Day 200

Learning from Others

Read: Proverbs 29-31

Proverbs 29 is the last chapter written by Solomon in the book of Proverbs. It includes proverbs beginning with “if.” One describes the uselessness of arguing with a foolish person. Another shows how corruption grows in government. Still another promises that a government concerned for the poor will be stable.

Agur is the author of chapter 30. He likes to speak about groups of four. There are four things he doesn’t understand, including how a man courts a woman. There are four things which cause trouble, all four of them being ways in which people suddenly gain power which they cannot wisely handle. There are four small animals, all of whom show great wisdom.

The final chapter consists of wisdom taught to a king by his mother. In the first part of the chapter, she stresses the dangers of a king falling under the influence of his wives. This was certainly illustrated by the bad influence that pagan wives had on King Solomon. She also warns of the danger of alcoholic beverages. She concludes her advice to the king by reminding him that he must speak out on behalf of the oppressed.

The last part of the last chapter consists of a description of the ideal wife. She is a very industrious person with managerial skills and as a result she is praised by her husband and children.

PRAYER
Father, give us the willingness to learn from the right sources that we may be a blessing. In Jesus’ name. Amen.