Proverbs
The book of Proverbs, written primarily by Solomon to the people of Israel around 700 BC, is considered wisdom literature. The Proverbs discusses wisdom, virtue, folly, fear of the LORD, and more. The books offer everyday life wisdom and encourage the readers to pursue understanding, righteousness, and reverence to God as the foundation of wisdom.
Purpose And Theme - Chapter 1
Solomon's proverbs aim to provide wisdom, instruction, and insight. They guide us toward righteousness and fairness. Wise ones listen to gain insight and guidance. Understanding the fear of the LORD is foundational to true knowledge, while fools reject wisdom.
Prologue: Exhortations To Embrace Wisdom
Warning Against The Invitation Of Sinful Men
Solomon urges the reader to listen to parental guidance. He warns against listening to sinners who entice violence. Solomon says to reject their offers of ill-gotten gain, as it only leads to self-destruction.
Wisdom's Rebuke
Solomon proclaims wisdom openly and urges people to abandon foolishness. He rebukes those who mock knowledge and ignore his teachings, warning of impending disaster for disobedience. Despite his offers of guidance, they reject his wisdom, which leads to their downfall. However, those who heed his wisdom will find safety and security and be free from fear and harm.
Moral Benefits of Wisdom - Chapter 2
Solomon urges us to embrace and seek wisdom and understanding. He assures that those who do will grasp the fear and knowledge of God. Wisdom from the LORD brings success and protection to the upright. It guides toward righteousness, shielding from the paths of the wicked and the allure of seduction. Choosing wisdom leads to life while rejecting it leads to destruction and separation from the land.
Wisdom Bestows Well-Being - Chapter 3
Solomon urges the Israelites to hold onto his teachings to bring peace and prosperity. He emphasizes trust in the LORD, who grants favor and health to those who honor Him. Wisdom surpasses material wealth, offering long life, riches, and blessings. It's foundational to creation and essential for a secure and fruitful life. Solomon warns against envy, dishonesty, and arrogance, advocating for righteousness and humility, which lead to honor and favor from the LORD.
Get Wisdom At Any Cost - Chapter 4
Solomon urges the Israelites to embrace his teachings for a prosperous life. He emphasizes the value of wisdom, promising protection and honor to those who cherish and seek it. Solomon contrasts the paths of the righteous and the wicked. He urges the Israelites to avoid evil and pursue righteousness. He underscores the importance of guarding one's heart and maintaining integrity in speech and actions. Finally, he advises staying steadfast on the path of righteousness and avoiding the lure of evil.
Warning Against Adultery - Chapter 5
Solomon warns against the dangers of adultery and urges the Israelites to listen to his wisdom. He warns about the allure of an adulterous woman's words and of the bitter consequences of succumbing to adultery. He advises avoiding adulterous women or they would lose honor and wealth, ultimately regretting their choices. He encourages faithfulness to one's spouse, emphasizing the blessings of marital love. Solomon underscores the importance of discipline and righteousness and highlights God's watchful gaze over all actions.
Warnings Against Folly - Chapter 6
Solomon advises against being a guarantor for others and warns against the consequences of these commitments. He urges action to free oneself from such entanglements, using the analogy of a gazelle escaping a hunter. Solomon then rebukes the lazy and warns against idleness, which leads to poverty. Solomon advises against being a troublemaker and those who stir up conflict in the community.
Warning Against Adultery
Solomon emphasizes the importance of honoring parental teachings. He portrays these teachings as guides, providing protection and guidance in all aspects of life. The commandments serve as a lamp, illuminating the path to righteousness and guarding against temptation, particularly adultery. Solomon warns against the allure of forbidden desires, highlighting the severe consequences of such actions. Adultery not only brings shame and disgrace but also incites the fury of a betrayed spouse, leading to irreversible consequences.
Warning Against The Adulterous Woman - Chapter 7
Solomon says to listen to his teachings. They safeguard against the allure of the adulterous woman. He warns against her seduction and explains the consequences of succumbing to her temptations. He emphasizes the destructive path an adulterous woman leads to, urging them to avoid her ways and stay on the path of righteousness.
Woman's Call - Chapter 8
Solomon teaches about the value of wisdom. He emphasizes its availability to all and urges listeners to choose it over material wealth. Wisdom precedes creation and delights in God's works and humanity. Those who embrace wisdom find blessings and favor, while those who reject it harm themselves. Wisdom leads to life, while its absence leads to death.
