More of Hezekiah’s Collection

Proverbs 25:18-28

“A man that beareth false witness against his neighbour is a maul, and a sword, and a sharp arrow.” (Proverbs 25:18)

A person who makes up stories against his neighbor is like the person who cuts down his neighbor’s tree or smashes his car window with a bat, or shoots his cat of dog.  You just never know what he’ll do next.    

“Confidence in an unfaithful man in time of trouble is like a broken tooth, and a foot out of joint.” (Proverbs 25:19)

Depending on a person who is undependable when you need them is like having a broken tooth or a sprained ankle.  Just when they are needed worst, they are likely to give out, causing great pain and other injuries. 

“As he that taketh away a garment in cold weather, and as vinegar upon nitre, so is he that singeth songs to an heavy heart.” (Proverbs 25:20)

To someone who is depressed, Someone who is cheerful and singing is almost as annoying as having his coat stolen on cold day.  It stirs up his anger like pouring vinegar on baking soda.

“If thine enemy be hungry, give him bread to eat; and if he be thirsty, give him water to drink: For thou shalt heap coals of fire upon his head, and the LORD shall reward thee.” (Proverbs 25:21-22)

By supplying food or necessities when your enemy is suffering, you show a genuine concern for him.  The contrast in your attitude and his will get to him, and god will reward your efforts.  On the other hand, trying to appease him by giving what he demands teaches him that you are afraid of him and the easiest way to get what he wants is to threaten you.  Contrary to what some people believe, you won’t stop a bully by giving him what he demands.+

“The north wind driveth away rain: so doth an angry countenance a backbiting tongue.” (Proverbs 25:23)

Just as a north wind can drive away rain clouds from the west, obvious anger can make a person who is telling lies and running one down look for a way to escape. 

“It is better to dwell in the corner of the housetop, than with a brawling woman and in a wide house.” (Proverbs 25:24)

Once again we are reminded that it is better to not even have a roof over your head than to try to get along with a mate who likes to fight, no matter how nice the house might be.

“As cold waters to a thirsty soul, so is good news from a far country.” (Proverbs 25:25)

Good news from far away is as good as a cold drink on a hot day. 

“A righteous man falling down before the wicked is as a troubled fountain, and a corrupt spring.” (Proverbs 25:26)

Good people being forced to bow down to or obey wicked men is like a polluted or poisonous spring or well of water.  

“It is not good to eat much honey: so for men to search their own glory is not glory.” (Proverbs 25:27)

While a little honey is good for a person, too much can make you sick and cause serious health problems.    When a person spends his effort trying to get people’s praise, it ceases to mean anything because he is just putting on show, and not really doing anything of value. 

“He that hath no rule over his own spirit is like a city that is broken down, and without walls.” (Proverbs 25:28)

Like a city or country that has lost their defenses, a person who has no self-discipline or self-control is like a is exposed to any temptation or evil that comes along.  They have never developed the will power to resist.