You are invited to join me for tonight’s final lesson from the Book of Proverbs.
This verse-by-verse, proverb-by-proverb study began in 2020 (of course, with many interruptions along the way). To my knowledge, it is a “one of a kind” study that is “Uncommon, Common Sense.”
Tonight’s study will be taken from Proverbs 31:13-31, and the subject is The Virtuous Woman. The class will begin at 6:30pm, and be broadcast live on www.DailyTestify.com and www.HillsdaleBaptist.org.
In the near future, I hope to publish this study of Proverbs in a format that will be a useful resource for personal and family devotions, and group Bible studies.
You are invited to join Pastor Smith’s weekly study in the Book of Proverbs titled, “Uncommon, Common Sense.” Tonight’s study will consider Proverbs 24:1-16.
Student notes are available, but only upon request by emailing HeartofAShepherdInc@gmail.com. Requests will be honored if made before 4:00 pm.
Of course, the best way of enjoying an interactive Bible study is by attending class; however, the class will be broadcast live beginning at 6:30 pm on www.HillsdaleBaptist.org and www.DailyTestify.com.
Isaiah 15-16 is a prophecy concerning the “burden of Moab” (literally the doom or prophetic judgment concerning Moab). The Moabites were descendants of Abraham’s nephew Lot, and his incestuous relationship with his eldest daughter (Genesis 19:31-37). The geographical lands of Moab were located east of the Dead Sea.
Isaiah 15 opens with two capital cities of Moab, “Ar of Moab” and “Kir of Moab,” being described as “laid waste, and brought to silence” (15:1). Continuing the historical context of Assyria’s rise to world dominance, Isaiah predicted the destruction of those Moabite capital cities would be swift, falling in one night.
Escaping the Assyrian invasion, the Moabite people would turn to their gods in “the high places, to weep” (15:2), and shave their heads, and cut off their beards (outward signs of mourning, 15:2). The people would wander the streets in sackcloth (a rough cloth identified with mourning), and howl and cry from housetops (15:3). The nation would be so overwhelmed with grief, even the soldiers of Moab would cry out (15:4).
Isaiah was so moved by the vision of God’s judgment against Moab, he said, “My heart shall cry out for Moab” (15:5a). The prophet foretold the Moabites would be as “fugitives” (15:5), and would flee to Zoar (the ancient city where Lot fled after the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah, Genesis 13:10).
God’s judgment often affects the physical nature of a land, and Isaiah warned Moab would become uninhabitable; the waters would dry up (15:6a), and the green grasses would fail (15:6b). Drought would force the people to abandon the land, and seek other places where streams of water would flow (15:7).
So many would be slain, “the waters of Dimon [would] be full of blood” (15:9). To those fortunate enough to escape the carnage of battle, the LORD promised He would send lions to slay them (15:9).
Isaiah 16 – A Continuation of the Prophetic Message Against Moab
Isaiah was not insensitive to the sorrows that would come upon Moab (16:1). He urged the Moabites, “send ye the lamb to the ruler of the land” (Judah), a sacrifice that would serve as an acknowledgment that the God of Israel was sovereign. Yet, the king of Moab refused to send a lamb, and Isaiah foretold the people would become “as a wandering bird” forced to flee its nest (16:2). The people of Moab would appeal to Judah, and ask that nation to offer them shelter from the Assyrians, and be as a “shadow [shade]…of the noonday” (16:3).
The pride of the Moabite people had led them down a path of destruction (16:6). Lifted up with pride, the nation believed it was safe, until it was too late to turn to the LORD (16:6b). Moab was doomed, and its cities would soon be looted (16:7), and its fields and vineyards wasted (16:8).
The pride of Moab had driven that nation to the point of no return, and Isaiah testified how he would “bewail with the weeping” the devastation of God’s judgment (16:9). The land would fall silent, and there would be no happiness or joy, no singing or shouting (16:10).