Invitations Of Wisdom And Folly - Chapter 9
Solomon symbolizes wisdom as a hostess preparing a feast of insight and understanding. He urges seekers to partake in this wisdom, leaving behind simplicity for discernment. Solomon contrasts wisdom with folly, cautioning against its deceitful enticements. Solomon explains the importance of embracing wisdom by explaining that wisdom leads to reward, while rejecting it leads to suffering.
Proverbs Of Solomon
Chapter 10
Solomon provides wisdom by explaining the difference between righteousness and wickedness. He extols many virtues including integrity, hard work, righteousness, keeping the LORD's commands, having a loving heart, discernment, storing knowledge, and more. However, Solomon warns against deceit, laziness, lying, sin, and more, while highlighting their destructive consequences. Through his teachings, Solomon guides readers toward a life of righteousness and fulfillment while urging them to avoid the pitfalls of wickedness
Chapter 11
Solomon expresses the importance of integrity, humility, and righteousness, which lead to favor with the LORD. However, he warns against pride, dishonesty, and wickedness, which bring disgrace and destruction. Solomon explains the value of generosity, kindness, and seeking good, contrasting them with the pitfalls of greed, cruelty, and pursuit of evil.
Chapter 12
Solomon presents a series of contrasts that highlight the value of wisdom and righteousness. Solomon expresses the virtue of loving discipline and knowledge, emphasizing that it leads to favor from the LORD. He asserts that righteousness establishes individuals and underscores the importance of having a wife of noble character. Solomon praises those who make just plans and speak uprightly, and those who work diligently and tell the truth. He highlights the healing power of wise words and the promotion of peace, urging people to choose their friends carefully and walk in righteousness, which leads to life and immortality.
In contrast, Solomon condemns the attitude of hating correction, labeling it as stupidity. He warns against wicked schemes that incur the condemnation of the LORD. Solomon explains that the wicked will be uprooted by their actions and compares a disgraceful wife to decay in one's bones. He criticizes deceitful advice and warns against the pitfalls of lying in wait for blood with wicked words. Solomon speaks of the downfall of those with warped minds and warns against pretending to be somebody without substance. He warns against cruelty, laziness, anxiety, and being led astray by the way of the wicked.
Chapter 13
Solomon emphasizes listening to parental instruction and responding to rebukes with wisdom, highlighting the fruitfulness of righteous speech and the consequences of speaking rashly. Solomon states that guarding what you say, protects your life. In contrast, he warns against the dangers of false pretenses, urging wisdom, humility, and wise counsel over pride. Solomon praises disciplined instruction and correction, contrasting it with the impoverishment and shame that come from disregarding discipline. He advises seeking the company of the wise, as companionship with fools leads to harm. Solomon states that trouble pursues the sinner, while the righteous are rewarded with good things.
Chapter 14
Solomon contrasts the outcomes of wise and foolish actions by illustrating how the wise woman builds her house while the foolish one tears hers down. Solomon emphasizes the importance of fearing the LORD and walking uprightly, contrasting this with the devious ways of those who despise God. He warns against pride and the mockery of wisdom. Solomon warns against the allure of what seems right but leads to destruction, stressing the importance of discernment and prudent thought. He contrasts the fate of the wicked with that of the upright, highlighting the rewards of righteousness and the consequences of evildoing. Throughout, Solomon emphasizes the value of wisdom, patience, and righteousness, while cautioning against quick-temperedness, deceit, and oppression. Ultimately, he asserts that wisdom is found in fearing the LORD and seeking righteousness, which leads to life and refuge.
Chapter 15
Solomon emphasizes the power of words, noting how a gentle answer can defuse anger while a harsh word provokes it. Solomon expresses the value of wise speech that adorns knowledge and spreads life. He then contrasts that with foolish and wicked speech that crushes the spirit and spreads strife. Solomon states that the LORD is everywhere, watching over the wicked and the good, while detesting the ways of the wicked but loving those who pursue righteousness. He warns against rejecting discipline and despising correction. Solomon expresses the importance of patience and humility, which calm conflicts and lead to understanding. He emphasizes the importance of seeking counsel and heeding life-giving correction, which ultimately leads to honor and wisdom.
Chapter 16
Solomon states that humans make plans without asking God for guidance, but final outcomes are weighed by the LORD. Solomon encourages trust and commitment to the LORD and states that He establishes the plans of those who surrender to Him. Solomon states that the LORD orchestrates everything to its proper end, even the destinies of the wicked. Solomon warns against pride and wrongdoing, highlighting the consequences of both. He extols the value of wisdom, righteousness, and prudence, which lead to life and honor.
