In Proverbs 31 we have another writer that we know little about. There are no Israelite kings named Lemuel. These are instructions from his mother. She warns him against women, alcohol, and encouraging him to speak up for the poor and needy. Beer and wine should be reserved for those who are trying to forget a tragedy. Sounds like a country music song, doesn’t it?

I have heard verse eight used by those who believe in the right to life. I would count unborn babies, the handicapped, the ill, and the elderly as being destitute. These cannot speak for themselves. Those of us who value every life have a duty to use our wisdom that God has given us to defend them.

The last twenty-two verses are some of the most often read in Proverbs. These do not appear to be from Lemuel and his mother. They are especially used on Mother’s Day. Women are encouraged to follow this Lady. Her husband is confident in her because she is good, wise in business, hard-working, and respected in the community. Even though nothing is said about her looks, she is beautiful on the inside.

Let’s take a closer look at her attributes. She is worth more than any jewels she might wear. Her husband has every confidence in her. This is both for hard work in the home as well as outside of it. She is good to him throughout their lives together.

She works hard and is productive. Traveling distances to feed her family is not foreign to her. She rises early, feeds the family and the household staff before she begins her day. She excels at business and her husband knows he can trust her judgment. This woman also spends time working with her hands.

She is a philanthropist. Her husband is a respected community leader. He and the entire family are grateful for the hours spent to provide for their food and clothing.

She teaches her children and the other women the wisdom given to her by Jehovah. She would share this with men other than her husband if they would listen. The praise from her kids is, “Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all.”

Her greatest gift is the respect for and knowledge of her Lord. She deserves honor and praise for everything she has accomplished.

©Copyright 2021 by Charles Kensinger

Who is Agur in Proverbs 30? His Father was Jakeh. He is called an oracle. Some versions say they are from Massa. Agur means Stranger or Gathering Together. The second meaning is like Ecclesia in New Testament Greek. It means Gathering Together and is usually written as Church. Jakeh may mean carefully religious.

He is writing to Ithiel of the clan of Judah and Ucal whom we know nothing else about. Sometimes Ithiel is translated as Words of God. Ucal means Power.

Despite being down on himself, as many of us are from time to time. He calls himself stupid, lacking wisdom, understanding, and knowledge.

 He knows the Lord is in control. Beginning with verse four we have a description of Yahweh. The verse ends with the question, “What is the name of His Son.” Today we know it is Jesus. His words are pure, and He is a shield and refuge for us. We are warned not to add to his words.

The two things Agur asks for are to keep falsehood from him as well as poverty and wealth. He asks for only his daily bread. That is what we should desire as well. He gives us the reasons.

We are urged not to slander a servant to his master. We need to contemplate this for a moment. The term servant can be seen as employee and master as manager, supervisor, or owner. This instruction tells us not to criticize another worker unjustly.

We must not be of the generation that curses father and mother. This is repeated in verse seventeen. Those who are pure in their own eyes, see no reason to improve. This reminds me of the Pharisees in Jesus’ day. They are the ones devouring the oppressed and needy.

Leeches are disgusting creatures. Their children are always asking for things to be given to them. Think for a moment about the four things that are never satisfied. Hell, a woman who cannot have children, earth which never has enough water, and fire which consumes everything it can reach.

Again, there are three, no four things that we do not understand. We misunderstand the same things he does. Especially a man with a woman. No matter how many years we have been married, we still don’t fully understand each other.

The adulteress is dealt with in this chapter, also. After devouring her prey. she does not see that she has done anything wrong. I hope you do not do this exact thing.

How can we interpret the four things that cause the earth to tremble? A servant who becomes king is a theme for many American novels. Poor boy makes good and becomes powerful and influential. We all know fat fools, unloved married women, and employees who take over companies from their previous bosses.

Four small things are very wise. Ants, hyraxes, locusts, and lizards are all around today. You don’t know what a hyrax is. It is a small furry mammal that lives in the deserts of Africa and the Middle East. Their burrows are amazingly intricate. I can personally testify for the lizards. While I have yet to see one in my house, they are constantly around the foundation and my shop.

What or who do you think of as stately? Lions, roosters, goats, and the heads of armies are the four given here. Lions are powerful. Roosters are sometimes too proud. Goats believe they have the authority to go anywhere and eat anything they want. They do not eat cans. Just the labels from them. An army general is only as strong as his army.

