Putting the I into WISDOM
The Christians who have most influenced me for good have had a fully functional familiarity with the book of Proverbs. They were (and are) able to take their considerable knowledge and apply it to their lives, providing both godly examples and godly advice. Join with me as each of us endeavors to put the I into WISDOM. Let us seek to exemplify God’s wisdom in our daily lives. (I will be using this opening paragraph for each of the brief messages in this series. The following material will change daily.)
A wise person recognizes that words can strengthen or sabotage any relationship. Proverbs 27:5-6 says, “Open rebuke is better than secret love. Faithful are the wounds of a friend; but the kisses of an enemy are deceitful.” “Open” does not mean public “rebuke” (see Matthew 18:15-17); rather, it is forthright, frank speech that is necessary. It is based upon a real relationship, a relationship of respect. “Secret love” is not love at all, for love is “faithful” and contrasts with the “deceitful” nature of the smoothtalking, flattering “enemy” (literally, “one who hates”). A “friend” (literally, “one who loves”) provides “wounds” – metaphoric bruises that linger because they sink in and have an efficacious effect. The verbal irony is powerful: obviously, we prefer kisses to bruises. However, this striking use of unusual language reminds us that strong relationships cannot be based upon superficialities. Let us beware the kiss of a Judas (Luke 22:47-48) and instead value the direct and decent words of a true friend.