July 5, 2025
A Sweet Dessert Course on the Sweet Woman Who Fears God
Proverbs 27-31
Collin Fletcher
Big Book Idea
Living wisely: God's way.
Key Verse | Proverbs 31:29-30
"Many women have done excellently,
but you surpass them all."
Charm is deceitful, and beauty is vain,
but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised.
Proverbs 27-31
Chapter 27
1
Do not boast about tomorrow,
for you do not know what a day may bring.
2
Let another praise you, and not your own mouth;
a stranger, and not your own lips.
3
A stone is heavy, and sand is weighty,
but a fool's provocation is heavier than both.
4
Wrath is cruel, anger is overwhelming,
but who can stand before jealousy?
5
Better is open rebuke
than hidden love.
6
Faithful are the wounds of a friend;
profuse are the kisses of an enemy.
7
One who is full loathes honey,
but to one who is hungry everything bitter is sweet.
8
Like a bird that strays from its nest
is a man who strays from his home.
9
Oil and perfume make the heart glad,
and the sweetness of a friend comes from his earnest counsel.
1
27:9
Or and so does the sweetness of a friend that comes from his earnest counsel
10
Do not forsake your friend and your father's friend,
and do not go to your brother's house in the day of your calamity.
Better is a neighbor who is near
than a brother who is far away.
11
Be wise, my son, and make my heart glad,
that I may answer him who reproaches me.
12
The prudent sees danger and hides himself,
but the simple go on and suffer for it.
13
Take a man's garment when he has put up security for a stranger,
and hold it in pledge when he puts up security for an adulteress.
2
27:13
Hebrew a foreign woman; a slight emendation yields (compare Vulgate; see also 20:16) foreigners
14
Whoever blesses his neighbor with a loud voice,
rising early in the morning,
will be counted as cursing.
15
A continual dripping on a rainy day
and a quarrelsome wife are alike;
16
to restrain her is to restrain the wind
or to grasp
3
27:16
Hebrew to meet with
oil in one's right hand.
17
Iron sharpens iron,
and one man sharpens another.
4
27:17
Hebrew sharpens the face of another
18
Whoever tends a fig tree will eat its fruit,
and he who guards his master will be honored.
19
As in water face reflects face,
so the heart of man reflects the man.
20
Sheol and Abaddon are never satisfied,
and never satisfied are the eyes of man.
21
The crucible is for silver, and the furnace is for gold,
and a man is tested by his praise.
22
Crush a fool in a mortar with a pestle
along with crushed grain,
yet his folly will not depart from him.
23
Know well the condition of your flocks,
and give attention to your herds,
24
for riches do not last forever;
and does a crown endure to all generations?
25
When the grass is gone and the new growth appears
and the vegetation of the mountains is gathered,
26
the lambs will provide your clothing,
and the goats the price of a field.
27
There will be enough goats' milk for your food,
for the food of your household
and maintenance for your girls.
Chapter 28
1 The wicked flee when no one pursues,but the righteous are bold as a lion.
2 When a land transgresses, it has many rulers,
but with a man of understanding and knowledge,
its stability will long continue.
3 A poor man who oppresses the poor
is a beating rain that leaves no food.
4 Those who forsake the law praise the wicked,
but those who keep the law strive against them.
5 Evil men do not understand justice,
but those who seek the LORD understand it completely.
6 Better is a poor man who walks in his integrity
than a rich man who is crooked in his ways.
7 The one who keeps the law is a son with understanding,
but a companion of gluttons shames his father.
8 Whoever multiplies his wealth by interest and profit 5 28:8 That is, profit that comes from charging interest to the poor
gathers it for him who is generous to the poor.
9 If one turns away his ear from hearing the law,
even his prayer is an abomination.
10 Whoever misleads the upright into an evil way
will fall into his own pit,
but the blameless will have a goodly inheritance.
11 A rich man is wise in his own eyes,
but a poor man who has understanding will find him out.
12 When the righteous triumph, there is great glory,
but when the wicked rise, people hide themselves.
13 Whoever conceals his transgressions will not prosper,
but he who confesses and forsakes them will obtain mercy.
14 Blessed is the one who fears the LORD 6 28:14 Hebrew lacks the LORD always,
but whoever hardens his heart will fall into calamity.
15 Like a roaring lion or a charging bear
is a wicked ruler over a poor people.
16 A ruler who lacks understanding is a cruel oppressor,
but he who hates unjust gain will prolong his days.
17 If one is burdened with the blood of another,
he will be a fugitive until death; 7 28:17 Hebrew until the pit
let no one help him.
18 Whoever walks in integrity will be delivered,
but he who is crooked in his ways will suddenly fall.
19 Whoever works his land will have plenty of bread,
but he who follows worthless pursuits will have plenty of poverty.
20 A faithful man will abound with blessings,
but whoever hastens to be rich will not go unpunished.
21 To show partiality is not good,
but for a piece of bread a man will do wrong.
22 A stingy man 8 28:22 Hebrew A man whose eye is evil hastens after wealth
and does not know that poverty will come upon him.
23 Whoever rebukes a man will afterward find more favor
than he who flatters with his tongue.
24 Whoever robs his father or his mother
and says, “That is no transgression,”
is a companion to a man who destroys.
25 A greedy man stirs up strife,
but the one who trusts in the LORD will be enriched.
26 Whoever trusts in his own mind is a fool,
but he who walks in wisdom will be delivered.
