The Contentious Man, The Son, The Fool, The Friend

(Encouraged reading: Proverbs 17)

v. 1, 4, 11, 13-15, 19-20, 23, 27 The Contentious Man

     This kind of man seeks to cause trouble. He has a rebellious and argumentative spirit. He is hard to reason with because he is set in his own ways. He does not have a gentle or quiet spirit but one stirred with strife.

v. 2-3, 6, 8, 21, 25-26 The Son

     Throughout Proverbs Solomon speaks of and to the son (children); he begs them to not turn to folly, warning it will only grieve and shame their parents. I wonder if Solomon thought about his own brothers who caused his father, King David, grief by their evil ways and foolishness. Even when raised by good parents, one can choose to live foolishly. Respecting, listening, and heeding the wisdom of those who came before is wise and priceless.

v. 5, 7, 10, 12, 16, 24, 28 The Fool

     A fool is not one who makes a foolish decision now and then, but one who consistently makes foolish choices. He is known for making dumb choices, putting his foot in his mouth, and being untrustworthy. He is hard to teach and even harder to correct. Very little is expected of him, and yet, he rarely meets those expectations.

v. 9, 17-18, 22 The Friend

     A good and true friend is a rare and special person to have in life. One who forgives readily and doesn’t repeat bad matters is a loving friend, and a real friend loves at all times. They are also there to lift your spirits when you’re down. Solomon mentions that a brother is born for adversity, meaning a brother is there through thick and thin with and for you.

Application/Prayer:

     Lord, if today’s youth stopped thinking they knew it all maybe foolishness would be less prevalent. We need to be Christians who value what You value. Our world can be so shallow, and sadly it can corrupt our minds. May we value wisdom and be children (even as adults) who seek to honor our parents’ godly legacies. May we value those who have been true friends in our lives, and may we be godly friends. And lastly, may we appreciate Your design for family, giving us siblings who can be our tried-and-true best friends.