A Study in Proverbs: The Social Graces

Chapter 20

By the time we get to chapter 20, Solomon’s son is a young person and it is time to speak with him about the issues he will be facing at this age.

Verse 1-3 – These verses are related to each other. Although it seems like there is no relationship between alcoholic beverage and a king’s wrath, there really is. Many killings, injuries, accidents and arguments are caused by alcoholic beverage. Even (maybe especially) those in high places make unfortunate decisions while under the influence of alcohol. Its use is almost always the result of peer or social pressure. Solomon’s son is advised to avoid its use.

Verse 4-17 – Once again Solomon addresses laziness, the inner being and faithfulness, this time in more depth and on a more serious level. He reiterates his call for righteousness and purity of heart. He deals with behavior and how ours should change as we mature. He also gives a deeper insight into riches, possessions and living a life of integrity.

Verses 18-23 – Here we hear Solomon’s advice regarding the various uses of the tongue: gossip, cursing, lying and cheating.

Verses 24-27 – Emphasizing the need to know God and to trust Him alone is a lesson a maturing person needs to learn. His reference to the lamp of the Lord (27) speaks of the light of the world, Jesus.

Verses 28-30 – Solomon teaches his son about love (again). He also contrasts youth with age and reveals that a maturing man is in control of himself, under God’s leadership.

Chapter 23 is directed toward his son as a young adult. Much of the same material is reiterated, as usual, in more depth as the son is more able to absorb and implement what he is instructed to do and to be. Having been taught to choose a wife carefully, he is now told how to raise his own children. He is again admonished not to imbibe in alcoholic drink. He is reminded to listen to his father’s recommendations born of experience. He speaks of faithfulness, a proper understanding of interpersonal relationships, good vs. bad company. Then he reiterates his advice about strong drink.

Temper, pride, covetousness, child rearing, discipline, following God, controlling one’s anger honesty and not doing things for the sake of recognition are all part of what chapter 29 of Proverbs addresses.

Chapter 31 was written, not by Solomon, but by an unknown oracle named Lemuel (Devoted to God). Some Scholars think the name is Solomon’s mother’s pet name for him. They think this was written to him by his mother. If so, she was giving him advice about women, wine and wise choices.

Generally speaking, a  man does not want his mother to speak to him on this matter of wine, women, and song. She starts out with the consequences of over imbibing. Kings are ruined, the way the poor drink to “drown their sorrows,” and that temperance will enable one to guide others and judge fairly.

She then turns the emphasis toward the marks of a woman worthy of being a wife. What a list it is! In fact, the list is so long and intense that one might be tempted to conclude that they are impossible to live up to.  One would be correct.

The only righteous we have, whether we are male or female, is the righteousness imputed to us by our Lord and Savior, Jesus, Christ.