27 Whoever gives to the poor will not want,
but he who hides his eyes will get many a curse.
28 When the wicked rise, people hide themselves,
but when they perish, the righteous increase.
Chapter 29
1 He who is often reproved, yet stiffens his neck,will suddenly be broken beyond healing.
2 When the righteous increase, the people rejoice,
but when the wicked rule, the people groan.
3 He who loves wisdom makes his father glad,
but a companion of prostitutes squanders his wealth.
4 By justice a king builds up the land,
but he who exacts gifts 9 29:4 Or who taxes heavily tears it down.
5 A man who flatters his neighbor
spreads a net for his feet.
6 An evil man is ensnared in his transgression,
but a righteous man sings and rejoices.
7 A righteous man knows the rights of the poor;
a wicked man does not understand such knowledge.
8 Scoffers set a city aflame,
but the wise turn away wrath.
9 If a wise man has an argument with a fool,
the fool only rages and laughs, and there is no quiet.
10 Bloodthirsty men hate one who is blameless
and seek the life of the upright. 10 29:10 Or but the upright seek his soul
11 A fool gives full vent to his spirit,
but a wise man quietly holds it back.
12 If a ruler listens to falsehood,
all his officials will be wicked.
13 The poor man and the oppressor meet together;
the LORD gives light to the eyes of both.
14 If a king faithfully judges the poor,
his throne will be established forever.
15 The rod and reproof give wisdom,
but a child left to himself brings shame to his mother.
16 When the wicked increase, transgression increases,
but the righteous will look upon their downfall.
17 Discipline your son, and he will give you rest;
he will give delight to your heart.
18 Where there is no prophetic vision the people cast off restraint, 11 29:18 Or the people are discouraged
but blessed is he who keeps the law.
19 By mere words a servant is not disciplined,
for though he understands, he will not respond.
20 Do you see a man who is hasty in his words?
There is more hope for a fool than for him.
21 Whoever pampers his servant from childhood
will in the end find him his heir. 12 29:21 The meaning of the Hebrew word rendered his heir is uncertain
22 A man of wrath stirs up strife,
and one given to anger causes much transgression.
23 One's pride will bring him low,
but he who is lowly in spirit will obtain honor.
24 The partner of a thief hates his own life;
he hears the curse, but discloses nothing.
25 The fear of man lays a snare,
but whoever trusts in the LORD is safe.
26 Many seek the face of a ruler,
but it is from the LORD that a man gets justice.
27 An unjust man is an abomination to the righteous,
but one whose way is straight is an abomination to the wicked.
Chapter 30
The Words of Agur
1 The words of Agur son of Jakeh. The oracle. 13 30:1 Or Jakeh, the man of Massa
The man declares, I am weary, O God;
I am weary, O God, and worn out.
14
30:1
Revocalization; Hebrew The man declares to Ithiel, to Ithiel and Ucal
2
Surely I am too stupid to be a man.
I have not the understanding of a man.
3
I have not learned wisdom,
nor have I knowledge of the Holy One.
4
Who has ascended to heaven and come down?
Who has gathered the wind in his fists?
Who has wrapped up the waters in a garment?
Who has established all the ends of the earth?
What is his name, and what is his son's name?
Surely you know!
5
Every word of God proves true;
he is a shield to those who take refuge in him.
6
Do not add to his words,
lest he rebuke you and you be found a liar.
7
Two things I ask of you;
deny them not to me before I die:
8
Remove far from me falsehood and lying;
give me neither poverty nor riches;
feed me with the food that is needful for me,
9
lest I be full and deny you
and say, “Who is the LORD?”
or lest I be poor and steal
and profane the name of my God.
10
Do not slander a servant to his master,
lest he curse you, and you be held guilty.
11
There are those
15
30:11
Hebrew There is a generation; also verses 12, 13, 14
who curse their fathers
and do not bless their mothers.
12
There are those who are clean in their own eyes
but are not washed of their filth.
13
There are those—how lofty are their eyes,
how high their eyelids lift!
14
There are those whose teeth are swords,
whose fangs are knives,
to devour the poor from off the earth,
the needy from among mankind.
15
The leech has two daughters:
Give and Give.
16
30:15
Or Give, give, they cry
Three things are never satisfied;
four never say, “Enough”:
16
Sheol, the barren womb,
the land never satisfied with water,
and the fire that never says, “Enough.”
17
The eye that mocks a father
and scorns to obey a mother
will be picked out by the ravens of the valley
and eaten by the vultures.
18
Three things are too wonderful for me;
four I do not understand:
19
the way of an eagle in the sky,
the way of a serpent on a rock,
the way of a ship on the high seas,
and the way of a man with a virgin.
20
This is the way of an adulteress:
she eats and wipes her mouth
and says, “I have done no wrong.”
21
Under three things the earth trembles;
under four it cannot bear up:
22
a slave when he becomes king,
and a fool when he is filled with food;
23
an unloved woman when she gets a husband,
and a maidservant when she displaces her mistress.
24
Four things on earth are small,
but they are exceedingly wise:
25
the ants are a people not strong,
yet they provide their food in the summer;
26
the rock badgers are a people not mighty,
yet they make their homes in the cliffs;
27
the locusts have no king,
yet all of them march in rank;
28
the lizard you can take in your hands,
yet it is in kings' palaces.
29
Three things are stately in their tread;
four are stately in their stride:
30
the lion, which is mightiest among beasts
and does not turn back before any;
31
the strutting rooster,
17
30:31
Or the magpie, or the greyhound; Hebrew girt-of-loins
the he-goat,
and a king whose army is with him.
