I've Got More Likes!
Welcome to the Real World!
A word study in Proverbs
by Pastor Frank Rice
Since a picture is “worth a thousand words,” then drawing a picture or creating a mental image by using a simile would be a great idea for those of us who can’t draw! The term “like” creates similes which help communicate advice effectively and strikingly. God uses similes to advise His people for their good! Pay attention! In this world of seemingly infinite choices, there are a few that can cause you to sink or swim; what you say, whom you trust, and how you respond to life’s challenges. Similes can help navigate life successfully.
I. What You Say Does Have an Impact on Those Who Hear!
v Just a reminder as we continue our study of similes in Proverbs;
1. A simile is “an explicit comparison, ‘x is like y.’” (Fairly simple!)
2. A simile is designed to conjure up familiar, memorable, graphic, and provocative images, each with a meaningful message.
v Be aware that what comes out of your mouth can have adverse effects! (Idle and thoughtless speech is not neutral speech!)
1. Abstain from rash, vitriolic, and malicious words which have the power to destroy people’s lives (12:18a). Speaking without thinking about a matter only invites harm. The wise do not cause harm by reckless, hasty, irresponsible words.
2. Refrain from gossip (digging up & spreading dirt) which can ruin people for life, including the diggers (16:27; 18:8; 26:22). (The tasty tidbits sink deep in the soul - like dumpster diving.) The words of a gossip are eagerly devoured by those willing to hear them, i.e. other gossips.
3. Avoid spreading rumors about others (verbal assassination) which can do as much damage as a physical attack (25:18). Even today false witnesses can cause death, incarceration, bankruptcy, firing, alienation,…
4. Don’t employ humorless humor which can destroy friendships (26:18-19). It’s only funny when both parties are laughing. And don’t make excuses for your thoughtlessness! “I was only joking” won’t fly!
5. Abstain from hurtful words which victimize the vulnerable, the needy, and the defenseless (26:23; 30:14). “Nice people” often hide malicious thoughts and “word weaponry.” On the surface a person may seem polite and polished but that’s only a cover for their true nature. “A false front may hide an ugly inner reality.” (Ryrie)
6. Be sensitive to the hurts of others (25:20). “Irresponsible attempts to cheer people up only make matters worse.” (Ross) Irresponsible is thoughtless, insensitive, and inappropriate.
7. Steer clear of those who feed the fires of contention (26:21). Contentious people start fights (fires), then pile on the fuel! “The quarreler feeds the fires of contention.” (Ryrie)
8. [This “advice from God” is not something new!]
v Be aware that what comes out of your mouth can have a beneficial effect on the hearers! (Healthy speech needs to become habitual!)
1. It is a beautiful and precious thing to say the right words (apples of gold) at the appropriate time (settings of silver)! It takes sensitivity, awareness, and practice (25:11)!
2. It is an attractive and noteworthy thing when a willing student respects and receives correction from a wise mentor (25:12). “A wise rebuke that is properly received is of lasting value.” (Ross)
3. It is a healthy and healing experience when thoughtful words are spoken to those who are hurting (12:18b). What the wise say is healing & helpful, faithful & true, gentle & kind, uplifting & encouraging, thoughtful & sensitive.
II. Whom You Trust Does Have an Impact on You and Your Future!
v Place your confidence sensibly! Some folks cannot and should not be trusted; they are unreliable and will inevitably let you down!
1. Trusting a fool, honoring him, or putting him in a position of responsibility is an exercise in futility (10:23; 26:8, 10)! Sport refers to entertaining, enjoyable, and gratifying. But “One’s character is revealed in what one enjoys.” (Ross) A fool is unpredictable and untrustworthy.
2. Trusting a fool can only bring continual irritation, aggravation, and regret (10:26).
3. Putting confidence in a faithless person can insure painful and regular (eating & walking) aggravation and frustration (25:19). “Misplaced confidence can lead to trouble and disaster.” (Ryrie) “An unfaithful person is useless and painful… incapable of performing… painful and ineffective.” (Ross)
4. Expecting a fool to comprehend and communicate an important message is a waste of time (26:7, 9). He just doesn’t get it! “Proverbs are useless to fools. The fool does not understand the proverb, has not implemented it, and cannot use it or teach it correctly or profitably.” (Ross)
v Choosing a trustworthy spouse can make or break you; it will bring great joy and satisfaction or humiliation and misery (12:4; 31:14). This wife works hard to provide for those under her care.
1. This may refer to sexual, financial, or parental faithfulness and competency. A marriage without trust is precarious!
2. Watch and pray for (if unmarried) or thank the Lord for (if married), “a wife of noble and upright character.” (Ryrie)
v Placing your confidence in material assets only provides the illusion of security and invincibility (18:11)! Reality will hit eventually!
III. How You Respond to Life’s Challenges Does Expose Character.
v A poor work-ethic will eventually catch up to a lazy person; poverty can creep up on a lazy person unexpectantly (6:11; 24:34).
v Relationships must be nurtured and protected (18:19). When destroyed by thoughtless insensitivity; they are hard to restore. “Serious disputes create insurmountable barriers among friends.” (Ross) These walls are easy to erect, but difficult to demolish.
v Self-control will protect a person from self-destruction! Allowing intoxicants (23:34) or anger (25:28) to take control is disastrous.
1. The first image is of a drunken sailor who passes out in a precarious place and meets his doom by drowning or plunging to his death!
2. The second image is of someone who lacks self-control, therefore vulnerable and defenseless. He is without self-control and an easy target when faced with desires and impulses; buying, fighting, lusting, stealing, cheating…
Take note! “Don’t be like the horse or the mule!” (Psalm 32:8-9)
Where does this nasty stuff come from?
The answer? The heart (Mark 7:20-23)!
The solution? Guard your heart / mind and stay focused (Prov 4:23; 3:14-15)!