Quite a few of these proverbs are quoted and elaborated upon in the New Testament. Not pushing yourself forward but waiting to be called up to a better place (v6-7; Luke 14 v10), speaks of humility and not arrogance.

Jesus reflected on the teaching here to settle things privately with a neighbour rather than in court (v8-10, Matthew 5 v25). Doing so can save us from a lot of embarrassment and probably expense.

A boasting person who doesn’t deliver is like a waterless cloud (v14, Jude v12). Our lives by Christ’s grace need to deliver not just talk but fruit.

Giving your enemy bread (v21-22; Romans 12 v20) is to be the revolutionary conduct of the new community of the Lord’s people. Only the grace of Christ can enable this.

A few other proverbs to highlight here include not regularly setting foot in your neighbour’s house and overstaying your welcome (v17).

Not singing to the hurting (v20) speaks of being sensitive to where people are at. We rejoice with those who rejoice and cry with those who cry.

The final proverb about a man without self-control being like a city broken into and without defensive walls (v28). This highlights how important this is.