Proverbs 17 = Purify Your Heart

I have read Proverbs 17 about six times trying to decide what to say that I haven't said in the last sixteen chapters.  Each chapter continues to say the same thing but in a different way.  I know that we all look at life differently and sometimes it takes a different approach for us to understand.

As I have said Proverbs is all about "wisdom" and how we can go about in gaining wisdom through our daily walk.  It is amazing that we can read a verse several times before we understand what it is saying to you. 

These are verses that stood out to me. 

"The crucible for silver and the furnace for gold, but the Lord tests the heart."  Proverbs 17:3  As we know, it takes intense heat to purify gold and silver.  That is so true about our own lives.  It is normally the tough times that help us to grow closer to God and to understand how important our faith is.

"Starting a quarrel is like breaching a dam; so drop the matter before a dispute breaks out."  Proverbs 17:14  How often do you have to have the last word?  Or you are always right about everything?  It is amazing to see how quarrels start.  Normally a quarrel starts because of something so minute.  Next time you begin to quarrel with someone, stop and think about what you are really quarreling about.  Your gentle words could make all the difference .

"A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity."  Proverbs 17:17  Who are you truly friends with.  Are you there for them during the rough times as well as the good times?  A friend is willing to listen to you, to encourage you, to cry with you and to laugh with you.  Make a list of your true friends and look at each name and see if you really are a friend to them.  Are you there for them when they really need you?

"A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones."  Proverbs 17:22  This verse says it all.  What is your attitude?  A smile, a hug and a listening ear could change someone else's outlook in life.

The last verse in chapter 17 says "Even a fool is thought wise if he keeps silent, and discerning if he holds his tongue."  Sometimes being quiet in a group of friends helps you to really listen to what is being said.  You can learn a lot from people by listening and watching them.  By being quiet you can have the right words to speak to someone.  People do listen to people who don't talk all the time. 

One of E.F. Hutton's quotes was "speak in such a way that others love to listen to you.  Listen in such a way that others love to speak to you."

Another chapter in Proverbs with lots of words of wisdom.  Take time to read each chapter and "be still as God speaks to you."