Rather than turn to the LORD, and send a lamb for a sacrificial offering (16:1), the people of Moab turned to their idols (16:12), and found no safety. All the prophets had foretold concerning Moab would come to pass (Amos 2:2; Zephaniah 2:9).
Isaiah concluded his prophesy against Moab declaring, “the Lord hath spoken, saying, Within three years, as the years of an hireling” (supposing a hired hand labors for an agreed time, but not a day more, 16:14a). Three years, and no more, and Moab would come to nothing, and “that great multitude” would become “very small and feeble” (16:14).
Closing thoughts – The Destructive Nature of Sinful Pride
All that Isaiah had prophesied against Moab was fulfilled in Isaiah 25:10-12. Pride was the ruin of Moab, and prevented that nation from turning to the LORD and repenting of its wickedness.
The pride of Lucifer moved him to lift up his spirit against the LORD, and was the catalyst for his being cast out of heaven (Isaiah 14:12-14). Pride inspired the king of Babylon to boast against God, until he was struck down (Isaiah 14:4-6).
Be Careful: “Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall” (Proverbs 16:18).
The “virtuous woman” is the subject of Proverbs 31, perhaps the most beloved of all the Proverbs because it addresses the most central figure in life apart from our Creator—one’s mother. Like chapter 30, the authorship of Proverbs 31 has been debated down through the centuries; however, I feel there is much about this chapter that commends itself to having been authored by King Solomon. [Author’s note – A separate devotional for 1 Kings 12 is available at www.HeartofAShepherd.com]
Proverbs 31:1 – “The words [discourse; law] of king Lemuel, the prophecy[burden; tribute] that his mother taught him [instructed; discipline; chasten].”
There is no record of a king named Lemuel in ancient Israel or Judah, and many scholars believe Lemuel might have been a nickname Bathsheba gave to her son Solomon. Having lost her firstborn son in infancy, the one conceived in an act of adultery with David; one can understand why Bathsheba would dedicate Solomon to God, and in her heart, name him Lemuel (the literal meaning of Lemuel is “unto God” –lit. dedicated to God). For the sake of our devotional studies in Proverbs, I propose we view this chapter as Solomon’s memorial to his mother.
Verse 2 of Proverbs 31 records the Queen mother’s appeal to her son in a three-fold question:
Proverbs 31:2 – “What, my son? and what, the son of my womb? and what, the son of my vows [dedication to God; binding covenant between mother and God]?”
Allow me to probe the meaning of the three questions proposed by the king’s mother.
1)“What myson?”(31:2a)– i.e. – What more can I say to you my son and king?
2)“What, the son of mywomb?”(31:2a) – She reminds the king that she knew him in her womb; before he drew his first breath. She gave him life, and loves him as no one else could love him.
3)“What, the son of myvows?”(31:2a) – Like Hannah dedicated her son Samuel (1 Samuel 1:11), Bathsheba dedicated her son while he was in her womb. She remembers the first stirring of life and how she prayed for him. She had dedicated him to serve the Lord!
We are not told what moved Bathsheba to make an impassioned plea to her son. Perhaps her motherly instincts sensed the moral dangers Solomon would face. She knew all too well the temptations that beset a man of power, possessions, and popularity. The plea of the Queen mother resonated in her son’s heart, and he memorialized her virtuous qualities as an example for all women.
Someone has said: “The greatest moral power in the world is that exercised by a mother over her child.”
John Quincy Adams, the 6th president of the United States said concerning his mother, “All that I am, or ever have been, in this world, I owe, under God, to my mother.”
Closing thoughts – Read the entirety of Proverbs 31 today. It is my prayer the king’s praise of his mother will move husbands, sons and daughters to thank the LORD for loving mothers, and encourage them with words of affirmation and thanksgiving. Finally, in a day that is desperate for a moral compass, I pray there will be mothers who have been inspired from the king’s praise of his mother, to aspire to the qualities of a virtuous woman.
