“The magnet of mercy does not draw us so near to God as the cords of affliction. When Absalom set Joab’s corn on fire, then he came running to Absalom (2 Sam. 14:30). When God sets our worldly comforts on fire, then we run to Him, and make our peace with Him. When the prodigal was pinched with want, then he returned home to his father (Luke 15:18). When the dove could not find any rest for the sole of her foot, then she flew to the ark. When God brings a deluge of affliction upon us, then we fly to the ark of Christ. Thus affliction makes us happy, in bringing us nearer to God. Faith can make use of the waters of affliction, to cause us to swim faster to Christ.” Thomas Watson, All Things for Good, p. 31
January: A Proverb a Day – Keeps Stupidity at Bay!
Pro 26:1 Like snow in summer and like rain in harvest, So honor is not fitting for a fool.
Pro 26:2 Like a sparrow in its flitting, like a swallow in its flying, So a curse without cause does not alight.
Pro 26:3 A whip is for the horse, a bridle for the donkey, And a rod for the back of fools.
Pro 26:4 Do not answer a fool according to his folly, Or you will also be like him.
Pro 26:5 Answer a fool as his folly deserves, That he not be wise in his own eyes.
Pro 26:6 He cuts off his own feet and drinks violence Who sends a message by the hand of a fool.
Pro 26:7 Like the legs which are useless to the lame, So is a proverb in the mouth of fools.
Pro 26:8 Like one who binds a stone in a sling, So is he who gives honor to a fool.
Pro 26:9 Like a thorn which falls into the hand of a drunkard, So is a proverb in the mouth of fools.
Pro 26:10 Like an archer who wounds everyone, So is he who hires a fool or who hires those who pass by.
Pro 26:11 Like a dog that returns to its vomit Is a fool who repeats his folly.
Pro 26:12 Do you see a man wise in his own eyes? There is more hope for a fool than for him.
Pro 26:13 The sluggard says, “There is a lion in the road! A lion is in the open square!”
Pro 26:14 As the door turns on its hinges, So does the sluggard on his bed.
Pro 26:15 The sluggard buries his hand in the dish; He is weary of bringing it to his mouth again.
Pro 26:16 The sluggard is wiser in his own eyes Than seven men who can give a discreet answer.
Pro 26:17 Like one who takes a dog by the ears Is he who passes by and meddles with strife not belonging to him.
Pro 26:18 Like a madman who throws Firebrands, arrows and death,
Pro 26:19 So is the man who deceives his neighbor, And says, “Was I not joking?”
Pro 26:20 For lack of wood the fire goes out, And where there is no whisperer, contention quiets down.
Pro 26:21 Like charcoal to hot embers and wood to fire, So is a contentious man to kindle strife.
Pro 26:22 The words of a whisperer are like dainty morsels, And they go down into the innermost parts of the body.
Pro 26:23 Like an earthen vessel overlaid with silver dross Are burning lips and a wicked heart.
Pro 26:24 He who hates disguises it with his lips, But he lays up deceit in his heart.
Pro 26:25 When he speaks graciously, do not believe him, For there are seven abominations in his heart.
Pro 26:26 Though his hatred covers itself with guile, His wickedness will be revealed before the assembly.
Pro 26:27 He who digs a pit will fall into it, And he who rolls a stone, it will come back on him.
Pro 26:28 A lying tongue hates those it crushes, And a flattering mouth works ruin.