Chapter 17
Solomon emphasizes peace over material abundance and advocates for a life free from strife. He highlights prudence, where a wise servant shares in the inheritance and authority of the family. Solomon teaches that God tests the heart. Solomon urges discernment in listening, while advising against being influenced by deceiful speech. He teaches respect for the poor and states that punishment will be dealt to those who gloat over disaster. Family is celebrated, with grandchildren honoring the elderly and children bringing pride to their parents. Leadership demands honesty, as deceit is seen as incompatible with authority. Solomon warns against bribery, noting that success cannot be bought. Forgiveness is extolled as a means of preserving love and friendships, while constructive criticism is valued over harsh punishment. Rebellion against God leads to divine retribution, while follishness is more perilous than facing wild animals. Solomon stresses the consequences of repaying good with evil and the importance of preventing conflicts before they escalate. He highlights the importance of justice and fairness. He advocates for focus on wisdom and avoidance of distractions, while also warning against the sorrow brought by foolishness. Solomon denounces punishing the innocent. Solomon advises speaking with restraint and maintaining an even-tempered disposition, recognizing the virtue that silence can bring.
Chapter 18
Solomon states that selfish pursuits lead to conflict, as unfriendly individuals prioritize their own interests and recklessly start quarrels without sound judgment. Fools have little interest in understanding others and prefer to assert their opinions. Solomon warns that wickedness brings contempt, while wise words flow like a rushing stream that offer wisdom. He warns against showing favor to the wicked, which deprives the innocent of justice. Solomon states that follish talk brings strife and hardship. Gossip can be tempting but ultimately harmful. Solomon urges against laziness. Solomon contrasts the true safety found in the LORD to the false security of wealth. Humility precedes honor, while answering without first listening is considered follish and shameful. Solomon acknowledges the endurance of the human spirit in sickness but recognizes the crushing weight of a broken spirit. He extols the acquisition of knowledge and the power of gifts to open doors. In legal matters, he underscores the importance of cross-examination and impartial resolution. Solomon teaches that the tongue holds the power of life and death. Solomon recognizes the blessing of a good spouse and the disparity in treatment between the poor and the rich. He emphasizes the value of true friendship over unreliable companionship.
Chapter 19
Solomon contrasts the value of blameless conduct with that of foolish speech, noting that desire without knowledge will lead to stumbling. Solomon observes that folly leads to ruin and blaming God for misfortunes. While wealth may attract many friends, financial struggle can lead to isolation. He emphasizes that false witnesses and liars will face punishment. Solomon states that many any seek favor with rulers and generosity can lead to friendship. The poor are often shunned by relatives and friends, despite their pleas for help. Solomon states that those that seek wisdom love life and will prosper. He reiterates that false witnesses and liars will be punished. Fools are not suited for luxury, just as slaves are unfit to govern princes. Wisdom brings patience, and it is honorable to overlook offenses. A king's favor brings refreshment and prosperity. Solomon notes that houses and wealth are inherited, but a prudent wife is a blessing from the LORD. Laziness leads to poverty and hunger. Kindness to the poor is seen as lending to the LORD, who rewards such acts. Discipline is essential for children's development and offers hope for their future. Hot-tempered individuals face consequences, and those who rescue them often find themselves repeatedly involved. Listening to advice and accepting discipline lead to wisdom and honor. Despite human plans, it is ultimately the LORD's purpose that prevails. Solomon highlights the importance of desire for genuine love. Fear of the LORD leads to life. Mockers learn prudence through discipline, while discernment helps gain knowledge through rebuke. Disgrace comes to those who mistreat their parents. Corruption and mockery of justice have dire consequences, as do mocking and foolish behavior.
Chapter 20
Solomon warns against the dangers of alcohol, highlighting its potential to lead to folly and conflict. The wrath of a king is compared to the terror of a lion's roar that can lead to the forfeit of life. Solomon urges to avoid unnecessary strife and quarreling. He urges against laziness by stating that it leads to fruitlessless. Solomon reflects on the complexity of the human heart, but states that those who have insight can find hidden intentions and desires. He acknowledges the rarity of genuine love and faithfulness. The righteous leave a legacy of blessing for their descendants, while kings possess the discernment to root out evil. Solomon ponders the impossibility of having a pure heart that is without sin. Solomon advises against rash decisions, urging patience and trust in divine justice. He emphasizes the significance of integrity and fairness in daily interactions. Human steps are ultimately guided by the LORD, making it challenging to comprehend one's own path. Solomon cautions against making hasty vows, as they may lead to regret. A wise king upholds justice and security through love and faithfulness. While youth may boast strength, the wisdom of old age is esteemed. Solomon concludes by noting the purifying nature of trials and challenges that refine one's character.