18
30:31
Or against whom there is no rising up
32
If you have been foolish, exalting yourself,
or if you have been devising evil,
put your hand on your mouth.
33
For pressing milk produces curds,
pressing the nose produces blood,
and pressing anger produces strife.
Chapter 31
The Words of King Lemuel
1 The words of King Lemuel. An oracle that his mother taught him:
2
What are you doing, my son?
19
31:2
Hebrew What, my son?
What are you doing, son of my womb?
What are you doing, son of my vows?
3
Do not give your strength to women,
your ways to those who destroy kings.
4
It is not for kings, O Lemuel,
it is not for kings to drink wine,
or for rulers to take strong drink,
5
lest they drink and forget what has been decreed
and pervert the rights of all the afflicted.
6
Give strong drink to the one who is perishing,
and wine to those in bitter distress;
20
31:6
Hebrew those bitter in soul
7
let them drink and forget their poverty
and remember their misery no more.
8
Open your mouth for the mute,
for the rights of all who are destitute.
21
31:8
Hebrew are sons of passing away
9
Open your mouth, judge righteously,
defend the rights of the poor and needy.
The Woman Who Fears the LORD
10
22
31:10
Verses 1031 are an acrostic poem, each verse beginning with the successive letters of the Hebrew alphabet
An excellent wife who can find?
She is far more precious than jewels.
11
The heart of her husband trusts in her,
and he will have no lack of gain.
12
She does him good, and not harm,
all the days of her life.
13
She seeks wool and flax,
and works with willing hands.
14
She is like the ships of the merchant;
she brings her food from afar.
15
She rises while it is yet night
and provides food for her household
and portions for her maidens.
16
She considers a field and buys it;
with the fruit of her hands she plants a vineyard.
17
She dresses herself
23
31:17
Hebrew She girds her loins
with strength
and makes her arms strong.
18
She perceives that her merchandise is profitable.
Her lamp does not go out at night.
19
She puts her hands to the distaff,
and her hands hold the spindle.
20
She opens her hand to the poor
and reaches out her hands to the needy.
21
She is not afraid of snow for her household,
for all her household are clothed in scarlet.
24
31:21
Or in double thickness
22
She makes bed coverings for herself;
her clothing is fine linen and purple.
23
Her husband is known in the gates
when he sits among the elders of the land.
24
She makes linen garments and sells them;
she delivers sashes to the merchant.
25
Strength and dignity are her clothing,
and she laughs at the time to come.
26
She opens her mouth with wisdom,
and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue.
27
She looks well to the ways of her household
and does not eat the bread of idleness.
28
Her children rise up and call her blessed;
her husband also, and he praises her:
29
“Many women have done excellently,
but you surpass them all.”
30
Charm is deceitful, and beauty is vain,
but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised.
31
Give her of the fruit of her hands,
and let her works praise her in the gates.
Footnotes
[1] 27:9 Or and so does the sweetness of a friend that comes from his earnest counsel[2] 27:13 Hebrew a foreign woman; a slight emendation yields (compare Vulgate; see also 20:16) foreigners
[3] 27:16 Hebrew to meet with
[4] 27:17 Hebrew sharpens the face of another
[5] 28:8 That is, profit that comes from charging interest to the poor
[6] 28:14 Hebrew lacks the LORD
[7] 28:17 Hebrew until the pit
[8] 28:22 Hebrew A man whose eye is evil
[9] 29:4 Or who taxes heavily
[10] 29:10 Or but the upright seek his soul
[11] 29:18 Or the people are discouraged
[12] 29:21 The meaning of the Hebrew word rendered his heir is uncertain
[13] 30:1 Or Jakeh, the man of Massa
[14] 30:1 Revocalization; Hebrew The man declares to Ithiel, to Ithiel and Ucal
[15] 30:11 Hebrew There is a generation; also verses 12, 13, 14
[16] 30:15 Or “Give, give,” they cry
[17] 30:31 Or the magpie, or the greyhound; Hebrew girt-of-loins
[18] 30:31 Or against whom there is no rising up
[19] 31:2 Hebrew What, my son?
[20] 31:6 Hebrew those bitter in soul
[21] 31:8 Hebrew are sons of passing away
[22] 31:10 Verses 10–31 are an acrostic poem, each verse beginning with the successive letters of the Hebrew alphabet
[23] 31:17 Hebrew She girds her loins
[24] 31:21 Or in double thickness
Table of Contents
Introduction to Proverbs
Timeline
Author and Date
Proverbs itself mentions Solomon (reigned c. 971–931 B.C.) as author or collector of its contents (1:1; 10:1), including the proverbs copied by Hezekiah’s men (25:1). There are also two batches of sayings from a group called “the wise” (22:17–24:22; 24:23–34), and “oracles” from Agur (30:1–33) and Lemuel (31:1–9). No author is named for the song in praise of the excellent wife that ends the book (31:10–31). Although Proverbs was begun in the time of Solomon, it probably was not in its present form until the time of Hezekiah (reigned c. 715–686 B.C.).
Theme
The goal of the book is stated right at the beginning (1:1–7): to describe what wisdom is and to help God’s people become wise. Wisdom is founded in the “fear of the Lord,” and it enables believers to express their faith in the practical details of everyday life.