To the two mothers in my life, thank you for your loving sacrifices, and examples of Christ-like, unconditional love. (Proverbs 31:28-31)
The opening verses of Proverbs 30 are not as practical as the majority of the proverbs; however, with a little “gold mining” into word meanings, we find nuggets of truth that are applicable to all who seek wisdom.
The human author of Proverbs 30 is debated among scholars. Some believe “Agur” is another name for Solomon; however, the reference of “Agur, the son of Jakeh” would seem to negate that suggestion. In addition, the personal admissions in verses 2-3 and 8-9 would seem out of character for Solomon, a man renowned for his wisdom.
Proverbs 30:1 –“The words of Agur the son of Jakeh,eventhe prophecy[utterances inspired by God]: the man spake unto Ithiel, even unto Ithiel and Ucal,”
The words of “Agur” are described as “the prophecy” (30:1), thereby attributing his words to be the inspired word of God. We may be unable to identify the human author; however, there is no doubt that God the Holy Spirit is the divine author. The apostles Paul and Peter testified that the scriptures, both the Old and New Testaments were God-breathed, and inspired by God (2 Timothy 3:16; 2 Peter 1:20-21).
The prophecy of Agur was delivered to two men of whom nothing is known save their names, “Ithiel and Ucal” (30:1). Perhaps Ithiel and Ucal had come to Agur seeking words of wisdom and instruction. Agur, acknowledging the magnitude of his duty to speak on behalf of God, was overwhelmed with the responsibility.
Proverbs 30:2 –“Surely Iammore brutish[stupid; foolish; lacking an ability to reason]thananyman, and have not the understanding[knowledge and wisdom]of a man.”
Agur admitted his inadequacy to impart wisdom apart from God, confessing he was a “brutish man”, wandering like a beast without reasoning. In my opinion, Agur expresses the humility that should be true of every man. Apart from God’s mercy and grace, we are all sinners, brute beasts, without direction (Isaiah 53:6; Romans 1:28).
Proverbs 30:3 – “I neither learned[have not learned]wisdom, nor have[know]the knowledge[discernment; ex. between good and evil]of the holy[sacred; pure].”
Agur’s confession in verse 3 expresses the humility required of those who would seek the wisdom of God. The foolish reject God (Psalm 14:1) and the proud are unwilling to humble themselves. Before a man can acquire the wisdom of God, he must confess his woeful ignorance, and express the humility of Isaiah when he was given a vision of God’s heavenly glory and cried out: “Woe is me!for I am undone…for mine eyes have seen the King, the LORD of hosts”(Isaiah 6:5).
Closing thought – Where might one find the wisdom of God?
Godly wisdom, understanding, and discernment come from trusting the LORD by faith, quietly residing in His presence, and meditating on His Word. Such wisdom is not the wisdom of this world, which “is foolishness with God” (1 Corinthians 3:19). The wisdom of God is derived from reading and meditating in His Word, and walking in obedience to His Law and Commandments.
Got wisdom? It is available to those who trust the LORD, come to Him humbly, and obey His Word.
James 1:5 – “If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God [ask God for wisdom and understanding], that giveth [offers; grants] to allmenliberally [generously], and upbraideth not [does not reproach or find fault]; and it shall be given him.”
Continuing our study in the Book of Proverbs, with our Scripture reading being Proverbs 28 and 29, this is the second of two devotional commentaries for the day. The focus of this brief devotional is Proverbs 29:24. This author’s explanations are stated in italics within brackets.
Proverbs 29:24 serves as a reminder that, when it comes to sin, one’s failure to be a tattletale, informer, snitch, or rat is not a matter of neutrality, but in effect affords sinners aid and comfort in their sins. Solomon taught his son:
Proverbs 29:24 – “Whoso is partner [plunderer; divider] with a thief hateth [is the enemy of; detests] his own soul [life; person; being]: he heareth [hearkens; gives attention to] cursing [oaths; swearing], and bewrayeth it not.” [fails to expose, or rebuke]
“Tattletale” is a taunting label children give peers who expose them and their sins to responsible authorities. While your silence might earn the questionable friendship of a thief or beguiler, it sacrifices your integrity and soul.
