| The Riches of Wisdom
The practical wisdom held within this collection of proverbs has been evident throughout these 31 chapters. Within God's Word we find the purest expression of truth that has ever been given through human language. These proverbs have laid the foundation on which to build our lives. We discovered that the generous man will, in the end, be the most prospered, the humble become elevated above the proud, and the hard worker will reap the harvest. We have seen time and time again in these proverbs that the person who is slow to speak and weighs his words will find success from business to marriage. A family life built on the principles of proverbs is enriched beyond measure. In chapter 31, we are given a look at the role of a virtuous wife. There, in a few words, we are given the framework to bring blessing to every home on Earth. I would challenge each one of us to live the principles found in these proverbs, for those who do are sure to find life greatly enriched. I believe all will find the enduring riches that come to those who pursue the wisdom of God. Before we leave the book of Proverbs, I would encourage you to find the time to reread these timeless truths over and over again. I would encourage you to make up your own list of scriptures based on the key topics of life. Then let this personally crafted resource become your first resource as you map out your response to life's daily challenges. In the end, your life will be a proverb itself, a living testimony of the power of God's pure words of wisdom. | |||
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Proverbs 30:1-31:31 The Wisdom of Agur 1 The words of Agur the son of Jakeh, his utterance. This man declared to Ithiel—to Ithiel and Ucal: 2 Surely I am more stupid than any man, 3 I neither learned wisdom 4 Who has ascended into heaven, or descended? 5 Every word of God is pure; 6 Do not add to His words, 7 Two things I request of You 8 Remove falsehood and lies far from me; 9 Lest I be full and deny You, 10 Do not malign a servant to his master, 11 There is a generation that curses its father, 12 There is a generation that is pure in its own eyes, 13 There is a generation—oh, how lofty are their eyes! 14 There is a generation whose teeth are like swords, 15 The leech has two daughters— 16 The grave, 17 The eye that mocks his father, 18 There are three things which are too wonderful for me, 19 The way of an eagle in the air, 20 This is the way of an adulterous woman: 21 For three things the earth is perturbed, 22 For a servant when he reigns, 23 A hateful woman when she is married, 24 There are four things which are little on the earth, 25 The ants are a people not strong, 26 The rock badgers are a feeble folk, 27 The locusts have no king, 28 The spider skillfully grasps with its hands, 29 There are three things which are majestic in pace, 30 A lion, which is mighty among beasts 31 A greyhound, 32 If you have been foolish in exalting yourself, 33 For as the churning of milk produces butter, 1 The words of King Lemuel, the utterance which his mother taught him: 2 What, my son? 3 Do not give your strength to women, 4 It is not for kings, O Lemuel, 5 Lest they drink and forget the law, 6 Give strong drink to him who is perishing, 7 Let him drink and forget his poverty, 8 Open your mouth for the speechless, 9 Open your mouth, judge righteously, 10 Who can find a virtuous wife? 11 The heart of her husband safely trusts her; 12 She does him good and not evil 13 She seeks wool and flax, 14 She is like the merchant ships, 15 She also rises while it is yet night, 16 She considers a field and buys it; 17 She girds herself with strength, 18 She perceives that her merchandise is good, 19 She stretches out her hands to the distaff, 20 She extends her hand to the poor, 21 She is not afraid of snow for her household, 22 She makes tapestry for herself; 23 Her husband is known in the gates, 24 She makes linen garments and sells them, 25 Strength and honor are her clothing; 26 She opens her mouth with wisdom, 27 She watches over the ways of her household, 28 Her children rise up and call her blessed; 29 "Many daughters have done well, 30 Charm is deceitful and beauty is passing, 31 Give her of the fruit of her hands, | |||
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| Proverbs 30:1-31:31 v. 1 Words of Agur – This one chapter of Proverbs has been ascribed to someone other than Solomon, a man named Agur Ben (son of) Jakeh. Agur means "gatherer." Nothing else is really known about him, so anything said about him is usually just speculation. He addresses the proverbs to either children of his or companions. The King James Version replaces "utterance" with "prophesy" which tells us that these are words that are inspired by God as they foretell the future, declare profitable things, and reveal His truth to mankind. v. 2 More stupid than any man – He begins this chapter of wisdom by confessing his own ignorance and nothingness. Paul the Apostle had a similar confession when referring to himself as the chief of sinners (1 Tim. 