Proverbs 31:
The last chapter is here. Perhaps the most famous chapter in all of Proverbs. A passage that describes the type of woman all men should seek. However, most women want to avoid this chapter because it seems so unattainable. I've heard some people ask, "where's the passage for the man?" We hear about the Proverbs 31 woman but where's the challenge for the man? Well, we need to remember that the intended audience is still the young man. This is not some tidbit thrown in at the end to give instruction for young women. This is the type of woman we as men should seek for as a wife. Nothing has changed, he doesn't want men settling for women that will cause them to go astray. Hold your standards very high, as women should also do in looking for a husband. The 1st 9 verses of this chapter don't get much attention, most usually jump to verse 10. The sayings of King Lemuel, like Agur, we don't really know anything about him. The 1st 9 verses are things he learned from his mother. There are 3 basic teachings, do not use your power to indulge in women, stay sober, and use your authority to defend the weak. Verses 6 & 7 seem a little odd, but the meaning is simple. If alcohol has any value it is for people in this position, but don't let yourself get this way. It's not a license to get people in tough situations drunk. He goes on to say in 8 & 9...speak up for them and defend them. 10-31 contain what has been called the Proverbs 31 woman. Again, the intended audience here is the young man. A young person needs to look long and hard at the character of the person he or she considers marrying. Sexy looks, a winning personality, and popularity are not of themselves bad, but they are not the basis for a lifelong commitment. Few things cause as much pain and regret as marrying a person of bad morals or weak character. The book of Proverbs lays out from beginning to end, the choice for the young man. The way of integrity over the way of folly. I think it is very fitting that the book ends by encouraging the young man to find a living, breathing, wise woman to share his life with.
Tuesday, June 22, 2010
Monday, June 21, 2010
Solomon Says...
Proverbs 30:
This chapter is credited to Agur son of Jakeh. We know absolutely nothing about him. However, I love how he starts this chapter. Verse 2 & 3, 'i am the most ignorant of men; I do not have a man's understanding. I have not learned wisdom, nor have i knowledge of the Holy One.' Agur admits that he doesn't have the answers to some of life's toughest questions. In doing this, he is able to embrace the truth that only God can give. The commandment we talked about Sunday, "Honor your father and mother, so that you may live long in the land the Lord your God is giving you" goes along with the point of 30:17. Respect for parents is the key to learning respect for all authority. People that can't live with authority will generally live short lives. Those who honor parents can accept limits and will usually enjoy a long, peaceful life. It's what we discussed Sunday, you want to honor your parents? Live wisely.
This chapter is credited to Agur son of Jakeh. We know absolutely nothing about him. However, I love how he starts this chapter. Verse 2 & 3, 'i am the most ignorant of men; I do not have a man's understanding. I have not learned wisdom, nor have i knowledge of the Holy One.' Agur admits that he doesn't have the answers to some of life's toughest questions. In doing this, he is able to embrace the truth that only God can give. The commandment we talked about Sunday, "Honor your father and mother, so that you may live long in the land the Lord your God is giving you" goes along with the point of 30:17. Respect for parents is the key to learning respect for all authority. People that can't live with authority will generally live short lives. Those who honor parents can accept limits and will usually enjoy a long, peaceful life. It's what we discussed Sunday, you want to honor your parents? Live wisely.
Sunday, June 20, 2010
Solomon Says...
Proverbs 29:
One of my favorite verses is in this chapter. Verse 18 "Where there is no revelation the people cast off restraint; but blessed is he who keeps the law." In other words, 'where there is no vision, people perish.' Think about that verse for a second in every area of your life. When you don't have a vision for your marriage, that relationship might not go the distance. Without a vision in your family, it could self destruct. When you don't have a vision for your life, your jobs will be many, but your fulfillment will be scarce. When there is no vision, it will die. Vision is the ability to see beyond today. It's not living for the moment, but living for what can be. Solomon knew this well. As the King, he would need a strong vision for the country. I think that's one reason Solomon asked God for wisdom. He realized the need for special discernment in governing a nation. God blessed him and because of that, the nation had many peaceful years under the reign of Solomon. Having a vision for each area of your life is one of the most important things we can do. It helps us decide what is important and what is a waste of our time. Knowing what to say 'no' to is one of the advantages of having a vision. When something doesn't lead us toward our vision, we have to be willing to say 'no.' That means saying 'no' to many 'good things' and saying 'yes' to the 'best things.' As Solomon has been preaching in this whole book, there are 2 paths...one leads to death and the other to life. Having a vision helps us follow the path that leads to life.
