Today, we discuss gossip, humor, and jealousy. These things that lurk in the shadows can be destructive. Where do we find humor? We live in a cruel age, and where we find humor says a lot about our character. What about jealousy? It may not look as explosive, but it can rot our souls. We are daily presented with opportunities to engage in arguments, fights, and conflicts. But what does it gain us to do that? Sometimes, the best answer is no answer. We face nearly constant pressure to give in to darkness and shadows. But that is not the way of Jesus. That is not the way of life.

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Good morning! It’s great to be with you on this Friday morning as we prepare for our time together in Proverbs throughout the weekend. Today, we’ll be exploring Proverbs 26, 27, and 28. I won’t read all the verses, but I encourage you to read one chapter each day over the weekend. It can be a valuable addition to your daily routine.

In Proverbs 26, verse 4 caught my attention. It says, “Do not answer fools according to their folly or you will be a fool yourself.” This reminded me of a saying my mom often shared with me: “Don’t pick a fight with crazy; it’ll drag you down to its level and then beat you with experience.” Sometimes, not engaging in a foolish argument is the wisest choice.

Verse 17-19 offers valuable advice about not meddling in the quarrels of others. Like grabbing a passing dog by the ears, meddling can lead to trouble. It’s a good reminder that not every fight is ours to fix or resolve. Some battles are best left untouched.

Moving on to Proverbs 27, verse 4 provides an interesting insight: “Wrath is cruel, anger is overwhelming, but who is able to stand before jealousy?” Jealousy, although less apparent than anger or wrath, can be more challenging to deal with. It may not manifest explosively, but it silently corrodes from within. Watch out for jealousy and guard your heart against its corrosive effects.

Verse 17, “As iron sharpens iron, so does one person sharpen the wits of another,” is a familiar verse. It emphasizes the importance of surrounding ourselves with people who make us better, those who sharpen our character. Consider who in your life contributes to your growth and accountability.

As we delve into Proverbs 28, verse 6 stands out: “Better to be poor and walk in integrity than to be crooked in one’s ways, even though rich.” This echoes the recurring theme in Proverbs – the value of integrity over material wealth. Your character is priceless, and it’s worth more than any possessions.

In conclusion, these readings prompt us to be mindful of our associations, character, and the people we become. Be cautious of the shadows where destructive elements like cruelty, wrath, jealousy, and gossip dwell. This weekend, strive to walk in the light, and you’ll find the grace and love of God waiting for you. Have a wonderful weekend, and we’ll resume our journey through Proverbs on Monday with Chapter 29.