1:15). This is not a case of false modesty, but a true sense of his limitations as a simple man before the Most Holy God. A prideful man will not admit his arrogance or lack of enlightenment. However anyone that is truly used of God will acknowledge his rightful place in God's presence; and that of lowliness and humility. If we will humble ourselves the Lord will exalt us in due time (1 Peter 5:5-6). v. 3 Nor have knowledge – Agur continues his introduction to tell us that he does not have natural wisdom, or any knowledge of God through his own effort. This statement strips away any pretense that these are any sort of his own thoughts or words. As was the case with most prophets, God selects a simple instrument to use that cannot draw attention to itself, and just performs the function that it was created for (Jer. 18:3-6). v. 4 Who has – Of course the answer to the questions he asks have only one answer; Jehovah. We are told of the vast ignorance and powerlessness we have over the world we live in. Though we witness the effects of it every day, we have no control over it. Only God, the Creator of all things, has power over the things which He creates. This verse reminds us of God's challenge to Job to consider who has made the wonders in our world (Job 38-39). He uses figures of speech to give us a human picture of God holding the wind in His hands, or filling a container with all the water in the world. When the disciples witnessed Jesus calming the storm outside their boat, they exclaimed, "…even the wind and the sea obey Him!" (Mark 4:41). Our Lord goes on to tell us in John 3:13 that He alone has ascended and descended from Heaven, pointing to Himself as the Son of God spoken of here. v. 5 Every word of God is pure – God is pure, so everything that comes from Him, including His word, is pure. Note that the river that flows from His throne in Heaven is also pure (Rev. 22:1). All scripture is given by inspiration of God, not man (2 Tim. 3:16). This statement about purity cannot be made about man apart from Jesus Christ. Only the one who trusts in the Lord will be made pure because God purifies the heart (Psalm 24:3-4). We are warned not to add to His words because the scripture that we have is all-sufficient for life. To add to it is to deny this truth. Many cults seek to provide their own "revelation" of God, which usually is given equal or even greater authority than God's Word. This is simply self-seeking false religion. Men cannot improve upon the Word of God because they are liars (Rom. 3:4). v. 7 Two things I request of You – The writer asks God for two things; remove lies from his life, and provide for his needs. The requests are brief but powerful. The warning is that excess carries with it the danger of denying God. Jesus warned of the pitfalls of riches when he said, "It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God" (Mark 10:25). He asks God to remove sinful things from his mind, to keep him far from seeking the deceitfulness of worldly things. Instead, he simply asks God to give him his portion, a daily allotment…nothing more, nothing less. We are to trust God to decide what that amount should be, and be content with it (Phil. 4:11). We are reminded that the best place for a human being to be is in dependence on the Lord to provide our every need (Phil. 4:19). v. 10 Malign a servant – To speak evil of, or make derogatory statements. Christians are exhorted to lead a quiet life and to mind their own business (1 Thess. 4:11). Contention with another person over his business matters is not pleasing to him or the Lord. We are to avoid judgment in this matter (Rom. 14:4). v. 11 Generation that curses its father – The word generation is used to describe an age of mankind with certain characteristics. In this particular one we see one where children rebel against their parents. We are commanded to honor our parents (Ex. 20:12). The pride from self-sufficiency prohibits these children from recognizing any indebtedness to their parents, and instead turns against them. v. 12 Pure in its own eyes – An unregenerate person will see himself as good, even righteous. We think that if we can justify the way we are that it absolves us of any wrongdoing. However, God sees every person in their original state as filthy and guilty before Him (Rom. 3:10-12). Only a born-again conversion through faith by first seeing himself as guilty for violating the law, and then trusting in God for forgiveness of sin, can change a human heart (Psalm 19:7-8). v. 13 Lofty – To elevate, to exalt; arrogance. The natural man sets his eyes much higher than he is in reality. The picture here infers that he looks down on everyone from his high vantage point with scorn and disdain. Contrast this man's attitude with that of the bowed head of a humble servant. Pridefulness is great mistake because the Lord will humble the lofty man, and glorify Himself (Is. 2:11). Although God resists the proud, He gives grace to the humble (James 4:6). v. 14 Devour – Means to consume, destroy, to take by force. The mouths of the wicked