Chronological Bible Blog

Proverbs 30:1-31:31
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Proverbs chapter 31 and the preceding chapter 30 are thought to be essentially an “appendix” to the overall book of Proverbs, as they are non-Israelite in origin. Chapter 29 was the final chapter of the Proverbs of Solomon.  Proverbs chapter 31 verses 1 through 9 consist of 3 sayings that King Lemuel’s mother taught him. The entirety of Proverbs chapter 31 demonstrates the significance and role of wise women in the ancient Near East, where the queen mother was often an influential figure. Who have been some wise women in your life?

Proverbs 31:8-9 today teaches us this powerful lesson: “Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves; ensure justice for those who are perishing. Yes, speak up for the poor and helpless, and see that they get justice.”  Do you believe that God calling you to speak up in some way for the poor and helpless?  Maybe it’s somewhere in your city or neighborhood or home that this call is leading you to speak up…  Will you speak up?  Will we speak up?  Tangent alert – It’s been a while since I’ve posted up about World Vision, so I hope you don’t mind me going down a bit of a tangential path here that I do think is related to this Proverb.  Please know that I don’t work for World Vision – I simply love their ministry and know they are efficient and effective in their work.  I’ve been sponsoring children through World Vision for the past 7 years.  Below are a couple of paragraphs I sent out in an email to my friends and family recently about World Vision:

“The reason for this portion of the email is to encourage you to do your shopping throughout the year at World Vision’s Gifts website – http://www.WorldVisionGifts.org/  On this website you can purchase a goat for a family in need in our world!  Yes, instead of buying your father another tie he won’t wear, buy him a World Vision goat this Christmas!  (or for his birthday or Father’s Day)  Everyone loves a goat! And the good news about this goat is that it won’t come to live with your gift recipient. 🙂 It will go to a family who really needs the goat’s milk – a family who perhaps can start breeding goats and start a small business.  And World Vision will mail a wonderful gift card to your recipient to let them know about the goat you bought in their honor!  In addition to goats, you can buy wells for clean water, fruit trees, and food.”

Last, but not least, for just $1 a day you can change a child’s life through World Vision’s Child Sponsorship.  World Vision works in villages where people are making less than $1 a day.  You might be surprised to know that there are 1.2 billion people on our planet that are making less than $1 a day.  This is abject poverty.  And you and I can do something about it by investing 1 of our dollars from our wallets or purses each day into World Vision’s Child Sponsorship program. This upcoming year will you join me in sponsoring a child?  It will change that child’s life – and yours.  Please take five minutes to learn more about Child Sponsorship online here: http://www.worldvision.org/

Proverbs 31:10-24 is a great reflection upon a godly wife.  I read a commentary that said such a wife is almost a personification of wisdom.  I like that thought!  And certainly it makes sense that a women / wife would be a personification of wisdom rather than a man / husband…  🙂   Just kidding!  I’m a guy, so I can make this kind of joke right?  In all seriousness, how about that thought for each of our lives – male or female – would it be a godly thing to move toward being a personification of wisdom?  Obviously I’d say that Jesus was the only human this side of heaven that will walk this earth as a pure personification of wisdom.  But let us seek wisdom in how we live our lives each and every day.  Let us seek God’s Wisdom that is worth far more than rubies…

Here is a little Proverbs 31 humor… while searching for an image for Proverbs 31 I came across this photo below.  The person who took this photo said “we call her the Proverbs 31 Doggie.”  Cute!  🙂

Proverbs 31:25-31 are a continued great look at what a godly woman does.  I really like verse 30 which seems so opposite of what our culture is often selling us today: “Charm is deceptive, and beauty does not last; but a woman who fears the LORD will be greatly praised.”  I think this holds so true for women and men – our beauty or good looks or outer appearances do not last.  They are not eternal.  What matters is what’s inside – our relationship with and love of God and other people.  So, I think this is a great reminder for us to focus on what’s inside – which is what’s eternal.  And yes, our culture will continue to try to sell us on the latest fads to look better on the outside.  Will you refuse to buy into that which will not last?  Do you realize that holiness is beautiful?  This picture below comes from Memphis, Tennessee:

YouTube:  As I mention World Vision above, here’s their powerful One Life video:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S_2GAEzJL6I

How are you spending your one life? Click here and invest it in the One!

Comments from You:  What verses or insights stand out to you in today’s readings?  Please post up by clicking on the “Comments” link below!

God bless,
Mike