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Parenting by the Book

Proverbs   Study
Study 282

STUDY 282

Text: Proverbs 25
19 November 2006

Dear Parents,

IN THE COURT OF THE KING
Kings in the ancient days would hold court to hear news of the kingdom. In those courts, people could also come forward to present their petitions to the rulers.

In those courts, there were certain “choice spots”. These areas normally are taken up by noble courtiers close to the king, or those who had received his favour.

PEOPLE WHO WOULD APPEAR IN THE COURT OF THE KING
Many people would try to make it to these open courts. There were sometimes opportunities made available by the king. Entrepreneurs would be found in the courts of the kings. Brave young men might also plan to be there, in the hope that they might be noticed by the king and thereafter gain permanent employment. Kings were known to do some of the following:-

1. Announce opportunities for some to volunteer their services.

2. Declare business opportunities with neighboring countries.

3. Recruitment for his army etc.

ADVICE TO NEWCOMERS
The following text gives good advice to all who are new at court.

Do not exalt yourself in the presence of the king,
And do not stand in the place of the great;
For it is better that he say to you,
‘Come up here,’
Than that you should be put lower
in the presence of the prince,
Whom your eyes have seen.

Proverbs 25:6-7

1. “Do not exalt yourself”

This is good and sound advice, for any age, at any time.

2. “Do not stand in the place of the great”

People who have proven themselves may indeed be called “great”. The young, the inexperienced are well-advised to begin life on a humble note.

3. Better to be recognized than to promote self foolishly

How important it is to be recognized and approved by the king, than to be foolishly led by one’s arrogance. The consequences to the arrogant would be one of painful humiliation.

Prayerfully,
Pastor Charlie

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