are compared to sharp weapons, using them for evil than for good to eat with them. They are cruel rather than kind, seeking to destroy others, even when not provoked. Jesus rebuked the scribes and Pharisees for such behavior in defending widows (Matt. 23:14). v. 15-16 Give and give – The idea here is not of a kindly giver to others, but of someone (like the leech) who takes and is never fulfilled...give to me! The point is to express the undesirable qualities of one who continually takes from others. These two verses list four examples of things that are never satisfied. The grave continually calls people to it every day and does not cease. A woman without children is not content. The earth soaks up rain and seeks more immediately. Fire devours everything in its path and is not quenched. v. 17 The eye – Jesus said that the eye is the window to our soul (Luke 11:34). How one looks upon the world and others is indicative of who they are on the inside. Note the severity of judgment given to the eyes which were used wickedly to look upon the parents with disdain. God is just, and the unjust will be compensated according to their works (Rev. 20:12). v. 18-19 Too wonderful for me – These are four things that the writer, nor anybody else, truly understands. Though we observe them and can surmise some things about them, the mysteries about how and why are kept from us. The natural man thinks he has to know everything, and has a right to it. The man of God accepts that some things are simply beyond what he is capable of knowing, and rests in that. v. 20 Way of an adulterous woman – When someone eats and then wipes their mouth, there is no evidence remaining that they ate anything. This woman devours men with her lust, then when finished with them, she pretends she is pure and virtuous by attempting to hide her guilt. Unfortunately for her, God sees all things done in private (Eph. 5:11-13). v. 21-23 Cannot bear up – These four things are difficult to tolerate. Often when someone who has been in a lower position is put into a position of authority, they become obnoxious and impossible to be around. Rather than simply enjoying their new situation, their pride gives them a desire to repay those who oppressed them. v. 24-28 Exceedingly wise – While being small in stature, these four animal examples show wisdom in what they do on an ongoing basis. Though many proclaim that the animal kingdom has evolved into this type of knowledge, they cannot explain the learned behavior. The concept here is that God gives them the ability to do these things. Not only do they work, but they do fine, intricate, and amazing work. The ant shows wisdom in how it prepares for the future. The rock badger (actually a type of rabbit) is defenseless so it is wise at hiding itself. Locusts have the wisdom to ban together to achieve specific objectives, and spiders (Hebrew word is lizard, or gecko) wisely use their hands to complete the tasks set before them. God's ways are indescribable (Rom. 11:33). v. 29-31 Majestic – Defined as dignified, noble, or impressive. Here we have three more animals used to describe a different type of quality, and a human counterpart. The lion, the greyhound, and the mountain goat all move with purpose and grace. They are powerful, stately and regal when observed going about their business. A king whose troops support him is also viewed in this manner with inspired respect. The Apostle Peter observed similar things in Jesus, the King of Kings, and testified of His majesty (2 Peter 1:16). v. 32 Hand on your mouth – In other words, if we have been prideful and sinful, just stop it. The Bible teaches that all have done these things (Rom. 3:23). Though we must acknowledge the wickedness in our life, it is far better to discontinue what we are doing than to carry on in unrighteousness. If we will recognize the folly of our ways, there is hope (Acts 3:19). God repeatedly asserts than no one is perfect, and does not expect that we will ever be. However, He acknowledges that if we will judge ourselves, we will not be judged by Him (1 Cor. 11:32). v. 33 Produces – These three examples show action and reaction. It is certain that if we will churn milk long enough, the product will be butter. Likewise if you wring someone's nose it will eventually bleed. Similarly, anger and hostility will create conflict. Christians are called to be peaceful, gentle, and humble to generate the opposite reaction in other people (Titus 3:1-8). Proverbs 31v. 1 King Lemuel – It is likely that this is actually Solomon. There is not known any king of Israel, Judah or any of the surrounding nations with this name, and many believe that Lemuel is the name by which his mother called him. If true, the mother who is speaking to her son the king would be Bathsheba, David's wife (2 Sam. 12:24). v. 2 What – Repeated three times, this earnest question frames the rest of the chapter. It is in the form of, "What shall I say to you that will be profitable for your life?" Male children were highly sought after by Hebrew women, and often they petitioned