December 31, 2022 -- Proverbs 31:1-3; 10-12 -- Journey to Christmas through Proverbs and Luke ending in the Love of the Father
/People loved by the Father, in the power of the Spirit: Sh'ma ~ hear and obey Jesus!
The words of King Lemuel. An oracle that his mother taught him:
2 What are you doing, 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.
10 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.
Proverbs 31:1-3; 10-12 ESV
The Proverbs end with the summary that there are two ways one can go. King Lemuel’s mother had warned him against the wayward woman who destroys kings. It is the summary of the warning lessons of the book of Proverbs. The brief opening verses of Proverbs 31, words of warning are sharply contrasted by the life of a wise woman. Notice how the first reference to a woman of wisdom likely slipped past you unnoticed. She is King Lemuel's own mother. This wise woman spent her life teaching her son the discipline of the LORD. When King Lemuel is mature, he can recite the way of wisdom and know the difference between foolishness and wisdom.
The excellent wife for a godly man is woman of wisdom. In this final chapter of Proverbs wisdom is personified. You can see all the qualities of one who walks with the LORD. How each part of her life is filled with blessing. Her interactions with others brings blessing to them as well. This personification of wisdom can also be applied to a man who honours the Living God. A man of integrity who is putting into practice all the LORD commands. A single man, or single woman, who serves the LORD as is described in the verses 10 to 31, is a person of humility whose life shines out with the love of God, gives a clear example His grace, and this in the fellowship of the Holy Spirit.
2022 with its upheavals and joys, challenges and pains is ended. Who, but the LORD our King, knows what 2023 will bring? A woman of wisdom, or a man of wisdom, laughs at the times to come (verse 25). Such mirth is not scorn or boasting; it is the joy of the LORD. A person of wisdom knows the LORD is the shield and very great reward of His people. The man of wisdom and the woman of wisdom are so reassured of the present Love of the Father that no circumstance of life can ever shake their confidence in Him.
Our Father in heaven, hallowed be Your Name. Thank You for Your faithful love revealed in 2022. Such love which carried Your people through every trial of joy and sorrow. At the edge of 2023, where all the future is a mystery, thank You for this Truth: He Who knows the end from the beginning is the very LORD of Lovingkindness goes before us and beside us. Thank You for the glorious gift of Jesus Christ, Who is seated on the throne of grace, praying for believers! Thank You for the powerful Spirit, in Whom believers are joined to Jesus Christ, the One Who has overcome every battle and in Whom believers have the victory. Let Your glory shine out in 2023. May the knowledge of the glory of the LORD cover the earth as the waters cover the sea.
https://youtu.be/ryhBhc2IGzs
Toby Mac “Faithfully”
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