Proverbs Chapter Thirty-One - Lesson
In Proverbs chapter 30, we studied verses composed by Agur, a sagacious or knowledgeable man. He knew by inspiration who Christ was hundreds of years before there was a physical man embodied as the Christ, the Savior of the world, who came to take away your sins. This saying came via John the Baptist when Jesus was passing by him. The verse that records his saying states, "The next day he saw Jesus coming toward him, and said, "Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!" (John 1:29). Now with this firmly established, let us discuss the desirable and ever-enduring qualities of a female. Our discussion will primarily concern a good, loving, faithful wife who serves her husband, others, and herself while or because she Respects God.
We will cover this chapter in detail before wrapping up the class. As mentioned, this chapter's author is King Lemuel, or perhaps it could have stood composed in part by his mother. The chapter starts much like chapter 30. It says, "The words of King Lemuel. An oracle that his mother taught him: What are you doing, my son? What are you doing, son of my womb? What are you doing, son of my vows?" (Prov 31:1). You might be wondering why she asks such questions. Well, she understands evil women, men's passion and desires, and human nature or human sin, if you will. Moreover, because she does, she does not want him destroyed by such women or his stupid nature that involves what today we call vices. These vices are anything unfit for you, or in other words, wrong or bad.
Concerning this since she lived during a time when a woman lacked high praise. Nor did they have rights like today, still she understood much about men. Perhaps her knowledge stood enhanced because she was a King's mother, but this is only speculative. Nevertheless, her understanding unquestionably occurred because of many factors. Some of the factors were that men could be incredibly influential, which all told applied to wealthy ones. In their case, they had multiple wives or other women around for their pleasure; thus, many women, including her, understood much more about a man than perhaps a man did about women.
Regardless of how much she knew, her main concern regarded her son and his life. Yes, she was concerned about him, but she also was concerned about the lowly, the ones that, if you will, did not have a voice. Her concern came across well when she told him the following. "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." (Prov 31:8-9).
Today, these people might be street people, the terminally ill, cancer patients, orphans, widows, or a mother of the unborn or even the unborn, who has zero voice in society. All these people and the yet classified people certainly deserve to and should stand treated fair along with obtaining just rulings. Yes, it is undoubtedly the case they are needy individuals, and they are undeniably individuals with rights.
That is a fact, but in many aspects, it seems as if they have zero rights, even the ones that came into existence via our American Declaration of Independence from England, which grants rights to all humans living in America. These human rights include unalienable rights not limited to "life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness." These rights are fundamental and still apply today, but this declaration no longer applies to the unborn. Today this may even be the case for babies even shortly after birth. However, regarding the fact legally that a "zygote-embryo-fetus is not an unnatural intruder in the body of its mother; its rightful occupant in the womb introduced into its nine-month home by an act of sexual intercourse that took place quite apart from its own willful involvement."[1], seems contradictory to science.
Nonetheless, be this as it may, this unborn application is accurate, but as mentioned scientifically biologists have mixed opinions. However, it stands well accepted that without conceptions, most life, especially human life, will never come to maturity, including even the possibility of becoming a baby. In any case, it is without a doubt that any possible future human in the womb cannot speak for himself or herself, and without a voice or the ability to speak, they are mute beyond measure. Their muteness means they have zero ways to express anything and, as such, legally today have no right to live or be born. Is it because he or she does not yet have a name?
This naming aspect may be factual for humans but not for God. It says in Jeremiah 1:5 that "Before I formed you in the womb, I knew you, and before you were born, I consecrated you; I appointed you a prophet to the nations." More precisely, "God said to the yet born, Listen to me, O coastlands, and give attention, you peoples from afar. The Lord called me from the womb, from the body of my mother he named my name." (Isa 49:1). Indeed, for sure, he had a name picked out for him. We believe this naming still applied to you and the sages. Moreover, we believe this still applies to all people long before they become born. In other words, we believe He is still doing this today.
It is unknown if Lemuel's mother was at the time speaking about the unborn. However, they certainly are mute and process no voice. The implication of this is that even if healthy plus growing naturally, tied to the fact that the mother does not experience a natural miscarriage, the possible future child still depends on the mother's or father's will to be born. We have talked about this free will before. Therefore, besides offering advice regarding not giving himself over to women, drink, or other vices, Lemuel's mother asked him to protect all life without a voice. Indeed, we do not know what she meant precisely by her statement, but how do you feel about protecting life like many people want to protect a tree, bird, or fish? How about human life?
Now with this behind us, let us turn to a cheerful, super plus physically living human that her husband, children, and all other people adore and respect. The good wife, who in this case processes life because her mother birthed her. Let us say she is a class act. She is a servant; she loves her life, along with her husband and children. Additionally, she respects and expresses compassion for others. Yes, she is the type of woman a man, a God-fearing man, wants and desires to marry, plus befriend to enjoy so they can laugh together during life.
