Prov 17:1 (NASB) I see this in our churches, too. We have churches that have true bonds of fellowship, and then we have those that try to force the fellowship through their ability to throw a great potluck. The true fellowship must be established by a mutual agreement to obey and follow Christ, not by trying to learn how to share a meal.
Prov 17:2 (NASB) A picture just came to mind of a lump of gold waiting to be found and used. If it had a mind, it would know that there was no way to be used unless it first went through the refining fire. It might have some fear of the unknown – fear after hearing stories of the heat and fierceness of the refining process. But, it knows that it can never be useful without it. So, despite the fear, it still seeks daily to be used.
What if we had that boldness in the refining of the Lord? What if we realized that, apart from Him working on us, we are as useless as an unrefined lump of gold? Most people do desire to be useful. When will we realize that mankind’s only true usefulness comes from submission to our Creator?
If we would realize and acknowledge that concept, I think we might seek His testing and refining of our hearts rather than running from it. And, we might see what usefulness to Him really is.
Prov 17:9 (NASB) I’ve always read this concept of concealing a transgression to mean that one doesn’t just go around declaring the sins of another. But, another thought occurred to me this time around. How often do we conceal someone else’s transgression in our hearts, not speaking of it, but instead letting it fester in our own hearts. That is not seeking love. That is growing bitterness. Concealing a transgression includes taking the sin – even if it hurts us badly – and concealing it even from ourselves. Only then can we put aside any of our own hurt and truly seek love for one another. And, only then can we discover that some things are much more petty than we would ever have believed possible.
Prov 17:10 (NASB) Ever come across someone who never seems to learn no matter how many times he is told? There just might be a reason for it. Sometimes we need to accept that certain people remain fools. Rather than try to correct them, maybe we should focus on prayer for them – that they will be filled with understanding and raised from their foolishness. And, meanwhile, we just might need to work on our own attitudes and not allow ourselves to be derailed by them!
Prov 17:24 (NASB) Always looking for fulfillment elsewhere? Maybe it’s time to analyze your heart and seek wisdom instead. Wisdom is here, now. Wherever you are, wisdom is there – and wisdom fulfills all desires. Don’t look afar for fulfillment. Whether it be in your job, in your spouse, in your circumstances. Look near for the wisdom of God and all else will fall into place,
Prov 17:26 (NASB) This should be a comfort for the righteous. They may be fined or struck, but justice will always come.
Prov 17:27 (NASB) Oh how I need to plaster this verse up everywhere I go. It needs to be memorized and front and center in my heart and mind. I so frequently do not restrain my words, nor do I maintain a cool spirit – I like justice, and I’ll fight for it. I need to implement this instead!
Prov 17:28 (NASB) And, if I will just keep my mouth shut, even when I know my heart is responding in foolishness, I will be acting as one who has wisdom.
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