Day 173—We are in the 6th month of Bible reading.  Today, we finish the book of Proverbs.

 Day 173 – Proverbs 30-31. (Humble words of wisdom, a mom’s advice, the godly wife)

Proverbs 30 is written by Agur, son of Jakeh. This is the only mention of him in the Bible. He’s a humble sage.

Verse 2-3 say, “Surely I am too stupid to be a man. I have not the understanding of a man. I have not learned wisdom, nor have I knowledge of the Holy One…”

And yet he speaks wisdom in Verses 5-6. “Every word of God proves true; He is a shield to those who take refuge in Him. Do not add to His words lest He rebuke you and you be found a liar.”

He likes to make lists.

15-16.  “Four things never say ‘enough!’….”

18-19. “Four things are too wonderful for me to understand…..”

21-23. “Under four things the earth cannot bear up….”

24-28. “Four things on earth are small but exceedingly wise….”

29-31. “Four things are stately in their stride…”

.

Chapter 31 are the “words of King Lemuel, as his mother taught him.” Many believe this is Solomon writing the words of his mother, Bathsheba. (They were close, as seen in 1 Kings 1.) 

In verses 2-9, she seems to be scolding the King. Don’t give your strength to women (he has 1,000) or your brains to wine (it’s for the dying and grieving). Speak up for the poor, defend their rights!

(Young and old men alike…  this is good advice!)

Chapter 31:10-31 contains very familiar verses about a godly, strong, industrious, and loving wife.  “She is an excellent wife, far more precious than jewels.”   She treats her husband with honor and respect, “doing good for him all the days of our life.”

She’s a strong and willing worker. She rises before the sun to make breakfast for her household and works late into the night.

She shops, bargains, makes deals, sews clothing and household goods to wear and sell. 

“She opens her HAND to the poor and reaches out her hands to the needy.”   “She opens her MOUTH with wisdom, and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue.”  Verses 20, 26.“

“Her CHILDREN rise up and call her blessed; her HUSBAND also, and he praises her, ‘Many women have done excellently, but YOU surpass them all.'” Verse 28-29.

“Charm is deceitful,

and beauty is vain,

but a woman who fears the LORD

is to be praised.”

Proverbs 31:30