textbox center The Interpersonal Proverbs: Friends and Enemies Proverbs 25:21-22; et al.

textbox center Starting a quarrel is like breaching a dam; so drop the matter before a dispute breaks out. Proverbs 17:14

textbox center Don’t respond to the stupidity of a fool, you’ll only look foolish yourself. Proverbs 26:4 The Message

textbox center If your enemy is hungry, give him food to eat; if he is thirsty, give him water to drink. Proverbs 25:21

textbox center You have heard that it was said, “Love your neighbor and hate you enemy.” But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? And if you greet only your brothers, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that? Matthew 5:43-47

textbox center 1. The interpersonal graces taught in Proverbs are Gospel graces.

textbox center Do not rejoice when your enemy falls, and let not your heart be glad when he stumbles, lest the Lord see it, and be displeased, and turn away his anger from him. Proverbs 24:17-18 ESV

textbox center Do not say, “I will repay evil”; wait for the Lord and he will help you. Proverbs 20:22 NRS

textbox center He who meddles in a quarrel not his own is like one who takes a passing dog by the ears. Proverbs 26:17 RSV

textbox center Do not say, “I’ll pay you back for this wrong!” Wait for the Lord, and he will deliver you. Proverbs 20:22

textbox center 1. The interpersonal graces taught in Proverbs are Gospel graces. 2. The interpersonal graces taught in the Proverbs are winsome and they work.

textbox center When a man’s ways please the Lord, he makes even his enemies to be at peace with him. Proverbs 16:7 ESV

textbox center If your enemy is hungry, give him food to eat; if he is thirsty, give him water to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head, and the Lord will reward you. Proverbs 25:21-22

textbox center He who forgives an offense seeks love, but he who repeats a matter alienates a friend. Proverbs 17:9 RSV

textbox center Hatred stirs up strife, but love covers all offenses. Proverbs 10:12 RSV

textbox center 1. The interpersonal graces taught in Proverbs are Gospel graces. 2. The interpersonal graces taught in the Proverbs are winsome and they work. 3. The interpersonal graces taught in the Proverbs teach us to live in love and cultivate a communion of friends.

textbox center A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity. Proverbs 17:17 RSV

textbox center A man of many companions may come to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother. Proverbs 18:24

textbox center Do not forsake your friend and the friend of your father, and do not go to your brother’s house when disaster strikes you—better a neighbor nearby than a brother far away. Proverbs 27:10