The perfect woman. How would you describe the perfect woman? It’s interesting that God uses this opportunity here in the last chapter of Proverbs to describe the ideal wife. Read Proverbs 31. The words of King Lemuel, the oracle which his mother taught him: What, O my son? And what, O son of my womb? And what, O son of my vows? Do not give your strength to women, Or your ways to that which destroys kings. It is not for kings, O Lemuel, It is not for kings to drink wine, Or for rulers to desire strong drink, For they will drink and forget what is decreed, And pervert…

Another perspective. We have heard wisdom from Solomon, who was the wisest man ever to walk the earth, since he was given the wisdom of God. Yet this chapter is written by another man. Read Proverbs 30. The words of Agur the son of Jakeh, the oracle. The man declares to Ithiel, to Ithiel and Ucal: Surely I am more stupid than any man, And I do not have the understanding of a man. Neither have I learned wisdom, Nor do I have the knowledge of the Holy One. Who has ascended into heaven and descended? Who has gathered the wind in His fists? Who has wrapped the waters in…

How do we respond to the world around us? What is our attitude toward the world? These are issues tackled in Proverbs 29. General Advice – Proverbs 29:1-27 A man who hardens his neck after much reproof Will suddenly be broken beyond remedy. When the righteous increase, the people rejoice, But when a wicked man rules, people groan. A man who loves wisdom makes his father glad, But he who keeps company with harlots wastes his wealth. The king gives stability to the land by justice, But a man who takes bribes overthrows it. A man who flatters his neighbor Is spreading a net for his steps. By transgression an…

Money and possessions. It matters how we respond to money and possessions. Will we use wisdom in dealing with both the those areas? Read Proverbs 28. Wisdom and Money – Proverbs 28:1-11 The wicked flee when no one is pursuing, But the righteous are bold as a lion. By the transgression of a land many are its princes, But by a man of understanding and knowledge, so it endures. A poor man who oppresses the lowly Is like a driving rain which leaves no food. Those who forsake the law praise the wicked, But those who keep the law strive with them. Evil men do not understand justice, But those…

Advice. We receive advice from all different types of people about all different types of things. Here, Solomon gives several pieces of general, practical advice. Read Proverbs 27. Advice – Proverbs 27:1-27 Do not boast about tomorrow, For you do not know what a day may bring forth. Let another praise you, and not your own mouth; A stranger, and not your own lips. A stone is heavy and the sand weighty, But the provocation of a fool is heavier than both of them. Wrath is fierce and anger is a flood, But who can stand before jealousy? Better is open rebuke Than love that is concealed. Faithful are the…

The foolish, the lazy, the deceiver and the contentious. None of these have the characteristics or attributes that Christ is looking for, but all of these are very common in our world. Read Proverbs 26. The Foolish – Proverbs 26:1-12 Like snow in summer and like rain in harvest, So honor is not fitting for a fool. Like a sparrow in its flitting, like a swallow in its flying, So a curse without cause does not alight. A whip is for the horse, a bridle for the donkey, And a rod for the back of fools. Do not answer a fool according to his folly, Or you will also be…

Lead yourself. As you read through most leadership books, you will find an emphasis on the importance of a leading yourself first and foremost, before you can lead any one else. Read Proverbs 25. Dealing with Authority – Proverbs 25:1-10 These also are proverbs of Solomon which the men of Hezekiah, king of Judah, transcribed. It is the glory of God to conceal a matter, But the glory of kings is to search out a matter. As the heavens for height and the earth for depth, So the heart of kings is unsearchable. Take away the dross from the silver, And there comes out a vessel for the smith; Take…

What do you learn from wisdom and foolishness? Read Proverbs 24. The Characteristics of Wisdom – Proverbs 24:1-9 Do not be envious of evil men, Nor desire to be with them; For their minds devise violence, And their lips talk of trouble. By wisdom a house is built, And by understanding it is established; And by knowledge the rooms are filled With all precious and pleasant riches. A wise man is strong, And a man of knowledge increases power. For by wise guidance you will wage war, And in abundance of counselors there is victory. Wisdom is too exalted for a fool, He does not open his mouth in the…

I wish… If only… It’s not fair that… All of these phrases have in common a lack of contentment with the current state of things. What are we desiring? Does it line up with Christ? Read Proverbs 23. Desire for wealth – Proverbs 23:1-11 When you sit down to dine with a ruler, Consider carefully what is before you, And put a knife to your throat If you are a man of great appetite. Do not desire his delicacies, For it is deceptive food. Do not weary yourself to gain wealth, Cease from your consideration of it. When you set your eyes on it, it is gone. For wealth certainly…

Reputation and integrity. What is the impression that others have of us? How are we known among the people we associate with? It will be based on our actions. Read Proverbs 22:1-29. The Actions of Integrity – Proverbs 22:1-29 A good name is to be more desired than great wealth, Favor is better than silver and gold. The rich and the poor have a common bond, The Lord is the maker of them all. The prudent sees the evil and hides himself, But the naive go on, and are punished for it. The reward of humility and the fear of the Lord Are riches, honor and life. Thorns and snares…