In the wake of the shootings in Dallas this past Thursday, which left 5 police officers and 1 assailant dead, tension continues to seize our country. As news agencies, churches, politicians, special-interest groups and a myriad of others weigh in on the recent tragedy and the other tragic events leading up to it, many words are spoken. Many actions are taken. Some are meant to help. Some are meant to hinder.
How can we choose our words and our actions wisely?
We’ve walked through Proverbs for a time and now land on Proverbs 25. In this chapter, we can find so much that relates to current news in our culture.
“A man without self-control is like a city broken into and left without walls.” – Proverbs 25:28
What are we to do when the world keeps sliding further into animosity? We see the lack of self-control plaguing every facet of society. The world pushes for no rules and keeping things relative.
Seek the Lord.
Ask for the self-control to do the opposite of what the world would have you do.
“If your enemy is hungry, give him bread to eat, and if he is thirsty, give him water to drink, for you will heap burning coals on his head, and the Lord will reward you.” – Proverbs 25:21-22
Jesus is the Bread of Life. He is the Living Water. Self-control should emulate how Jesus interacted and spoke with those who would desert him, deny him, betray him, hurt him and kill him.
Seek the Lord.
Ask for the love to the do the opposite of what the world would have you do.
“A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in a setting of silver. Like a gold ring or an ornament of gold is a wise reprover to a listening ear.” – Proverbs 25:11-12
Words have power. During this age of entertainment, words are plentiful. Catch phrases are prominent and become hollow. Gossip, slander and negativity roll off the tongue too easy.
Seek the Lord.
Ask for the words to communicate the opposite of what the world would have you.
“It is not good to eat much honey, nor is it glorious to seek one’s own glory.” – Proverbs 25:27
Self-centeredness, pride and arrogance dominate the speech in our culture today. None of these contribute to loving our neighbor. If our motive is to seek only what is good for us (or those like us), we don’t fulfill the mission God has placed on us.
Seek the Lord.
Ask for the humility to seek the good of others instead of what the world would have you do.
In light of all that is wrong at this time in our country, take solace in knowing that Jesus has overcome the world. His self-control, his words and his love for others turned history upside down. He grants this to those who ask of Him.
Seek the Lord.
21 Days of Proverbs
Proverbs 1
Proverbs 2
Proverbs 3
Proverbs 4
Proverbs 5-7
Proverbs 8
Proverbs 9
Proverbs 10
Proverbs 11
Proverbs 12-15
Proverbs 16
Proverbs 17-19
Proverbs 19-23
Proverbs 24
Proverbs 25
Proverbs 26
Proverbs 27
Proverbs 28
Proverbs 29
Proverbs 30
Proverbs 31
“A man without self-control is like a city broken into and left without walls”
The amazing word of God that we should observe it. God gave us the Spirit of Self control. But no control even in the Christian people.
A man has self control can show Jesus without words but by actions.
Thank you sir. Its is a wonderful topic.
Pastor Sudarshan, India.
Thanks so much for reading and for sharing!
Thank you, Pastor Sudarshan!
Hi Ps Mikey, It’s been a long time i haven’t read some of your discussions here. If you don’t mind, what church are you currently leading? Going on, i do believe that our tongue has a power whether to release blessings or curses. Since the day i encountered God, i keep on declaring positive things about myself to my family or even to other people. Regardless of our circumstances, we must never forget to keep on declaring the things that we want to happen to us. Being a christian is not about you will no longer face tribulations in fact,… Read more »
This was the best read in a while! Thank you for your amazing insight to such a troubling incident. Your right, we need to always seek the Lord and be reminded that he has overcome the world.
Blessings,
Allie in Colorado
Thanks so much for reading and for sharing Allie!!
Hello PS Mike, do you have a church here in the Philippines?
Allie, thank you for reading Before The Cross and for your encouragement. Blessings to you!