Good Question - Day 18
Day 18: Wednesday, May 10
Read Proverbs 26-27
Highlight
Proverbs 26:4-5 - “Do not answer a fool according to his folly, or you will be like him yourself. Answer a fool according to his folly, or he will be wise in his own eyes.” The first proverb is straight forward: to argue with a fool will only make you appear foolish as well. It’s the same idea as a saying in our own culture: Never wrestle with a pig. You both get dirty and the pig likes it. Replace “pig” with “fool” and you get the same idea as v. 4.
The obvious problem is that v. 4 & v.5 seems to directly contradict each other! Jewish rabbis were not ignorant of this problem and believe that the proverbs were intended to complement rather than contradict each other. The difference between the commands is the importance of the issue. In negligible issues, we ought to ignore the foolishness of others rather than be drawn into an argument with them. But in critical areas, such as areas of faith, it is better to engage a fool than let them continue in their foolishness. The wisdom we need is to be able to determine which situation calls for which response!
Proverbs 27:17 - “As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another.” This proverb talks about the importance of community in our own personal development. This is even easier to see in the original Hebrew. The second line literally means “as one man sharpens the face of the other.” The reference to a man’s face reflects the personality or character of the other person. Jewish teaching, recorded in the Talmud, makes it even more specific. They taught that this proverb especially applied to two students sharpening each other as they read the Scriptures together.
Reflection & Prayer
For this reading plan we will be using a tool to guide our study of Scripture that’s called the S.O.A.P. Method. It stands for Scripture, Observation, Application, and Prayer. We recommend you use a journal with this method and write out your thoughts on each of these areas for each day of reading. It doesn’t have to be long-winded and you don’t need a fancy journal. But for anyone that has not journaled before, the benefit is that it often helps us focus and avoid distractions during prayer and Bible study.
S.O.A.P. Method
Scripture - Pick a verse or two that stood out to you and write it in your journal. Be looking for a “Holy Spirit Highlight.” What did you read and think “I needed to hear that” or felt like it was written just for you?
Observation - Now write some observations about the verse(s) or passage. What is this passage or verse saying? About God? About people? How is Jesus revealed in these verses?
Application - Now write a few sentences on how this passage applies to your life. Is there truth about God that you are to believe? A promise to receive? Is the Holy Spirit convicting you of something you need to do or stop doing in light of God’s truth?
Prayer - Now write out a prayer to God in response to this Scripture. This is a way to turn God’s Word to you back to Him. Be honest and express your heart to Him. God always listens and He delights in your prayers. (Psalm 34:15; Proverbs 15:8)
Read Proverbs 26-27
Highlight
Proverbs 26:4-5 - “Do not answer a fool according to his folly, or you will be like him yourself. Answer a fool according to his folly, or he will be wise in his own eyes.” The first proverb is straight forward: to argue with a fool will only make you appear foolish as well. It’s the same idea as a saying in our own culture: Never wrestle with a pig. You both get dirty and the pig likes it. Replace “pig” with “fool” and you get the same idea as v. 4.
The obvious problem is that v. 4 & v.5 seems to directly contradict each other! Jewish rabbis were not ignorant of this problem and believe that the proverbs were intended to complement rather than contradict each other. The difference between the commands is the importance of the issue. In negligible issues, we ought to ignore the foolishness of others rather than be drawn into an argument with them. But in critical areas, such as areas of faith, it is better to engage a fool than let them continue in their foolishness. The wisdom we need is to be able to determine which situation calls for which response!
Proverbs 27:17 - “As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another.” This proverb talks about the importance of community in our own personal development. This is even easier to see in the original Hebrew. The second line literally means “as one man sharpens the face of the other.” The reference to a man’s face reflects the personality or character of the other person. Jewish teaching, recorded in the Talmud, makes it even more specific. They taught that this proverb especially applied to two students sharpening each other as they read the Scriptures together.
Reflection & Prayer
For this reading plan we will be using a tool to guide our study of Scripture that’s called the S.O.A.P. Method. It stands for Scripture, Observation, Application, and Prayer. We recommend you use a journal with this method and write out your thoughts on each of these areas for each day of reading. It doesn’t have to be long-winded and you don’t need a fancy journal. But for anyone that has not journaled before, the benefit is that it often helps us focus and avoid distractions during prayer and Bible study.
S.O.A.P. Method
Scripture - Pick a verse or two that stood out to you and write it in your journal. Be looking for a “Holy Spirit Highlight.” What did you read and think “I needed to hear that” or felt like it was written just for you?
Observation - Now write some observations about the verse(s) or passage. What is this passage or verse saying? About God? About people? How is Jesus revealed in these verses?
Application - Now write a few sentences on how this passage applies to your life. Is there truth about God that you are to believe? A promise to receive? Is the Holy Spirit convicting you of something you need to do or stop doing in light of God’s truth?
Prayer - Now write out a prayer to God in response to this Scripture. This is a way to turn God’s Word to you back to Him. Be honest and express your heart to Him. God always listens and He delights in your prayers. (Psalm 34:15; Proverbs 15:8)
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