2019 Apr 01 Proverbs 30
2019 Apr 01 Proverbs 30
A warm welcome to all! Over the next 2 days let’s finish Proverbs 30 of Agur, this time verses 24-28:
“24 Four things on earth are among the smallest, But they are instinctively wise: 25 The ants are not strong creatures, Yet they prepare their food in the summer. 26 The rock badgers are not mighty creatures, Yet they make their house in the crags. 27 The locusts have no king, Yet they all go forward in formation. 28 The gecko lizard clings with its feet, And it goes into the palace of a king.”
Prove 30:24 Perhaps we may be intrigued at the wisdom such small creatures exhibit—what aspects of divine wisdom can be seen in the habits of these animals? The mention here is “instinctive” wisdom—such creatures are designed by God to act in a wise way, not growing in wisdom as humans do, but already having such wisdom built-in. We may learn much by giving attention to their habits.
Prove 30:25 The tiny ants: Have you ever marveled at these small creatures? They always seem to be busy doing something, mentioned in Proverbs 6:6-8 to be examined as an antidote to laziness. Agur here mentions their gathering or preparing of food in the summer. Thus they instinctively “plan ahead,” long before the difficult winter season. Such planning by humans may ward off laziness, as the real possibility of not having food can surely motivate one to begin taking action to prevent such a situation. Thus an important aspect of divine wisdom is forethought and planning. God’s word encourages thinking and planning ahead. Proverbs 21:5 says “ 5 The plans of the diligent surely lead to success, But all who are hasty surely head for poverty.” “Hasty” ones are looking for shortcuts, not finishing work properly. The “diligent” are willing to work hard to make their plans succeed. Proverbs 16:3 alludes to something else that may be vital for real success: “3 Commit to Jehovah whatever you do, And your plans will succeed.” Thus we need to consider Jehovah in our plans, even praying over such matters. Psalm 127:1 says “Unless Jehovah builds the house, it is in vain that its builders work hard on it...” One more thing: “22 Plans fail when there is no consultation, But there is accomplishment through many advisers.” Thus we should be humble enough to seek advice from others wherever needed.
Prove 30:26 The rock badgers: While not “mighty,” still they wisely build their homes “in the crags.” Also called the rock “hyrax,” these relatively small creatures are vegetarian, and dwell in rocky areas, where they find and build holes and crevices in which they can reside and hide at any hint of danger. Thus, we too should be alert to dangers—both physical and spiritual—and prepare to avoid them, as Proverbs 22:3 suggests: “ 3 The shrewd one sees the danger and conceals himself, But the inexperienced keep right on going and suffer the consequences.” We should not casually ignore warnings and dangers we may learn of—rather, we should wisely take swift action to prepare for these appropriately, that we or our loved ones and neighbors may avoid falling victim.
Prove 30:27 The locusts: They go forward in formation without a king, or leader. Thus, we can wisely “go forward,” for instance when working, without the need for constant supervision by a manager. We can do this by keeping Jehovah in mind, pleasing Him. Colossians 3:23 says “23 Whatever you are doing, work at it whole-souled as for Jehovah, and not for men.” Thus, while we may occasionally need help, and should humbly ask for it when necessary, we should learn our tasks skillfully enough so that we may carry them out without constant need of attention or encouragement by others, being well-motivated to bring honor to God by our activity.
Prove 30:28 The gecko lizard: The clinging gecko—how amazing their ability to scale a wall or even a ceiling! In some areas, they are often welcome, even in a home, as they feed on moths and mosquitoes, and are usually nocturnal creatures. Thus, they are often well-liked, carry a good reputation, and go “into the palace of a king.” Thus, may we wisely be peaceable persons, and trusting in “God’s power” to “scale a wall.” (Psalm 18:29). May we also considerately seek to benefit others in some way, with kind deeds. We also might be “skillful at” our work, and like the gecko, contribute to God’s glory, and perhaps “stand before kings.” (Prove 22:29).
Find Life and See
Between Winchester, Virginia, and hopefully, Washington D.C., having confidence that our thankful trust in God will not fail to inspire us to the peace He has purposed via His Kingdom!