Look at the last two verses. It is not wise to exalt yourself. You would be better to keep your mouth shut. Churning milk, twisting noses, and stirring up anger all have results. So does our self-exaltation. Butter is good. Nose bleeds and strife are not. Be careful of what the reactions to your words and deeds are.

©Copyright 2021 by Charles Kensinger

Too much criticism can cause people to be broken in spirit in Proverbs 29. As with previous chapters many of these ideas are repeated. Other sayings in this chapter are that men who complain a lot will trap all those around, but the wise can prevent anger.

Anyone who believes lies will have a lot of liars around them. Honest people and dishonest ones will always be in opposition. This means that when they seemingly are honest, but defend the dishonest, maybe they aren’t as reliable as you think they are.

A judge that treats the poor fairly will be in authority for a long time. True justice comes from the Lord. Discipline of a child benefits both the child and the parents. Pampering of a child leads to insolence.

Of course, we must have a proverb that tells us that anyone who visits prostitutes destroys his wealth. Justice and bribery destroy the stability of a nation. This is true of all levels of government.

Singing and rejoicing is an indication of the state of the heart. Again, we see that the way you treat the poor shows whether you are righteous or wicked. Mockers make people angry and the wise subdue it. The wise and the foolish cannot agree.

Honesty may be the best policy it just doesn’t make you popular with the those who desire to hurt others. God gives vision to the good and the bad. Fairness from leaders will lengthen their terms in office. Failure to correct your children will eventually disgrace the parents. Disciplined children bring peace of mind and delight.

Many communities understand verse sixteen. They have seen the destruction that is caused by an influx of the rebellious. Listening to instruction can save a lot of problems. The reference to a slave not understanding will be clearer if we realize that slaves are usually not educated.

Their masters keep them uneducated to keep them in slavery. Pampering a slave will make them arrogant. Pride will humble us, and humility will bring us honor.

Verse twenty talks about people who don’t stop talking long enough to think. Anger and quick tempers cause conflict and rebellion. Thieves and their partners do not do themselves any good. Do not fear men. Trust in Jehovah. He provides justice. Our problems with police and the criminals, in our country is based on what verse twenty-seven says. 

©Copyright 2021 by Charles Kensinger

Evil people are always running from someone or something. Proverbs chapter 28 says good people are bold like a lion. Leaders who oppress the poor is like a driving rain. The law helps us battle against evil. Justice means nothing to those who oppose it.

When Jehovah destroyed Israel and Judah, it was due to inequality and lack of justice. Prayer is worthless to those who ignore the commandments of God. The poor who have integrity are better than those rich who do not know right from wrong.

Leaders should not be working for their advantage. Generosity and wisdom from the head of the country is needed. Children can be a blessing or a curse depending on if they follow the Lord or not.

Collecting excessive interest may increase wealth, but not at the expense of the poor. Even one who leads others astray will fall into his own pit. The blameless will inherit good things. Being a poor man doesn’t mean you do not have discernment.

Have you ever noticed how people react around others? They hide from some and enjoy being with others. Confessing our sins is needed to find mercy. Reverence makes you happy. The hard of heart fall into trouble. Rulers who are wicked are like wild animals. They are oppressive because they have no understanding.

Bloodguilt makes you a fugitive. Integrity is knowing right from wrong. I have known people in the business world who chased fantasies of instant wealth and were left worse off than those who continued to work for a living. Blessings come to the faithful.

Showing partiality is not good. Sin can be caused by a need for food. The desire for quick wealth is an indicator of greed. Telling the hard truth will gain respect from those who are discerning. Robbing your parents and saying there is no sin reminds me of the condemnation that Jesus gave the Jewish leaders for ignoring their parents’ needs.

Trusting in the Lord will cause prosperity. A fool trusts in himself while the wise will be safe. Those who ignore the poor will be cursed. The generous will not suffer need. Wicked and righteous can be distinguished by the way others react to them.

©Copyright 2021 by Charles Kensinger

Contradictions in the Bible are a complaint many have. Proverbs 26 contains these. Snow in summer is as much expected as honor is for the foolish. A fool can also expect punishment. Arguing with those that lack wisdom is not wise. A proper answer can curb a the uneducated. A message sent by those that are not dependable lead to nothing but violence. Proverbs from the foolish are like limp limbs. The description of the foolish continue from here.

Sparrows and swallows or other birds as known to flit around but get nowhere. Curses have as much likelihood of hitting home. Wisdom in our own mind is worse than foolishness.

