Proverbs 31, Oh Proverbs 31- Lemmie you kill me....

The great Proverbs 31, that oft sardonically misquoted, misunderstood and over allegorized. If you don't know what I am talking about, read Proverbs 31 real quick:

31:1 The words of King Lemuel,an oracle that his mother taught him:2 O my son, O son of my womb,O son of my vows,3 Do not give your strength to women,nor your ways to that which ruins kings.4 It is not for kings, O Lemuel,it is not for kings to drink wine,or for rulers to crave strong drink,5 lest they drink and forget what is decreed,and remove from all the poor their legal rights.6 Give strong drink to the one who is perishing,and wine to those who are bitterly distressed;7 let them drink and forget their poverty,and remember their misery no more.8 Open your mouth on behalf of those unable to speak,for the legal rights of all the dying.9 Open your mouth, judge in righteousness,and plead the cause of the poor and needy. 

10 Who can find a wife of noble character? For her value is far more than rubies.11 The heart of her husband has confidence in her,and he has no lack of gain.12 She brings him good and not evilall the days of her life. 13 She obtains wool and flax,and she is pleased to work with her hands.14 She is like the merchant ships;she brings her food from afar.15 She also gets up while it is still night,and provides food for her household and a portion to her female servants.16 She considers a field and buys it;from her own income she plants a vineyard.17 She begins her work vigorously,and she strengthens her arms.18 She knows that her merchandise is good,and her lamp does not go out in the night.19 Her hands take hold of the distaff,and her hands grasp the spindle.20 She extends her hand to the poor,and reaches out her hand to the needy.21 She is not afraid of the snow for her household,for all of her household are clothed with scarlet.22 She makes for herself coverlets;her clothing is fine linen and purple.23 Her husband is well-known in the city gatewhen he sits with the elders of the land.24 She makes linen garments and sells them,and supplies the merchants with sashes.25 She is clothed with strength and honor,and she can laugh at the time to come.26 She opens her mouth with wisdom,and loving instruction is on her tongue.27 She watches over the ways of her household,and does not eat the bread of idleness.28 Her children rise up and call her blessed,her husband also praises her:29 “Many daughters have done valiantly,but you surpass them all!” 30 Charm is deceitful and beauty is fleeting,but a woman who fears the Lord will be praised.31 Give her credit for what she has accomplished,and let her works praise her in the city gates. (I find proverbs are always much better if you add a really cute picture right in the middle- oh by the way, Mimi agrees with Lem's mom here, she wants to be a noble wife one day.)

I've isolated vv. 10-31 because this is the passage that gives the most headaches for some. Not for me, though. I'll talk more on this later.

The author of this proverb is King Lemuel. Just like Agur of the previous proverb, who is Lemuel? Lots of scholars say Lemuel is Solomon, which may be true. But the text really doesn't say who he is nor does it indicate elsewhere in the Bible who Lemuel is.  It could even have been written by someone unknown and then attributed to "king Lemuel." Just another biblical mystery.

Anyway, Lemuel is a king and this is the advice given to him by his mother, which is also weird/unique to the proverbs. 


This proverb seems to be a nice summary of the whole body of proverbs preceding it. In the first little section, Lem's mom talks about the dangers of drunkenness, fast women, and the need for justice- all common themes in Proverbs. (for more themes see below)


The last section is the one that gives people problems. It is an acrostic poem- which means each line of the poem starts with the next Hebrew letter in the alphabet (see picture).


 "How can the Bible give us such lofty expectations for a wife?" Some opinions of this are that this is an allegory for "wisdom" personified, while other say it is talking about a young boy(????). Didn't we just talk about speculation? I am going to take the stance that King Lemuel's mom is indeed explaining that if there was a person full of wisdom out there, she might look like this, and she would indeed be the ideal wife. Please find below a good summary and conclusion of Proverbs by Sid S. Buzzell in the Bible Knowledge Commentary:

The virtues of a noble wife are those that are extolled throughout the Book of Proverbs: hard work, wise investments, good use of time, planning ahead, care for others, respect for one’s spouse, ability to share godly values with others, wise counsel, and godly fear (worship, trust, service, obedience). As Proverbs has stated repeatedly, these are qualities that lead to honor, praise, success, personal dignity and worth, and enjoyment of life. In the face of the adulteress’ temptations mentioned often in Proverbs, it is fitting that the book concludes by extolling a virtuous wife. Young men and others can learn from this noble woman. By fearing God, they can live wisely and righteously. That is the message of Proverbs. 

