God Speaks
Obervations of a Wise Man and Commendation of a Wise Woman
Verse of the Day: “Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute. Speak up and judge fairly; defend the rights of the poor and needy. ( Proverbs 31:8-9 NIV 2011)
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Watch TBR Day 173
We Respond
Reflection: Consider the following questions regarding Proverbs 30-31:
1. What does this chapter tell me about God?
2. What does this chapter tell me about the human beings He created?
Here is one possible answer to each of these questions. Ask the Holy Spirit if there are any others for you personally to ponder.
Proverbs 30
1. Every word of God proves true. He is a shield to all who come to Him for protection.
2. It is best for people not to tell lies or to have too much or too little money. All three conditions might each cause a person to disobey or dishonor God.
Proverbs 31
1. God is willing to enable people to be virtuous if they will turn and depend on Him.
2. If people will depend on the LORD: Men will keep their vows and promises, will avoid being controlled by substances, habits, or unsavory people, and will stand for what is right for the poor, needy, and defenseless. Women will be seen as valuable, trustworthy, industrious, wise, charitable, astute, kind, capable, and praiseworthy.
Prayer:
3. How might I pray regarding Proverbs 30-31?
Dear LORD God, You are the source of all wisdom. You are the One who makes one person wise and another foolish, but any fool can become wise if they will only turn to You and ask. I find it interesting that centuries before He came to earth, someone was asking for Your name and the name of Your Son. Thank You that Your Word is true and reliable, and thanks for shielding and protecting me from enemies and dangers seen and unseen. Please grant me as well the two favors asked for in this oracle. Please also protect me and other people from people who slander workers to their employers, those who curse or dishonor their parents, those who are pure in their own eyes but have filthy hearts [and mouths], those who look down on others and devour the defenseless. They will suffer the consequences of their actions that You mete out in Your time and in Your way. May I always be amazed at various aspects of Your creation. Hold people (including me) accountable for their actions. May I learn wisdom by observing Your creation. Please show me wise ways to avoid quarrels. LORD God, You know how You designed men and women. You know the appropriate roles, strengths, and weaknesses of each sex. You know how we are both to complement and compliment each other. I pray against the ways in which my culture is being drawn into blurring the lines of distinction; instead, help us to value and celebrate the distinctions and teach our children to do the same. May we start with this description of a very capable, godly woman. No one is likely to exhibit all of these qualities, but our society would be much better if each woman would strive toward the goal of exhibiting as many as she can. Each man should strive to be a complement to her while facing the challenges of leading, protecting, and serving her. We can find no better model than You, Jesus. You patiently taught the Twelve by Your living example, demonstrated loving obedience to the Father, sacrificed Your life for our sakes, and sent the Holy Spirit to empower us to do the same. By exhibiting proper interaction between the sexes, we will bring You glory, LORD. AMEN
Action: (Ask God, the Holy Spirit, if He wants you to work on one of the suggestions below or something else more personal that He points out.)
4. What action does the LORD want me to take in response to Proverbs 30-31? With the help of God’s Holy Spirit:
- I will thank God that His word is true and that He is my shield and protection.
- I will ask the LORD God to expose those who are adding to or manipulating His words and rebuke them as liars.
- I will examine my stance on my use of alcoholic beverages or any other controlling substances. Is it biblical and/or wise?
- I will participate in an organization that speaks up for those who cannot speak for themselves.
- I will help someone seek justice for an injury or serious offense.
- I will praise and/or thank a woman I know who exhibits the actions and attitudes of the woman described in verses 10-31.
Share: I plan to share what I’ve learned with __________.