May 30th~Snapshot of Godliness

Proverbs 11:1-13:25

For several days we will plow through a section that contains 375 of Solomon’s individual proverbs (10:1-22:16). The section is disorganized as there is no apparent order, with an occasional grouping by topic; and, the proverbs are often without context which makes them difficult to interpret and apply. It is important, then, for us to use the rest of Scripture to help us under- stand their meaning and usage. For the most part, each proverb stands alone and expresses a nugget of wisdom; still, we must keep in mind that a proverb is not a promise of God but a keen observation by a wise man.

It is nearly impossible to point out a common theme in the Proverbs; one could go in numerous directions. However, one cannot read these tidbits of truth without noticing that Solomon regularly compares the righteous or godly person with the wicked or ungodly person. By doing this, he paints for us a picture of what a godly person should look like, how he should think, how he should act or react, and how he should talk. I would like to focus on these attributes today, as I believe they will be helpful to us.

For example, Solomon pointed out that godly people are honest, which means that they are just and fair in their dealing with others; they are free from deception and fraud (11:1, 2, 5, 20; 12:22). Second, godly people are humble, which means that they are free from arrogance; they have a modest estimation of their own worth and a deep sense of their unworthiness in the sight of God (11:2; 12:23; 13:7, 10). Godly people practice discernment, which means that they can distinguish one thing from another, truth from error, virtue from vice; they demonstrate good judgment and perceive errant thinking (11:9; 12:26; 13:16).

Solomon described the godly as careful with their words; they either bless others with what they have to say or they remain silent (11:11, 12, 30; 12:6, 13, 16, 18). The godly do not gossip but keep confidential that which is entrusted to them (11:13). Godly people are diligent and productive; they are also generous and willing to share (12:11, 12; 27; 13:4).

Daily Reflection

How would you rate yourself from 1-10 in each of these categories? In what ways are you doing well? In what ways can you do better?

Honesty/Integrity

Humility

Discernment/Wisdom

Speech

Diligence/Productivity

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