The lazy is another group that is dealt with here. They seem to always have an excuse for not working. They are too lazy to even feed themselves. Slackers resemble the proud. They think they are always correct.

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I like to grab my dog by her ears. She realizes I just want to play. Most dogs do not. Don’t tell others you were just joking when you were not. Gossips and quarrelsome people cause conflict and distress.

Have you ever glazed a pot? It does not always create a smooth surface. Hatefulness reveals deceit. Evil desires will ultimately be seen. Be careful of digging holes and rolling stones and flattering mouths.

©Copyright 2021 by Charles Kensinger

Be careful of bragging about things that have not happened yet is in Proverbs 27. Praise should come from others not ourselves. This praise helps make us better.

We look again at a definition of fool. The stress brought on by them is heavier than a stone or sand. Grinding a fool will not separate him from his foolishness. Wisdom from your children brings happiness. Again, we are advised to be careful of putting up security for someone.

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Jealousy is worse than cruelty or anger. Reprimands are better than concealing love. Wounds from a friend are trustworthy and kisses from an enemy are another use of opposite phrases in this proverb. Hunger makes us accept anything to eat and a satisfied person doesn’t even want sweets.

Why would a man wander from his home? Sweetness of a friend is better than self-counsel and oil and incense can give you the boost you need. Friends can be better than family if they are close by.  

Friendship is to be cherished especially in those who are close. We are to help our friends improve.  You’ve heard the saying that someone isn’t smart enough to come in out of the rain. That is another way to express verse 12.

Even a blessing that is yelled can be taken as a curse. Iron sharpens iron and a good man improves another good man. Tending a fruit tree as like serving others. Both will be a blessing. Our heart reflects who we are as sure as we can see ourselves in water or a mirror.

A nagging wife is likened to an endless dripping. Controlling her is like guiding the wind or grabbing with a handful of oil. Do not be one who is never satisfied. Fine metals can be refined just as praise from you will make you better.

Our wealth depends on how much hard work and attention we give to our jobs. Hay must be gathered to allow more to grow and wool from sheep can buy more land. Even goats can provide milk to feed a family. It requires a female though.

©Copyright 2021 by Charles Kensinger

Proverbs 25 may sound familiar. These are from Solomon but compiled during the time of Hezekiah. God can conceal a matter and a king can investigate it.  

Wise judgment is like gold and silver. They all three need to be refined. Patience, temperance, and self-control are praised. Remove wickedness from your presence in the same way precious metals are refined.

Bragging about yourself to anyone is not the proper type of action for those who are trying to be humble. Demotion by others can be painful. Humility can also come from a court case that is entered into prematurely.

Words that are expressed at the proper time are extremely valuable. Wise correction is also like an ornament of gold. A trustworthy messenger is like refreshing snow. Boasting about a gift that you did not receive is as worthless as clouds and wind without rain. Do not overeat sweets because that will make you sick. We are also warned not to wear out our welcome with friends and neighbors. This also includes family.

One of the worst weapons we can wield against others is falsehood and unreliability. I do not agree that music is not comforting to a troubled person. Giving an enemy food and drink to punish them is quoted by Jesus in the gospels and Paul in his letters.

A north wind gives rain, a back biting tongue brings angry looks, good news is like cold water, and a good person who yields is like a polluted well. Avoid the nagging wife and losing your temper.

©Copyright 2021 by Charles Kensinger

Diet is dealt with in Proverbs 23. Dining with the wealthy requires some discretion to prevent health problems. If you eat too much, it may be held against you. A greedy person is another example of someone not to dine with.

Wealth tends to take wings and fly. Hard work for money may not pay off the way you want it to. Don’t waste your time talking to a fool. They do not listen.

Wisdom, instruction, and understanding should be kept and not ignored. Promises of good fortune for the obedient are also given. Prostitutes are a deep pit and narrow well. They lie in ambush for those who are unfaithful.

Discipline yourself by listening to words of knowledge. Withholding discipline from a youth or child will not lead to their death. If your heart is wise, your father will rejoice over you using appropriate language. Keep your mind on the correct course.

Avoid drinking to excess and associating with those that do. Do you have problems that are associated with alcoholism and drinking in excess? Conflicts, complaints, wounds, red eyes, strange sights, shaking beds, and other problems are a few listed here. Alcohol bites like a snake.