Chapter 21
Solomon explains the LORD's sovereignty over kings and how the LORD ultimately judges one's heart. Doing what is right is more important than ritualistic sacrifices. Solomon explains that pride leads to sin and contrasts that with the righteousness of the upright. He explains that diligence leads to profit, while haste leads to poverty. Ill-gotten gains through deceit lead to eventual ruin. The violence of the wicked results in their downfall, while the innocent walk uprightly. He explains the negative effects of living with a quarrelsome spouse and the cruelty of shutting one's ears to the cries of the poor. Gifts and bribes have the power to appease anger and wrath, but justice brings joy to the righteous and terror to evildoers.
Solomon warns against indulging in pleasure and excess, as it leads to poverty. Pursuing righteousness and love brings life, prosperity, and honor. Wisdom enables one to overcome formidable obstacles while guarding one's words and actions prevents calamity. He condemns the arrogance of the proud and the laziness of the sluggard, contrasting their behavior with the generosity of the righteous. The sacrifices of the wicked are detestable to the LORD. Solomon warns against being a false witness who will ultimately perish, rather he instructs to testify truthfully. Solomon concludes by affirming the supremacy of the LORD over human plans and strategies. Victory ultimately rests with the LORD.
Chapter 22
Solomon emphasizes the value of a good reputation over having riches. Solomon acknowledges that both rich and poor are equal and creations of the LORD. He advocates for prudence in recognizing and avoiding danger, contrasting it with the foolish who disregard warning signs. Humility, rooted in fear of the LORD, leads to honor and life. Those who walk in the paths of the wicked face pitfalls, while wisdom leads to preservation. Solomon stresses the significance of early guidance for children and highlights its lasting impact on their lives. He observes the dominance of the rich over the poor and warns against falling into debt. Injustice leads to disaster, while generosity brings blessings.
Solomon advocates removing mockers to end strife and promotes purity of heart and gracious speech. Solomon asserts that the LORD oversees knowledge. He warns against laziness and the dangers of adultery. Discipline is emphasized as a means to drive folly away from children. Solomon condemns both the oppression of the poor for personal gain and the bribery of the rich, both lead to poverty.
Chapter 22
Thirty Sayings of the Wise
Saying 1
Solomon emphasizes the importance of listening to wisdom, internalizing teachings, and speaking truthfully. He encourages trust in the LORD. Solomon also encourages honesty and integrity in communication and service.
Saying 2
Solomon warns against exploiting the poor or oppressing the needy, as God will intervene to defend them to ensure justice and hold oppressors accountable.
Saying 3
Solomon advises against forming close relationships with those prone to anger, as their influence can lead one astray and entangle them in negative behavior
Saying 4
Solomon warns against making financial commitments beyond one's means. Defaulting on debts can lead to everything being taken from you.
Saying 5
Solomon emphasizes the importance of respecting ancestral boundaries and warns against tampering with established property lines.
Saying 6
Solomon recognizes the value of skill and diligence and states that those proficient in their craft will rise to positions of honor and serve in esteemed capacities.
Chapter 23
Saying 7
When dining with a ruler, exercise caution and moderation, while refraining from indulging in delicacies.
Saying 8
Avoid exhausting yourself in the pursuit of wealth. Riches are fleeting and can vanish suddenly.
Saying 9
Beware of dining with a stingy host. Their hospitality is insincere and may lead to discomfort and waste.
Saying 10
Do not waste words on fools, as they will not appreciate or listen to wisdom.
Saying 11
Respect land boundaries set by others, particularly those of the fatherless, as their protector, God, will defend them against encroachment.
Saying 12
Devote yourself to learning and acquiring knowledge that leads to understanding and growth.
Saying 13
Do not refrain from disciplining your child, as it is necessary for their well-being and development.
Saying 14
A wise child brings joy to their parents by speaking truthfully and acting with wisdom.
Saying 15
Do not envy sinners, but remain steadfast in fearing the LORD, as there is hope and a future for those who do so.
Saying 16
Avoid excessive drinking and gluttony, as they lead to poverty and ruin.
