Reading Plan · Day 194
Changes this passage only. Set your default for every passage.
Proverbs 29-31
Day 194
Previously · Day 193 · Proverbs 25-28
The previous day's reading covered the final proverbs of Solomon. They read like a summary: advice from a king/judge, frustration with fools, interactions between people, and contrasting the righteous with the wicked. The next chapter was Solomon's final chapter in the Book of Proverbs...
Day 194 Read
Where You Stopped
Proverbs 29
1He that being often reproved hardeneth his neck Shall suddenly be destroyed, and that without remedy.
1He, that being often reproved hardeneth his neck, shall suddenly be destroyed, and that without remedy.
Commentary · verse 1
2When the righteous are increased, the people rejoice; But when a wicked man beareth rule, the people sigh.
2When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice: but when the wicked beareth rule, the people mourn.
Commentary · verse 2
The "people" knew when they were led by the righteous or the wicked because the righteous facilitated the purpose and progress of others while the wicked facilitated their own purpose and progress.
3Whoso loveth wisdom rejoiceth his father; But he that keepeth company with harlots wasteth his substance.
4The king by justice establisheth the land; But he that exacteth gifts overthroweth it.
3Whoso loveth wisdom rejoiceth his father: but he that keepeth company with harlots spendeth his substance.
4The king by judgment establisheth the land: but he that receiveth gifts overthroweth it.
Commentary · verses 3-4
A king's land was established by Justice. Those rulers who took and did not give would overthrow their land.
5A man that flattereth his neighbor Spreadeth a net for his steps.
6In the transgression of an evil man there is a snare; But the righteous doth sing and rejoice.
7The righteous taketh knowledge of the cause of the poor; The wicked hath not understanding to know it.
5A man that flattereth his neighbour spreadeth a net for his feet.
6In the transgression of an evil man there is a snare: but the righteous doth sing and rejoice.
7The righteous considereth the cause of the poor: but the wicked regardeth not to know it.
Commentary · verses 5-7
The righteous considered the cause of the poor. Did Solomon do this?
8Scoffers set a city in a flame; But wise men turn away wrath.
8Scornful men bring a city into a snare: but wise men turn away wrath.
Commentary · verse 8
When your actions were right (wisdom) you would turn away wrath.
9If a wise man hath a controversy with a foolish man, Whether he be angry or laugh, there will be no rest.
10The bloodthirsty hate him that is perfect; And as for the upright, they seek his life.
9If a wise man contendeth with a foolish man, whether he rage or laugh, there is no rest.
10The bloodthirsty hate the upright: but the just seek his soul.
Commentary · verses 9-10
Men who sought the hurt of others hated those who were perfect (maximum profitability) while those who lived rightly sought the life of those who were perfect. Those who were living wisely wanted to learn from those who were also wise.
12If a ruler hearkeneth to falsehood, All his servants are wicked.
12If a ruler hearken to lies, all his servants are wicked.
Commentary · verse 12
A ruler who heard falsehood surrounded himself with people (his servants) who were also false (wicked). The rulers who did not live right surrounded themselves with people who would facilitate his purpose and progress and therefore they were also wicked.
13The poor man and the oppressor meet together; Jehovah lighteneth the eyes of them both.
14The king that faithfully judgeth the poor, His throne shall be established for ever.
13The poor and the deceitful man meet together: the LORD lighteneth both their eyes.
14The king that faithfully judgeth the poor, his throne shall be established for ever.
Commentary · verses 13-14
The king that judged the poor with understanding would have his throne be established forever. Did Solomon do this?
15The rod and reproof give wisdom; But a child left to himself causeth shame to his mother.
15The rod and reproof give wisdom: but a child left to himself bringeth his mother to shame.
Commentary · verse 15
Correction brought wisdom.
16When the wicked are increased, transgression increaseth; But the righteous shall look upon their fall.
16When the wicked are multiplied, transgression increaseth: but the righteous shall see their fall.
Commentary · verse 16
When the wicked increased so did their evil actions. But, the righteous looked upon the fall of those who were wicked in order to see what not to do and also looked to see within themselves how they could grow from where they had been wrong, which was contrastive.
17Correct thy son, and he will give thee rest; Yea, he will give delight unto thy soul.
18Where there is no vision, the people cast off restraint; But he that keepeth the law, happy is he.
17Correct thy son, and he shall give thee rest; yea, he shall give delight unto thy soul.
18Where there is no vision, the people perish: but he that keepeth the law, happy is he.
Commentary · verses 17-18
When people were unaware of where they were going, they couldn't make progress.
19A servant will not be corrected by words; For though he understand, he will not give heed.
