SPIRITUAL GEMS: Week of August 11-17, 2025, PROVERBS 26, Answers.

SPIRITUAL GEMS: August 11-17, 2025, PROVERBS 26, Answers.

Let's look for hidden gems (10 mins.)

Pr 26:4, 5. Why don't these two proverbs contradict each other? (it-2 1143 par. 4).

Responding to a fool “according to his folly,” in the sense of resorting to his poor methods of argument, places the person doing so on par with the fool's faulty reasoning or behavior. Hence, the proverb advises: “Do not respond to a foolish person according to his folly.”

On the other hand, Proverbs 26:4, 5 indicates that it can be beneficial to answer “according to his folly,” in the sense of analyzing his opinions and exposing them to be ridiculous, showing that his reasoning leads to conclusions completely different from those he himself has reached.

What spiritual pearls have you found in this week's Bible reading?

Proverbs 26:2. This means that when birds take flight, they do so with a purpose—either to feed or to flee. Similarly, the curse that befalls the foolish is caused by their foolish behavior. Therefore, we must be careful when associating with them, so as not to incur their errors as well.

Proverbs 26:7. In ancient times, especially in cities built on mounds, it was often necessary to descend a ladder or a long flight of steps to draw water from a well. Just as it would be very difficult for a lame person to successfully raise water from such a well, it is equally unlikely for a stupid person to utter wise and clear words. A stupid person attempting to quote or apply a proverb is as clumsy and ineffective as a lame person trying to raise water up a ladder. Therefore, paying attention to their words is pointless.

Proverbs 26:10. This proverb shows the damage that can be caused when, from a position of responsibility, a certain task is assigned to someone who is not qualified to perform it. Therefore, it is important to teach first before delegating, and to do so responsibly. If we act this way, we will do so in the way of our God, Jehovah.

Proverbs 26:12. People who become "wise in their own eyes" and elevate themselves above others—even above God—are worse than the fool who, at least, doesn't try to hide it. Therefore, we must avoid feeling superior or wise, because what do we have that hasn't been given to us? If we are truly wise, we will love those who criticize us with righteousness.

Proverbs 26:15. Even when surrounded by food, we can end up with severe malnutrition if we don't get up and partake of it. What a sad situation! Likewise, we could become too lazy to make the effort to personally study God's Word, the Bible, and the biblical publications designed to help us receive spiritual nourishment. We could also tire of preparing for and participating in the meetings of the Christian congregation. Hence the importance of not being spiritually lazy.

Proverbs 26:17. If we see a fight and get involved in it, we'll be asking for trouble, like grabbing a dog by the ears. We may not know who started the fight or why they're fighting. Perhaps the person being hit stole something, and that's why they're being hit. If we help them, we'd be helping a thief, and that wouldn't be right, right? So what should you do when you see a fight? If it's at school, you can run and tell a teacher. And if it's outside of school, you can call your parents or a police officer. Even if other people want to fight, we should be peaceful.

Proverbs 26:22. What happens if you swallow lies and repeat them? Well, even if you believe the lies are true, you are lying when you spread them. When the falsity of those lies comes to light, you may be considered a liar. Would you like that to happen? Doesn't God hold false teachers accountable for religious lies? Since "each of us will give an account of himself to God," would you want Him to condemn you for being a lying slanderer?

Proverbs 26:23. Just as a "silver glaze" concealed the earthenware vessel it covered, "fervent lips" could hide "a wicked heart" when the friendship was only feigned. How important it is to choose our friends wisely so as not to bear the consequences of disappointment!