Proverbs 27

by Ann

 

Prov 27:1 (NASB) If I were to have shared with you my plans for this past week, they would have looked nothing like what the reality ended up being.  It’s one thing to have plans that can be interrupted – it’s quite another to have boasted about what is to come.  Practically every day has some surprise in it that keeps it from going precisely as planned.  How much better to boast in God and His ability to turn any day into something that honors Himself!

 

Prov 27:5-6 (NASB) We are quick to hold up these verses when there is something we want to say to a friend.  But, how do we respond when the open rebuke or the faithful wound of a friend come our way?  Oh, to learn to receive the truth of these verses in my own life. 

 

Prov 27:7 (NASB) I have noticed the second part of this verse with my hunger for Scripture.  There are times when I have been famished for any word from the Lord – any word at all!  Often in those times when my eyes have finally been opened to a truth before me in Scripture, it has been a rebuke that I have seen.  But, the joy of having a heart reopened to the Word of the Lord has been so great that even a rebuke was a balm to my soul!

 

Prov 27:9 (NASB) I know I have said this before, but this is what I want to be for others. 

 

Prov 27:14 (NASB) I have been awakened with a loud voice, and it is definitely a curse!  How I try to remember this with my children – it’s amazing how a soft, gentle awakening followed by some sweet teasing can affect the start of the day.  And how sweet it is to have the positive effects of awakening them well!

 

Prov 27:17 (NASB) If we want to sharpen one another, we must do two things.  First, we must be willing to associate with friends who will sharpen us.  Friends who will challenge us.  We can’t limit ourselves to people who are always agreeable with us or who share our level of knowledge, understanding, and wisdom in all things.  Secondly, we must be willing to grow ourselves – to continually be learning so as to be able to sharpen our friends as they sharpen us.

 

Prov 27:19 (NASB) Frequently when I look into my heart I don’t like what I see.  I need to take time to evaluate my heart that I may see where I need to grow so my reflection may be the reflection of Christ instead of this sinful heart.