The Book of Proverbs – Lesson 3

Brenda Cannon HenleyBy Brenda Cannon Henley
In preparing to write this series on the mighty Book of Proverbs, I studied from many commentaries, sermon notes, books, my own lessons for women and children, and other helpful information. I found so many good sources and reveled in what men and women found in its depths. Questioning my own plan of how to develop each section, I found myself bobbing around like a weightless cork in a windy Gale. So much truth comes from these 31 chapters, I feared leaving out most helpful and including less relevant.

One subject seemed to come up over and over and I felt it extremely important in all of our lives in 2021 as we navigate changing times and uncertain waters. That subject is our various relationships and the wisdom and understanding as to how we build, handle, or avoid them.

We have established that Solomon wrote or gathered over 3,000 writings as he procured these truths and penned them for his subjects and to be included in the Word of God. He might have asked, Do you get along with others? Have you been promoted fast in your career? Are you highly sought as a friend? Can you handle an angry adversary? Solomon answers these and many other questions if we pay attention.

Relationships are a crucial part of your life to please God, help others, and prosper yourself. Add this wisdom to your life and rise higher.

I truly appreciated how the writers at Let God Be True hit the nails on the heads, as it were, in depicting relationship issues. Here are a few of their conclusions:


Proverbs 18:24
“A man that hath friends must shew himself friendly: and there is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother.”

How many good friends do you have? The answer tells how friendly you are. Do you have a very close friend? They are more special than a brother. Friendliness is a two-way street, and if you are lacking in friends, it is your fault.


Proverbs 30:17
“The eye that mocketh at his father, and despiseth to obey his mother, the ravens of the valley shall pick it out, and the young eagles shall eat it.”

What if ravens ripped your eyeball out by their beaks and hungry eagles ate it? You deserve it, if you roll your eyes at your parents! God is planning just this kind of pain for you for dishonoring your parents. It is that important!


Proverbs 25:20
“As he that taketh away a garment in cold weather, and as vinegar upon nitre, so is he that singeth songs to an heavy heart.”

Can you comfort those hurting with grief? Do you know what to say at a funeral? Empathy is a skill and takes discipline. If you think being cheerful around those who are sad helps, you are actually making things worse. Grow up!


Proverbs 13:20
“He that walketh with wise men shall be wise: but a companion of fools shall be destroyed.”

An easy way to get wiser is by wise friends. If you choose fools, you will destroy yourself. You are the company you keep. Do not deceive yourself thinking bad friends will not influence you. The corruption has already started.


Proverbs 22:10
“Cast out the scorner, and contention shall go out; yea, strife and reproach shall cease.”

Is there conflict in your home, business, or church? Look for a scorner, for often there is one. Throw him out, and peace will return. He is not worth any effort; he will bite you for trying to help; wisdom gets rid of such men.


Proverbs 22:11
“He that loveth pureness of heart, for the grace of his lips the king shall be his friend.”

You can win the favor of the mighty. How? By gracious speech. Kings have blessed shepherds for it, for it is one of the best traits of human character. How can you develop it? It starts with a pure heart that will alter your words.


Proverbs 27:17
“Iron sharpeneth iron; so a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend.”

Are you a friend worth having? You must make those around you better. You do not fear to gently correct or warn them about faults. As a file removes bits of metal from a blade, a good friend leaves a sharp, shiny finish.


We will continue to study Proverbs in coming columns.

Brenda Cannon Henley can be reached at 409 781 8788, or
[email protected]

[Aug-3-2021]

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