2019 Apr 02 Proverbs 1, Proverbs 30
2019 Apr 02 Proverbs 1, Proverbs 30
Hello, and wishing you well this day! Let’s start a replay of Proverbs 1-24, for a review or the first time for many, over the next several months, this time in consecutive order—we’ll gradually complete chapter 1 before moving to chapter 2, etc. Some days we may double up. We’ll also usually supplement something additional, which may in the upcoming months include some references to the Mosaic Law with some insight into spiritual and Christian applications. Today, however, we’ll add a look at the conclusion of Proverbs 30.
Let's begin with the essentials of wisdom, which helps direct true Christian love properly. Let's not be discouraged by the big words! We read at Proverbs 1:1-6:
"1 The proverbs of Solʹo·mon, the son of David, the king of Israel: 2 To learn wisdom and discipline; To understand wise sayings; 3 To acquire the discipline that gives insight, Righteousness, good judgment, and uprightness; 4 To impart shrewdness to the inexperienced; To give a young man knowledge and thinking ability. 5 A wise person listens and takes in more instruction; A man of understanding acquires skillful direction 6 To understand a proverb and a puzzling saying, The words of the wise and their riddles.
Now, let's not be put off by the beginning of Proverbs, at the sound of this collection of attributes that you will receive as you grow in godly wisdom. Let's get to know these attributes--you could use a dictionary, or pay attention.
Prove 1:2 Wisdom itself is the successful application of true knowledge to life, benefitting others and yourself. Discipline is the offering of loving correction and training, the word coming from the same root as "disciple"--did Jesus go around punishing his disciples, or did he teach and train them? Some punishment is acceptable, as long as it is fair, given in love, and the lesson is made clear.
Prove 1:3 Righteousness is adherence to God's way and standards, especially as revealed through Christ, and is the framework for a happy and successful life, benefitting us now and into the future, everlastingly.
Prove 1:4 Shrewdness is wise use of foresight, to avert danger or the results of bad decisions.
Prove 1:5 Is a wise person a know-it-all? He is humble, ready to listen and take in more instruction. He grows in understanding, that ability to see all the parts of something, and their relation to one another, as together making the whole of it.
Prove 1:6 Such a person is able to acquire the wise guidance needed to understand the proverbs of wisdom and riddles.
Let's now look at the end of Proverbs 30:
“29 There are three things that have an impressive stride, Four that are impressive as they move: 30 The lion, the mightiest among beasts, Which does not retreat from anyone; 31 The greyhound; the male goat; And a king whose army is with him. 32 If you have foolishly exalted yourself Or if you have schemed to do so, Put your hand over your mouth. 33 For as the churning of milk produces butter And the squeezing of the nose produces blood, So the stirring up of anger produces quarrels.”
Prove 30:29-31 How impressive is the courageous lion! In Revelation, with the throne of God there were four living creatures, and the first one was “like a lion.” These creatures each represented an important aspect of God’s personality. God’s word symbolizes courageous justice or righteousness with the lion. Different aspects of lions are highlighted with regard to both righteous and wicked ones scripturally. Proverbs 28:1 says “The wicked flee when no one pursues them, But the righteous are as confident as a lion.” Verse 15 of the same chapter says “15 Like a growling lion and a charging bear Is a wicked ruler over a helpless people.” God’s son was foretold to be the “lion of the tribe of Judah,” and therefore would courageously stand up for God’s ways and standards, and the doing of His will. Impressive as well are the other creatures mentioned as well as a “king whose army is with him.”
Prove 30:32,33 All persons are not to seek glory for themselves, but rather seek the glory of the only true God, Jehovoez. Proverbs 25:27 says “27 It is not good to eat too much honey, Nor is it glorious to seek one’s own glory.” Therefore, if we have foolishly done so, it is time to halt such a course and place God’s honor ahead of our own. Evidently, such actions contribute to “the stirring up of anger,” which leads to quarrels. Have you ever noticed a lot of quarreling by others? It may well be that the honor of God has taken a backseat to the seeking of one’s own honor, or other self-seeking motives. Honoring God should move us to manifest self-control and Christian mildness, or gentleness, in our dealings with others. Thus, Proverbs 15:1 says “15 A mild answer turns away rage, But a harsh word stirs up anger.” May we hate a harsh word and practice gentleness in our speech. Colossians 4:6 says “6 Let your words always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you will know how you should answer each person.” Also, “18 Thoughtless speech is like the stabs of a sword, But the tongue of the wise is a healing.” (Prove 12:18). Thus, may we avoid thoughtless speech—rather seek God’s honor by speaking uprightly, wisely healing others with our tongue.


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