Proverbs 27:17-22 - Practical Wisdom (2)

Proverbs 27:11-16 show us that frequent contention between a couple is bad for the health of their relationship. Verse 17 shows us that when a conflict is rightly handled, it can improve a relationship. If a couple is wise, each will exploit ways in conflict to get to know each other better. Just as “Iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another.” When rightly used, a conflict, bad habits, inconsistencies, and blind spots, can be made known to one’s partner tactfully and thus help in behavioral alteration. There are four models in relationship that one can adopt. The win-win model in any relationship is the best. Improvement is enabled. Other models such as a win-lose or lose-win only gives advantage to one partner and disadvantage to the other. The worst model, of course, is the lose-lose model, where no one wins. In win-win mentality we always aim to make each other better and not each other worst.  

Proverbs 27:18 tells us that faithfulness in service is profitable. A faithful fig farmer will definitely profit from the result of a well cultivated and grown fig tree. He will be able to reap much fruit from it, as well as find shade from its blossoming leaves. In the same way, a man who labours and faithfully looks after his master’s interest, can expect to be honoured. This is also the Lord Jesus’ promise. In His conclusion to a parable that He told in Luke 19:11-27, He encouraged faithfulness in service. In Luke 19:26, He said, “…to everyone who has, more shall be given, but from the one who does not have, even what he does have shall be taken away.” Remember to whom much is given, much is also required. Let’s be faithful stewards.

Proverbs 27:19 tells us that our character and conducts in life will reveal the state of our heart, just like water will reflect our face. Like it or not, what we say, how we act and behave, reveal the inner conviction of our heart. For that’s where our belief system and value reside. No wonder we are told earlier to “guard our heart with all diligence, for out of it flows the issues of life.”

The Bible has much to say about greed. It is a destructive force in life. Proverbs 27:20 reiterates it. This verse warns us against greed, often caused by the lust of the eyes. Genesis 3:6 tells us that Eve was tempted that way. “When the woman (Eve) saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was a delight to the eyes, and that the tree was desirable to make one wise, she took from its fruit and ate….” She was beguiled by Satan’s tempting words and took a look at the forbidden fruit and lusted after it. Here in Proverbs 27:20, we can see that when a person is driven by greed, he will stop at nothing to acquire more and more. Shoel, as we know, is the waiting room for the departed spirits, and Abbadon is the place of destruction. And no matter how many dead spirits had gone to Shoel and how many lives destroyed at Abbadon, they still clamour for more. In the same way a person who is filled with greed will never be satisfied, no matter how much he or she already has. Be watchful that we do not be consumed by a spirit of greed.

Proverbs 27:21 tells us that praise and compliments have a way of revealing a person’s character.  Just as fire will reveal silver and gold and separate between what are the refined and those that are not, so always will compliment reveal the character of a person. When a person is placed under the scrutiny of public opinions, the true colour will be shown. Put an incompetent person in a position of authority, the true substance of his life will be quickly revealed. A person underserving of compliments gets swell headed and becomes over-confident. However, when a deserving person is complimented, he will justify what is said of him by his numerous successes.   

Proverbs 27:22 reminds us of the saying that “we cannot teach old dogs new tricks” or “a leopard never change its spots.” So, it is true that a fool is near impossible to be changed. To change such a person is not only time consuming, but also pointless. Why? Because such an unprincipled person is totally blinded by obstinacy and self-will. His folly is so ingrained in him that no amount of harshness can ever alter his foolishness. In Jesus’ words, it is like “casting pearls before swine.” We should not waste our time trying to change an incorrigible fool. It will be an exercise in futility.