Text: Proverbs 25:9-10

9 Debate thy cause with thy neighbour himself;  and discover not a secret to another:  10 Lest he that heareth it put thee to shame, and thine infamy turn not away.    

Sunday, 15^th September 2024

PRUDENCE OF THE SERPENT AND INNOCENCE OF THE DOVE 2

Text: Proverbs 25:9-10

Memory verse: Matthew 18:15 Moreover if thy brother shall trespass against thee, go and tell him his fault between thee and him alone: if he shall hear thee, thou hast gained thy brother.

To join the serpent and the dove, prudence, and innocence, is to know how to give counsel and keep counsel. He has the wisdom of the serpent who can give counsel. He knows how to advise another in difficult cases and speak a word in due season. 2 Samuel 16:23, "Every word Ahithophel spoke, seemed as wise as though it had come directly from the mouth of God." But this is not enough, to have the wisdom of the serpent in being able to give counsel. There must be the innocence of the dove, too, in keeping counsel. If a friend's secret is imparted to us, unless in case of harm, we are not to reveal it. A friend is as one's own soul, Deuteronomy 13:6; and what he exposes of his heart, should be kept under lock and key, Proverbs 25:9-10, "Do not betray another man's confidence." To disclose a friend's secret, though it is not treason, is treachery. It is most unchristian; a word may be spoken in secret, which, when it is trumpeted out, may occasion quarrels or lawsuits. He who cannot keep a matter committed to him, is like a vessel which leaks out, or a sick stomach which cannot keep the food but vomits it up again. He who publishes his friend's secret, publishes his own shame.

The serpent and the dove, wisdom and innocence, is to be moderate and yet zealous. Moderation is good in some cases. Philippians 4:5, "Let your moderation be known to all." Moderation is good in case of anger. When the passions are up, moderation sits as queen and govern in the soul. It relieves the heat of passion. Moderation is the bridle of anger. Moderation is good in case of lawsuits. If there is a dispute in law between us and others, we are not to take the extremity of the law but use Christian equity and mildness. Nay, for peace's sake rather part with some of our rights, than oppress others. With these many honours the gospel.

Moderation is good in things indifferent. Moderation and Christian forbearance in things indifferent would much tend to the peace and unity of the church. All this moderation is commendable and shows the wisdom of the serpent; but remember to join the dove with the serpent. We must so exercise moderation and nourish zeal as well. Paul, in some things, was moderate. Acts 15:25. He was sensitive of laying a yoke upon the consciences of the disciples; but he had zeal with his moderation. When he saw their idolatry at Athens, the fire of his zeal broke forth. Acts 17:16, "He was greatly distressed to see that the city was full of idols!" To be cool and silent when God's blessed truths are undermined or adulterated, is not moderation but lukewarmness, which is to God a most hateful temper. Revelation 3:15, "I would you were cold or hot", anything but lukewarm. This is to show prudence and holiness when we are moderate yet zealous.

CGDS HYMN 40: SS & S 530:

WITH MY SAVIOUR EVER NEAR TO GUIDE ME

1. With my Saviour ever near to guide me,

I am safe, whatever may betide me;

From the storm and tempest He will hide me

In the hollow of His hand !

Refrain:

In the hollow ... of His hand I . . .

In the hollow ... of His hand I . . .

I am safe whatever may betide me,

In the hollow of His hand !

2. In His arms of love He doth enfold me ;

Words of peace His voice divine hath told me ;

I am safe, for God Himself doth hold me

In the hollow of His hand !

3. He will guard my soul, and leave me never;

From His love no power on earth shall sever;

And I know He'll keep me now and ever

In the hollow of His hand !

 Prayers 

1.  Lord Jesus, help me to give counsel and keep it at the same time.

2.  LORD God Almighty, help me not to see evil and keep quite in Jesus’ name. Amen.    

3.  Pray for others in this regard.