20Seest thou a man that is hasty in his words? There is more hope of a fool than of him.
19A servant will not be corrected by words: for though he understand he will not answer.
20Seest thou a man that is hasty in his words? there is more hope of a fool than of him.
Commentary · verses 19-20
The word hastily meant "urgently, without thought." There was more hope of a fool than a man who spoke hastily because a fool could speak knowledge (right WHAT). Speaking hastily would often be speaking a wrong what.
21He that delicately bringeth up his servant from a child Shall have him become a son at the last.
22An angry man stirreth up strife, And a wrathful man aboundeth in transgression.
21He that delicately bringeth up his servant from a child shall have him become his son at the length.
22An angry man stirreth up strife, and a furious man aboundeth in transgression.
Commentary · verses 21-22
Angry men started arguments to cause others to be angry too. If your anger led your actions, they would abound in transgression.
23A man’s pride shall bring him low; But he that is of a lowly spirit shall obtain honor.
23A man’s pride shall bring him low: but honour shall uphold the humble in spirit.
Commentary · verse 23
Pride would bring a man low. Humility would bring a man honor. See Matthew 23:12.
24Whoso is partner with a thief hateth his own soul; He heareth the adjuration and uttereth nothing.
25The fear of man bringeth a snare; But whoso putteth his trust in Jehovah shall be safe.
24Whoso is partner with a thief hateth his own soul: he heareth cursing, and bewrayeth it not.
25The fear of man bringeth a snare: but whoso putteth his trust in the LORD shall be safe.
Commentary · verses 24-25
Trusting (faith) in God would bring you safety.
26Many seek the ruler’s favor; But a man’s judgment cometh from Jehovah.
27An unjust man is an abomination to the righteous; And he that is upright in the way is an abomination to the wicked.
26Many seek the ruler’s favour; but every man’s judgment cometh from the LORD.
27An unjust man is an abomination to the just: and he that is upright in the way is abomination to the wicked.
Commentary · verses 26-27
This final chapter from Solomon was a fitting summary of everything Solomon wrote in the Book of Proverbs. All of the themes were woven together in this chapter in some pretty complicated proverbs: understanding, managing emotions, the perspective of a king/judge, frustration dealing with fools, interactions between people, and the righteous and wicked were contrasted.
Commentary · verse 27
The last two chapters of the Book of Proverbs were written by authors other than Solomon. The next book in the order of the Bible was the Book of Ecclesiastes and was essentially Solomon's manifesto. If you want to read about the event that most likely caused Solomon to come to the conclusions he did in the Book of Ecclesiastes, read the Book of the Song of Solomon (only two days) before you read the Book of Ecclesiastes.
Where You Stopped
Proverbs 30
1The words of Agur the son of Jakeh; the oracle. The man saith unto Ithiel, unto Ithiel and Ucal:
1The words of Agur the son of Jakeh, even the prophecy: the man spake unto Ithiel, even unto Ithiel and Ucal,
Commentary · verse 1
The words of Agur. Little was known of Agur except that his name meant "gathered" and that he wrote these words to Ithiel and Ucal.
2Surely I am more brutish than any man, And have not the understanding of a man;
2Surely I am more brutish than any man, and have not the understanding of a man.
Commentary · verse 2
Clearly this was written different than the proverbs of Solomon. Agur wrote about himself and not to the reader. Agur was humble. He stated that he was as brutish/stupid as any man.
3And I have not learned wisdom, Neither have I the knowledge of the Holy One.
3I neither learned wisdom, nor have the knowledge of the holy.
Commentary · verse 3
He stated he had not learned wisdom and did not have knowledge of God. Did he really not know anything about God or was he expressing his humility in relation to Solomon? Was he trying to show that even the most simple-minded person ought to know what he was about to state?
4Who hath ascended up into heaven, and descended? Who hath gathered the wind in his fists? Who hath bound the waters in his garment? Who hath established all the ends of the earth? What is his name, and what is his son’s name, if thou knowest?
4Who hath ascended up into heaven, or descended? who hath gathered the wind in his fists? who hath bound the waters in a garment? who hath established all the ends of the earth? what is his name, and what is his son’s name, if thou canst tell?
Commentary · verse 4
He used questions. However, even these questions showed that he did have knowledge of God.
5Every word of God is tried: He is a shield unto them that take refuge in him.
5Every word of God is pure: he is a shield unto them that put their trust in him.
Commentary · verse 5
"Every word of God was tried" - The KJV translated "tried" as "pure." The Hebrew word meant "to smelt, refine, test." This meant that when God spoke, it was going to teach, it was holy, and it would test your faith.
