Andy Graham

‘A friend loves at all times…’ (Proverbs 17:17)

What is friendship and what are our hopes – our expectations – of those we think of as our friends? How do we behave towards those whom we consider to be our friends? In the same way that we expect them to behave towards us?

According to the proverb a true friend loves at all times – at all times! How then does this affect our understanding and our belief as to what friendship is all about? The reality is that there are times when we all fail to love others at all times. Because we are only humans there are times when we react to others in ways that we should not, if only for a short while. It’s then we need to remember verses like this – but also the opening words from that much loved hymn, What a friend we have in Jesus…

We will never be perfect, but if we can remember this we can all be more like the kind of friends that our Lord would have us be – following  His example as best we can and sharing His love with all.

‘Commit your work to the Lord and your plans will be established…’ (Proverbs 16:3)

Through the Holy Spirit the Lord is with us every day – no matter where we are, no matter what we are doing. But all too often we seem to ignore this and fail to seek the Spirit’s guidance before we set upon a course of action – and then wonder why things never seem to go to plan. What we should be doing is following the advice of this proverb. Does that mean things will always go smoothly without any hiccups whatsoever – very unlikely! However,  if we commit everything to God beforehand and listen to His Spirit’s guidance, then even although we many encounter difficulties along the way, the Lord will help us every step of the way until that task is complete.

‘A truthful witness saves lives…’ (Proverbs 14:25)

It’s difficult to imagine precisely what context the writer had in mind with this proverb, but I wonder if we have ever considered this. Jesus once said, I am the way, the truth and the life… if we are able to bear witness to that truth in in our lives we might help someone come to know Christ for themselves and the salvation He offers through faith in Him.

‘Rash words are like sword thrusts…’ (Proverbs 12:18)

Sticks and stones may break my bones but words will never hurt me… I wonder how often we have heard this well known saying over the years – and how often we have found the exact opposite to be the case. In all too many situations emotional and mental wounds, received from harsh and hurtful words spoken by others, take so much longer to heal than any physical injury may do. Indeed, in some cases the wounds are never fully healed.

Proverbs has many verses that talk about the power of the words we speak – both good and bad. But perhaps one of the verses that we should most comes from our Lord Himself, ”’for by your words you will be justified and by your words you will be condemned…’ (Matthew 12:37). Food for thought!

‘The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life…’ (Proverbs 11:30)

As human beings we are flawed in so many ways and despite our good intentions and best efforts we still at times act in ways that we know we shouldn’t. As a consequence, in our own right we could never be deemed as being righteous before God, therefore this wonderful promise in Proverbs would never come to fruition. However, in chapter 5 of his letter to Romans, Paul tells us that whilst we were still sinners Christ gave His life for us, reconciling us to our Father in Heaven. We are therefore justified by faith through Christ. If we hold on to Jesus Christ as our Saviour and put our faith in Him, then can enjoy the fruit of the tree of life.

‘The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom…’ (Proverbs 9:10)

What is wisdom and how do we ‘measure’ it? Does our IQ and intelligence have any bearing on how wise we are? What about cognitive reasoning and our ability to assess and understand specific situations? What is it that makes us wise? Well, according to Proverbs the best place to start is fear of the Lord. However, it’s worth noting that in this context the fear spoken of isn’t something that terrifies us, something that we are truly afraid of. Here the word for fear is more akin to reverence. If we revere the Lord, if we look to Him and seek to follow Him – that is the beginning of wisdom.

‘…happy are those who keep my ways…’ (Proverbs 8:32)

These words of wisdom echo so many that we find in the book of Psalms and point to one simple truth. True happiness can only be found when we walk with the Lord – and there is nothing that can compare with this.

‘My child, keep my words and store up my commandments with you…’ (Proverbs 7:1)

Through the Word of God and the example and teaching of our Lord we have all we need to help us through all that we face every day – and we have His Holy Spirit to help us to do so. So give thanks to the Lord for His continued presence with us and let’s seek to do exactly as the proverb states.

‘Keep straight the path of your feet and all your ways will be sure…’ (Proverbs 4:26)

As we go through life there are many occasions when we have to choose which path to follow. At times we will choose the right path but unfortunately at other times we will choose the wrong one. How can we know though which path is the correct one to choose and how can we apply these words of wisdom from Proverbs? We look to our Lord and we follow the path that He has set before us. It might not always be easy and will not be without troubles or temptations along the way, but if we can follow the path our Lord would have us take, we are on the right path.

‘Trust in the Lord with all your heart and do not rely on your own insight…’ (Proverbs 3:5)

All too often in life we wonder why ventures we have undertaken don’t always turn out as we had planned or hoped for. But if we can take a step back and then reflect upon what has happened, how often do we find that we have sought to do things in our own way, trusting in our strengths and merits instead of first taking things to the Lord. At all times and in all things, put your trust in the Lord for He will be with you at all times.