Saying 17
Honor and listen to your parents. Value truth and wisdom above all else.
Saying 18
Guard your heart against the allure of an adulterous woman, whose ways lead to destruction.
Saying 19
Solomon warns against excessive wine consumption, which leads to sorrow, strife, and confusion.
Chapter 24
Saying 20
Avoid envying the wicked or seeking their company, for they plot violence and trouble.
Saying 21
Wisdom, understanding, and knowledge are essential for building a stable and prosperous household.
Saying 22
Success requires wisdom, strength, and counsel, especially in times of conflict.
Saying 23
Fools lack the understanding to contribute meaningfully to important discussions.
Saying 24
Those who scheme evil will be known for their deceit, and folly leads to sin and mockery.
Saying 25
Do not hesitate to help those in need. God sees and rewards acts of compassion and righteousness.
Saying 26
Wisdom brings hope and a promising future.
Saying 27
Respect the property of the righteous. Unlike the wicked, the righteous endure and rise again after adversity.
Saying 28
Avoid rejoicing over the misfortune of your enemies or God will look at you with disapproval and turn his wrath against them.
Saying 29
Do not envy the wicked, for their future is bleak, and their light will be extinguished.
Saying 30
Fear God and respect authority. Disobedience can lead to unforeseen calamity.
Further Sayings of the Wise
Solomon emphasizes the importance of impartial judgment and honesty. Solomon warns against partiality in judging and falsely declaring the guilty innocent. Those who convict the guilty are promised rich blessings. Solomon likens honesty to kisses on the lips. He emphasizes a strong work ethic and prioritizes outdoor work like field preparation should precede house building. He warns against testifying falsely against one's neighbor, as it amounts to deceit. Solomon discourages revenge, as it perpetuates conflict rather than resolution. Laziness leads to neglect and ruin.
Chapter 25
More Proverbs of Solomon
Solomon expresses that it is glorious for God to conceal a matter and glorious for kings to search out and understand complex issues. He compares the depth of the heavens and the earth to the unsearchable nature of kings' hearts, highlighting their complexity and difficulty to comprehend fully. Solomon advises rulers to maintain integrity by removing corrupt officials from their court and to avoid arrogance and presumptuousness. He warns against hasty legal action and betraying another's confidence in you, stressing the importance of discretion and trustworthiness. Solomon explains the qualities of righteous judgment, the value of trustworthy messengers, the emptiness of empty boasting, and the power of patience and gentle persuasion. He warns against excess and immoderation, the destructive nature of false testimony, and the folly of relying on the unfaithful. Solomon also provides guidance on compassionate behavior, such as kindness towards enemies and the importance of delivering good news. He warns against wicked action and advises moderation in consumption and investigation. To highlight the importance of self-control, Solomon compares self-control to the protection of a city's walls.
Chapter 26
Solomon compares honoring a fool to snow in summer or rain in harvest. Similarly, an undeserved curse is like a fluttering sparrow or darting swallow that won't find a resting place. Solomon emphasizes the need for discipline in dealing with fools, comparing it to the necessity of a whip for a horse, a bridle for a donkey, and a rod for the backs of fools. Solomon advises against engaging a fool in his folly to avoid becoming like him and confronting a fool according to his folly to prevent him from considering himself wise. He warns against entrusting a message to a fool and emphasizes the danger of relying on foolish individuals. He illustrates the uselessness of proverbs in the mouth of a fool by comparing them to things like useless legs.
Hiring a fool or any passer-by is compared to employing an archer who wounds randomly. Solomon says fools will repeat their folly. Someone who is wise in their own eyes is regarded even worse than a fool. Solomon expresses the folly of being lazy. He warns against the danger of unnecessary conflict. Solomon warns against the deceitfulness of gossip and the perpetuation of quarrels, likening them to flaming arrows and kindling strife. Quarrelsomeness and gossip are compared to charcoal and choice morsels, respectively, illustrating their ability to fuel conflict and spread harmful words. Solomon exposes the deceitfulness of enemies and warns against trusting charming speech. He highlights the consequences of malicious actions and explains how harm directed towards others ultimately comes back to yourself.
Chapter 27
Solomon advises against boasting about the future, emphasizing the uncertainty of tomorrow and the need for humility. Solomon highlights the value of praise from others over self-promotion. He states that a fool's provocation is heavier than stone and sand. He contrasts the destructive nature of anger and jealousy with the constructive power of open rebuke and genuine friendship. Solomon emphasizes the importance of advice from trusted friends. He warns against forsaking genuine friendships and the support they provide, emphasizing their value in times of need.