the Lord with a vow, or oath. Perhaps her vow was to offer Lemuel to the Lord as Hannah did her son Samuel (1 Sam. 1:9-28). v. 3 Strength to women – We are warned in scripture that a harlot can bring a man to a crust of bread (Prov. 6:26). Men must avoid allowing lust to govern their lives. No doubt that the king was being advised against permitting his reason, time, and wisdom to be consumed by women. v. 4-5 Not for kings – These verses point out the pitfalls of drinking alcohol. He is told that being intoxicated clouds judgment, and a righteous leader needs to be sober minded in order to be fair and just. The Lord told Aaron and the priests that they were not to drink alcohol before entering the Tabernacle (Lev. 10:9-11). Paul the Apostle says not to be "given to wine" when he presents the requirements for bishops and deacons in the church (Titus 1:7, 1 Tim. 3:3,8). People in leadership positions, particularly spiritual ones, should abstain in order that their decision making process is not impaired. Anyone that leads others must first be a master of himself. v. 6-7 Let him drink – There is a sense of irony here when compared to the previous two verses. In other words, if anyone is going to be drunk let it be those who are bitter and perishing, not those who need to judge in righteousness. This person may need to medicate himself to cope with his life, but the king is not to behave in this manner. v. 8 Appointed to die – The life that we currently live in the flesh is not eternal. Each person has an appointment to die (Heb. 9:27). The king is told to speak for all those who will perish, particularly those who cannot speak up for themselves. v. 9 Judge righteously – To be fair, honest, consistent, just, and impartial. Especially to those who are oppressed because the weaker are often the ones who are taken advantage of the most. Jesus expressed this same command when He exhorted people to not judge according to appearance, but righteously (John 7:24). v. 10 Virtuous wife – She is defined as a woman of character, morality, goodness and devotion. A good wife is rare and highly valued, much more so than a precious stone. She sets her mind on things that are good, just, lovely and pure (Phil. 4:8). While scarce, these women do exist, and Lemuel's mother uses the rest of the chapter to describe in detail the qualities that her son should desire. v. 11 Trusts – The husband of an ideal wife can rest in that she will be faithful to him in all matters. Her honesty and sexual purity will not rob him of the blessings of his life. Wives are to come alongside their husband to help him so that their life together would be full of treasure (Gen. 2:18). v. 12 All the days of her life – A virtuous wife seeks to bless her husband with the goodness of her behavior. She discerns what is good and what is evil, and chooses goodness (Ps. 34:14, 37:27). She maintains this attitude for her entire life, not only when things are going well. v. 13 Works with her hands – Finding joy in serving, she works as unto the Lord, making good choices and being diligent with her time (Col. 3:23). She aspires to live the type of life that is commanded by Paul (1 Thess. 4:11). v. 14-15 Rises while it is yet night – In the middle-eastern culture, women would go to great lengths to purchase and prepare meals, even traveling long distances to do it. She is not lazy, and wakes early to attend to her daily routine. She is zealous about starting her day, and shows a great deal of love for her family through it. v. 16 Considers a field – The Proverbs 31 woman looks for bargains and applies wisdom to the purchases she intends to make. Not willing to waste resources, she is a good steward with money and her profits increase. She "counts the cost" of the venture. Jesus compares this wisdom to that of the consideration applied to following Him (Luke 14:27-30). Note that she buys the property for the sole purpose of growing something on it. Psalm 85:12 reminds us that our land yields its increase because the Lord gives it. v. 17 Strength – This woman works hard, and because of it she is strong. She gives her tasks everything that she has. Because of her diligence she no longer tires easily. She wraps, or girds, her garments about her so that they will not be in the way of her work (we say, "roll up our sleeves"). Thus, she can singularly focus on the task at hand. v. 18 Lamp does not go out by night – There is an allusion to her prosperity such that the profits of her labor provide enough oil to burn her lamps all night long. Notice that she is still awake to witness them still burning, as she no doubt finishes her remaining tasks or prepares for the next day. v. 19-20 Distaff and spindle – Both terms are tools of spinning and weaving for the process of making cloth for garments, and imply the use of both hands to accomplish the task. Likewise, she extends a hand to the poor as well as the needy, and she does so liberally. Like the Lord, she has a heart for those in need, and seeks to help them (Ps. 72:12-14). v. 21 Not afraid – When the proper