Proverbs 25.26
“Like a muddied spring or a polluted fountain is a righteous man who gives way before the wicked.”
Fountains and springs are important sources of water, especially in the Middle East because of the scarcity of rain in certain locations. A muddied spring or a polluted foundation is one that gives impure water. Such fountains or springs are very disappointing, because although they give water, the water is corrupted and useless.
Such is also the case when professing Christians compromise their standards. Such is the case when righteous people do not stand up against wickedness.
The people of God are not only the recipients of living water as we saw yesterday in the previous proverb; the people of God are also fountains of living water and trees of life to those around them (Proverbs 10:11, 21; 11:30; 12:18; 15:4,26; 16:24; 18:4). But if the people of God compromise their conduct and cease to be a positive example and influence, then they are as disappointing and frustrating as muddied spring or a polluted fountain to those in need of water.
This was the message of Jesus in the Sermon on the Mount: “You are the salt of the earth, but if salt has lost its taste, how shall its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything except to be thrown out and trampled under people’s feet. You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.” (Matthew 5.13-16)
The church is called to reflect the image of God. We are called to be living examples of the kingdom of God before a watching world. In the gospel of John, there are two characteristics that Jesus calls the church to display to world: love and unity in the truth.
“A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.” (John 13.34-35)
“I do not ask for these only, but also for those who will believe in me through their word, that they may all be one, just as you, Father, are in me, and I in you, that they also may be in us, so that the world may believe that you have sent me.” (John 17.20-21)
When the people of the world today look at the church, do you think they see the love and unity commanded by Jesus? Are we the living examples we are called to be, or are we sometimes and in some places a muddied spring or a polluted fountain?
These are very sobering questions that should cause us to reflect deeply on what we are doing in the world. It should cause us to examine how we go about life, work, and ministry. In those places where we have failed to live up to our calling, may we repent and return to the love and unity that Jesus both provides and commands.
Proverbs 25.27
“It is not good to eat much honey, nor is it glorious to seek one’s own glory.”
This is a simple, straightforward message: Don’t be arrogant. Scripture consistently and repeatedly condemns arrogance and self-centered pride. Arrogance rejects God’s standards and resists constructive correction. It refuses to submit to God’s authority.
The wise person is humble and submits to the direction and correction of the Lord. It is what the prophet Micah says: “He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the LORD require of you but to do justice, to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?” (Micah 6:8)
Approach everything in your life with this mindset. At home, at work, in the community … seek justice, love kindness, and walk humbly with your God.
“God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble.” James 4.6
