Monday - Proverbs 25 - Influence, Power & Responsibility

M

ONARCHS may have tremendous influence, power and responsibility, but we all have some degree of influence, power and responsibility.  So what royal principles here can we emulate?  Let's dig out a few.

Be studious (25:2). Search and research for meanings, purposes and processes.  Find out how grand schemes function and examine the minutia of the mundane.  Think God's thoughts after Him and treasure the privilege.  Of course, this will require the discarding of numerous distractions and detractions, or detractors (Proverbs 25:5).

Be humble (25:6-7). I guess this lesson comes from the bottom side up, but it is still valuable.  Don't push for your own promotion (Proverbs 25:6-7, 27 & 27:2)

Be quiet (Proverbs 25:15 & James 1:19).  When our mouth is shut, we're slightly less likely to argue, gossip, boast or otherwise embarrass ourselves ignorantly and unnecessarily.  A good word at the right time is indeed so very precious, but a loose tongue can destroy many mighty men. 

Be restrained (25:16).  God calls us all to be sensitive, controlled, intentional, purposeful and faithful.  When we can do the right things with gusto, that's all the better.  But better to do the right things with stoic solemnity than the wrong things with bombastic inaccuracy.