Proverbs 30 – 31

Today, we read the last two chapters of the book of Proverbs, each written by a different person: chapter 30 by Agur of Jakeh and chapter 31 by king Lemuel, whom some believe is another name for Solomon.

I couldn’t find any other place in the Bible where Agur of Jakeh is mentioned. He obviously was doing a lot of thinking about God, asking questions about God, admitting he did not “know the Holy One,” but that did not mean he did not believe in God. As he says, “Every word of God proves true. He is a shield to all who come to him for protection.” And what does he ask God for – just two things:

• “help me never to tell a lie”
• “give me neither poverty nor riches”

He seems to understand himself and God as we can see by some of his words of wisdom. I loved the way he expressed himself in many of the verses after verse 15, poetically making his point by the use of “There are three things … no, four…”

As to chapter 31, I wonder if they shouldn’t be titled “The Sayings of the Mother of King Lemuel,” since according to him, he was taught these by his mother. One must wonder if this could really be Solomon speaking. After all, Lemuel says, “Do not waste your strength on women, on those who ruin kings.” Would a man who had 700 wives and 300 concubines give such advice? One of the big questions answered here is “Who can find a virtuous and capable wife?” I guess someone with 700 wives might have some insight on this.

I guess it doesn’t matter if Solomon was Lemuel or not. You won’t find a better description of a virtuous and capable woman anywhere. He concludes that “charm is deceptive and beauty does not last; but a woman who fears the Lord will be greatly praised. Let her deeds publicly declare her praise.”

Tomorrow, it’s I Kings 12 – 14.

Until next time…