Proverbs 25 – if you haven’t read my thoughts on the book of Proverbs yet, you’ll want to do so here. This isn’t a comprehensive look at each verse, but it is how God spoke to me through particular chapter of His Word at this particular chapter in my life. I encourage you to read the full chapter in your own Bible first so you can see how God wants to speak to you through this chapter, and so you don’t miss out on the verses I didn’t cover. I hope it can speak to you as well, and I hope you are encouraged to seek Him in His Word. And if you missed Proverbs 24, you should also check that out here.  Otherwise, on to Proverbs 25!

25:2 – It is the glory of God to conceal a matter and the glory of kings to investigate a matter (CSB). It is God’s glory that he has hidden secrets in his Word, otherwise, he wouldn’t be God, would he? But here, God encourages us to dig for and investigate and seek out the secrets he has placed throughout his Word. He wants us to find them. But he also wants us to want to find them. It makes me think of Jacob when he wrestles God. After not being able to win against God, Jacob holds onto God and says, ‘I will not let you go until you bless me’ (Genesis 32:26). I love that picture and pray it often. Prayer – God, show me the secrets you have in your Word. I’m not letting go of this passage of scripture until you show me what it means. I want to know everything I can about you and your Word.

25:4 – Remove the impurities from silver, and the sterling will be ready for the silversmith (NLT). Prayer – God, show me impurities that you want to remove from my life so that I can become more usable. Give me strength and show me how to start taking the steps needed to become more Christ-like.

25:9 – When arguing with your neighbor, don’t betray another person’s secret. Others may accuse you of gossip, and you will never regain your good reputation (NLT). I love that Solomon acknowledges classic human nature here – when you argue with your neighbor. It is inevitable. We will be never be able to avoid all conflict in our life. However, when we are in conflict, we should do it honorably, and not throw anyone under the bus or try to distract from the situation by revealing a secret someone has entrusted to us. Prayer – God, halt my speech before I betray a secret that someone confided to me. Give me pause before I speak something that will break the trust another friend has in me.

25:12 – To one who listens, valid criticism is like a gold earring or other gold jewelry (NLT). Prayer – God, teach me to discern between valid criticism and false or ill-founded criticism. Teach me how to value and apply good and valid criticism in my life.

25:15 – With patience a ruler may be won over, and a gentle tongue can break bones (CJB). Sometimes, the only payment we can offer for something we are seeking, is patience. But patience is a powerful tool of great value. We just have to give it time and not give up, and know that rash words or actions will never get us what we want.

25:20 – Like removing clothes on a chilly day or like vinegar on soda is someone who sings songs to a heavy heart (CJB). Prayer – God, teach me how to know what words to say at the right time. Keep me from acting like a fool and trying to joke or make light of a situation when it is not the right time for it. Teach me how to read situations and read people to know what they need to hear, and to know what they don’t need to hear.

25:26 – Like a muddied spring or polluted well is a righteous person who gives way before the wicked (CJB). Prayer – God, let me always stand up for what is right, and not stay silent when I should speak up for others who cannot speak up for themselves. Open my eyes to injustice. Show me how to take action against that injustice around me.

25:27 – It’s not good to eat too much honey, and it’s not good to seek honors for yourself (NLT). Prayer – God, keep me from seeking out and fishing for compliments and honors from others. Let my deeds speak for themselves, and may I only seek my worth and identity through you.

25:28 – A person without self-control is like a city with broken-down walls (NLT). When we cannot exercise self-control, we open ourselves up to attacks physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. Prayer – God, I thank you that self-control is a fruit of your Spirit, and that you have given me the power within me to exhibit self-control. Help me cultivate that fruit in my life.

Friend, I have prayed these same prayers over you today. I pray you will find more patience and self-control welling up in your life. May you learn more and more how to read relational situations and may God give you the words you need at the given time.

Until next time,

– Just a girl pursuing her reflection in the mirror of God’s Word

Scripture quotations marked (CJB) are taken from the Complete Jewish Bible, Copyright © 1998 and 2016 by David H. Stern. Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

Scripture quotations marked (CSB) are taken from the Christian Standard Bible® Copyright© 2017 by Holman Bible Publishers. Christian Standard Bible® and CSB® are federally registered trademarks of Holman Bible Publishers. Used by permission.

Scripture quotations marked (NLT) are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.