Category: Proverbs

Reading

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SAA Notes

The epilogue of Proverbs is on the subject of the wife of noble character. This is to parallel the contrast in the prologue of wisdom and the foolish wife. Our deeds, our living reveals whether our faith is real or counterfeit.

SJA Notes

* God of Light, please light our path today with Your word.

“The words of King Lemuel. An oracle that his mother taught him:”

Here is a king learning from his mother, his mum.

Lemuel’s mother tells him to be careful with drinking. A king needs his wits about him, because what is important are the rights of those afflicted.

“Open your mouth for the mute, for the rights of all who are destitute. Open your mouth, judge righteously, defend the rights of the poor and needy.”

This is what a godly mother does, her words continuing to encourage and exhort her children even when they have stepped out into their own separate lives.

Lemuel opens with his mother’s wisdom who, it seems clear, was an EXCELLENT WIFE.

Lemuel as he grows sees his mum being an excellent wife.

Lemuel sees that his mum is far more precious than jewels. To his dad, but also to all the kids – To the family as a whole.

Lemuel sees that his mum is GOOD for his dad, all their days together!

Lemuel’s mum is diligent and hard-working, perceptive and savvy.

Deeper, Lemuel’s mum is other-centered and full of God’s grace and mercy.

“She opens her hand to the poor and reaches out her hands to the needy.”

Lemuel sees that in all of this his mother fears the Lord – True heart religion in practice!

“Charm is deceitful, and beauty is vain, but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised.”

* Father God,

Thank You for this last passage from the book of Proverbs.

Thank You for this wisdom, real and important for us today.

Please remind us of the importance of fearing You, far above beauty and charm.

Amen.

Reading

Audio, Visual

SAA Notes

These proverbs come in paragraphs, not in single verses. Verses 7-9 are often quoted. They give a realistic if pessimistic view of human nature, of the limits of a Christian’s morality or actual spirituality.

SJA Notes

* Heavenly Father, You are seated above in Your throne room, the heavenly hosts surrounding Your throne and praising Your Name. Thank You for teaching us today from Your word.

“Every word of God proves true; he is a shield to those who take refuge in him.”

Here we are confronted with the hard (and deep) truth that every word of God PROVES true.

Not just that it _is_ true, which is the case, but that it PROVES true.

God’s word is rock solid.

We don’t need to worry that it is frail or that some of its foundations are wobbly.

We don’t need to fret about defending any perceptions of weakness or limits.

Because God’s word PROVES itself true, as the truth.

This is a strong and wonderful hope to rest in, and to wrestle with.

We read in 2 Corinthians 1,

“For all the promises of God find their Yes in him.” [Jesus]

As God’s word become flesh, Jesus is where all God’s promises (found in His word) find their agreement, their acceptance, their YES!

Jesus proved Himself true in His life here, His death of the cross, His resurrection on the third day, His ascension into heaven, and He continues to prove Himself true as He intercedes for us at the Father’s side.

What a God we have, to give to us His word is this way!

Hallelujah, what a Saviour!

* God Above,

Thank You for Jesus, You in the Person of the Son, who shows us the depth of Your word proving itself true.

Thank You for continuing to keep Your promises to us.

Thank You Lord!

Amen.

Reading

Audio, Visual

SAA Notes

Verse 10 is unfortunately so very true – people of integrity and fairness arouse the hate and anger of those who are bloodyminded. Jesus Himself is the supreme example.

SJA Notes

* Lord God, this is Your day, thank You for it – May we hearken to Your word today.

“An unjust man is an abomination to the righteous, but one whose way is straight is an abomination to the wicked.”

Today’s passage has much on the righteous and the wicked.

In this verse we see a coin-truth, one that is clearly visible throughout history and in our world today.

Justice is a vital heart-thread running through the life of God’s people.

God Himself loves justice. We read of this in Isaiah 61,

“For I the LORD love justice; I hate robbery and wrong;”

God calls His people to be the same, we read in Micah 6,

“He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the LORD require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?”

The other side of the coin is that God’s people will endure much hatred from wicked folk.

Jesus tells us this in John 15,

“If you were of the world, the world would love you as its own; but because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you.”

In 2 Timothy 3 we read Paul saying,

“Indeed, all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted, while evil people and imposters will go on from bad to worse, deceiving and being deceived.”

Those who love wickedness will actively work against God’s people.

But we have a God who has won the victory over death, the devil and sin. What else have we to do but praise and trust Him today!

* Holy God,

Thank You for Your justice, that Your word promotes just living and justice for the downtrodden, hope for the hopeless.

Thank You for Your Spirit abiding in us.

Please save those around us Lord God.

Amen.