In the reverse situation, she wants to share herself and talents with him gladly because she respects him in public places and at home. For this, she has his love, as well as her children’s. So, the couple has every requirement for success: God first, then a love for each other via their love for themselves second, and then because of her money, to enjoy life. You can safely say that they help each other walk their path in life with joy because of her attitude.
Indeed, it is an absolute truth that "An excellent wife who can find? She is far more precious than jewels. The heart of her husband trusts in her, and he will have no lack of gain. She does him good, and not harm, all the days of her life" (Prov 31: 10-13). Is this not what a man wants? The answer is yes, and ladies, you can become this type of delightful woman and be glad you did. To do so, it first starts with accepting salvation, then His instruction, while taking time daily to read Scripture, and attend worship service regularly, and of course, pray. If you do these things, then God makes you a promise that when you "give, and it will be given to you. Good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put into your lap. For with the measure you use it will be measured back to you." (Luke 6:38).
In-kind, and from the position of a husband, the same applies. This application comes said because of her character and goodness. That is, what she does, but more so who she is. Yes, the husband stands in delight because of who she is and who she is, plus Whom she gives herself to worship, and in regard, “Her husband is known in the gates when he sits among the elders of the land. She makes linen garments and sells them; she delivers sashes to the merchant. Strength and dignity are her clothing, and she laughs at the time to come. She opens her mouth with wisdom, and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue.” (Prov 31: 23-26).
Concerning this and the best life possible, we hope you see what it involves. Once again, it does because "God breathes out all Scripture and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness." (2 Tim 3:16). Thus, become familiar with the rest of the Bible’s 66 books, read a bit of the Old and New Testaments or Covenants daily because they stand written for you.
It is safe to say that King Lemuel's name is located only in chapter 31 of Proverbs, but he or his mother speaks powerfully to both men and women and what is possible for them together through and with God in this life. It stands well known that a man, mentoree, or man who sat at King Solomon’s feet with "the fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge" (Prov 1:7a) will become a good man. We know then in concert he obtains even more Wisdom, and now in this association, we bring in his blessing; that is, "a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised." (Prov 31:30b). She finds praise because she can and does produce much good. With this said, we sages hope you are ready to accept Wisdom and people’s and His praise if you have not done so.
The oracle here is Lemuel and not Agur, but still, he is like a Prophet with a message to deliver, has just done so to both sexes, which God made differently plus unique, yet fully human. Regarding His inspiration and your creation, we are glad he was creative, are you not? Concerning His creation, we want to repeat what three former Old Testament authors said about His words we call Proverbs. These authors said, "Biblical wisdom literature is Israel's contribution to the vast body of written and oral sayings which made sage observations about life and set down in memorable form rules for success and happiness."[2] So that we completed our presentation with the triangle and more as proof God exists. Remember that the tangible represents God very well because it has three unique sides or angles, which form the triangle. It, therefore, is somewhat like how the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit work. Yes, via them, our creation equally carries this format. We have a body, soul, and spirit, and as much as the triangle is real, so are we; thus, even more so is God.
In closing, Pastor Mark Weathers’ words set the stage to end our study. His words relate to the thirty-first chapter of Proverbs. His words concern a good woman and a good man. The Scripture he employs regarding them is “Give her of the fruit of her hands, and let her works praise her in the gates.” (Provers 31:31). According to Weathers, “this verse serves as the conclusion of the entire passage and as an admonition to husbands. A modern-day maxim says that behind every great man is a great woman. In this verse, however, the author implies just the opposite: Behind every great woman is a great man. The admonition is for the husband to encourage his wife continually in her activities, as she will do far better with his support and encouragement. In other words, a husband should not stifle his wife, but he should delight to see the work of her hands bring her more praise.”[3]
The sages agree, but we want to go further because the verse’s principle applies to every man and those not yet one. In other words, it does not matter if you have a mother, mother-in-law, aunt, sister, or female friend; you should Respect and love while supporting them. In a direct relationship, males, you should do this for other males. The same principle applies to every woman and those not yet one. Without question, you should Respect, love, and support your father, father-in-law, uncle, bother, or male friends plus, as a female, you should do the same for other females. This statement means that if you Respect, love, and support them, the reverse should come your way. Nonetheless, if it does not, you are doing want God wants you to do.
With this understood, let God call your name. This action will ensure you stand fully set to hear God say, “Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much. Enter into the joy of your master.” (Matt 25:23). Then you will be Home enjoying Him and your eternal life.
[1] Clifford E. Bajema, Abortion and the Meaning of Personhood . (Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Book House, 1974), 74.
[2] William Sanford LaSor, David Allen Hubbard, and Frederic William Bush. Old Testament Survey: The Message, Form, and Background of the Old Testament. (Grand Rapids, MI: William B. Eerdmann, 1991), 533.
[3] Mark A. Weathers, 31-DAY GUIDE: HOW TO PRAY FOR YOUR WIFE. (WHEATON, ILLINOIS : CROSSWAY BOOKS, 2006), 143.
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