Here we see more examples of contrast between the wise or godly and the foolish. The proverbs begins with a reminder to young people to accept their parents' discipline, v. 1, and ends, v. 24 with advice to parents to discipline their children. Those who do not do not love their children as fully as they should. I think it's good for parents to ask this question: What kind of adult do I want my child to be? If you remember that he or she is becoming just that, maybe it will be easier to provide correction now. Even though our children are now grown, I do remember how hard it is, how relentless children can be. Though we are all imperfect parents, it is truly worth it to trust God by providing boundaries and correction when necessary.
Throughout this proverb we are reminded to
- watch our tongues, v. 3
- not be lazy, v. 4
- tell the truth, v. 5
- don't try to be what you are not, v. 7
- avoid pride, v. 10
- work hard, v. 11
- heed good advice, v. 13-14
- use good sense, 15 (If you don't have good sense, pretend you do, and act accordingly!)
- think before you act, v. 16
- accept criticism, correction and advice, v. 18 (When you are criticized, instead of behaving defensively, the first question you should ask is, "Is it true?")
- choose wise friends, v. 20
The remainder of Acts 27 gives a detailed account of the shipwreck of which Paul, after being warned by an angel, predicted. v. 30 records that the sailors tried to abandon the ship. Paul warned them that if they wanted their lives spared, they had to stay on board. I would think this could be a picture of salvation--in order to be saved we must be "in Christ." The analogy of the ship is not perfect, however. Christ is a much safer vessel, and it's not possible to abandon Him once we are born into His family.
Getting back to Paul and company, they all arrived safely on shore on the island of Malta. They remained there 3 months, and God worked many miracles, including saving Paul from a poisonous snake, the healing of the chief official's father, and other healing. The people were kind to them and provided them with supplies as they resumed their trip to Rome. God had again kept His promise to Paul that he would live to arrive in Rome.
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