Purity, Modesty, Moderation

New Guest: Like this one, most posts are devotional; those related to CAR BIZ can be found by searching for that title. You might start with 'Welcome,' the first post in the archives, dated November 12, 2008, where I introduce myself and the blog.

Tuesday, September 22, 2009
Devotions: Proverbs 25
God in His glory conceals deep things; a glorious king searches them out. A true king’s mind is as unsearchable as the heavens are high and the earth is deep. Remove the dross, and the smith has silver he can use to make a fit vessel; remove wickedness from the king’s presence, and his throne will be established in righteousness. Hold back in the presence of authority and greatness; it is better to be invited to step forward than to be demoted in public. Keep what you see to yourself; there is no benefit in losing a public argument. Speak only for yourself; don’t disclose the secrets of others, lest someone be offended and bring you to shame and ruin your reputation. A word fitly spoken is like a golden apple in a silver setting. A wise reproof is like a golden ornament to a listening ear. A faithful messenger refreshes his masters’ spirits, like the bracing chill of snow at harvest time. Like clouds and wind without rain is one who boasts of a gift he does not give. Patience persuades an adamant ruler; a soft tongue can break bones. When you find something as tasty as honey, eat only what you need; if you gorge, you’ll be disgusted and vomit out what you have taken in. Visit in your neighbor’s house seldom, lest your neighbor grow weary of you and begin to hate you. False witnesses are like war weapons—clubs, swords or arrows. Trust placed in a faithless man in a crisis is like a bad tooth or a foot that slips. One who sings songs to a heavy heart is like one who strips down on a cold day, or like vinegar poured on an open wound. If your enemy has needs, meet them: feed him, give him a drink; in doing these things, you heap fiery coals on his head, and YHWH will reward you. As the north wind brings rain, so a backbiting tongue brings angry looks. Better to live in the corner of a rooftop than share a house with a contentious woman. Like cold water to a thirsty soul is good news from a far country. Like a muddied spring or polluted fountain is a righteous man who gives way to the wicked. Eat little honey; be sparing with compliments. A person lacking self control is like a ransacked city without walls.