Parenting by the Book
STUDY 290
Text: Proverbs 25
14 January 2007
Dear Parents,
TYPES OF NEIGHBOURS
There are essentially two types of neighbours. They could be:-
1. Good neighbours
2. Bad neighbours
It is important to remind ourselves, that they are still just neighbours.
A BAD NEIGHBOUR
The following text describes a bad neighbour. Let us read the text with deep understanding and appreciation.
A man who bears false witness against his neighbour
Is like a club, a sword and a sharp arrow.Proverbs 25:18
1. Who is a bad neighbour?
a) The person who bears false witness against you.
b) The person who is trusted turns out to be an unworthy and unreliable friend.
2. Illustrative comments concerning the bad neighbour
a) Weaponry
It is startling to note that the imagery employed is that of “weaponry”.
b) Three different types of weapons:-
i) A club
This is a weapon that is wielded at close range. It can bludgeon a person to death.
ii) A sword
This is also a weapon employed at close range. The imagery sharpens quite significantly. A sword is more deadly than a club. It will draw blood easily.
iii) A sharp arrow
This is a weapon that is used long range. It can hurt and even kill from a long distance. The only defence available is the shield.
Bad neighbours can prove to be menacing and deadly. May wisdom prevail.
Prayerfully,
Pastor Charlie