Audience
The book is addressed to a young man. The situations he will face while he is young receive much attention. These situations supply concrete examples from which all readers can apply lessons to their own lives. Anyone who is wise and who pays attention will benefit (1:5) from this instruction.
Reading Proverbs
The reader of Proverbs must seek to understand the various types of people the book describes. The most obvious characters in the book are the wise, the fool, and the simple. Proverbs urges its readers to be wise, which means embracing God’s covenant and living out the covenant in everyday situations (compare 2:2; 10:1). The fool is the person who constantly opposes God’s covenant (1:7b). The simple is the person who is not firmly committed, either to wisdom or to folly; he is easily misled (14:15).
The first nine chapters of Proverbs are “wisdom poems” that urge the reader to pursue wisdom. The main section of Proverbs—the concise, memorable statements of two or three lines—begins in 10:1. Proverbs often seem to be mere observations about life, but their deeper meanings will reveal themselves if the following questions are kept in mind: (1) What virtue does this proverb commend? (2) What vice does it disapprove of? (3) What value does it affirm?
Key Themes
Proverbs offers wisdom on a wide array of topics from daily life: diligence and laziness (6:6–11); friendship (3:27–28; 18:24); speech (10:19–21); marriage (18:22; 19:14); child rearing (22:6); domestic peace (15:17; 17:1); work (11:1); getting along and good manners (23:1–2; 25:16–17; 26:17–19; 27:14); eternity (14:32; 23:17–18); and much more. It shows that “godliness is of value in every way, as it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come” (1 Tim. 4:8).
- God’s will is intensely practical, applying to every aspect of life. A proper relation to God involves trying hard to understand his truth, and then embracing and obeying that truth.
- A life lived by God’s will is a happy life (3:21–26).
- A life lived by God’s will is a useful life (3:27–28; 12:18, 25).
- A life lived by God’s will does not just happen. One must seek after it (9:1–6).
Outline
- Title, Goal, and Motto (1:1–7)
- A Father’s Invitation to Wisdom (1:8–9:18)
- Proverbs of Solomon (10:1–22:16)
- The Thirty Sayings of “the Wise” (22:17–24:22)
- Further Sayings of “the Wise” (24:23–34)
- Hezekiah’s Collection of Solomonic Proverbs (25:1–29:27)
- The Sayings of Agur (30:1–33)
- The Sayings of King Lemuel (31:1–9)
- An Alphabet of Womanly Excellence (31:10–31)
Fact: Wisdom
Wisdom is a key term in Job, Proverbs, and Ecclesiastes. The word can mean “skilled at making sound decisions in life.” Proverbs 9:10 states that “the fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom.”
Fact: A different kind of security
A different kind of security. In biblical times, if a person was unable to pay his debt, the consequences could be serious. The whole family could be sold into slavery. If someone put up “security” for another person, he promised to pay that person’s debt if he was unable to do so himself. Proverbs teaches that putting up security for another person is generally unwise, since those who do so risk losing everything if the other person cannot pay his debt (11:15).
Fact: Hezekiah’s contribution to Proverbs
Hezekiah’s contribution to Proverbs. Although most of the Proverbs were collected or written by King Solomon, who reigned from 971–931 B.C., the book of Proverbs did not exist in its present form until the time of King Hezekiah, some 200 years later. Hezekiah and “his men,” probably his scribes, recorded chs. 25–29.
Fact: Rock badgers
Rock badgers are small cliff-dwelling animals closely resembling guinea pigs. They live and forage for food in large groups and are good at hiding. They are best known for posting sentries that alert the group when danger is near. Perhaps it was this mark of wisdom that earned them a mention in Proverbs (30:26).
Fact: The city gate
The city gate was a place where leaders made key decisions (Prov. 31:23; Lam. 5:14). Lot’s presence at the city gate (Gen. 19:1) shows that he had a position of importance in Sodom.
Fact: Ants
Despite their small size, ants are a picture of wisdom and initiative (6:6–8; 30:25). Ant colonies can reach populations of more than half a million, and will work tirelessly during the harvest season to store food for the winter.
Fact: What is a crucible?
What is a crucible? In the ancient world, a crucible (27:21) was a bowl-shaped instrument used to hold metals such as gold and silver for the refining process. The crucible had to withstand the high temperatures needed to melt out the impurities within the metals. Materials such as clay or stone were used as crucibles.
OT Testimony that All Are under Sin (3:9)
| Romans 3 | OT Reference |
|---|---|
| Sinful Condition | |
| v. 10, none is righteous | Ps. 14:3/53:3; Eccles. 7:20 |
| v. 11a, no one understands | Ps. 14:2/53:2 |
| v. 11b, no one seeks for God | Ps. 14:2/53:2 |
| v. 12, all have turned aside; together they have become worthless; no one does good, not even one | Ps. 14:3/53:3 |
| Sinful Speech (note progression from throat to tongue to lips) | |
| v. 13a, b, their throat is an open grave; they use their tongues to deceive | Ps. 5:10, Septuagint (English, 5:9) |
| v. 13c, the venom of asps is under their lips | Ps. 140:3 |
| v. 14, their mouth is full of curses and bitterness | Ps. 10:7 |
| Sinful Action | |
| v. 15, their feet are swift to shed blood | Prov. 1:16/Isa. 59:7 |
| v. 16, in their paths are ruin and misery | Isa. 59:7 |
| v. 17, and the way of peace they have not known | Isa. 59:8 |
| Summary Statement | |
| v. 18, there is no fear of God before their eyes | Ps. 36:1 |
Prov. 27:1–2 These proverbs both concern boasting; boast and praise are different forms of the same Hebrew word. In v. 1, a person should not boast of his likely successes. In v. 2, he should not boast of himself.
