The Wisdom of Space (Proverbs 25:17)
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Proverbs 25:17
Let your foot be seldom in your neighbor's house,
lest he have his fill of you and hate you.
You know we’ve been talking a lot about friendship this week, and the content of this verse is something that I think seldom comes to mind for some of us when thinking about time spent with people, but it's important. It’s the wisdom of knowing when enough is enough.
To quote theologian Bruce Waltke: “Friendship ripens through discreet sensitivity not to intrude on privacy and to allow space to be a person in his own right, not through self-enjoyment, impetuosity, or imposition. Without that discretion, instead of enriching life, friendship takes away from it.”
I remember a time not too long ago when my family was forced out of our home because of a hurricane. By God’s grace — and the hospitality of good friends — we were welcomed into their home. The problem? We needed a place to stay for a long time. And to make matters trickier, they were trying to sell their house. That meant even more pressure not to break anything, not to mess anything up.
And of course — when you start obsessing over not messing up... what happens? You mess up.
Let’s just say, that was not the best season for our family. And I doubt it was the best season for my parents’ friendship with those folks. It’s a living example of this verse in motion: even good friendship has limits. Don’t overstay your welcome.
So here are the two takeaways I want to leave with you:
First: Wisdom means paying attention. It knows when your presence starts to feel like pressure. The wise recognize when it’s time to go — before their friend starts wishing they would.
But second — and this is the better news — you’ll never need that kind of wisdom with God.
Why?
Because there’s no need for this kind of care and caution with God. Once you know the way in, through the blood of Jesus, there’s no wall keeping you out.
With people, even the kindest friends can grow tired of us. We’ve all felt that — when you wonder if you’re texting too much, asking too much, showing up too often. But God’s not like that. He is never annoyed by your prayers. He’s never worn out by your neediness. His welcome mat doesn’t get worn out. His door is always open.
Let that sink in. God will never grow weary of your seeking Him.
Isn’t that crazy? Even I get tired of myself sometimes. I know there are days I’m not the easiest person to be around. But God loves me still. Always. And His love for you is just as sure — steady, patient, joyful.
So yes — reflect on where you may be pressing too far with a friend. But also?
Linger longer in God’s presence.
Show up often. Stay late. Seek Him early and again and again.
Because He delights in you. And every time you come, He says, “Welcome. Stay.”
Let’s pray.
