City Rejoices

Proverbs 11:10-16 – When the righteous prosper, the city rejoices; when the wicked perish, there are shouts of joy. Through the blessing of the upright a city is exalted, but by the mouth of the wicked it is destroyed. Whoever derides their neighbor has no sense, but the one who has understanding holds their tongue. A gossip betrays a confidence, but a trustworthy person keeps a secret. For lack of guidance a nation falls, but victory is won through many advisers. Whoever puts up security for a stranger will surely suffer, but whoever refuses to shake hands in pledge is safe. A kindhearted woman gains honor, but ruthless men gain only wealth.

Proverbs 1:20-22 – Out in the open wisdom calls aloud, she raises her voice in the public square; on top of the wall she cries out, at the city gate she makes her speech: “How long will you who are simple love your simple ways? How long will mockers delight in mockery and fools hate knowledge?

Proverbs 14:21 – It is a sin to despise one’s neighbor, but blessed is the one who is kind to the needy.

Proverbs 31:31 – Honor her for all that her hands have done, and let her works bring her praise at the city gate.

Application:

• ·         “City gate” was where the leaders of the city met to hold court and where the marketplace was located. Wisdom speaks neither out of heaven nor out of the earth, but out of the center of the life of the city, where communal experience of the creation order is concentrated.
• ·         Sharing food, lending money and defending rights are ways one can show kindness. Such a person “honors God” and “will lack nothing”.
• ·         “A good name is more desirable than great riches” and a woman, if she is kindhearted, will be accorded more respect than wealthy men if they are ruthless.
• ·         Honor comes through “humility” and “the fear of the Lord”.

All Scripture verses taken from NIV