In the last post we concluded the proverbs that Solomon
wrote. We will finish the book of
Proverbs in this post, covering the last two chapters which are in three
sections:
The Words of Agur
(30:1-33)
The Words of Lemuel (31:1-9)
Description of a Virtuous Woman (31:10-31)
We don’t know a lot about Agur and Lemuel, as they are
mentioned nowhere else in the Bible. But
their writings, (how-be-they different from Solomon) are time-honored as both
wise and thought-provoking.
The Book of Proverbs includes many family-related sayings. In these last two chapters, the family
becomes the main theme. This includes a
rather harsh condemnation of ungrateful children and then the virtues of a good
and faithful wife. Some scholars consider
the studying of these two chapters is like entering into the pain and joy of
family life. I don’t share those extreme
thoughts, but I can understand the reasoning.
Chapter 30 – The words of Agur
Agur opens with the acknowledgement that these words are
inspired, as he confesses that he himself does not possess the level of wisdom
necessary to write these sayings without the guidance from God. After Agur’s opening words, he writes the
remainder of the chapter as an acrostic poem, like the writings of some of the
Psalms. {Reminder: An “acrostic” poem is using the first letter
of each verse in the order of the Hebrew alphabet. This was a popular way to write in those days
and must have taken extra thought and time.} In this acrostic poem, Agur repeats the
fashion of beginning a subject by saying “there are three….., no,
four……..”. Rather difficult for me to
explain this style, but you will notice it as you read this chapter.
Verses 11-14 speaks of four different types of evil people,
beginning with those who grossly disrespect their parents. Agur, as other writers, shows little patience
with disrespectful children, as he mentions them again in verse 17. Agur is inclined to list four thoughts about
a variety of subjects including things that are never satisfied (vss 15-16),
things he cannot understand (18-19), things that amaze him (18-19), things that
make the earth tremble (21-23), things that are small but impressive
(24-28), and things that are stately (29-31)
Chapter 31:1-9 – The Words of Lemuel
The name Lemuel in Hebrew means “belonging to or dedicated
to God”. As one reflects on this entire
chapter, the first nine verses seem to serve as a basis for the larger section
which is dedicated to the virtues of a good woman, or I believe in this case “a
good mother”. Note in the opening verses
that Lemuel is saying what his mother had taught him. In fact it goes in and out of his mother
actually doing the talking, as she is preparing him to become a great king like
Solomon, covering the most important subjects for him to be attentive to as he
assumes a leadership position. I am
impressed as I read these verses as she tells him how important he is, being “the
answer to her prayers”. {I am always
impressed when I hear a mother or a father make their offspring know how
special they are. I really tried to do
that with my children, and my wife was especially good at it.} She taught young Lemuel to beware of such
things as alluring women, drinking too much, unfairness in judgement, and
ignoring the poor.
Verses 10-31 – Description of a Virtuous Woman
The Book of Proverbs has presented cautionary space
concerning contentious and morally weak women, but in this somewhat of an
“epilogue”, it dedicates the final twenty two verses as a portrait of a
“virtuous” or “honorable” woman. Note
that these verses are written in the acrostic form. Also, bear in mind that these sayings were
written in the language of the day, a paraphrase of which would be quite an
adjustment but the spirit of the writing would remain.
Verse 10 opens with the fact that a totally
virtuous woman is indeed a rare find. I
agree.
Verses 11 and 12 mentions how
much confidence her husband has for her and shows it in his own life. She cares for him and he cares for her out of
love and respect.
Verses 13-19 tells
that she works hard and smart, disregarding not even the smallest of details to
make certain her family is cared for.
Even her business dealings are wise and profitable.
Verse 20 says she is kind and considerate to
those less fortunate than she. {Lemuel
writes poetically and pretty. Note that
he says her lamp does not go out at night, which obviously means she works hard
for her family on into the late hours of the night. Also, in vs 21 it says she has no fear when
it snows because she knows the clothes she has made for her family will protect
them.}
In verse 21 it says her husband
is respected at the city gate, which is where the elders of the city meet and
only the most respected are given audience.
{A man’s wife has much influence on the level of respect he receives,
and visa-versa.}
Verse 24 is interesting
because (remember the times) the virtuous woman contributes to the income of
the household.
The comment in verse 25
about her laughing at the future is repeating the thought that she has prepared
her family for all potential situations, inclement weather being among
them. The passage continues on to speak
on her being careful of what she says and how she says it. She is not lazy and is always diligent in
providing for her family. She believes
in God and honors His commandments. And,
because she is all of these things, her husband, her children, and all of the
city speak nothing but praise and respect for her.
This concludes our study in the Book of Proverbs. I hope it has enhanced your understanding and
respect for this important book. I have
truly enjoyed sharing with you my thoughts.
Next Post - The Book of Ecclesiastes
No comments:
Post a Comment