24:11-12 The missionary call is heard to take the gospel to those being led away to death, those heading to slaughter knowing nothing of the gospel. It therefore leads us to the responsibility of sharing the gospel to those who have never heard.
The challenge of neighbourly love comes in behaving towards those around us as Christ would - to love our neighbours as ourselves.
The wise man learned from the sluggard not to sit back and do nothing, but rather to be proactive, working hard to achieve all that needs doing.
Jesus takes the teaching of Prov 25:6-7 and adapts it into one of His own parables.
25:8-28 show the importance of words for good or evil.
They can be used for betraying confidences, or for speaking aptly. They can be a good rebuke or a refreshing word. They can be gently used to 'break a bone' or be false testimony that causes harm like a club or a sword, they can bring angry looks or cause difficulty in a marriage. Be careful!
26:1-12 Don't be a fool -
Because honour is not fitting for you
Because it is foolish behaviour!
Because you won't know how to handle a proverb
For Jesus, the fools are those who hear God's words and don't put them into practice.
Wrong speech exposed (26:18-27:2)
Joking that can't be serious
Gossip and quarreling
Fervent lips of an evil heart (hypocrisy)
Lying
Boasting about the future
Praise of oneself
Wisdom for living (27:5-22)
Open rebuke is better than hidden love
Earnest counsel is good from a friend
Loyalty as a friend is good
Sharpen each other as friends
Look after your master
The Reward of Dilligence (27:23-27)
You will receive reward in due season - you won't be chasing fantasies. (28:19) Keep your spiritual fervour - be diligent for God.
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