A Study in Proverbs-Treasure Mother

The book of Proverbs was written (for the most part) by Solomon to his son. Far from a hodge-podge of “wise” sayings, it is the advice Solomon gives his son as he grows up in body and in faith in God. Solomon presents each subject in groups and in different ways at different stages of his son’s life.

He repeats each subject several times throughout the book. Each time he approaches a particular subject, he goes deeper into it because the son is  growing older and is able to understand more and more about each subject.

When we are born again, we are babes in Christ, just like Solomon’s son was a babe in the beginning of the book. Like his son, we are supposed to grow in our faith until we are mature in our faith as noted in Romans, 1 Corinthians and other books of the New Testament. With each stage of growth, we will understand more about the indescribable gift we have in God’s grace to us in Christ.

Proverbs 31 was written by Lemuel. The name Lemuel means "he belongs to God." Any time you see the suffix "el" in a an Old Testament word, the word has something to do with God. Some scholars think "Lemuel" was Solomon's mother's pet name for Solomon. You can think what you want about it.

Verses 1-9 - In these verses, the writer is recalling what his mother taught him. Notice that up until now the book has been about what the father (Solomon) was teaching his son. Now the son (Solomon?) recalls what his mother had said.

The gist of verses 1-9 is an intense warning about the company the young man should keep, and how to be a good leader. She admonished him to avoid alcohol (to keep his mind clear), to help the poor, to be fair and to defend those who need his leadership.

Verses 10-31 - Here is the familiar passage about choosing a good wife. Remember, as he was growing up, Solomon's son was introduced to the importance of choosing a good helpmeet. Each time Solomon brought it up, he went into further detail about it. Now the subject is dealt with in great depth. He lists the qualifications he should look for in a wife:

She respects God. She is not lazy. She is not proud. She works hard. And she is glad to work. She is generous to poor people. Her husband can trust her. She studies carefully. She has learned to be wise. She teaches. She uses her money wisely. She is loyal. She has many skills.

A good wife will age, as we all know, but her devotion to her values and to God will not wane.

So who can live up to that standard? the answer is no one. So what, then? Then Christ. He, living through her, can make her what He wants her to be. And even though she will never be perfect, she will be perfect in God's eyes because of Christ.

The most important thing for a woman is to know and love Christ. She must place her trust in, and only in, His finished work at the cross of Calvary.

So must you.

HAPPY MOTHERS' DAY!

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.