Let's look for hidden gems (10 mins.)
Pr 29:5. What is flattery, and why does the Bible say that “a man who flatters his neighbor spreads a net for his feet”? (it “Flattery” par. 1)
Flattery is offering affected or exaggerated praise with the purpose of winning someone's favor, generally to satisfy one's vanity or self-esteem. According to the Bible, this practice is dangerous because flattery is not sincere, but is often used as a trap to take advantage of or manipulate the person being flattered.
This means that the person who flatters creates a deceptive situation that can lead the person being flattered into error or wrong decisions. Flattery is based on selfishness and hypocrisy, and therefore does not come from divine wisdom, but from this world, and it is displeasing to God.
What spiritual pearls have you found in this week's Bible reading?
Proverbs 29:1. The expression "stiff-necked" and "harden one's neck," which appears frequently in the Bible, indicates a rebellious and stubborn spirit. This attitude is detrimental to the person who has it, since recommendations for change will naturally become yet another occasion for rebellion, and ultimately, this will lead to their downfall.
Proverbs 29:3. First, this type of situation destroys your relationship with God, which is your most valuable asset. Then, it brings reproach upon your family and damages family relationships. Therefore, to avoid affecting our relationship with God or causing harm to our loved ones, we must remove any sinful thoughts from our minds.
Proverbs 29:5. Flattery to win someone's favor is harmful. In fact, it is not a characteristic of wisdom from above, but of the wisdom of this world, since its roots are selfishness, distinctions, and hypocrisy. Therefore, we must be careful not to flatter or flatter anyone, because these are things that displease Jehovah.
Proverbs 29:8. Boastful people who disrespect authority speak insolently. They thus fan the flames of conflict, inflaming the entire village. But wise people "turn away their anger" by speaking with gentleness and common sense, quenching the flames of anger and promoting peace. This is something that pleases Jehovah.
Proverbs 29:11. The wisest thing to do is to control our emotions instead of letting them control us. If we feel like we're about to lose control, it's best to step back, because this can lead to trouble. A walk or some physical exercise can help us control our emotions. Let's ask Jehovah to work his Holy Spirit to produce self-control in us.
Proverbs 29:15. In the Bible, the Hebrew words for "rod" refer to a staff or staff, like the one a shepherd used to guide his sheep. Similarly, "the rod" of parental authority conveys the idea of guiding children with love and not punishing them harshly or cruelly.
Proverbs 29:21. This is true for many spoiled children. They've grown into teenagers and adults who feel that "the world owes them a living," but that they owe nothing to anyone. Timely discipline for children is essential for their success in life.
Proverbs 29:22. Those who do not control their spirit, but are “given to anger,” could stir up strife, even among friends. And those who are “prone to anger” have many transgressions. They are likely to sin, and that is something a wise and godly person would want to avoid. Therefore, let us ask Jehovah for patience and wisdom in controlling our anger.
Proverbs 29:25. Trembling before men can stifle the ability to speak truthfully and act in ways that please God. The desire to please others is normal, and it is unChristian to callously disregard what other people think. However, balance is needed. Let us ask Jehovah for courage to stand firm against the enemy.
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