Prov. 27:3–4 Both proverbs have the same pattern (two items mentioned for comparison’s sake, followed by a single item that is worse than both of them). Together, the proverbs suggest that a fool is more unbearable than any kind of physical (stone and sand) or psychological (wrath and anger) difficulty. Jealousy, unlike ordinary anger, will not listen to the voice of reason.
Prov. 27:5–6 Open rebuke gives a person the chance to reflect on the course he or she is taking. Hidden love sees problems but does not try to help the person.
Prov. 27:7–10 Each of these four proverbs teaches an element of wisdom that stands on its own, but they have additional use when taken together. Verses 7 and 9 suggest that it is good to have friends for the occasional party, but it is better to have a friend who gives good advice. Together, vv. 8 and 10 teach that there are benefits in remaining close to family, but a person in need should not hesitate to turn to a true friend.
Prov. 27:15–16 In light of v. 12, these proverbs encourage a man to be careful, for a quarrelsome character would likely be evident before marriage. The fact that the husband tries but fails to restrain his wife pictures the consequences of spouses working against each other, rather than each working with and for the other (compare the contrasting description of 31:11–12, 23, 28, 31).
Fact: What is a crucible?
What is a crucible? In the ancient world, a crucible (27:21) was a bowl-shaped instrument used to hold metals such as gold and silver for the refining process. The crucible had to withstand the high temperatures needed to melt out the impurities within the metals. Materials such as clay or stone were used as crucibles.
Prov. 27:19–22 Just as water reflects a person’s actual appearance, so the heart reflects a person’s true nature (v. 19). While a person may conceal or reveal his heart through speech and actions, only God can see its true state (see 21:2).
Prov. 27:11–28:1 The person who has caution and integrity will neither stumble into trouble nor fear being punished.
Prov. 28:2 The many rulers may refer to the increasing number of bureaucratic officials, or to frequent changes of ruling dynasty (as in the northern kingdom of Israel), or to the breakdown of central government leading to local lords ruling. Any of these can result from the lack of moral integrity in the people, and especially in those charged with leading the land.
Prov. 28:5 In Proverbs, evil men are those opposed to God’s will. They do not understand justice and what it requires from a government or a society. Those who seek the LORD, in contrast, should have the most accurate understanding of justice.
Prov. 28:9 The law is God’s covenantal instruction, especially the books of Moses. The three proverbs on the law (vv. 4, 7, 9) in this section (vv. 2–12) indicate that a healthy fear of the Lord is reflected in people’s respect for the law. This is the only thing that will enable people to maintain integrity.
Prov. 28:2–12 Righteous individuals are essential for a just society. When many individuals are unjust, particularly those with power, all of society will suffer.
Prov. 28:13–14 To fear the LORD (see note on 1:7) involves confessing one’s sins, rather than concealing them and hardening one’s heart. Such a person receives mercy and is therefore truly happy.
Prov. 28:15–16 A wicked ruler is pictured as a destructive wild animal who feeds off of poor people rather than protecting and providing for them. Such a ruler is a cruel oppressor who lacks the wisdom to hate unjust gain.
Prov. 28:17–18 These proverbs concern being delivered from trouble. No one should assist a fugitive fleeing from justice (compare Gen. 9:6). People of integrity will get the help they need.
Prov. 28:19–27 These proverbs all concern the desire to secure wealth and favor for oneself. They condemn get-rich-quick schemes (vv. 19, 20; compare 13:11), chasing after wealth (28:20, 22), accepting bribes (v. 21), seeking to get ahead by flattery (v. 23), wrongfully taking a parent’s money (v. 24), causing turmoil through greed (v. 25), and lacking charity (v. 27). The best way to prosperity and security is through hard work (v. 19), integrity and honesty (vv. 20, 21, 23, 24), and trusting in God and in godly wisdom (vv. 25, 26). Surprisingly, even generosity can lead to prosperity (v. 27).
Prov. 29:3–4 Verse 3 describes how a son may waste his inheritance, and v. 4 describes how a king can squander the kingdom that he inherited. The ruler who exacts gifts encourages a system of bribes and corruption, and so destroys his nation.
Prov. 29:7 A wicked man does not understand such knowledge because he is not truly concerned for the poor, but for himself. His declarations of concern for the poor probably have ulterior motives (see 28:5).
Prov. 29:12–14 A king’s administration will fall apart if he follows advice from corrupt counselors (v. 12), but it will thrive if he is just to all, even the weakest in his kingdom (v. 14). The Davidic king should be the protector of his people and the example of integrity. To give light to the eyes means to give life (compare 22:2).
Prov. 29:15–18 Verses 15 and 17 insist that parents should teach their children. Verses 16 and 18 describe a society in upheaval. The chaos of a child outside of parental control is comparable to the chaos of a people who refuse to obey God.
Prov. 29:24 Companions of criminals cannot avoid getting mixed up in their crimes. The curse such a person hears is the call to testify in a criminal proceeding (see Lev. 5:1).
Prov. 29:25 One who acts primarily out of a fear of man shows that he does not trust the LORD to protect him.