Permit me the liberty of a broader application: We are living in volatile times, and many biblically sound institutions are adrift from the principles of their founders. Churches and schools are being steered from their conservative, biblical legacies by “progressive” pastors and administrators, while staffs, faculty, and church members remain silent.
Some reading this devotional might be among the well-meaning believers who have served on boards or senior staff. You have “tacitly partnered” with leaders who were plotting a subtle departure from the course and principles of your institution’s past. You listened in silence as the founding fiber of that institution’s past, and its legacy were “cursed” and besmirched.
Warning: You not only share in the sins of your leaders, your silence and failure “bewrayeth” the sacred trust of those who have gone before you. Criticize those of us who dare to speak up, but:
I’d rather “sing like a canary in a coal mine” than be a silent Judas!
* You are invited to subscribe to Pastor Smith’s daily devotionals in the box to the right of this devotion, and have future devotionals sent to your email address.
Our brief study in the Proverbs continues with chapter 27. Though filled with golden nuggets of “uncommon common sense,” the focus of our devotional will be limited to Proverbs 27:2.
The Book of Proverbs is a king’s instructions to his son. On several occasions, Solomon has expressed concern that the heart of his son might not be lifted up in pride. Born into a home of wealth and privilege, it would have been easy for a young prince to be carried away by the grandeur of the palace, and the presence of servants ever ready at his beckon call. Proverbs 27:2 presents a wonderful consideration regarding the insightful counsel of a father who understood the bent of the heart of his son. Lest he be led astray by the pride of youth, Solomon urged his son to recognize how uncomely it was for a man to boast, and praise himself.
Proverbs 27:2– “Let another man praise thee[boast; celebrate; sing your praises], and not thine own mouth; a stranger, and not thine own lips [speech].”
Few things are as repulsive as a man boasting in his achievements. It is, however, the nature of man to “proclaim every one his own goodness” (Proverbs 20:6). Such a man has forgotten the raw clay from which he was taken. While praise and acknowledgement are rewarding, they ring hollow when expressed by one’s own lips.
Why is a conceited, pompous, self-congratulatory spirit so distasteful to others, and inappropriate before God?
The answer is clear – because it is not the Spirit of God, but the evil spirit of self-promotion. The prophet Isaiah, comparing the fall of Nebuchadnezzar, the great king of Babylon, to the fall of Lucifer, noted how that fallen angel had boasted in his pride, and exalted himself to be the Creator’s equal (Isaiah 14:12-15). Notice the number of times Lucifer employed the pronoun “I” to glory in himself.
Isaiah 14:12-15– How art thou fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning! how art thou cut down to the ground, which didst weaken the nations! 13 For thou hast said in thine heart, I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God: I will sit also upon the mount of the congregation, in the sides of the north: 14 I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will be like the most High. 15 Yet thou shalt be brought down to hell, to the sides of the pit.
Closing thoughts – Before you dismiss the thought of being proud and vain, evaluate how much of your conversations are actually self-focused? Are you given to bragging and boasting? Does your social media wall reveal you to be arrogant, self-righteous, and self-promoting?
The ugly little secret is: others have already noticed how much of your life is self-focused.
* You are invited to subscribe to Pastor Smith’s daily devotionals in the box to the right of this devotion, and have future devotionals sent to your email address.
Continuing our second of two devotionals from today’s Scripture reading, I invite you to consider Proverbs 26:17-19.
Proverbs 26:17 – “He that passeth by[pass over; provokes],andmeddleth[pass over; provokes; alienates] with strife[controversy; lawsuit; dispute] belongingnot to him,is likeone that taketh[restrains; catch; seize] a dog[fierce, hungry dog] by the ears.”