preparations are taken, it greatly reduces the amount of fear. v. 22 She makes tapestry – Because of her diligence and practice she becomes a craftswoman, able to make beautiful intricate garments. God has given us the ability to achieve high levels of skill if we are willing to commit to putting forth the effort required to excel. v. 23 Sits among the elders – In the ancient world, the elders of the city would sit at the entrance gate to judge matters brought before them by the residents. They would hear cases of land or property disputes, as well as be witnesses to various business transactions. We see in scripture that the elders at the gate were brought those among the children of Israel who disobeyed the law in order to pronounce judgment upon them (Deut. 21:18-21). The virtuous woman is a benefit to her husband as her chaste behavior produces a husband who is honored and esteemed in the community. He occupies a position of authority in the city, no doubt enabled by his wife's willingness to submit and help him (Eph. 5:22-24, Col. 3:18). v. 24 Sells them – As a helper she adds to the household income through her innovative skills. Not only does she provide plenty for her own family, but she makes enough to sell for the benefit of others. Note that she is shrewd enough to even sell to those who are merchants at the markets. v. 25 She shall rejoice – Up to this point we have seen primarily the description of what this virtuous woman does. For the remaining verses we see a picture of who she is. Only a woman of God will rejoice in the time to come. Joy comes from knowing that our sins are forgiven (Ps. 32:1-2). She is described as having strength of character and honor. She does not compromise, and as such she walks in the spirit and not in such a way as to satisfy the lust of her flesh. v. 26 On her tongue – We see that only two things emerge when she speaks; wisdom and kindness. The tongue can be a dangerous weapon (James 3:5-10). But the woman of virtue uses her words for good. What a contrast to the contentious woman spoken of repeatedly throughout the Book of Proverbs. v. 27 Bread of idleness – To be idle is to be inactive, or lazy, which she is not. In fact, she eats the product of her own labor. The woman shown here is actively involved with her family. She studies them and keeps a watchful eye out for potential problems. She does not consumed with idle behavior, which adds to the cares of this life. Instead, she is known as one who is busy about the Father's business, and is fed by the Word of God (Ps. 119:46-50). v. 28-29 Call her blessed – Blessed in this context is defined as happy, or joyful. Jesus gives a lengthy description of the blessed person in Matthew 5:3-11. In the natural state, this would be impossible to achieve. We must be transformed by God to even desire the things that He says make us blessed. This woman receives praise from her family, which is something that is earned through submission to the Lord (1 Peter 5:5). They look to her as an example of the joy of the Lord. As we humble ourselves God is faithful to continually conform us into the image of His Son, which is really what her family desires (Rom. 8:28-30). Notice that the husband shows that he loves his wife just as Christ loves the church (Eph. 5:25). Exhortation like this sets a wife free to grow and flourish into the fullness of joy that God calls each of us into (John 15:11). v. 30 Woman who fears the Lord – God takes notice of those who fear Him, and blesses their life (Prov. 22:4, Acts 9:31). To walk in fellowship with God and to seek to please Him is the highest calling in life (1 Thess. 4:1). Charm can be faked, and external beauty lasts only as long as youth does. There is much vanity contained within the concern for the appearance of beauty. What matters most to God is the condition of the heart, and the Proverbs 31 woman has a beautiful one. v. 31 Fruit of her hands – As she is faithful to be the person God has called her to be, she will be full of wisdom from above, which yields a crop of good fruit (James 3:17-18). She will be praised by others not out of self determination, but because of her desire to be obedient to what God has called her in Jesus Christ. She will be an example for all to see (Matt. 5:16, Titus 2:3-5). | |||
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| "Every word of God is pure; He is a shield to those who put their trust in Him. Do not add to His words, Lest He rebuke you, and you be found a liar." –Proverbs 30:5-6 Powerful words, God, that we read today. This warning is for us all, no matter where we are ministering to others. Remind us daily, Lord, that the only way to truly know You as You wish to be known is through Your Word. Put it in our hearts, Jesus, so that we may know nothing but truth. | |||
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Proverbs 30:5-6 Every word of God is pure; He is a shield to those who put their trust in Him. Do not add to His words, Lest He rebuke you, and you be found a liar.
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