Proverbs 25:6-10 – Needful etiquette in life

As we have established that Proverbs 25 was about counsel on how kings and subjects should conduct themselves. By extension, it will be so in our roles as leaders or followers in any given situation. Bear in mind that in life we all have leaders. At home, in school, at work or play and even in sport and playing team games, we always have leaders to lead us. They come in the form of our parents, our teachers, our pastors, our coaches, our captains, our bosses and superiors, and of course all in governmental authority. What sort of behaviours should we exercise to enhance our respect and relationship to those over us? In five verses from Proverbs 25:6-10 we are offered three admonitions on how to ensure good relationship with our leaders.  

Firstly, in verses 6-7 we are told to recognize our place and position and not to step out of line. This is so when you are invited before dignitaries. It is always better to stay humble and not be presumptuous. Do not go for the best seat before a dignitary or you may be humiliated when you are asked to take a lower position. By being humble we avoid being humiliated. It is always better to be invited to take a prestigious place, than to presumptively assume one has the right to sit there. Isn’t this what the Lord Jesus taught in Luke 14:7-11 in his parable of the Guests? He concluded in the parable in Luke 14:11 by saying, “For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.”

Secondly, in verse 8, we are urged not to be contentious. We must not be aggressive in dealing with our equal.  We must not bring a charge against a fellowman without a sound basis. Unless and until we have all the facts on our side and our charge is fail-proof, we should never accuse anyone of anything. Or else we may be put to shame when proven wrong.

Thirdly, in verses 9-10, we are advised not to betray confidence. In our gossipy culture, people have the tendency to spread what they hear. The temptation is always to tell on other’s weakness. It becomes worst when we reveal the secret of someone we had an argument with. Remember the ill you whisper of someone may be revealed by the person to whom you spoke to. This will ruin your reputation as a slanderer and tale-bearer.