Proverbs 25
Being an extrovert by nature, it is hard for me to do things alone. I enjoy the company of others, I enjoy spending time with people, investing, deepening and growing relationships. I always joke that solitary confinement would “break-me” in less than 2 days. Therefore, I have found verse 17 challenging, “Seldom set foot in your neighbor’s house – too much of you, and he will hate you.” But Solomon, I’m such a fun guy to be around!?
No matter how fun or great we think we are, there comes a point where “too much is too much.” Since neighborly relationships make life much better, this is an important principle of wisdom. Solomon cautions us to heed wisdom and be aware to the sense that a neighbor may become weary of you. Psychologists today call this 'relationship burnout.'
What is important to remember, "There is a friend that sticks close than a brother." (Prov 18:24) There is no need for caution and reservation in our approach to Jesus. There is no wall of separation, no burnout, no fatigue in the type of relationship He is desirous of. Jesus is always ready to receive us. Our earthly friendships may become stale or worn out, but this is never the case with our heavenly Friend!
Blessings,
Pastor Adrian
No matter how fun or great we think we are, there comes a point where “too much is too much.” Since neighborly relationships make life much better, this is an important principle of wisdom. Solomon cautions us to heed wisdom and be aware to the sense that a neighbor may become weary of you. Psychologists today call this 'relationship burnout.'
What is important to remember, "There is a friend that sticks close than a brother." (Prov 18:24) There is no need for caution and reservation in our approach to Jesus. There is no wall of separation, no burnout, no fatigue in the type of relationship He is desirous of. Jesus is always ready to receive us. Our earthly friendships may become stale or worn out, but this is never the case with our heavenly Friend!
Blessings,
Pastor Adrian
Posted in Proverbs Challenge
4 Comments
I really liked verse 26. I loved what Pastor Adrian said, contrasting our earthly relationships with our relationship with God, and I'm not sure verse 26 rises to that level, but the imagery of it captured my imagination.
"Like a muddied spring or a polluted well are the righteous who give way to the wicked"
As a spring can become muddied or a well can become polluted, a righteous person can become wicked...and these things can happen in a heartbeat. All it takes is one wicked act and BOOM.....you're a polluted well. Don't be a polluted well.
Amen!
PA I am an extrovert as well. I know I wear some some people out. Luckily I work with extroverts, so much of my day is spent with similar personalities.
V 9-10 resonated with me. Don't share information that is not yours to share. He who hears it may shame you and give you a bad reputation.
Learned this lesson the hard way, Never share someone's confidences (secrets) given to you. They are not yours to share! Even if you have good intentions.
Isn't it great that we have a Father and a frequent who never tire of us?!!! So good, Pastor!