The Beauty of Contrasts 

Proverbs 16-18

We live in a world that values being profound more than being wise. God desires wisdom for His children and this wisdom is derived from His heavenly schoolhouse. This wisdom that comes from God is shown as a selection of contrasts within Chapters 16 through 18 of the Book of Proverbs. These contrasts help us to see how God thinks and therefore provides us with the clarity that we need on a daily basis. 

It is in this schoolhouse that we are reminded that life and death is in the power of the tongue (18:21) and that the name of the Lord is a strong tower (18:10) that provides safety to those who love Him (What a great promise!) We also learn that wisdom is greater than gold, that a merry heart is good medicine, and that we have a friend that sticks closer than a brother. 

These contrasts are not just moral axioms to live by but also literary signposts to a coming world where we speak only good things to others, where there is true safety from any kind of danger and destruction. A place where our hearts will also pour over with unquenchable joy. Enjoy the rich wisdom of God and share the great truths from the book of Proverbs! 

Lord, thank you for providing us with a picture of how life should truly operate. Forgive us and have mercy upon us for accepting what is lower than our privilege in You. Thank you for sending Jesus to restore my sinful life and coming back someday to restore this sinfully broken world. 

Family Connection: Proverbs tells us about the power of our words. What we say can have a hugely negative or hugely positive impact on another person. Brainstorm with as a family things you can say to people in each of your lives to bless them and have a positive impact on their day–a teacher, the bus driver, a coach, a friend.