October 9, 2021 — Proverbs 27:1–29:27  

“Do not boast about tomorrow, for you do not know what a day may bring. Let another praise you, and not your own mouth—a stranger, and not your own lips. A stone is heavy, and sand is weighty, but a fool’s provocation is heavier than both. Wrath is cruel, anger is overwhelming, but who is able to stand before jealousy? Better is open rebuke than hidden love. Well meant are the wounds a friend inflicts, but profuse are the kisses of an enemy. The sated appetite spurns honey, but to a ravenous appetite even the bitter is sweet. Like a bird that strays from its nest is one who strays from home. Perfume and incense make the heart glad, but the soul is torn by trouble. Do not forsake your friend or the friend of your parent; do not go to the house of your kindred in the day of your calamity. Better is a neighbor who is nearby than kindred who are far away. Be wise, my child, and make my heart glad, so that I may answer whoever reproaches me.” Proverbs 27:1-11

“Better is a neighbor who is nearby than kindred who are far away.” (Proverbs 27:10b) 

Boy is that the truth. I live in a neighborhood where there are pockets of friendly people. As my wife and I take our walks, we always have to stop at some point in time to talk with people we know or others who are walking. We would like to know more of our neighbors, but some go inside their homes if we approach (I sometimes get a complex); others seem never to be home; and others never come out of their houses except for work and the grocery store. 

Getting to know your neighbors is the best way to stop robberies and helps to build a sense of community. Our busy schedules don’t often allow for daily conversation with our neighbors; it takes time and effort to build a relationship. But, if we take the time, we can build such relationships and eventually have the opportunity to share our faith stories. After all, Jesus commands us to love our neighbors as ourselves — whether they are the house next door, or the grumpy man down the street.

Let Us Pray,

Lord Jesus, if we are the grumpy neighbor down the street, or next door, mold us through your unconditional love to be more loving toward all – especially our closest neighbor. Amen.

Pastor Dave