Tuesday, September 24 – Proverbs 17, 18

1. What does the writer of Proverbs compare the name of God to? (Proverbs 18:10)

2. Who is insulted when someone mocks the poor? (Proverbs 17:5)

3. What constitutes a good remedy? (Proverbs 17:22)

Commentary and Reflection:

As we study Proverbs 17 and 18, we realize that these chapters contain numerous themes applicable to our lives. Due to the wide range of topics, we won’t have enough space to cover them all in this reflection. Therefore, let’s focus on two consistently found themes throughout these two chapters.

First, they speak about the beautiful gift of friendship. “A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity” (Proverbs 17:17). It is comforting to know that when we go through difficult times, a friend can come, embrace us, console us, and be there for us. Proverbs 18:24 tells us that sometimes this friendship can become so deep that “there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.” It’s beautiful to have such deep and meaningful friendships. However, some only appear to be true friends and end up hurting, disappointing, and failing us. Jesus desires to be the friend who never fails and wants to have a deep, meaningful relationship with each of us. Jesus called Abraham His friend (Isaiah 41:8) and His disciples friends (John 15:14), and He desires to call you His friend, too, and establish an unbreakable, enduring friendship. So, if you need advice, encouragement, and strength, turn to a friend who never fails. Thank you, Jesus, for being my faithful friend, and thank you, God, for the beautiful gift of friendship.

Second, God calls us through these two chapters to be careful not to create discord and instead become agents of peace. “Better is a dry morsel with quietness, than a house full of feasting with strife” (Proverbs 17:1). In fact, Proverbs 17:14 says that one who creates discord is like someone who “lets out water.” Once you let out water, it is impossible to gather it back; this is what happens with someone who creates discord—they start a situation that becomes difficult to stop. For this reason, God invites us to seek peace and pursue it (Psalm 34:14). When we decide to be agents of peace, we accomplish more than through conflict and strife. Remember that “a soft answer turns away wrath” (Proverbs 15:1). People may come into your life wanting to create conflicts or disrupt your peace, but in the Lord’s hands, you will find it for your life and those around you. The Lord calls us peacemakers and invites us to seek peace in our Savior. Thank you, God, for being our peace.

My Prayer for today: “Lord, thank you for being my faithful friend and filling me with your peace. May I become a faithful friend and an agent of peace to my neighbor. May I reflect your love and goodness every day so that others may come to know you.”