Proverbs 25:17, "Don't Bug Your Neighbors Too Much"

This is a quirky proverb. It made me laugh, which is something a lot of people miss about reading the Bible. God's word isn't around just to be serious all the time. Nor did God reveal His will to us so that we can misuse it to belittle our "opponents" or prove we are right. God's Word has lots of lessons. Some are actually pretty funny. Take Proverbs 25:17 for example:

"Let your foot rarely be in your neighbor's house, Or he will become weary of you and hate you."

This is funny. How many of you, when you read this, instantly thought of someone this relates to? Well, chances are, it has probably related to you before too, me as well.

Solomon's point here is this: anything in excess can become a problem. Popping by someones house for a visit may be welcome from time to time, but doing it all the time is annoying. You know what I am talking about.

Here is an example most of us can relate to. Actually, two examples. The first is the popular show called Family Matters. You know the show, the one most commonly called "Urkel" (how do you spell Urkel?). Steve Urkel would pop-in frequently at the  Winslow household and annoy most everyone involved. I found this little gem from wikipedia, a quote from an episode. It highlights Steve's charm and unending pestering: "I'm wearin' you down baby. I'M WEARIN' YOU DOWWWN!!" and "You love me, don't you?" Steve said when Laura showed the slightest interest in him." Don't wear down your neighbors.


Or, a show near and dear to my heart, Seinfeld. There is a character, Newman (played by the guy in Jurassic Park who stole the dinosaur DNA and let the dinosaurs go. I only say this because I can't remember his name and I'm too lazy to look it up), who frequently pops into Jerry's house. When he pops in it's always, "Hello Newman" (in Jerry's most sinister tone.) Or, there is Kramer, who is also a nuisance and pops into Jerry's house from time to time. 


We all have people in our lives like this and we are this person from time to time. In all seriousness, we should do well to heed Solomon's advice here- it is helpful in most social interactions. Too much of a good thing is a bad thing. Things are special because they are rarely done or done with a certain amount of significance attached, like saying, "Good Job." If you say "Good Job" for every little thing, it kind of looses its congratulatory significance. 


So today, don't pop into your neighbors place every night to hang out. Sure, its good from time to time, but give the guy/gal a break. Also, if you have an annoying neighbor, maybe you should inconspicuously leave this proverb lying around somewhere..... just don't get caught lest ye find yourself down 1 friend.


PJ