Has the Lord ever asked you to bless and do good to someone who has hurt you? Certainly, this has happened to me, but good lessons did follow when I was obedient. Typically, as believers, we just want to stay away from people who hurt us. No revenge. No retaliation. Just, distance, right? But, if we realize God is always trying to reward us with his goodness, it only makes sense that he would send us to be kind; to be a blessing to someone who doesn’t deserve it. In doing so, Solomon tells us it is like heaping burning coals on that person’s head. Basically, it reveals we believe and live the gospel and our kindness positions the Spirit to bring upon him/her convicting pressure for repentance.
In our passage today, Hezekiah King of Judah begins to share the next five chapters of wisdom writings given by Solomon. Proverbs Chapters 25-29 were some of Solomon’s writings that had never been published; they were found and written into the existing scrolls of Solomon. King Hezekiah, a righteous leader who reestablished Solomon’s temple in Jerusalem, added these writings approximately 250 yeas after Solomon’s death, to encourage, as well as challenge God’s people during a time of renewal and revival.
King Hezekiah knew the people needed the knowledge these previously unpublished writings would provide. We need this Wisdom, as well. So, may we be good to our enemies, pray for them, let go of any grudges, and look for God to bring the reward. Acts of mercy can lead to repentance and salvation in Jesus the Christ. Remember, all things are possible with God!
Proverbs 25 NLT
1
These are more proverbs of Solomon, collected by the advisers of King Hezekiah of Judah.
2
It is God’s privilege to conceal things
and the king’s privilege to discover them.
3
No one can comprehend the height of heaven, the depth of the earth,
or all that goes on in the king’s mind!
4
Remove the impurities from silver,
and the sterling will be ready for the silversmith.
5
Remove the wicked from the king’s court,
and his reign will be made secure by justice.
6
Don’t demand an audience with the king
or push for a place among the great.
7
It’s better to wait for an invitation to the head table
than to be sent away in public disgrace.
Just because you’ve seen something,
8
don’t be in a hurry to go to court.
For what will you do in the end
if your neighbor deals you a shameful defeat?
9
When arguing with your neighbor,
don’t betray another person’s secret.
10
Others may accuse you of gossip,
and you will never regain your good reputation.
11
Timely advice is lovely,
like golden apples in a silver basket.
12
To one who listens, valid criticism
is like a gold earring or other gold jewelry.
13
Trustworthy messengers refresh like snow in summer.
They revive the spirit of their employer.
14
A person who promises a gift but doesn’t give it
is like clouds and wind that bring no rain.
15
Patience can persuade a prince,
and soft speech can break bones.
16
Do you like honey?
Don’t eat too much, or it will make you sick!
17
Don’t visit your neighbors too often,
or you will wear out your welcome.
18
Telling lies about others
is as harmful as hitting them with an ax,
wounding them with a sword,
or shooting them with a sharp arrow.
19
Putting confidence in an unreliable person in times of trouble
is like chewing with a broken tooth or walking on a lame foot.
20
Singing cheerful songs to a person with a heavy heart
is like taking someone’s coat in cold weather
or pouring vinegar in a wound.
21
If your enemies are hungry, give them food to eat.
If they are thirsty, give them water to drink.
22
You will heap burning coals of shame on their heads,
and the Lord will reward you.
23
As surely as a north wind brings rain,
so a gossiping tongue causes anger!
24
It’s better to live alone in the corner of an attic
than with a quarrelsome wife in a lovely home.
25
Good news from far away
is like cold water to the thirsty.
26
If the godly give in to the wicked,
it’s like polluting a fountain or muddying a spring.
27
It’s not good to eat too much honey,
and it’s not good to seek honors for yourself.
28
A person without self-control
is like a city with broken-down walls.
Prayer: Lord, thank you for reminding us, today, about your goodness and the rewards you always enjoy bringing to your children who are called according to your name. Help us to be willing to step out and be kind and forgiving to those who mistreat us. Holy Spirit, we pray for you to use these opportunities to bring more souls into the Kingdom. In Jesus’ name. Amen.