What a King's Men Copied

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Proverbs 25
For many years the writings which God wanted people to know, were kept in the temple at Jerusalem. When King Solomon lived, the temple was new and in beautiful order, as God directed, but some later kings did not honor God, and took away gold from the temple, and left it in confusion. But there was a young king who loved the Lord, and he ordered men to put all in good order (2 Chron. 29).
Some of his men copied over part of the proverbs of King Solomon. We are not told if those writings had been torn or soiled, but anyway, those men valued and saved them, and some of the proverbs were so important they are repeated in the New Testament.
“It is the glory of God to conceal a thing: but the honor of kings is to search out a matter.” Pro. 25:22It is the glory of God to conceal a thing: but the honor of kings is to search out a matter. (Proverbs 25:2).
God has “hidden” His truths in the Scriptures. We now have them complete in our own homes, but the teachings can be lost or spoiled for us if neglected. We should be like the young king and his men, searching out God’s words for ourselves and others. It is an honor God gives.
“A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in pictures of silver.” Verse 11.
It must be a word of the Lord’s spoken to help another, which is beautiful as gold apples in silver pictures.
What do you suppose “coals of fire” mean? Food and water are good, but hot coals on the head would burn and hurt. Sometimes a boy purposely hurts and makes fun of a smaller boy; suppose one day the older boy had no lunch and was very hungry; and the younger boy gave him a generous part of his lunch; would not the rude boy feel ashamed? He would remember his own bad acts, and they would, trouble or “burn”; in his mind, as coals would on the head. So this proverb teaches that kindness is the best way to treat any who do us wrong, and trust the Lord to reward the right.
“Therefore if thine enemy hunger, feel him; if he thirst, give him drink: for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head.” Rom. 12:2020Therefore if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink: for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head. (Romans 12:20).
“As cold waters to a thirsty soul, so is good news from a far country.” Prov. 25:2525As cold waters to a thirsty soul, so is good news from a far country. (Proverbs 25:25).
We like to have good news from friends far away. The best news ever heard is the story of God’s love in sending His, Son. When He was born the angel said,
“Behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David, a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.” Luke 2:10, 1110And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. 11For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. (Luke 2:10‑11).
Do you know someone to whom you could tell the good news of the Saviour?
“Whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our, learning that we through patience and comfort of the Scriptures might have hope.” Romans 15:44For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope. (Romans 15:4).
ML 03/30/1941