Just for your enjoyment, here is a pretty comprehensive list of subjects also covered in the Proverbs. Today and the rest of the month, extoll every virtue on this list (on the positive side)- Amen.

Proverbs 30 "Agur the Great?"

Who in the world is Agur (other than delicious French Cheese)?According to the Bible, he is the author of Proverbs 30 (v.1, "The words of Agur."). He is the son of Jakeh, the oracle. Who is Jakeh?

I was doing some research and it seems this answer alludes us. There is no firm scholarly consensus on the actual identity of this Agur character. Early rabbis and the church fathers identified Agur as Solomon, which is a good possibility. But other than speculation, there is no firm factual evidence to point us in any direction.

What we do know is that he was the son of Jakeh, the oracle, and was writing to Ithiel and Ucal. Who in the world is Ithiel and who is Ucal? My fancy research software says Ithiel was a Benjamite (Neh 11:7), but other than that, and unidentified man in Proverbs. The same goes for Ucal.

I don't really have a point to make in all this other than the fact that some things in the Bible are unknown and probably best left that way. Does it really matter the identity of these guys? Probably not. But we like to speculate and guess and prod and probe to find meaning. Me thinks if there was meaning to be had with knowing who these guys were, God would have told us.

I do have a point in all this rambling. This discussion leads in to the proverb from chapter 30.

v. 6, "Do not add to His words Or He will reprove you, and you will be proved a liar."

In this interesting chapter (including the interesting/controversial chapter 31) Agur remarks on the importance of letting God's word stand on its own. There is loads of truth in this (obviously, why else would Agur write it?), especially in this era. We are a scholarly people, which is a good thing. We had the enlightenment, the age of reason, and modernity (and post-modernity) with its seemingly endless pursuit of knowing everything. We have mountains of data and research that tell us what means this and what probably mean that. I can give you a million scholarly opinions on what this verse says and on what that chapter means. These are all good things, but at some point it is good just to step back and enjoy God's Word. To soak it up and let it get into you.

I am as guilty as the next guy who studies the Bible in speculation. There is something said about this in much of the New Testament as well. 1st Timothy comes to mind. When Paul is instructing young Tim in the proper order and administration of the Ephesian church, Paul instructs Tim to be mindful of worthless speculation and unfruitful genealogical discussions.

How much of our time is spent on endless speculation? I admit that maybe I spend to much time on this. I'm not saying its bad to speculate, I'm just saying that it isn't that helpful. Agur has a good point. When teaching the Bible, it is safe to keep God's words just that, God's words. This is a helpful thing for us to remember. Will this change your life? Maybe, maybe not. But it will give you an appreciation of God's word.

So today, enjoy God's word for God's word. As the crazy looking creature told Ezekiel in Eze 3:1,

"1 And he said to me, “Son of man, eat what is before you, eat this scroll; then go and speak to the house of Israel.” ² So I opened my mouth, and he gave me the scroll to eat. 

³ Then he said to me, “Son of man, eat this scroll I am giving you and fill your stomach with it.” So I ate it, and it tasted as sweet as honey in my mouth. 

When there is a delicious slice of pizza in front of you, you don't spend all day studying it, you eat it, and it is delicious and it fills you up. Eat the Bible, consume it and let it move through you. Enjoy it for what it is, beautiful, instructive, self-revelatory, and complete. Bible study is good and very fruitful. But today (and maybe another day), just read it for fun, read it for worship- read it for deliciousness.

PJ

Proverbs 29:13, "What I and a Prostitute have in Common."

Ok, this is late, but better late then never right?

There is a saying that goes, "For God so loved the world that He gave His only Son that whosoever believes in Him will not die but receive life" (Jesus to Nicodemus, John 3:16). Yes of course this is not a saying, but probably the most quoted verse in the Bible, so in a way it is a saying. So what does this have to do with a Prostitute? Good question, Solomon said something similar to Jesus, which isn't surprising, since God inspired the writing of the Bible. But anyway here is Solomon's similar wisdom:

"The poor man and the oppressor have this in common: The Lord gives light to the eyes of both."