6Add thou not unto his words, Lest he reprove thee, and thou be found a liar.
7Two things have I asked of thee; Deny me them not before I die: 8Remove far from me falsehood and lies; Give me neither poverty nor riches; Feed me with the food that is needful for me: 9Lest I be full, and deny thee, and say, Who is Jehovah? Or lest I be poor, and steal, And use profanely the name of my God.
6Add thou not unto his words, lest he reprove thee, and thou be found a liar.
7Two things have I required of thee; deny me them not before I die:
8Remove far from me vanity and lies: give me neither poverty nor riches; feed me with food convenient for me:
9Lest I be full, and deny thee, and say, Who is the LORD? or lest I be poor, and steal, and take the name of my God in vain.
Commentary · verses 6-9
Agur wanted to know the right words to describe God.
10Slander not a servant unto his master, Lest he curse thee, and thou be held guilty.
10Accuse not a servant unto his master, lest he curse thee, and thou be found guilty.
Commentary · verse 10
Now, Agur transitioned to exhorting the reader…
11There is a generation that curse their father, And bless not their mother.
12There is a generation that are pure in their own eyes, And yet are not washed from their filthiness.
11There is a generation that curseth their father, and doth not bless their mother.
12There is a generation that are pure in their own eyes, and yet is not washed from their filthiness.
Commentary · verses 11-12
Those who were right in their own (man's) eyes were not right.
13There is a generation, oh how lofty are their eyes! And their eyelids are lifted up.
13There is a generation, O how lofty are their eyes! and their eyelids are lifted up.
Commentary · verse 13
Pride
14There is a generation whose teeth are as swords, and their jaw teeth as knives, To devour the poor from off the earth, and the needy from among men.
15The horseleach hath two daughters, crying, Give, give. There are three things that are never satisfied, Yea, four that say not, Enough: 16Sheol; and the barren womb; The earth that is not satisfied with water; And the fire that saith not, Enough.
17The eye that mocketh at his father, And despiseth to obey his mother, The ravens of the valley shall pick it out, And the young eagles shall eat it.
14There is a generation, whose teeth are as swords, and their jaw teeth as knives, to devour the poor from off the earth, and the needy from among men.
15The horseleach hath two daughters, crying, Give, give. There are three things that are never satisfied, yea, four things say not, It is enough:
16The grave; and the barren womb; the earth that is not filled with water; and the fire that saith not, It is enough.
17The eye that mocketh at his father, and despiseth to obey his mother, the ravens of the valley shall pick it out, and the young eagles shall eat it.
Commentary · verses 14-17
The "horseleach" was a bloodsucker. Agur stated there were four things that were unlimited in their ability to be unprofitable: hell, the inability to bear children, the desert, and the fire. All three continually yearned for more.
18There are three things which are too wonderful for me, Yea, four which I know not: 19The way of an eagle in the air; The way of a serpent upon a rock; The way of a ship in the midst of the sea; And the way of a man with a maiden.
18There be three things which are too wonderful for me, yea, four which I know not:
19The way of an eagle in the air; the way of a serpent upon a rock; the way of a ship in the midst of the sea; and the way of a man with a maid.
Commentary · verses 18-19
Four things that Agur stated were things he did not have understanding of:
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an eagle,
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a serpent,
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the ship,
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a man…
20So is the way of an adulterous woman; She eateth, and wipeth her mouth, And saith, I have done no wickedness.
20Such is the way of an adulterous woman; she eateth, and wipeth her mouth, and saith, I have done no wickedness.
Commentary · verse 20
…as these things were, so were the ways of an adulterous woman.
21For three things the earth doth tremble, And for four, which it cannot bear: 22For a servant when he is king; And a fool when he is filled with food; 23For an odious woman when she is married; And a handmaid that is heir to her mistress.
24There are four things which are little upon the earth, But they are exceeding wise: 25The ants are a people not strong, Yet they provide their food in the summer;
21For three things the earth is disquieted, and for four which it cannot bear:
22For a servant when he reigneth; and a fool when he is filled with meat;
23For an odious woman when she is married; and an handmaid that is heir to her mistress.
24There be four things which are little upon the earth, but they are exceeding wise:
25The ants are a people not strong, yet they prepare their meat in the summer;
Commentary · verses 21-25
Even ants thought enough to prepare food for the winter. Do you think more or less than an ant?
26The conies are but a feeble folk, Yet make they their houses in the rocks; 27The locusts have no king, Yet go they forth all of them by bands; 28The lizard taketh hold with her hands, Yet is she in kings’ palaces.
