Proverbs

Proverbs 25: God teaches humble self control

Begin in prayer

Before we read the sayings copied by Hezekiah’s men, let us ask God for humble hearts. Pray that His wisdom would restrain our pride and teach us words suited to another person’s need.

Blessed is your discretion, and blessed are you, who have kept me today from blood guiltiness, and from avenging myself with my own hand.

1 Samuel 25:33

Father in heaven, please open our eyes as we read Your Word. Teach us humility and control of our tempers. Help us see Jesus and receive His mercy, so that our words and actions show patience toward others. Make us more like Jesus. And please bless our family as we worship You together. In Jesus' name, Amen.

See where we're going

Hezekiah’s men copied these proverbs of Solomon, beginning with God’s glory and the king’s task of searching out matters. Removing wicked people from the king’s presence establishes his throne, while self promotion brings the risk of public shame. Rushing to court, betraying a confidence and giving false testimony injure neighbors. A roof’s corner is better than sharing a house with a contentious woman. Fitting words and faithful messages refresh, while false promises and cheerful songs offered to a grieving heart disappoint. The hungry enemy must receive food and the thirsty enemy water, with the LORD promising a reward. Too much honey, seeking one’s own honor and an unrestrained spirit show the danger of excess.

As you read Proverbs 25, look for the answers:

Reflect together

Key truth

God’s wisdom teaches humility, fitting words and self control, and He rewards kindness to enemies.

These sayings belong to Solomon, while the heading names Hezekiah’s men as those who copied them. The king must search out matters and remove wicked counsel if his throne is to stand in righteousness. Wisdom also knows when a word suits the hearer, like a precious ornament in a fitting setting. A song offered to a heavy heart can be as unwelcome as losing a garment in cold weather. Giving an enemy food and water refuses the impulse to repay injury. The burning coals picture presses the shame such kindness can bring, while the LORD promises to reward it. The final unwalled city shows how an unrestrained spirit leaves a person exposed to trouble. Humility, patient speech and measured desires belong together in this wisdom.

How does Proverbs 25 show us that God’s wisdom teaches humility, fitting words and self control, and He rewards kindness to enemies?

God’s wisdom restrains the search for our own honor.

A person should take a low place rather than seize a high one. Being invited up is better than being put down in public. An unrestrained spirit leaves a person exposed like a city without walls.

God rewards kindness that answers an enemy’s need.

The hungry enemy needs food and the thirsty enemy needs water. Kindness may bring shame for the wrong he has done. The LORD’s promised reward gives reason to do good without demanding repayment. Giving way before the wicked is like polluting a spring, so kindness must remain faithful to what is right.

Memorise

Like a city that is broken down and without walls is a man whose spirit is without restraint.

Proverbs 25:28

Looking to Jesus in my life

Ask yourself in your heart, where does my uncontrolled pride show my need for the mercy of Jesus?

“Nor is it honorable to seek one’s own honor.” Pride wants the high seat and the final word, even at another person’s expense. Such hearts need a Savior.

Jesus humbled Himself to bring His people to God. He carried their sins to the cross and endured the judgment their pride deserved. He rose from the grave, victorious over death. His saving work is complete and fully sufficient for every sinner who rests in Him.

Turn from sin and put your faith in Jesus. Those who come to Him find forgiveness instead of condemnation. Ask Him to teach you humility, words that serve and kindness toward enemies. His mercy gives hope to people whose pride has brought them shame.

Parent's note

Tell your children that self control includes choosing words suited to another person’s need and refusing to seek their own honor. Please do not tell them they are saved just because they grew up in a Christian home. Call each child to turn from sin and trust Jesus, and pray that God would give them a new heart.

Pray together

Now please close your time together in prayer. Thank God for wise instruction that restrains pride and teaches kindness. Bring the heart question to Him. Every child can pray, so let each one say a short prayer if they want to.

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faith, gentleness, and self-control. Against such things there is no law.

Galatians 5:22-23

Lord, thank You for teaching us humility and patient kindness. Please bring our proud hearts to Jesus for forgiveness. Help us govern our tempers, keep another person’s confidence and choose words that fit the need. Teach our family to do good even when someone has treated us badly. Amen.