sometimes rebuke – faithful are the wounds of a friend, but deceitful are the kisses of an enemy (Prov.27:6). We should be alert to discern those who may desire our ruin but hide this behind compliments and kisses. Solomon warned against the impact of those who are spoiled or unfaithful, because they are clouded by their sinful experiences. We should be open to the advice of good friends – oil and perfume make the heart glad, so a man’s counsel is sweet to his friend (Prov.27:9).