26The conies are but a feeble folk, yet make they their houses in the rocks;
27The locusts have no king, yet go they forth all of them by bands;
28The spider taketh hold with her hands, and is in kings’ palaces.
Commentary · verses 26-28
These four things were small yet did things that seemed to take great wisdom/ability:
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ants preparing for winter,
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conies (a type of rodent) living in rocks so that their enemies couldn't get to them,
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locusts working together to cause destruction, and
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lizards living in kings' palaces.
29There are three things which are stately in their march, Yea, four which are stately in going: 30The lion, which is mightiest among beasts, And turneth not away for any; 31The greyhound; the he-goat also; And the king against whom there is no rising up.
32If thou hast done foolishly in lifting up thyself, Or if thou hast thought evil, Lay thy hand upon thy mouth.
29There be three things which go well, yea, four are comely in going:
30A lion which is strongest among beasts, and turneth not away for any;
31A greyhound; an he goat also; and a king, against whom there is no rising up.
32If thou hast done foolishly in lifting up thyself, or if thou hast thought evil, lay thine hand upon thy mouth.
Commentary · verses 29-32
It was better to not speak than to speak evil.
33For the churning of milk bringeth forth butter, And the wringing of the nose bringeth forth blood; So the forcing of wrath bringeth forth strife.
33Surely the churning of milk bringeth forth butter, and the wringing of the nose bringeth forth blood: so the forcing of wrath bringeth forth strife.
Commentary · verse 33
Agur's proverb mostly consisted of lists that could be observed by anyone and was perhaps too mundane for Solomon to comment. The final proverb was written by a woman...
Where You Stopped
Proverbs 31
1The words of king Lemuel; the oracle which his mother taught him.
1The words of king Lemuel, the prophecy that his mother taught him.
Commentary · verse 1
The words of Lemuel from his mother to him, not Solomon. This proverb was written by a woman. As you read this proverb, ask yourself if Solomon would have benefited from this information...
2What, my son? and what, O son of my womb? And what, O son of my vows?
3Give not thy strength unto women, Nor thy ways to that which destroyeth kings.
2What, my son? and what, the son of my womb? and what, the son of my vows?
3Give not thy strength unto women, nor thy ways to that which destroyeth kings.
Commentary · verses 2-3
Do not give yourself to women (plural) or go the way that destroyed kings. Solomon had many wives that led his heart away from God.
4It is not for kings, O Lemuel, it is not for kings to drink wine; Nor for princes to say, Where is strong drink?
5Lest they drink, and forget the law, And pervert the justice due to any that is afflicted.
6Give strong drink unto him that is ready to perish, And wine unto the bitter in soul: 7Let him drink, and forget his poverty, And remember his misery no more.
8Open thy mouth for the dumb, In the cause of all such as are left desolate.
9Open thy mouth, judge righteously, And minister justice to the poor and needy.
4It is not for kings, O Lemuel, it is not for kings to drink wine; nor for princes strong drink:
5Lest they drink, and forget the law, and pervert the judgment of any of the afflicted.
6Give strong drink unto him that is ready to perish, and wine unto those that be of heavy hearts.
7Let him drink, and forget his poverty, and remember his misery no more.
8Open thy mouth for the dumb in the cause of all such as are appointed to destruction.
9Open thy mouth, judge righteously, and plead the cause of the poor and needy.
Commentary · verses 4-9
The job of a king was to remember the Law, enforce judgment, and plead the cause of the poor and the needy. Focusing on women and strong drink would distract a king from doing his job. This mini-section stated the purpose of strong drink was to allow those who were in pain to have temporary relief from the knowledge that they were in misery.
Doctrines on this passage
10A worthy woman who can find? For her price is far above rubies.
10Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies.
Commentary · verse 10
A worthy (virtuous) woman was extremely valuable. What followed was the description of a woman, not only a wife. The role of wife was only one aspect of the role of a woman.
11The heart of her husband trusteth in her, And he shall have no lack of gain.
12She doeth him good and not evil All the days of her life.
11The heart of her husband doth safely trust in her, so that he shall have no need of spoil.
12She will do him good and not evil all the days of her life.
Commentary · verses 11-12
A virtuous wife would create and not destroy. Her husband would trust in her.
13She seeketh wool and flax, And worketh willingly with her hands.
14She is like the merchant-ships; She bringeth her bread from afar.
15She riseth also while it is yet night, And giveth food to her household, And their task to her maidens.
16She considereth a field, and buyeth it; With the fruit of her hands she planteth a vineyard.
13She seeketh wool, and flax, and worketh willingly with her hands.
