April 8, 2020

Proverbs 18:17

Introduction

I. Diligence (Pro 18:17) #

Prov. 18:17 ¶ He that is first in his own cause seemeth just; but his neighbour cometh and searcheth him.

A. First report #

1. Two siblings… the first one that can get to the parent, and give a report… will spin it to make sure they appear right #

2. If you only listen to one side of the story… you will likely side with that person. #

• There are always those who are more than willing to run around and give their story so others will feel bad for them.
• There is always another side to the story, if you only take the one side, you will not know the full truth.
• Vs 13 – He that answereth a matter before he heareth it, it is folly and shame unto him.

B. Two ears #

• We should always be careful to look for both sides.
• Justice resides somewhere in the middle of both stories.

II. Casting lots (Proverbs 18:18) #

Prov. 18:18 ¶ The lot causeth contentions to cease, and parteth between the mighty.

A. What is a lot? #

1. Casting lots #

• The Smith’s Bible Dictionary describes it as pieces of wood with markings, then being placed in a pot or bag with water, and shaken until one would fall out, that was the lot to be used. Sometimes they were drawn out by hand, or even shaken as dice.

2. Casting lots in the Bible: #

• Lev 16:8-9 – to chose a scapegoat

• Num 26:55-56 – to divide the land

• 1 Chr 24:5 – Dividing up work

• Joshua 7:14-15 – Seems as though Achan was taken by casting lots.

• Jonah 1:7 – Jonah was called out by lots

• Acts 1:24-26 – Matthias was chosen by lots

  • This is the only real time that lots were used in the NT, and I personally don’t think it was sanctioned by God.
  • In the OT, they didn’t have the Holy Spirit to lead them and guide them.
  • It may be a way to settle trivial non important tasks, but would be very careful making serious life altering decisions based on drawing straws.

III. Offenses (Proverbs 18:19) #

A. Offended #

1. Some people are rude, and not friendly, down right offensive. #

• Living overseas is an educational experience. All cultures are different!
• While living in Peru, it was not offensive at all for people to call others fat. They viewed it as a good thing.
• I was with my Peruvian pastor friend, he pulled up to the gas station and hollered out, Oye, Gordo, full por favor. (Hey, fatman, fill it up please.) IN the states, you could get your teeth knocked out for something like that.
• We shouldn’t be offensive

2. We shouldn’t be easily offended either! #

• Some people wear their feelings on their sleeves. If one thing is said, they become offended. We need to learn to take a little bit.
• Psa. 119:165 ¶ Great peace have they which love thy law: and nothing shall offend them.
• Offend – stumbling block, cause to fall, obstacle, offense
• People are very quick to be offended in christian circles. We need to be very careful that we are not easily offended.
• Matthew Henry “Those that love the world have great vexation, for it does not answer their expectation; those that love God’s word have great peace, for it outdoes their expectation, and in it they have sure footing.”
• They will not stumble, or have a stumbling block.

B. Restoration #

1. Once someone is offended, it is tough to get that person back. #

• Brother, someone that even could be related to you!

• Blood is thicker than water, but when someone becomes offended, justly, or without reason… it is tough to get them back.

• Forgiveness is a christian attribute, sadly, many people don’t want to forgive.

• They would rather use the offense (justified or not) to excuse themselves to be angry, and do what they want to do.

• That is the bottom line.

• Jesus, while being crucified said, “Father forgive them, for they know not what they do.”

  • He was being crucified, unjustly!
  • He was suffering, unjustly!
  • He was beaten, unjustly, and yet He forgave!

2. If you are offended, the right thing to do, is go and talk to that person! #

• Get it right! - RESTORATION, that is the goal

• Most offended people, want to be offended!

• I have a book, I read years ago, and have kept, because it is a powerful book about forgiveness, and talks about people being permanently maimed by a drunk driver, and forgiving that person…. That is what God wants us to do.

  • Anything less, destroys our own life!
  • “their contentions are like the bars of a castle.” - they will not be broken down.

IV. Words to help (Proverbs 18:20) #

A. Words to build #

1. Some words, are not helpful. Matter of fact, they are empty over all. #

James 3:10-12 Out of the same mouth proceedeth blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not so to be. 11 Doth a fountain send forth at the same place sweet water and bitter? 12 Can the fig tree, my brethren, bear olive berries? either a vine, figs? so can no fountain both yield salt water and fresh.

2. Are the words of our mouth, sweet water, to be a blessing and refreshing to the souls of men? Or are they bitter salt water, that cannot be tolerated by man? #

• Words make a difference! As Christians, we need to be careful that the words we speak should be good words.
• Does this mean we should not reprove, rebuke? No, but our motive must be that of helping others.

B. Words affect your life #

1. The words you use, can come back to bite you. #

2. When you strive to work with people, and help them, it doesn’t always work out, but you will be fulfilled! #

• It is great to see people saved, see people do right.