One of my favorite verses is in this chapter. Verse 18 "Where there is no revelation the people cast off restraint; but blessed is he who keeps the law." In other words, 'where there is no vision, people perish.' Think about that verse for a second in every area of your life. When you don't have a vision for your marriage, that relationship might not go the distance. Without a vision in your family, it could self destruct. When you don't have a vision for your life, your jobs will be many, but your fulfillment will be scarce. When there is no vision, it will die. Vision is the ability to see beyond today. It's not living for the moment, but living for what can be. Solomon knew this well. As the King, he would need a strong vision for the country. I think that's one reason Solomon asked God for wisdom. He realized the need for special discernment in governing a nation. God blessed him and because of that, the nation had many peaceful years under the reign of Solomon. Having a vision for each area of your life is one of the most important things we can do. It helps us decide what is important and what is a waste of our time. Knowing what to say 'no' to is one of the advantages of having a vision. When something doesn't lead us toward our vision, we have to be willing to say 'no.' That means saying 'no' to many 'good things' and saying 'yes' to the 'best things.' As Solomon has been preaching in this whole book, there are 2 paths...one leads to death and the other to life. Having a vision helps us follow the path that leads to life.
Saturday, June 19, 2010
Solomon Says...
Proverbs 28:
This chapter continues on with wisdom for the future leaders of families and communities. A young man needs a few basic skills as he enters adult life. He must be able to get along with other people, especially the men in his community. Also, he must know how to read their character. And it is very important for a young man to become well equipped to provide for his family. Also, this chapter discusses the wealthy and the poor. People with wealth and privilege have a special obligation to those who have less, but the temptation is for them to abuse their power. However, if they follow the Biblical path, they are less likely to fall into this trap. There are also a few warnings in here for the rich. Verses 19-27 focus on this area. Chasing fantasies, get rich quick schemes, showing favoritism to certain people, being stingy, etc. Solomon covers all the bases.
This chapter continues on with wisdom for the future leaders of families and communities. A young man needs a few basic skills as he enters adult life. He must be able to get along with other people, especially the men in his community. Also, he must know how to read their character. And it is very important for a young man to become well equipped to provide for his family. Also, this chapter discusses the wealthy and the poor. People with wealth and privilege have a special obligation to those who have less, but the temptation is for them to abuse their power. However, if they follow the Biblical path, they are less likely to fall into this trap. There are also a few warnings in here for the rich. Verses 19-27 focus on this area. Chasing fantasies, get rich quick schemes, showing favoritism to certain people, being stingy, etc. Solomon covers all the bases.
Friday, June 18, 2010
Solomon Says...
Proverbs 27:
Chapter 27 is loaded with good stuff. Another widely quoted verse is in this chapter...(17) 'as iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another.' Let's break down this chapter. I think the whole point of the 1st two verses is...don't be too sure about the future or yourself. As a leader, sometimes I feel like I have to know what's going to happen tomorrow. However, it's ridiculous to think that way. We need a plan, we need direction, but tomorrow is out of our hands. Verse 5 shows the importance of open communication in relationships. 'Better is open rebuke than hidden love.' This does not mean that it is always better to rebuke or that there is never a time to be silent. The point is that we should express our love to others, and that takes honesty. The next several verses show that building and maintaining close relationships with family and friends is one of the most important things in the world. The rest of this chapter is clearly an appeal from father to son. How to follow sound business practices, how to have good relationships with men in the community, etc. He even talks about the importance of using wisdom in selecting a wife in verse 15, 16. 'restraining her is like restraining the wind or grasping oil with the hand.' In other words, she's out of control. She is quarrelsome, always spending money, making trouble and he can't do anything about it. This type of wife is very different than the one painted in chapter 31. The last 4 or 5 verses of the chapter seem a little strange...talking about grain, flocks, hay, goat's milk. I think the point is simply, take care of your business and your business will take of you. Again, use wisdom in life, be smart and make wise decisions...decisions that won't come back to haunt you, but bless you.
Chapter 27 is loaded with good stuff. Another widely quoted verse is in this chapter...(17) 'as iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another.' Let's break down this chapter. I think the whole point of the 1st two verses is...don't be too sure about the future or yourself. As a leader, sometimes I feel like I have to know what's going to happen tomorrow. However, it's ridiculous to think that way. We need a plan, we need direction, but tomorrow is out of our hands. Verse 5 shows the importance of open communication in relationships. 'Better is open rebuke than hidden love.' This does not mean that it is always better to rebuke or that there is never a time to be silent. The point is that we should express our love to others, and that takes honesty. The next several verses show that building and maintaining close relationships with family and friends is one of the most important things in the world. The rest of this chapter is clearly an appeal from father to son. How to follow sound business practices, how to have good relationships with men in the community, etc. He even talks about the importance of using wisdom in selecting a wife in verse 15, 16. 'restraining her is like restraining the wind or grasping oil with the hand.' In other words, she's out of control. She is quarrelsome, always spending money, making trouble and he can't do anything about it. This type of wife is very different than the one painted in chapter 31. The last 4 or 5 verses of the chapter seem a little strange...talking about grain, flocks, hay, goat's milk. I think the point is simply, take care of your business and your business will take of you. Again, use wisdom in life, be smart and make wise decisions...decisions that won't come back to haunt you, but bless you.