14She is like the merchants’ ships; she bringeth her food from afar.
15She riseth also while it is yet night, and giveth meat to her household, and a portion to her maidens.
16She considereth a field, and buyeth it: with the fruit of her hands she planteth a vineyard.
Commentary · verses 13-16
A virtuous woman was a business person. She was a working woman. She made business decisions. She was a provider.
17She girdeth her loins with strength, And maketh strong her arms.
18She perceiveth that her merchandise is profitable; Her lamp goeth not out by night.
19She layeth her hands to the distaff, And her hands hold the spindle.
20She stretcheth out her hand to the poor; Yea, she reacheth forth her hands to the needy.
17She girdeth her loins with strength, and strengtheneth her arms.
18She perceiveth that her merchandise is good: her candle goeth not out by night.
19She layeth her hands to the spindle, and her hands hold the distaff.
20She stretcheth out her hand to the poor; yea, she reacheth forth her hands to the needy.
Commentary · verses 17-20
She provided/created to excess, not only for the family, but also to the poor and needy.
21She is not afraid of the snow for her household; For all her household are clothed with scarlet.
22She maketh for herself carpets of tapestry; Her clothing is fine linen and purple.
23Her husband is known in the gates, When he sitteth among the elders of the land.
21She is not afraid of the snow for her household: for all her household are clothed with scarlet.
22She maketh herself coverings of tapestry; her clothing is silk and purple.
23Her husband is known in the gates, when he sitteth among the elders of the land.
Commentary · verses 21-23
She did her role well so that her husband could do his role well, which was to sit at the city gates and discuss Doctrine with the men and protect.
24She maketh linen garments and selleth them, And delivereth girdles unto the merchant.
24She maketh fine linen, and selleth it; and delivereth girdles unto the merchant.
Commentary · verse 24
More examples of a woman as planner and provider: She was abundant, she made money off of what she created. Were Solomon's many wives planners and providers, or was Solomon the planner and provider?
25Strength and dignity are her clothing; And she laugheth at the time to come.
26She openeth her mouth with wisdom; And the law of kindness is on her tongue.
27She looketh well to the ways of her household, And eateth not the bread of idleness.
28Her children rise up, and call her blessed; Her husband also, and he praiseth her, saying: 29Many daughters have done worthily, But thou excellest them all.
25Strength and honour are her clothing; and she shall rejoice in time to come.
26She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness.
27She looketh well to the ways of her household, and eateth not the bread of idleness.
28Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth her.
29Many daughters have done virtuously, but thou excellest them all.
Commentary · verses 25-29
Intangible qualities that were effects of her ability to plan and provide.
30Grace is deceitful, and beauty is vain; But a woman that feareth Jehovah, she shall be praised.
31Give her of the fruit of her hands; And let her works praise her in the gates.
30Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth the LORD, she shall be praised.
31Give her of the fruit of her hands; and let her own works praise her in the gates.
Commentary · verses 30-31
A virtuous woman feared the Lord (cause). The proof (effects) she was virtuous was profitability.
Commentary · verse 31
What is the definition of "woman" and "man"?
- According to God's Word, the definition of a woman was "the sex of the human species that intentionally creates profitable effects, based on her uniqueness, from causes given to her."
- According to God's Word, the definition of a man was "the sex of the human species that intentionally focuses on the causes regardless of the effects."
Men ought to be serving women, facilitating the purpose and progress of women, which was the definition of leadership. Notice, there was no mention of responding physically to an emergency: war, fighting fires, rescuing people and animals, etc. Men were made to do the immediate physical work. Women were made to do the planning and providing.
The Book of Proverbs was the third of the five books that made up the poetic section of the Old Testament. Girls of Israel memorized the Book of Proverbs and the Book of Psalms. Most of the proverbs were written by Solomon but seemed to reflect the life of his father, David. David being a man after God's own Heart meant every time David was corrected he immediately humbled himself and grew. The overarching theme of the Book of Proverbs was that the wise people rejoiced when they were rebuked because they knew it would lead to growth. However, the foolish became angry when they were corrected because they were in pride. Specifically, Solomon's proverbs focused on the importance of understanding, managing emotions, the perspective of the king/judge, frustration associated with fools, interactions between people, and contrasting of the righteous with the wicked. The final two chapters of the Book of Proverbs could not have been written by Solomon because the first focused on experiential lists that were too mundane for Solomon and the second, written by a woman, contained information Solomon clearly lacked. In fact, the next book of the Old Testament proved Solomon lacked this information...
Those who were unwilling or unable to consider they were wrong would be destroyed. There was no cure for pride if you were unwilling to choose to be humble.