F O O T H O L D
READING
41 GETTING ON WITH OTHERS
PRAY Improve my
relationships with others as a result of reading your
word, loving Lord.
READ Proverbs 25:128.
THINK What, do you think, is
the main point of this chapter?
FOCUS Four of today's
sayings were taken up and amplified (or
emphasized) by Jesus in his
teachings.
DON'T PROMOTE YOURSELF (6,7;
see luke 14:711). King Solomon was
concerned with people at
court, whereas Jesus chose the more
common setting of a wedding
feast for his teaching. But the point
they make is exactly the
same those who push themselves are
liable to find themselves
snubbed.
DON'T PROSECUTE YOUR
NEIGHBOUR (8; see Matthew 5:25). On a purely
practical level it is unwise
to take hasty action without
considering carefully all
the evidence; you may be caught out!
But Christians have a much
better motive than this for not rushing
to the lawyers; we are all
sinners, and we all depend on God's
forgiveness. So we do better
to forgive also.
DON'T PROCLAIM YOUR
GRIEVANCES (9,10; see Matthew 5:4345).
Instead of complaining to
the neighbours, talk to the person
concerned.
DON'T PROLONG YOUR ANXIETIES
(21,22; see Matthew 5:4345). How are
we to treat our enemies (21)?
At first glance the reason
for this seems rather dubious (22). But
the burning coals refer to
the person's conscience, not to any
judgement upon him. Of
course we must not use kindness to take
revenge! But the best weapon
with which to confront your opponent
is love that way you
destroy the enmity not the enemy.
PRAY Are there any
relationships that you need to put right? Pray about
them now and ask God to give
you wisdom, humility and grace.
