Compromise Invites an Attack by Satan
December 28, 2022
Commentary
The kindness shown in giving someone food and water makes him ashamed of being an enemy, and will soften his angry feelings (vv. 21-22). Nothing brings sorrow and strife among people more than the repeating of matter that cannot profit, and brings pain to the one of whom they are related (v. 23). A brawling woman is said to be on the same level with a slanderer (v. 24). Any lodging is to be preferred to staying in the same house with her. In Bible times news traveled very slowly and so there were often long periods of waiting to hear when a relative or friend departed into a distant land. Any news received was precious indeed, like cold water to a thirsty soul (v. 25).
The spring has been trampled by men or animals, so that the water has been polluted (v. 26). In the arid country of Palestine it was a great disappointment to anyone traveling to come across a spring or well that was contaminated. The same is true of a righteous man who allows his pure life to be polluted by compromise and sin. He certainly disappoints others who look to him. We also see how a city without walls is subject to enemy attacks. Any person who is tempted to compromise is subject to Satan’s attack. Seeking to exalt oneself is as bad as overeating honey (v. 27). Both bring problems. It has been said that your temper is like a fire. It get very destructive when it gets out of control. “He that hath no rule over his own spirit is like a city that is broken down, and without walls” (v. 28).
I NEED TO BE CAREFUL THAT I NEVER LOSE MY TEMPER. NOBODY ELSE WANTS IT!
Application
As I reach my senior years one of my greatest desires is to finish well. Just a small compromise in my life could mar my testimony for the rest of my life.
Proverbs 25:21– 28 (NET)
21 If your enemy is hungry, give him food to eat, and if he is thirsty, give him water to drink,
22 for you will heap coals of fire on his head, and the Lord will reward you.
23 The north wind brings forth rain, and a gossiping tongue brings forth an angry look.
24 It is better to live on a corner of the housetop than in a house in company with a quarrelsome wife.
25 Like cold water to a weary person, so is good news from a distant land.
26 Like a muddied spring and a polluted well, so is a righteous person who gives way before the wicked.
27 It is not good to eat too much honey, nor is it honorable for people to seek their own glory.
28 Like a city that is broken down and without a wall, so is a person who cannot control his temper.