Proverbs 25

Today we are introduced to what some call a book within a book. Proverbs 25 – 29 are provided by the scribes of King Hezekiah, but they are still cited as proverbs of Solomon. Verses 2-7 might be subtitled “On dealing with kings,” but the general principals apply well to those of us who will never be in the same room with a king.

Yet the majority of today’s reading centers on everyday life, from how to live in peace with our neighbors to dealing with our enemies. Patience and self-control are fantastic life tools. Are they in your tool box? Of course, the real question is not do you have them, but rather do you use them? I actually own a few tools that are still in their original package out on my work bench. They haven’t been used at all yet. Ironically, I’ve actually forgotten them when I needed to use them! How about you? The only effective tools are the ones we use.

Honey was one of the sweetest substances in the ancient world. It was viewed by many as a “good thing.” But too much of anything can be unhealthy, even to the point of making one vomit. I love the clarity of Solomon. No missing the point here. Solomon called for moderation. How often do we find something we really, really like and simply overload? Solomon extended his “don’t overdo it” admonition to other areas. It wasn’t simply about overeating.

Hezekiah’s scribes liked 21:9 so much they repeated it verbatim here in 25:24. Women tell us this is because men may not have been paying attention the first time.