Proverbs 25

I am not sure if I am supposed to blog today....but I think maybe so b/c it isn't updated. So, here it goes!

The verses that spoke to me today were about knowing when to keep quiet and keep something confidential. These ones are always good for me to hear and they always remind me that it is always better to keep what someone tells me quiet than to go and tell other people, even if it seems harmless. Not obeying this principle always leaves me feeling "blah". Verse 2 says "it is the glory of God to conceal a matter and the glory of kings to search it out." Really, it is for His glory to keep something to myself....and what are my motives REALLY in needing to spread something or go find out "what's going on" with someone? Not that it isn't good to be concerned for people, but a good old motive check is something I need to remember in my life. In verse 9 it says to "debate your case with your neighbor, and do not disclose the secret to another, lest he who hears it exposes your shame and your reputation be ruined." Wow, not keeping a matter concealed might not just hurt another person or ruin their reputation, but it could hurt me and my reputation. That is good wisdom that is ministering to me today (and convicting me).

Verse 18 is a good one too..and I think we've already had the same proverb earlier "whoever has no rule over his own spirit is like a city broken down, without walls." That is just a good reminder to not only exercise self-discipline in my life, but to keep my own spirit ruling my soul and flesh, my emotions, mind, will, etc, and to keep my spirit submitted to the Holy Spirit. That one is really easier said than done! Flesh and emotions are strong....so ruling them really takes the Holy Spirit to get in charge and bring conviction when we need it, and bring change when we need it, to bring order when we need it, and all that stuff. I get so convicted everyday when I read proverbs.