Last time we completed our examination of King Solomon’s ‘Collection of Solomon’s Proverbs (see Delving into the Collection of Solomon’s Proverbs 1, 2), purported to be his finest proverbs.
Now we’ll look at King Solomon’s last group of proverbs (Pr. 22:17 – 29:27). However, there are two additions at the end. Pr. 30:1 – 33 is written by ‘Agur’, thought to be a proselyte of the king. And Pr. 31:1 – 31 is written by King Lemuel, supposedly handed down as an oracle from his mother.
Little is known about them; so, I was being a little tongue-in-cheek in the title. Let’s begin:
The reward of humility [that is, having a realistic view of one’s importance] and the [reverent, worshipful] fear of the Lord Is riches, honor, and life. Pr. 22:4 AMP
Having a right relationship with God and its benefits run throughout the proverbs; and we definitely want to pass that attitude to our children:
Train up a child in the way he should go [teaching him to seek God’s wisdom and will for his abilities and talents], even when he is old he will not depart from it. Pr. 22:6 AMP
This proverb applies to both genders, regarding the dangers of adultery and all the damage that it does:
The mouth of an immoral woman is a deep pit [deep and inescapable]; he who is cursed by the Lord [because of his adulterous sin] will fall into it. Pr. 22:14 AMP
Returning to walking in humility, you must take care of the company you keep to stay that way:
Don’t befriend angry people or associate with hot-tempered people, or you will learn to be like them and endanger your soul. Pr. 22:24, 25. NLT
Do not carouse with drunkards or feast with gluttons, for they are on their way to poverty, and too much sleep clothes them in rags. Pr. 23:20 – 21. NLT
It’s better to live alone in the corner of an attic than with a quarrelsome wife in a lovely home. Pr. 25:24 NLT (Obviously, one could substitute ‘husband’ as well as wife).
Keeping good friends by our side enhances our wise path:
As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens [and influences] another [through discussion]. Pr. 27:17 AMP
We wisely examine our companion’s heart for his or her character:
As a face is reflected in water, so the heart reflects the real person. Pr. 27:19 NLT
A ‘saying’ of Agur:
Every word of God proves true. He is a shield to all who come to him for protection.Do not add to his words… Pr. 30:5, 6. NLT
The ‘sayings of King Lemuel:
Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves; ensure justice for those being crushed.Yes, speak up for the poor and helpless, and see that they get justice. Pr. 31:8, 9. NLT
Who can find a wife of noble character? She is far more precious than jewels. The heart of her husband trusts in her, and he will not lack anything good. She rewards him with good, not evil, all the days of her life.
She selects wool and flax and works with willing hands. She is like the merchant ships,
bringing her food from far away. She rises while it is still night and provides food for her household and portionsfor her female servants.
She evaluates a field and buys it; she plants a vineyard with her earnings. She draws on her strength and reveals that her arms are strong. She sees that her profits are good, and her lamp never goes out at night.
She extends her hands to the spinning staff, and her hands hold the spindle.Her hands reachout to the poor, and she extends her hands to the needy.
She is not afraid for her household when it snows, for all in her household are doubly clothed. She makes her own bed coverings; her clothing is fine linen and purple.
Her husband is known at the city gates, where he sits among the elders of the land.
She makes and sells linen garments; she delivers belts to the merchants. Strength and honor are her clothing, and she can laugh at the time to come.
Her mouth speaks wisdom, and loving instruction is on her tongue. She watches over the activities of her household and is never idle.
Her children rise up and call her blessed; her husband also praises her: “Many women have done noble deeds, but you surpass them all!” Pr. 31:10 – 29. CSB
Awesome to have a spouse like that!
Stay tuned for the Book of Ecclesiastes written by King Solomon, or was it? Find out in our next foray: In the End, God’s Got it all Handled.
Goodnight and God bless.