Prov. 25:1–29:27 Hezekiah’s Collection of Solomonic Proverbs. The present form of the book of Proverbs came into existence, at earliest, in the reign of Hezekiah (reigned 715–686 B.C.; see Introduction: Author and Date). Hezekiah is credited with reviving Judah’s religious traditions (2 Kings 18:3–7). A new, expanded edition of Solomonic proverbs was apparently part of that revival.
Prov. 29:27 The Hezekiah collection ends with a simple truth: righteousness and evil are offensive to each other. Those who are faithful to God should not be surprised when they are hated by the wicked (compare John 15:18–20, 25; 1 John 3:12–13).
Prov. 30:2–6 I am too stupid to be a man. Wisdom texts often begin with a teacher proclaiming that he is wise and so his words ought to be obeyed. Here, Agur does just the opposite: he confesses that he is not learned in wisdom (vv. 2–3). Agur then asks a series of rhetorical questions to show the limitations on human understanding and achievement (v. 4). Like the questions of God in Job 38–39, these questions point to things that only God can do. Silent reverence is the only proper human response (Prov. 30:6). The whole of vv. 2–6 teaches that human wisdom is limited, that the wisest people recognize their ignorance, that truth resides in the word of God, and that no one should think he is able to improve upon the wisdom that God has given.
Prov. 30:5–6 Every word of God proves true (compare 2 Sam. 22:31). God’s words are a proven foundation for one’s life. The proverb’s emphasis on every “word” underscores the truthfulness, trustworthiness, and reliability of the Bible, not just in its overall message but also in every detail.
Prov. 30:7–9 This is the only prayer in Proverbs. Agur asks for two things. The first request (remove far from me falsehood and lying) probably implies both that he does not want to become a liar and that he does not want to have people lie to him. The second request (give me neither poverty nor riches; feed me with the food that is needful for me) expresses caution about trusting in wealth.
Prov. 30:15 The leech has two daughters, both named Give. The saying probably alludes to the two suckers on a leech’s body. It may have been a common way to describe a selfish or demanding person.
Prov. 30:17 This is actually a curse. Agur obviously regards respect for parents as supremely important (see v. 11).
Prov. 30:18–19 The eagle, the serpent, and the ship leave no trail. The relationship of a man and a virgin, if it is chaste, likewise leaves no observable change.
Prov. 30:21–23 These four persons are unbearable because they have been given things they have no capacity to handle wisely. A modern example would be a person promoted above his ability level.
Fact: Ants
Despite their small size, ants are a picture of wisdom and initiative (6:6–8; 30:25). Ant colonies can reach populations of more than half a million, and will work tirelessly during the harvest season to store food for the winter.
Prov. 30:29–31 The king is the main point here; the animals serve as comparisons. The lesson is that a king’s majesty is in his subjects (see 14:28).
Prov. 30:1–33 The Sayings of Agur. The identity of Agur, son of Jakeh, is unknown. One claim is that the word translated oracle actually should be the proper name “Massa,” so that v. 1 would read, “Agur son of Jakeh, the man of Massa” (see ESV footnote). If so, then it might refer to a tribe in northwest Arabia, and Agur could have been a Gentile.
Prov. 31:4–5 Kings should serve the well-being of their subjects, especially protecting the rights of all the afflicted. They must never allow their judgment to be clouded by wine or strong drink.
Prov. 31:6–7 The strong drink would help those in bitter distress to forget their poverty. This is often taken to mean that the king should provide strong drink to those who are perishing or in misery, to relieve their physical pain. But it could also mean that the king should invite these people to a banquet where they can have some innocent fun and forget their troubles for a while.
Prov. 31:1–9 The Sayings of King Lemuel. The word translated “oracle” (v. 1) is the same as in 30:1. As in 30:1, some have preferred to see it as the name for a place called Massa (see note on 30:1–33). No one knows who Lemuel was, or where he was king. Most suppose that he was not an Israelite (which is consistent with the Aramaic spellings for son in 31:2 and kings in v. 3b, and with the absence of Yahweh’s name from all the sayings). Verses 2–9 describe the ideal human king: he is judicious personally (vv. 3–4) so that he may protect others through justice (vv. 5, 9) and compassion (vv. 6–8). This description runs contrary to ordinary experience, where power is often used to benefit the leader rather than those being led. If Lemuel was a ruler from outside Israel, then these verses underscore Proverbs’ teaching that all rulers are called upon to rule justly and are judged accordingly (compare Lady Wisdom’s comments in 8:14–16).
Prov. 31:15 By providing for her household and her maidens before the day begins, the “excellent wife” (v. 10) multiplies the effectiveness of her work. Her planning enables everyone else in her household to be productive throughout the day. She does not lie in bed and wait for servants to attend to her.
Prov. 31:16 She is not confined to the home but is engaged in business. This verse demonstrates remarkable financial independence for a woman in the ancient world. She herself considers a field (indicating wise judgment) and buys it (indicating control of a substantial amount of money).
Prov. 31:18 Profitable indicates that she is able to make money from her labor, which she uses to purchase a field (v. 16) and provide for her household (v. 15).
Prov. 31:23 Gates were the center of civic and economic life in an Israelite city. The leading men gathered there. The wife’s excellent work and noble character have contributed significantly to her husband’s success and reputation when he sits among the elders of the land.
Fact: The city gate
The city gate was a place where leaders made key decisions (Prov. 31:23; Lam. 5:14). Lot’s presence at the city gate (Gen. 19:1) shows that he had a position of importance in Sodom.
Prov. 31:25 Strength and dignity are so much a part of her character and conduct that they seem to be almost like her clothing. She laughs at the future, in contrast with being worried or fearful about it.
