Proverbs 25
Proverbs 25-29 are those that were spoken and written by Solomon, but organized and added to his 'book' by the men of Hezekiah (probably scribes) 1. The role and rule of a wise king is mentioned in 2-6. One is to be wise in how he approaches a king (or ruler) 7 and in matters that involve the courts 8-10. Words spoken at the proper time are good and valuable 11-13, just as words that boast but do not produce are what they promise 14. Too much of a 'good thing' even being at your neighbor's house can be bad 16-17. 'Like' is used to make a comparison in 18-20. Note: Signing, in certain settings, can be up-setting to those who are hurting 20. How one treats an enemy can reelect the Lord and bring His blessings 21-22 (see: Romans 12:17-21). Good news is refreshing 25 ! Heard any lately ? Not if listen to the news on tv and radio. Turn to the 'Good News' of God's Word ! When the righteous turn to evil ways, it muddies the waters (of truth) 26-28.

Proverbs 26
Various thoughts about 'fools' are stated in 1-12. Note: As you read these, do you see yourself and the actions of others reflected here ? There is nothing good about being a fool, yet Solomon describes the actions of many, who live as they please; without any concern for the Lord and His ways. The sluggard (lazy person) is described in 11-16. Note: In a culture that prizes leisure, one can very easily become a sluggard. Involving one's self in the conflicts of others is not wise 17. In fact, our words cause us much trouble if we are not careful 18-28. Note: How careful is the media with the words they use ? How are you, as a follower of Jesus ? We are to always 'speak the truth in love' and with grace so as to help and point other to the Saviour ! (Ephesians 4:25, Titus 3:2, James 1:19, Colossians 4:6).

Proverbs 27
Each of these verses presents an independent thought (proverb) and I find it difficult to make comments on all of them, so I will just touch on a few. Don't boast about a day (what you will do) or about yourself 1-2.How do you handle praise 21 ?  Emotions out of control do damage to others 3. Note: I heard verse 14 quoted (not to me, but to others) while living in a dorm at Bible College ! Godly friendships can help one another 17. Some individuals will never learn, no matter what befalls them 22. One's reliance must be in the Lord for provisions, however this does not exclude the need for one to work as well 23-27.

Proverbs 28
Wickedness in connection with rulers (and the result) is seen in 2-4,12,15-16,28. Note: Does this not reflect many of the leaders of nations today ? God takes special note of the poor 6 and expects that the righteous will do the same by helping them in their need 8,11,27 & 29:7. Some are poor because they chase unreal dreams and refuse to work 19. Greed will cause one to do unbelievable things 22,24-25. The Lord also desires His people to be open and honest before Him concerning their sins 13-14,17-18. Note: Do you see yourself in any of these words ?

Proverbs 29
Wicked rulers bring trouble to the people 2,4,12,16.Yet a king who does what is right is enjoy security 14.  A fool rages 9 and vents 11, anger leads to sin 22. To fear man brings a snare 25a. One can be paralyzed for fear of what another might say, think, or do. This is not how we are to live. God wants us to trust in Him, for He keeps one safe 25b and insures that justice is carried out 26. The righteous and the wicked have no 'common ground' but operate from two opposing places 27. Note: Believers are never ask to compromise or learn to 'just get along'. To do so with somethings is to betray the Lord whom we know and are to serve.

Proverbs 30
This chapter was written by Agur, son of Jakeh 1. Even though he realizes his own inadequate knowledge of the Lord 3, he yet undertakes to share what he sees and even admits there are things beyond his knowledge 18-19. First, God's Word is perfect 5-6. Little did he know that he was being used by the Lord to pen HIS words ! His request of the Lord was two fold: to be kept from falsehood and to have enough to sustain himself so as to honor the name of the Lord 7-9. Note: What a great summary for a life that is to be lived before the Lord. As he continues and looked around himself, he saw 'those people' 11-14. A reference to those who live and act in ways that are ungodly and are self deceived. Some things are never 'satisfied'. He mentions four: the grave, the barren womb, land that drinks the water, and fire. 15-16. These examples from the natural world are meant to illustrate 'never satisfied' reality that is in so many lives apart from the Lord. (Even some believer are caught in the trap of always wanting more of the wrong things). Those who mock parents will suffer for it 17. Agur then turns to four things he does not understand. By this he means that there is a mystery in these things, that are intriguing, but not explainable, namely the way of an eagle in the sky, a snake on the rock, a ship on the high seas, and the way of a man with a maiden ! (Ahhh !) Note: Can you explain the 'mystery' of attraction and love ? In the order which God has ordained there is much we can see, yet not explain. It is wisdom to bow the head and heart and recognize this before the face of God ! He mentions a negative example in the adulteress who sees no wrong in what she does 20. Four things make the earth shake (not literally); a servant who becomes king, a fool full of food, an unloved married woman, and a maidservant to displaces her mistress' 21-23. He is observes relationships that are not as they are supposed to be and the troubles that result. While he does not elaborate, you can imagine just the strife and conflict each of these brings ! Wisdom is seen in four small creatures; ants, coneys, locusts, and lizards 24-28. These do what God created them to do. They do not rebel or say 'no'. They are a positive example of what is not is mankind. (ie. a heart that fully obeys the Lord). Agur then notes four stately things: a lion, a rooster, a he-goat, and a king with his army 29-31. This illustrates that there is, even in this fallen world, examples of glory, reflections of the glory of God. Fools need to realize this and repent 32 and turn from their anger 33.

Proverbs 31
The final chapter in proverbs is written by King Lemuel and was taught this by his mother 1. kings were to avoid the alcohol lest justice be perverted 4-6. They were to rule, so as to help those in need 8-9. Note: This is a reflection of the Lord Himself. In 10-31. A wife who has noble character is described. A wife like this, truly is word more than rubies 10b. In all she does, she blesses both her husband 23 and her children 28. She is able to live this way because she fears the Lord 30. She is praised as a result 31. Note: Only the Lord Jesus Christ, by His Spirit can reproduce this type of character in a woman. (Job 31 describes the a noble man, though his words are presented mostly in negative terms, the opposite being what is desired). There is much here to learn for us all. Prayerfully read this portion and ask the Lord to make you like as this person. In doing so you will be reflecting, not merely an ideal, but the Lord Himself. Amen.