It is always good to ask at the end of a study session, “What have we learned?” In the case of this quarter’s lessons, which is essentially about wisdom, perhaps we could phrase the question, “Are we wiser now or just more knowledgeable?” We did discuss the difference between knowledge and wisdom at the beginning … Continue reading –>
Read Proverbs 31:6-7. How are we to understand these texts? A quick reading of these verses gives the impression that Lemuel’s mother allows the consumption of wine or any other alcohol for the person who is about to die (Prov. 31:6) or for the person who suffers from depression (Prov. 31:7). This reading, however, would … Continue reading –>
In many cultures, drinking alcohol is associated with life. People raise a glass and wish one another a long life, though the irony is that each glass works toward destroying life. Nicely designed bottles, poetic and funny drinking songs, clever commercials, and even some scientific findings all comfort drinkers in their idea that alcohol is good … Continue reading –>
Read for This Week’s Study: Proverbs 31, Job 29:15, Proverbs 8, 1 Cor. 1:21, Rev. 14:13. Memory Text: Do not give your strength to women, nor your ways to that which destroys kings. It is not for kings, O Lemuel, it is not for kings to drink wine, nor for princes intoxicating drink (Proverbs 31:3-4, NKJV). … Continue reading –>
We should reverence God’s word. For the printed volume we should show respect, never putting it to common uses, or handling it carelessly. And never should Scripture be quoted in a jest, or paraphrased to point a witty saying. Every word of God is pure; as silver tried in a furnace of earth, purified seven … Continue reading –>
At age 4, Jesse lost his mother. By the time he was 9, Jesse lived in foster homes. As a teen, he met a young man who played basketball. When Jesse shared his name, the young man looked surprised. Your mother and my father were brother and sister! Taking Jesse home, the cousin introduced him … Continue reading –>
All through the Bible, imagery from nature has been used to teach spiritual truths. Here, too, using nature, the proverb teaches us lessons about humility. Read Proverbs 30:18-19. What is it saying here, too, about the limits of human understanding? Agur sees mystery in even many of the common things. It is a very fascinating … Continue reading –>
Just as humility is positive and brings blessings, a lack of humility is dangerous and brings curses. After having encouraged the virtue of humility by showing its rewards and fruit, Proverbs 30 gives a stern warning about the dangers that come from pride. Cursing your parents (Prov. 30:11 & Prov. 30:17). Agur begins with this category, for … Continue reading –>
Prov. 30:7–9 contains the only prayer in the book of Proverbs. It is not by chance that this request immediately follows the affirmation of God as the great Creator (Prov. 30:4) and the promise of His faithfulness (Prov. 30:5). Read Proverbs 30:7–9. Why would someone ask these things? Before we ask God for anything, it … Continue reading –>
Pride arises in those who don’t know the Lord in a personal way. In contrast, the person who lives in communion with God will be humble, for he or she is constantly in touch with the One who is infinitely greater than any of us. When we think about the size of the universe and … Continue reading –>