Prov. 31:26 The wisdom that God teaches in Proverbs can be well understood by both men and women (compare note on 1:8).
Prov. 31:28–29 In a loving family, the members value each other. Here the children and husband offer their praise. Verse 29 gives the words of the husband, or perhaps of both husband and children.
Prov. 31:30 The mention of a woman who fears the LORD at the end of this long list of excellent qualities brings back the theme of the book of Proverbs stated in 1:7 (see note). It reminds readers that this woman excels in her fear of the Lord. She is a model of the character traits and wisdom taught throughout the book. Inserting “fear of the Lord” at the end of this list is a reminder that this quality is more important than even great skill and talent. A godly woman may well have skill and beauty, but these are of secondary importance to her godliness.
Prov. 31:10–31 An Alphabet of Womanly Excellence. As the ESV footnote to v. 10 explains, this wisdom poem is an acrostic. Each successive verse begins with the next letter of the Hebrew alphabet. The poem begins and ends with mention of the woman’s “excellence” (vv. 10, 29–31). The probable intention of putting this in an acrostic pattern is to show that this woman’s character runs the whole range of excellence. The woman is married, and she is devoted to the well-being of her household (vv. 11–13, 15, 17, 19, 21–22, 25, 27). She contributes financially to her family (vv. 14, 16, 18, 24). At the same time she makes her home the center of ministry by giving generously to the poor (v. 20) and by instructing her children and household workers in true kindness (v. 26). Her husband and children enjoy their lives and honor her for her industry (vv. 11–12, 23, 28–29). This portrait of excellence sets such a high standard that it can be depressing to godly women today until its purpose is understood. First, the woman embodies wisdom in all areas of life. This shows that the teaching of Proverbs is intended for all of God’s people. Second, this profile is an ideal. It is not expected that any one woman will look exactly like this in every way. Rather, it is an example of full-scale virtue and wisdom toward which the faithful are willing to be molded.
Prov. 31:31 The wife’s works are known and appreciated in the gates (compare v. 23), and therefore throughout the town. Give her of the fruit of her hands means that she should be given some personal reward for her excellent work. let her works praise her. The excellent character and work of such a woman calls for public honor.
OT Testimony that All Are under Sin (3:9)
| Romans 3 | OT Reference |
|---|---|
| Sinful Condition | |
| v. 10, none is righteous | Ps. 14:3/53:3; Eccles. 7:20 |
| v. 11a, no one understands | Ps. 14:2/53:2 |
| v. 11b, no one seeks for God | Ps. 14:2/53:2 |
| v. 12, all have turned aside; together they have become worthless; no one does good, not even one | Ps. 14:3/53:3 |
| Sinful Speech (note progression from throat to tongue to lips) | |
| v. 13a, b, their throat is an open grave; they use their tongues to deceive | Ps. 5:10, Septuagint (English, 5:9) |
| v. 13c, the venom of asps is under their lips | Ps. 140:3 |
| v. 14, their mouth is full of curses and bitterness | Ps. 10:7 |
| Sinful Action | |
| v. 15, their feet are swift to shed blood | Prov. 1:16/Isa. 59:7 |
| v. 16, in their paths are ruin and misery | Isa. 59:7 |
| v. 17, and the way of peace they have not known | Isa. 59:8 |
| Summary Statement | |
| v. 18, there is no fear of God before their eyes | Ps. 36:1 |
Introduction to Proverbs
Timeline
Author and Date
Proverbs itself mentions Solomon (reigned c. 971–931 B.C.) as author or collector of its contents (1:1; 10:1), including the proverbs copied by Hezekiah’s men (25:1). There are also two batches of sayings from a group called “the wise” (22:17–24:22; 24:23–34), and “oracles” from Agur (30:1–33) and Lemuel (31:1–9). No author is named for the song in praise of the excellent wife that ends the book (31:10–31). Although Proverbs was begun in the time of Solomon, it probably was not in its present form until the time of Hezekiah (reigned c. 715–686 B.C.).
Theme
The goal of the book is stated right at the beginning (1:1–7): to describe what wisdom is and to help God’s people become wise. Wisdom is founded in the “fear of the Lord,” and it enables believers to express their faith in the practical details of everyday life.
Audience
The book is addressed to a young man. The situations he will face while he is young receive much attention. These situations supply concrete examples from which all readers can apply lessons to their own lives. Anyone who is wise and who pays attention will benefit (1:5) from this instruction.
Reading Proverbs
The reader of Proverbs must seek to understand the various types of people the book describes. The most obvious characters in the book are the wise, the fool, and the simple. Proverbs urges its readers to be wise, which means embracing God’s covenant and living out the covenant in everyday situations (compare 2:2; 10:1). The fool is the person who constantly opposes God’s covenant (1:7b). The simple is the person who is not firmly committed, either to wisdom or to folly; he is easily misled (14:15).
The first nine chapters of Proverbs are “wisdom poems” that urge the reader to pursue wisdom. The main section of Proverbs—the concise, memorable statements of two or three lines—begins in 10:1. Proverbs often seem to be mere observations about life, but their deeper meanings will reveal themselves if the following questions are kept in mind: (1) What virtue does this proverb commend? (2) What vice does it disapprove of? (3) What value does it affirm?