Thursday, June 17, 2010
Solomon Says...
Proverbs 26:
Verse 1 is good..."like snow in summer or rain in harvest, honor is not fitting for a fool." Rain was highly treasured in ancient Israel 'and today's farmers' but if it came at the wrong time...it could do damage. In the same way, a fool who gets honor is likely to take responsibility that he cannot handle. However, snow in the summertime sounds pretty good right now...ha! According to verse 3, the rod is the only instruction a fool understands. Verse 4 & 5 seem to contradict. 4...'do not answer a fool according to his folly, or you will be like him yourself.' 5...'answer a fool according to his folly, or he will be wise in his own eyes.' So, first we don't answer a fool and then we do? (scratchin my head). This actually gives us a good example of how proverbs work. Sometimes it is wise and sometimes it is not wise to answer a fool with the same kind of emotion that the fool himself uses. Sometimes you have to speak this way to get your point across, but if you do it too much...you may become like the fool. Verses 6-10 all talk about the fool with some cool metaphors...'like a lame man's legs' (not going anywhere)...'like tying a stone in a sling' (it may sling around and hit the slinger)...'like a thorn in a drunkard's hand (loses it sting). Pretty cool stuff. The rest of the chapter talks about sluggards, busybodies & liars. The easy thing to do is think about others that fit these descriptions but the more challenging thing to do is ask..."is he describing me?"
Verse 1 is good..."like snow in summer or rain in harvest, honor is not fitting for a fool." Rain was highly treasured in ancient Israel 'and today's farmers' but if it came at the wrong time...it could do damage. In the same way, a fool who gets honor is likely to take responsibility that he cannot handle. However, snow in the summertime sounds pretty good right now...ha! According to verse 3, the rod is the only instruction a fool understands. Verse 4 & 5 seem to contradict. 4...'do not answer a fool according to his folly, or you will be like him yourself.' 5...'answer a fool according to his folly, or he will be wise in his own eyes.' So, first we don't answer a fool and then we do? (scratchin my head). This actually gives us a good example of how proverbs work. Sometimes it is wise and sometimes it is not wise to answer a fool with the same kind of emotion that the fool himself uses. Sometimes you have to speak this way to get your point across, but if you do it too much...you may become like the fool. Verses 6-10 all talk about the fool with some cool metaphors...'like a lame man's legs' (not going anywhere)...'like tying a stone in a sling' (it may sling around and hit the slinger)...'like a thorn in a drunkard's hand (loses it sting). Pretty cool stuff. The rest of the chapter talks about sluggards, busybodies & liars. The easy thing to do is think about others that fit these descriptions but the more challenging thing to do is ask..."is he describing me?"
Wednesday, June 16, 2010
Solomon Says...
Proverbs 25:
As stated in the 1st verse, chapters 25-29 are a separate collection of sayings collected and edited by the scribes of Hezekiah. Hezekiah ruled Judah 716-686 B.C. Matthew lists Hezekiah in the genealogy of Jesus. Many of Jesus' teachings are simple and direct because they come straight from Proverbs. His warning about taking places of honor in Luke 14:7-11 seems to come from Proverbs 25:6,7 and His teaching on settling disputes privately in Luke 12:57-59 may be from Proverbs 25:8-10. Personal character is one of the main teachings of Proverbs. That's why Proverbs warns us about the kinds of people to avoid and the kinds of things to add to our life. Integrity, good people skills and strong character are not optional in the Christian life.
As stated in the 1st verse, chapters 25-29 are a separate collection of sayings collected and edited by the scribes of Hezekiah. Hezekiah ruled Judah 716-686 B.C. Matthew lists Hezekiah in the genealogy of Jesus. Many of Jesus' teachings are simple and direct because they come straight from Proverbs. His warning about taking places of honor in Luke 14:7-11 seems to come from Proverbs 25:6,7 and His teaching on settling disputes privately in Luke 12:57-59 may be from Proverbs 25:8-10. Personal character is one of the main teachings of Proverbs. That's why Proverbs warns us about the kinds of people to avoid and the kinds of things to add to our life. Integrity, good people skills and strong character are not optional in the Christian life.
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