Proverbs 31 Woman

Resources for Christian Women, Encouragement for Families

More Gleanings from Charles Bridges: Proverbs 13:18

Proverbs 13:18 says, “Poverty and shame shall be to him that refuseth instruction:? but he that regardeth reproof shall be honoured.”

“The instruction of discipline is God’s ordinance.? Little do those who refuse it know, what a blessing they cast away! (Hebrews 12:10,11)? Poverty and shame are often the Lord’s rod for his wayward children (Luke 15:12-16); two dreaded evils— the one bringing them to want; the other hiding their heads; both disappointing “the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eye, and the pride of life.”? (1 John 2:16)? Young persons! learn to dread the liberty of being left to your own choice.? Dread the first step in the downward course, refusing instruction…Know your besetting temptation, ‘as the horse and the mule’? (Ps. 32:9), impatient of restraint.? If godly remonstrance be slighted, all may end in poverty and shame, embittered with the poignant sting of death-bed remorse. (chap. 5:11)…If we be humbled under his reproof, we shall be raised to his throne. (1Pt. 5:6)? Pleasant indeed are his words to his well-disciplined child.? To have our ears open to receive discipline, is to walk in the path of life and happiness (chap. 6:23.? Job 36:10-12); the honour of conformity to our Divine Saviour.”

Proverbs 12:25

Heaviness in the heart of man maketh it stoop:? but a good word maketh it glad.

Charles Bridges says this in his commentary on Proverbs:

“…Know we not the voice–‘It is I; be not afraid?'(Matt.14:27)? Human sympathy may give temporary relief.? But ‘that was the grace, softer than oil, sweeter than roses, which flows from the Saviour’s lips into the sinner’s wounds; and being poured into the contrite heart, not only heals, but blesses it, yea, and marks it out for eternal blessedness.? Oh!? how sweet is the voice of pardon to a soul groaning under the burden of sin!’? David, but for these good words, ‘would have perished in his affliction.'(Ps.119:92)? What beside made glad the jailor’s stooping heart?? (Acts 16:28-34)? Precious indeed is the privilege, to strengthen the weak hands ‘with a good word of God’ (Isa 35:3,4); to take the chair by the mourner’s side, and ‘comfort him with the same comfort, wherewith? we ourselves are comforted of God.’ (2 Cor. 1:4).? Precious is the ministry of the gospel, commissioned with the gladdening word to the heavy of heart.? (Job 33:23-26.? Isa. 40:1,2)? Yet more precious the office of the Beloved Saviour, ‘gifted with the tongue of the learned,’ and filled with the unction of the Spirit, for the express purpose of ‘comforting them that mourn.’? How tenderly did He perform this office, let his last sermon testify. (John 14-16)? See then the provision for joy, so rich, so free, so ready.”

More Gleanings from Proverbs

Why do we waste so much time spinning our wheels to “arrive”?? Where is it we are trying to go?? Who are we trying to keep up with?? Is the grass really greener on the other side?

Resting in His love, mercy, greatness, and trusting that His sovereign plan is what He wants for us is not always easy or reachable in a given moment.? When an accident happens or job loss occurs, for example, it may be really easy to kindle bitterness and questioning.? Some people learn through health challenges that they must rest in the Lord.? When we realize afresh our utter dependence on HIm, when we are sick or needy or hurting we are broken by Him and we learn more of humility and our need of a Saviour.? We must always cling to Christ or Lord, He who endured every kind of suffering, pain and affliction.

The Proverbs are so much a HUGE TREASURE CHEST of wisdom……….more gleanings are coming.? I’m struck by the breadth of issues covered; foibles and follies of human relationships are dealt with throughout the book.

If

If today I could fly anywhere in the world, where would I go?

If I could give any gift in the world to someone, what would it be?

If I could see what the future holds, would I want to know?

If I could find a treasure chest full of treasures, what would that be?

The Lord has been showing me that that treasure chest is sitting on my dining room table.

As I read it (Bible), I unearth great and precious treasures.