Key Themes
Proverbs offers wisdom on a wide array of topics from daily life: diligence and laziness (6:6–11); friendship (3:27–28; 18:24); speech (10:19–21); marriage (18:22; 19:14); child rearing (22:6); domestic peace (15:17; 17:1); work (11:1); getting along and good manners (23:1–2; 25:16–17; 26:17–19; 27:14); eternity (14:32; 23:17–18); and much more. It shows that “godliness is of value in every way, as it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come” (1 Tim. 4:8).
- God’s will is intensely practical, applying to every aspect of life. A proper relation to God involves trying hard to understand his truth, and then embracing and obeying that truth.
- A life lived by God’s will is a happy life (3:21–26).
- A life lived by God’s will is a useful life (3:27–28; 12:18, 25).
- A life lived by God’s will does not just happen. One must seek after it (9:1–6).
Outline
- Title, Goal, and Motto (1:1–7)
- A Father’s Invitation to Wisdom (1:8–9:18)
- Proverbs of Solomon (10:1–22:16)
- The Thirty Sayings of “the Wise” (22:17–24:22)
- Further Sayings of “the Wise” (24:23–34)
- Hezekiah’s Collection of Solomonic Proverbs (25:1–29:27)
- The Sayings of Agur (30:1–33)
- The Sayings of King Lemuel (31:1–9)
- An Alphabet of Womanly Excellence (31:10–31)
Fact: Wisdom
Wisdom is a key term in Job, Proverbs, and Ecclesiastes. The word can mean “skilled at making sound decisions in life.” Proverbs 9:10 states that “the fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom.”
Fact: A different kind of security
A different kind of security. In biblical times, if a person was unable to pay his debt, the consequences could be serious. The whole family could be sold into slavery. If someone put up “security” for another person, he promised to pay that person’s debt if he was unable to do so himself. Proverbs teaches that putting up security for another person is generally unwise, since those who do so risk losing everything if the other person cannot pay his debt (11:15).
Fact: Hezekiah’s contribution to Proverbs
Hezekiah’s contribution to Proverbs. Although most of the Proverbs were collected or written by King Solomon, who reigned from 971–931 B.C., the book of Proverbs did not exist in its present form until the time of King Hezekiah, some 200 years later. Hezekiah and “his men,” probably his scribes, recorded chs. 25–29.
Fact: Rock badgers
Rock badgers are small cliff-dwelling animals closely resembling guinea pigs. They live and forage for food in large groups and are good at hiding. They are best known for posting sentries that alert the group when danger is near. Perhaps it was this mark of wisdom that earned them a mention in Proverbs (30:26).
Listen to the Podcast
Listen NowDive Deeper | Proverbs 27-31
I love a good buffet. You can take many small portions, try new things, and return as many times as you want! In God's Word, Proverbs is much like a buffet—many small, one-line truths easy for the heart and mind to digest. Surprisingly, the Spirit finishes our dining experience in Proverbs by straying from his frequent use of juxtaposed one-liners (antithesis for my fellow English nerds) to give us an extended dessert course on the sweet nature of a woman who fears God.
Yet how have I, a humble man, been tapped on the shoulder by the Spirit to write a devotional on the Proverbs 31 woman? I believe God has equipped me for this task because he has blessed me with one in Jessica Fletcher. Just as King Lemuel's mother by the Spirit describes this "truly capable woman" (Proverbs 31:10, NJB), I can describe my beautiful bride. For each is priceless (10), trustworthy (11), kind (12), eager (13), diligent (14, 19), caring (15), shrewd (16, 18, 24), strong (17, 25), generous (20), prepared (21), fearless (21, 25), noble (22), a blessing to her family by her character (23), wise (26), not idle or lazy (27), and highly praised by those inside and outside her home (28-31). Wow!
There is application here for men and women, single and married. Single men, while my wife was and is charming and beautiful, her faith in Jesus is what captured and captivates me—seek this. Married men, quote Proverbs 31:29 frequently to your bride, and remember verse 30 when another woman's charming personality or batting eyes come your way at work, the gym, or elsewhere. Protect your marriage. Sisters in Christ, should you feel like you fall short of this list, remember that we men do, too. Yet the Proverbs 31 woman is our achievable example when we look to the Lord Jesus, love Him, and abide in Him (John 14:15, 15:5). For the root of her profound character is found in Proverbs 31:30 (emphasis mine): "Charm is deceitful, and beauty is vain, but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised."
This month's memory verse
"But he was pierced for our transgressions; he was crushed for our iniquities; upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace, and with his wounds we are healed. All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned—every one—to his own way; and the Lord has laid on him the iniquity of us all.”
– Isaiah 53:5-6
Discussion Questions
1. I particularly like Proverbs 31:25, which says that the woman of God "laughs at the time to come." The ironic source of this woman's fearlessness is her fear and trust in the Lord (verse 30). What has you anxious or worried today, and what does surrendering this to God look like for you?
2. It has been said that memorizing Scripture gives the Holy Spirit vocabulary. There are many wisdom principles God teaches throughout Proverbs. Look back over your quiet-time journaling. Which principle or verse from Proverbs do you think God wants you to focus on this season? Why? Write it on your heart and give the Spirit vocabulary!
3. Men, how do you see the Proverbs 31 woman in your wife, mother, sister, or daughter? Send that wonderful woman a quick word of encouragement today!
4. Women, take an additional moment to observe the characteristics of the Proverbs 31 woman. Where has the Lord helped you succeed? Where do you have room to grow? Say a short prayer thanking God for your success and for his help growing in a particular area going forward this year!