This is listed next in the Blue Letter Bible Chronological listing after I Kings Chapter 11.
Proverbs 30
- Written by "Agur", which my NASB says means "gatherer". The footnote also explains that early rabbis and church father claim this to be Solomon; but there is no known evidence to that.
- It starts off, in verses 1-3, as the man claiming to be more stupid than any man, with no understanding or wisdom. I can see that being Solomon, in a moment of humility realizing all of his wisdom may have made him proud and stupid.
- And then--bam-- we seem to hit a treasure chest of prophesy about Jesus.
- Verse 4 asks Who is heaven has ascended and descended?
- gathered the wind in His fists
- wrapped the waters in His garments
- established all the ends of the earth
- What is His name or His Son's name?
That explains the humble part, if it is Solomon. Faced with a prophesy about the Son of God, the Real King of Israel...would be pretty humbling for someone who had become to think of himself pretty highly.
- He goes on to say every Word of God is tested and not to add to it. So I think he might be saying that this is not new prophesy.
- He seem, in verse 7, to turn to prayer to the Lord, asking Him to help keep lies and deception far away.
- Then he asks for what he needs, nothing more or less, lest it lead to sin. SO if it is Solomon, maybe it's a young Solomon.
Then he has a proverb about not slandering a slave.
Then he heads into four types of evil men.
Then it heads into "numerical proverbs" which are almost completely lost on me. Most seem like observations from nature we should keep in mind in our own behavior; but they are written very "proverb-y".
Proverbs 31
- This is written by King Lemuel ("belonging to God"). The NASB footnote states that nothing is known of him, except that it may be Bathsheba's name for Solomon.
- Verses 1-9 seem to be the wisdom of the King's mother to him:
- don't let women lead you astray
- strong drink is for others but not the king or he'll forget what he decreed
- speak for those in need who can't speak for themselves
- judge rightly for the afflicted and needy
And then, starting in verse 10, is the passage referred to as the excellent wife, the woman of valor, the capable wife...
- Starting in verse 10 he points out these women are rare, worth more than jewels.
- Her husband trusts her
- she does him good and not evil
- works with her hand in delight
- brings in food from afar
- rises early
- cares for her family and servants
- buys property for a vineyard she plants
- makes herself strong
- spins wool
- works late
- helps the poor
- prepares ahead for the clothing her family needs
- her husband is known at the gate
- makes clothes to sell
- she has strength and dignity
- she smiles at the future
- says wise things
- says kind things
- takes care of the house and is not idle
- her children and spouse bless her
- she fears the Lord
Sigh.
I love this passage and am embarrassed by it.
For every item I count to my credit there are many I do need feel like they apply to me.
I'm trying to think of something profound to say; but really I just have to stay in prayer, in the Word, and trusting God to renew my mind day-by-day-by-day-by-day.]
Amen.