Saturday, September 3, 2022
Your Face Mirrors Your Heart
17 You use steel to sharpen steel,
and one friend sharpens another.
18 If you care for your orchard, you’ll enjoy its fruit;
if you honor your boss, you’ll be honored.
19 Like water mirrors your face,
your face reflects your heart.
20 Hell has a voracious appetite,
and lust just never quits.
21 The purity of silver and gold is tested
by putting them in the fire;
The purity of human hearts is tested
by giving them a little fame.
-Proverbs 27:17-21 The Message
17 Iron sharpens iron,
and one man sharpens another.
18 Whoever tends a fig tree will eat its fruit,
and he who guards his master will be honored.
19 As in water, face reflects face,
so man’s heart reflects the man.
20 Sheol and Abaddon are never satisfied
And never satisfied are the eyes of man.
21 The crucible is for silver, the furnace is for gold,
and a man is tested by his praise.
-Proverbs 27:17-21 ESV
Verse 17 study: When you are around good people, mental sharpness comes with it. A meeting of minds can help people see ideas with clarity, refine them, and shape them into brilliant insights. But this will require discussion partners who can challenge each other and stimulate thoughts. This helps focus on an idea without involving egos in the discussion; people who know how to attack the review and not the thinker. Two friends who bring their ideas together can help each other become sharper. This is a positive effect of interaction with others on one’s character.
Verse 18 study: The problem and concerns a leader has, they can overlook essential people who deserve attention; faithful employees or volunteers. People who stand behind you, work hard and help you get the job done to earn to share in your success. So when you are worrying, planning, and organizing, don’t forget the people who are most helpful to you. Diligent work and honest service are rewarded.
Verse 19 study: Water reflects our outward appearance, just like the thoughts of our hearts reveal our inner nature and character.
Verse 20 study: The parallel with destruction implies that the insatiability of the eyes involves endless desires that become destructive.
Verse 21 study: Praise tests a person, just as metal is tested through high temperatures. How does praise affect you? Do you work to get it? Do you work harder after you’ve got it? Your attitude towards praise says a lot about your character. People with high integrity are not swayed by praise. They stay in their inner convictions and do what they want, whether or not they are praised. Choose how your character is, praise, or high integrity. You are genuine if you can survive the comments of acquaintances.
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