Solomon urges wisdom in recognizing and avoiding danger, instead of foolishly ignoring warning signs. He illustrates the consequences of irresponsible financial dealings like guaranteeing debts for strangers. Solomon warns against thoughtless blessings and the potential for misinterpretation, highlighting the importance of timing and context in communication. He describes the challenge of dealing with a quarrelsome spouse and compares it to a leaky roof in a rainstorm. Solomon stresses the importance of mutual sharpening and growth in relationships, comparing it to the sharpening of iron. He underscores the link between one's character and their outward life, highlighting the reflection of the heart in one's actions. Solomon acknowledges the insatiable nature of human desires and the fleeting nature of worldly wealth, warning against the pursuit of material possessions. He emphasizes the importance of diligence when managing resources.
Chapter 28
Solomon contrasts the boldness of the righteous with the fear and insecurity of the wicked. He notes that discerning rulers bring order and stability to a rebellious nation, but oppressive rulers bring ruin and devastation. He warns against the oppression of the poor and stresses the value of wisdom and instruction. He highlights understanding what is right by seeking the LORD. Solomon states that it is better to be poor and blameless than rich and perverse. He explains that a wise son listens to advice, but a friend of gluttons brings shame to his father.
Solomon warns against exploiting the poor for personal gain, noting that ill-gotten wealth ultimately leads to ruin. He emphasizes the importance of genuine repentance and that confessing sins leads to mercy and blessings. Solomon highlights humility and reverence towards God and explains that those who tremble before Him are blessed. He warns against the tyranny of wicked rulers and oppression that will lead to judgment. Solomon emphasizes the importance of integrity and hard work that leads to prosperity, while laziness leads to poverty. He contrasts the rewards of faithfulness with the consequences of greed, suggesting that trust in the LORD leads to blessings, whereas the pursuit of wealth leads to punishment.
Chapter 28
Solomon warns against stubbornness and states that those who refuse to correct themselves after many rebukes will face destruction. Solomon contrasts people rejoicing when the righteous thrive versus groan when wicked rule. He emphasizes the importance of wisdom and warns against squandering wealth on immoral pursuits like prostitutes. Solomon notes that a king who upholds justice brings stability to the country, but those who take bribes can tear a country down.
Solomon warns against flattering your neighbor which can bring downfall for both people. He highlights the consequences of sin, noting that evildoers are ensnared by their own wrongdoing, while the righteous rejoice in their integrity. Solomon notes that the righteous care about justice for the poor, but the wicked have no concern for the poor. He emphasizes the importance of disciplining children which imparts wisdom and brings peace to the family. Solomon warns against the dangers of anger and rage, noting that fools give full vent to their rage, while the wise bring calm and peace. Solomon warns against speaking hastily and the dangers of pampering servants, highlighting the importance of humility and self-control. He contrasts the attitudes of the righteous and the wicked, noting that the righteous detest dishonesty, while the wicked detest uprightness.
Sayings of Agur - Chapter 30
Agur, son of Jakeh, reflects on life's mysteries and implores God for wisdom and moderation. He ponders the unfathomable nature of God's creation and warns against distorting His word. Agur asks God to keep him free from falsehood, and give him neither poverty nor riches. He denounces wickedness and folly such as cursing your father, not blessing your mother, being pure in your own eyes but not in actuality, and looking in disdain, while warning of their destructive consequences. He portrays the unquenchable nature of evil and the negative outcomes of disrespecting parents. Agur warns against arrogance and evil plotting. His proverb provides wisdom for living a righteous and prudent life, guided by humility, reverence for God, and observation of human nature.
Sayings of King Lemuel - Chapter 31
The sayings of King Lemuel, passed down from his mother, offer wisdom. Lemuel's mother warns against wasting strength on unworthy pursuits like women and drinking alcohol. She emphasizes the responsibility of rulers to refrain from excessive indulgence, reminding him of the importance of clear judgment.
Epilogue: The Wife of Noble Character
Lemuel's mother expresses the virtues of a noble wife and the contributions a noble wife makes to her family and community. She is depicted as a diligent provider, wise investor, and caring mother. Her strength, dignity, and reverence for the LORD earn her praise and honor from her family and community. Lemuel's mother's teachings advocate for righteousness, fairness, and the appreciation of virtuous women.