Real Losers

Read Proverbs 17:1-28

1. Better a dry crust eaten in peace than a house filled with feasting—and conflict.
2. A wise servant will rule over the master’s disgraceful son and will share the inheritance of the master’s children.
3. Fire tests the purity of silver and gold, but the Lord tests the heart.
4. Wrongdoers eagerly listen to gossip; liars pay close attention to slander.
5. Those who mock the poor insult their Maker; those who rejoice at the misfortune of others will be punished.
6. Grandchildren are the crowning glory of the aged; parents are the pride of their children.
7. Eloquent words are not fitting for a fool; even less are lies fitting for a ruler.
8. A bribe is like a lucky charm; whoever gives one will prosper!
9. Love prospers when a fault is forgiven, but dwelling on it separates close friends. Proverbs 17:1-9

It’s not surprising to see a winning team celebrate a victory. That’s what victors are entitled to do. Some fans, however, dislike winning teams that take the celebration too far. They know that there’s a place for respecting the loser, even if the gap between winner and loser is quite wide. They also hope that someday the roles will be reversed.

In an indirect way, Proverbs 17 talks about winners and losers. More to the point, it’s about people who mock those less fortunate than they—the losers, you might say. As you read this chapter, be prepared to put away that “We’re Number One!” chant.

Also in this chapter you will find one reason for suffering; one reward in getting old; one hazard in associating with a fool; one rule to being a best friend; one use for a positive attitude; and one more reason to hold your tongue.

Making fun of those less fortunate than others is an old tradition for humankind. The vulnerable can count on being ridiculed and exploited—especially the poor, but also children and senior citizens.

Those who take advantage of the vulnerable do so because it makes them feel stronger or more successful than the less fortunate. But mocking the poor mocks the God who made them (Proverbs 17:5), and we might reasonably extend that to the weak and downtrodden as well.

The next time you catch yourself putting others down, stop and think about who created them.