Some proverbs teach general principles... the way things will normally be.
- These proverbs tell us how to live (especially if they are commands).
- They show us what the normal consequences will be (if other factors do
not influence the outcome).
By a soft answer wrath is turned away,
but a bitter word is a cause of angry feelings. (Proverbs 15:1)
Sometimes two proverbs will show us two possible ways to react to something.
- Often these two ways will look like opposites.
- The situation will determine the best way to respond.
Do not give to the foolish man a foolish answer,
or you will be like him.
Give a foolish man a foolish answer,
or he will seem wise to himself. (Proverbs 26:4-5)
Some proverbs explain or remind us why certain things happen
-
including bad things and injustice.
- This does not always mean we are to do what they
describe. Sometimes it would be sin to do so!
- Scripture reminds us that justice will eventually come, but not
always at the time we want it.
There is much food in the ploughed land of the poor;
but it is taken away by wrongdoing. (Proverbs 13:23)
An offering of money is like a stone of great price
in the eyes of him who has it:
wherever he goes, he does well. (Proverbs 17:8)
Dennis Hinks © 2005
Scripture quoted from The Holy Bible, English Standard Version, copyright © 2001
by Crossway Bibles,
a division of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All
rights reserved.
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