Proverbs 25

Scripture

“Like one who takes away a garment on a cold day, or like vinegar poured on a wound, is one who sings songs to a heavy heart.” -Proverbs 25:20 

Observation-What does it say?

As verse 1 states, “These are more proverbs of Solomon, compiled by the men of Hezekiah king of Judah:” Proverbs 25:1 

Commentary says that the men, hired by King Hezekiah, copied these Proverbs from various books that Solomon wrote, in order to preserve them (Geneva Study Bible and John Gill's exposition). So, it's still God given wisdom and inspiration given to King Solomon from God. The above verse I chose speaks on the issue of showing empathy and compassion for those who are hurting. We don't sing songs to a heavy heart.  Rather, we comfort a heavy heart.

Understanding-What does it mean?

“Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn.” Romans 12:15 NIV

“There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens..... a time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance...a time to be silent and a time to speak..."Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 NIV

One of the many things that I love about Jesus is that even though He knew He was going to raise Lazarus from the dead, He still wept with Mary and Martha when their brother had died. He was showing empathy and compassion for their sorrow at that moment. He wept because He met them where they were at.….no trying to encourage them that He was going to raise Lazarus from the dead, or giving them advice to deal with it; nor did He tell them to stop their emotional response. He didn't even say that Lazarus was going to be in a better place, so they should turn their weeping into joy. Instead, he wept with them. Scripture said He was deeply moved and troubled when he saw Mary and the other Jews weeping. (John 11:33-36) 

Life Application

Run to Jesus FIRST with your problems in order to learn how to show empathy for others.

2 Corinthians 1:3-4- Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves received from God.

We need to put ourselves in another person's shoes and take people where they're at and not where we're at. If God knows every tear that has fallen in our lifetime (Ps. 56:8), we must share that same level of empathy and comfort with others to show that we care. We must pray for the broken and hurting, not neglect them. 

Dear Jesus, there are seasons where we do need compassion and empathy from others. But I pray that we would be people who strive to be the givers of that compassion and empathy as we run to You first for empathy, compassion, healing, wisdom and direction. Amen.

-Michelle Gaddi