This is a good proverb for today, or for any day. It is simple. It is a time tested truth. It is a universal Biblical principal. But in spite of all this, it is hard for us to fathom. The fact that both the poor man and the oppressor are the same in that the Lord "gives light to the eyes," (aka- Life) to each the same. In the eyes of God, we are all the poor man and we are all the oppressor- we all need light to our eyes.

This has some ramifications for our daily lives. I am as guilty as the next guy in casting snap judgments. It is not something I like to do nor something that I even want to do, but it is something that I naturally do (sounds like something Paul said once in Romans). God doesn't do this. While we can't be God, because He is God, we can try hard to keep this in mind, that God saves and loves us all the same. While that is easy to say, it is even harder to live out.

The Prostitute and I are the same in the fact that we are both sinners in our own way and in need of God to open our eyes to see the light of salvation- of the need to have faith in Jesus Christ. We are not literally the same, but we are conceptually.'

So today let's give a shout for love- that oft talked about, yet hard to practice thing (for lack of a better word). WE are all the same people. We all have problems and issues- the poor man needs cash money and the oppressor is a jerk. Let's love each other, out neighbor, murderers, prostitutes, rapists, thieves, whoever- why? Because God says to, because in God's eyes we have a lot in common. What more can I say?

Love, PJ

Proverbs 28:1, "The Tell-Tale Heart of the Sinner."

There is a familiar story called the "The Tell-Tale Heart." Most of you have probably heard about it. Let me very briefly summarize the story for you. This guy kills this other guy and buries him under his house (or some place like that). He thinks he got away with it, but he is soon haunted by the beating of the man's heart. He can "hear" it all day and night, thumping away under the floor boards. He basically goes nuts because he can't stand to "hear" the beating heart. He turns himself in and is convicted of murder (or something close to that). In the end, he didn't get away with it.

This story is as old as time. In fact, Solomon has a similar proverb (circa 1000 b.c.), and I imagine its root probably even pre-dates him. The point is obvious- unconfessed guilt is a heavy burden to bear. The man in the "Tell-Tale Heart," couldn't deal with the burden of murdering that guy, so he went nuts and eventually confessed. 

The proverb I want to comment on today is 28:1: 

v. 1 The wicked person flees when there is no one pursuing, but the righteous person is as confident as a lion (NET Bible). 

This is the "Tell-Tale Heart," of the Sinner. There are parallels to this proverb elsewhere in 28.

v. 13 The one who covers his transgressions will not prosper,but whoever confesses them and forsakes them will find mercy. (NET)

v. 17  The one who is tormented by the murder of another will flee to the pit; let no one support him. (NET)

This story has gotten so much play over the millennia because it speaks to an integral human byproduct- guilt. We are all guilty of doing bad stuff from time to time. Now, of course we are not all murders (literally), but we have some unconfessed sin. I mean, by very nature of being human we are sinners and have some guilt to confess. If we travel a lifetime (or any amount of time) without taking the time to confess our guilt before the Lord, we carry a heavy burden. Verse 1 is so poignant because it is true. The wicked may seem to get away with everything, but who knows the burden they carry.

I think you know what I am talking about- it all comes down to feeling, if we are being frank. We all like to feel "on the level," that everything is good, that I have my stuff together, that life is copacetic. But you know what it is like to have any burden hanging over you, you just don't feel "right." This is the plight of the murder, of the sinner, of the unconfessed... of most of us from time to time.

The point is this: if you have some issue, some unconfessed sin, take it up to God, and if possible, with the person you have the issue with. If it is merely a personal issue, then God is fine. No need to go on Oprah to air out your personal laundry (unless that is helpful in the healing process for you.) Either way, Solomon's point is clear. If you have some unconfessed stuff in your life, some problems that you are sweeping under the table, you are no doubt plagued by it in some way or another. Why not give that stuff up to God, it is painless and will help alleviate a huge chunk of burden and get you on your way to excellence again. So much so that you will have the confidence of a lion knowing that you are "all confessed up." You've got nothing to fear and nothing holding you back.

So go get 'em tiger.

PJ

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

The Weight Of Glory- C.S. Lewis

C.S. Lewis, "The Weight of Glory"

Check this article out, it is in a folder on my computer called, "Read Often," which is what I do. I is a great commentary from a great author on what is really important in this life. Be careful, because it might just change your life.

PJ