Contrasts in Life

The three sons of a lawyer, a doctor, and a minister, respectively, were talking about how much money their fathers made. The lawyer’s son said, “My father goes into court on a case and often comes home with as much as fifteen hundred dollars.” The doctor’s son said, &q … More

Comparison

In this passage we find several comparisons:

A comparison is made between love and hatred (vv. 10-12). Love makes people live peacefully with each other because it forgives the faults of others. it does not dwell on their faults (I Cor. 13:5). On the other hand hatred results in dissension and causes people to despise one another. When love is lacking, it is easy to play the part of a talebearer which only tends to add to the evil. We are not to show an indifference to evil, but in love help our brother, in sin, confess it and make it right  with the Lord and those he has wronged. A good example of exercising a love that covereth is found in Nathan’s dealing with David (II Sam. 12:1-14).

Next we find a comparison between a wise man and a foolish man (vv. 13-14). A wise person stores up knowledge and holds it for the right occasion while a fool spouts off the wrong thing at the wrong time.

Also we find a comparison between the rich and the poor (v. 15). Although a person should never trust in his wealth, it can provide a hedge against some disasters. Poverty brings continual problems to the poor in this life. But, in reference to eternity, riches will not profit in the day of wrath; neither will poverty interfere with future glory. (Luke 16:19-31).

Application

Scripture says that it is not good to compare ourselves with others. Is it ever right to hate someone? What should be my attitude toward a murderer or an adulterer? A modern day example of how this works (Example: The widows of the five martyrs in Equador).

Proverbs 10:11-16 (English Standard Version)


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