A lot of people are more adept at giving advice, than they are at accepting counsel, and managing their own lives and concerns! Those sanctimonious types are a lot more proficient at creating problems than solving problems. They are what Paul described as “busybodies” in 2 Thessalonians 3:10-12; individuals who are slackers in dealing with their problems, but experts in sowing discord and undermining the authority of spiritual leaders (2 Thess. 3:14-15).
Paul found the same sin in the church at Ephesus among the younger women. He described them as “idle, wandering about from house to house; and not only idle, but tattlers also and busybodies, speaking things which they ought not” (1 Timothy 5:13).
Believers, beware of busybodies! They will surely suffer the fate of one foolish enough to grab a fierce dog by its ears—their sins will come back to bite! (26:17).
Before concluding today’s devotional, allow me the liberty of addressing two more proverbs (26:18-19).
Proverbs 26:18-19– “As a mad[rabid; insane] manwho casteth [shoots] firebrands[burning arrows], arrows[i.e., spear or dart that wounds], and death, 19So is the manthatdeceiveth[beguiles; betrays] his neighbor[companion; friend], and saith, Am not I in sport?[play; laugh; mock]”
“I’m sorry… I was kidding… I didn’t mean anything by it!” may be an easy out for one who has cast a firebrand and wounded another’s feelings. Such a man throws his verbal darts without considering how or where they fall. His callousness and careless thought earn him the label of a man to be guarded against, and one who should be avoided.
A word of advice: Don’t believe his excuses! The Lord taught His disciples a valuable lesson regarding the words that proceed from a man’s mouth:
Matthew 15:18-20– “Butthose things which proceed out of the mouth come forthfrom the heart; and they defile the man. 19For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, blasphemies: 20These arethe things which defile a man…”
* You are invited to subscribe to Pastor Smith’s daily devotionals in the box to the right of this devotion, and have future devotionals sent to your email address.
Today’s Scripture reading is Proverbs 25 and 26. As with all the chapters in Proverbs, the number of verses, and couplets of wisdom are daunting if addressed in a brief devotional. My devotional commentary from Proverbs 25will focus on Proverbs 25:6-7. This is the first of two devotional studies today.
The Internet has opened up a world of fame and/or infamy for those who want to impact the social media world. Such a platform has given opportunity to anyone who wants to be an overnight, self-made, internet sensation.
I am often amazed at the magnitude of information individuals are willing to share on social network sites. Hawking one’s self and gawking at others has become an all-consuming past time. It is estimated that 18-34-year-olds spend 3.8 hours a day social networking! The infatuation with self, reminds me of a comment my tourist guide in Israel made years ago when he observed the national pastime of Israeli youth was “to see and to be seen.”
Proverbs 25:6-7 cuts against the grain of our self-promoting society. Solomon urged his son to show discretion and humility, especially in the presence of great men. The king wrote:
Proverbs 25:6-7– “Put not forth thyself [don’t be a self-promoter; overtly ambitious; seeking vainglory] in the presence of the king, and stand not in the place of great men: 7For better it is that it be said unto thee, Come up [ascend; go up] hither; than that thou shouldest be put lower [humbled; humiliated] in the presence of the prince whom thine eyes have seen.”
Christ taught a similar lesson regarding humility inLuke 14:8-10.
Luke 14:8-11 – “When thou art bidden of any man to a wedding, sit not down in the highest room[place of honor]; lest a more honourable man than thou be bidden of him; 9And he that bade thee and him come and say to thee, Give this man place; and thou begin with shame to take the lowest room. 10But when thou art bidden, go and sit down in the lowest room; that when he that bade thee cometh, he may say unto thee, Friend, go up higher: then shalt thou have worship in the presence of them that sit at meat with thee. 11For whosoever exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted.”
