Tag: Proverbs 25

Links for today’s readings:

Mar 6  Read: Proverbs 25 Listen: (2:56) Read: Mark 15 Listen: (5:16)

Links for this weekend’s readings:

Mar 7  Read: Proverbs 26 Listen: (2:37) Read: Mark 16 Listen: (2:34)
Mar 8  Read: Proverbs 27 Listen: (2:43) Read: Psalms 42-43 Listen: (2:32)

Scripture Focus: Proverbs 25.1

1 These are more proverbs of Solomon, compiled by the men of Hezekiah king of Judah:

Reflection: Unsung Holy Spirit-Inspired Heroes

By John Tillman

The Greeks thought all great works were inspired by “the muses,” who were daughters of Zeus.

Our culture’s inaccurate pictures of “inspiration” are watered down versions of this belief in “muses.” We picture artists languishing, unable to work until inspiration strikes like lightning, spurring frenetic activity and productivity. In reality, that sounds more like mental illness than inspiration. Maybe Plato was partially right when he called inspiration from the muses, “divine madness.”

Our belief that inspiration always comes suddenly is based on stories that are memorable because they are unusual. One day in 1972, Dolly Parton wrote two of her biggest hits, “Jolene” and “I Will Always Love You,” but like most artists, she’d agree that’s the exception, not the rule.

Sudden bursts of inspiration aren’t actually sudden. Creative breakthroughs come from sustained efforts over a long period of time. The sudden flower of inspiration comes from diligently planting, watering, fertilizing, and pruning.

When we describe the Bible as “inspired” by God, take care not to let false, cultural ideas about inspiration creep into our theology. The Holy Spirit is not a muse and might not be amused at being thought of as one.

Biblical authors did not go into trances, losing control of their faculties. When the Holy Spirit caused reactions of this kind with King Saul, it was to humble him and produced nothing worth remembering. (1 Samuel 10.10-13; 1 Samuel 18.10-11; 1 Samuel 19.19-24) Authors like David, Asaph, and Solomon made sustained efforts to pursue God’s wisdom. This led to prodigious output of texts considered as God’s own words.

The inspiration of the Spirit didn’t stop with writing. It included editing, curating, and arranging of texts. Today’s passage notes the “men of Hezekiah” who researched, compiled, and arranged additional proverbs of Solomon, but there are many editors, researchers, and curators to thank for our scriptures. For example, the gospel authors worked hard to investigate and make orderly accounts of events so we can be certain of what we have been taught. (Luke 1.1-4; John 20.30-31; 21.24-25)

Be thankful today for the editors and compilers of scripture as the unsung, Holy Spirit-inspired heroes that they are.

The canon of scripture is closed, but the Holy Spirit is still active and wants to speak through your words and actions. Be a diligent worker (2 Timothy 2.15), making sustained efforts in prayer and the scriptures, and the inspiration of the Holy Spirit will break out into your life in surprising and sudden ways.

Divine Hours Prayer: The Refrain for the Morning Lessons

So teach us to number our days that we may apply our hearts to wisdom. — Psalm 90.12

– From The Divine Hours: Prayers for Springtime by Phyllis Tickle.

Read more: Untwisting Scripture

Some Christians spend a lot of time finger-pointing…Some are accused of accommodating today’s culture and others of accommodating past cultures.

Untwisting Scripture

Read more: In the Face of Mockery and Shame

With mockery and shame removed as options, some may be at a loss for how to communicate in our world.

In the Face of Mockery and Shame

Scripture Focus: Proverbs 25:17
17 Seldom set foot in your neighbor’s house—
     too much of you, and they will hate you.

Reflection: Wearing Out Your Welcome
By Erin Newton

Let’s admit it, some proverbs are comical. Here in our holy book of divine wisdom, we have advice about not greeting our neighbors too loudly (Prov 27:14) and advice about not outstaying our welcome.

Proverbs reveal tiny windows into life. We are confined from seeing the totality of one’s experience. The only landscape in view is the small opening encapsulated by a few words.
Here we have a neighbor who might be tempted to stay too long or come too often to their neighbor’s house. Behind the scenes we also have a neighbor fulfilling the duties of hospitality, but a grudge might be forming.

From a birds-eye view, the proverb speaks of the value of moderation and restraint—and I think both neighbors could use this advice.

To the neighbors with open doors: Throughout the Bible we are called to love one another in ways such as hospitality. This means creating a welcoming space for others and providing shelter, food, and companionship. In the parable of the Good Samaritan, hospitality should be extended to those deemed “outsiders.”

We should never grow weary of doing good, but the reality of our human nature is that we often do. Jesus himself stole away to quiet areas to find respite from constant crowds. He had no home to open but he gave of himself—his time, energy, and attention. This proverb does not tell us to shut our doors, but we should remember our own limitations lest we turn to hate our neighbor.

To the neighbors who come over: We were made for community. Friends, family, and neighbors are God’s gift to those of us in need of shelter, food, and companionship. What a blessing it is to know your neighbor has an open door for you! Even in times of need, receiving someone’s hospitality can be the hardest thing to do.

Some of us worry that we are a burden to others and wear out our welcome. We might vow to never impose on our neighbors. This scorched-earth mentality might feel natural, but it is not the wisdom of this text.

This proverb not only helps us to respect our neighbors but to learn the complex balance of wise living. It encourages the visiting neighbor to harness the reciprocal opportunity to open his or her doors. Together, with balanced moderation on both sides, the community of faith can serve one another.

Divine Hours Prayer: The Refrain for the Morning Lessons
I will confess you among the peoples, O Lord; I will sing praises to you among the nations. — Psalm 108.3

– From The Divine Hours: Prayers for Summertime by Phyllis Tickle.


​Today’s Readings
Proverbs 25 (Listen 2:56)
Mark 15 (Listen 5:16)

Read more about Embrace Your Mission
Embracing and encouraging others is an example of serving others well. This spirit of hospitality shouldn’t be taken lightly.

Embrace Your Mission

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