Closing thoughts – Take a few minutes and inspect your social media page, and the pictures you have posted. I encourage you to be honest about the things you have written, and the photos you have posted. Forget how many “Likes” or “Comments” you have received and consider:How much of what I have posted glorifies God? Are you guilty of self-promotion?
In a day of shameless self-promotion, HUMILITY is still the quality God cherishes in His people.
* You are invited to subscribe to Pastor Smith’s daily devotionals in the box to the right of this devotion, and have future devotionals sent to your email address.
In addition to our Scripture reading in the Book of Proverbs (Proverbs 24), our chronological study of God’s Word returns to 1 Kings 5. This devotional will consider Proverbs 24:3-4.
Solomon, a master builder whom God trusted with the responsibility of building His Temple in Jerusalem, employed the analogy of building a house to emphasize the necessity of exercising godly wisdom when building one’s life and family (24:3-4). The king wrote:
Proverbs 24:3–4 – 3Through wisdom is an house builded; And by understanding it is established: 4And by knowledge shall the chambers be filled with all precious and pleasant riches.
I have had opportunity to tear down a few old buildings in my lifetime. I have fond childhood memories of assisting my Dad when he tore down a couple of old weathered, clapboard-sided farmhouses and barns, and then recycled the wood to build barns on our property in the country. Unlike a contractor who follows meticulously drawn blueprints when building a house, my Dad’s de-construction required little more than hammers, crowbars, ladders and raw physical strength!
Unfortunately, I fear many believers fail to follow God’s blueprint when building their family. In fact, the manner of some is as destructive as a man who tears down, rather than builds his home. Consider Solomon’s counsel to his son in the matter of building a house (i.e., a life or home), with my amplification of word meanings in brackets.
Proverbs 24:3 – 3Through[By]wisdom[godly wisdom and insight] is an house[life; family] builded[established]; and by understanding[insight; discernment] it is established[fixed; made ready]:
Forgive my frank, honest observation in the challenge of building a life and family. It is my opinion: Any fool can father a child and start a family; however, a man of godly wisdom knows to build a family requires commitment, wisdom, discernment, and understanding.
Sadly, the state of our society evidences that few have any concept of the personal discipline and sacrifice required to make a house a home! There are few who turn to the LORD, the source of all wisdom, and ask Him for discernment (James 1:5).
For the sake of application, let’s consider the house in verse 3 as an allegory of one’s personal life and family, and ask: “How would wisdom and understanding have us to furnish this house?”Proverbs 24:4 answers that question.
Proverbs 24:4– “And by knowledge[i.e. wisdom and understanding, plus knowledge derived from life experiences] shall the chambers [rooms] be filled with all precious and pleasant riches.”
I confess, I lack my wife’s vision and motivation when it comes to decorating. Four walls, a roof that does not leak, and a comfortable chair, and I am content. My wife, however, has an eye for style, furnishings, and placement. She is able to take a house [chambers], add a few furnishings, and make a house a comfortable, attractive home!
The house and chambers Solomon portrayed represented a life or family built by godlywisdom (24:3). Spiritual understanding was the foundation of the home (24:3), and the knowledge of walking in the light of God’s Law was its furnishings (24:4). Where can a man attain such furnishings for himself and his family? The Word of God.
Paul urged Timothy, “Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth” (2 Timothy 2:15).
Why should a father be a disciplined student of God’s Word? The Scriptures are inspired by God, and are His manual for life. The Bible “is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: 17That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works” (2 Timothy 3:16-17).
A disciplined study, and application of the nuggets of wisdom found in Proverbs is a great beginning! Remember, however:
Any man can start a family, but a wise man follows God’s blueprint [the Scriptures] to build a home.
You are invited to join me for tonight’s final lesson from the Book of Proverbs.
Tonight’s study will be taken from Proverbs 31:13-31, and the subject is The Virtuous Woman. The class will begin at 6:30pm, and be broadcast live on www.DailyTestify.com and www.HillsdaleBaptist.org.
You must be logged in to post a comment.