THROUGH THE BIBLE IN THREE YEARS
This program of daily devotions is designed to take you through the Bible in three years. It is our desire to help you gain a better general understanding of God's Word.
Please understand that in a study this brief, we will be concerned with only the major emphases and context of the Scriptures.
Each day a devotion for one or two chapters is posted, beginning with chapter one of Genesis and going through chapter twenty-two of Revelation. You are free to print each page as it appears. If you miss a day, you may contact us and request that devotion. Please send your request, along with $.50 (p&handling) for each page to:
Bruce McGee,Pastor
205 Adams
Columbia, LA 71418
We have a great friend in Gary Godard. He has set up an archive page. To view ALL the prior devotions by Scripture, just clik
Bro. Bruce's commentaries for
the books of Genesis through 2Kings are
now available in hard copy for $7.50. Just mail your request for
COMMENTARY ON (BOOK NAME) to the address above.
PROVERBS
CHAPTER 31
1 The words of king Lemuel, the prophecy that his mother taught him. 2 What, my son? and what, the son of my womb? and what, the son of my vows? 3 Give not thy strength unto women, nor thy ways to that which destroyeth kings. 4 It is not for kings, O Lemuel, it is not for kings to drink wine; nor for princes strong drink: 5 Lest they drink, and forget the law, and pervert the judgment of any of the afflicted. 6 Give strong drink unto him that is ready to perish, and wine unto those that be of heavy hearts. 7 Let him drink, and forget his poverty, and remember his misery no more.
King Lemuel? Who was he? He was probably Solomon. The name "Lemuel" means devoted to God. It was probably a type of nickname Bathsheba used for Solomon because she knew the prophecy of the Lord concerning him. She knew he was ordained of God to become king of Israel.
As such she instructed and trained him to be that for which God had brought him into the world. Mothers are a very important part of children's training. In this day and age, education is usually received at the hands of public schools. But the education of morality, decency, integrity and social behavior is the important duty of parents.
There are two things which this mother taught that were unbecoming of kings: sexual promiscuity and drunkenness. Solomon was guilty of both. He had 700 wives and 300 concubines, and the Bible says, "...king Solomon loved many strange women.." (1Kings 11:1). He also became involved in the worship of Ashtoreth (1Kings 11:5) which included both drunkenness and participation with temple prostitutes.
Solomon was indeed guilty of those things, but he remembered what his mother had taught him that was right concerning godliness. And he had it written down for our benefit.
The Bible tells us that when we are saved, we are made "kings and priests" to God (Revelation 5:10).
Christians should take this admonishment as personal from a man who has been there and knows it is NOT GOOD. In fact the mother instructed the child here and said sexual promiscuity "destroyeth kings" (verse 3). We have only to look at recent history in America to realize this truth. Many leaders have been shamed and disgraced because of this sin.
And drunkenness causes one to "forget the law." In particular, the "law" is the Word of God - the Bible. When God's Word is not heeded, then there is perversion of judgment (verse 5).
Solomon was the wisest man in all the world. He had experienced these things and how they brought ruin to his leadership. He knew his mother was right when she had taught him, because God had confirmed it (see 1Kings 11:11-14).
8 Open thy mouth for the dumb in the cause of all such as are appointed to destruction. 9 Open thy mouth, judge righteously, and plead the cause of the poor and needy.
A king, or ruler, should pay attention to delivering the poor. The poor are often trampled under foot by those who have possessions and power. The king should "judge righteously" (verse 9) and help them.
Again, the Bible says that Christians are made "kings and priests." Therefore, this admonishment belongs particularly to the Christian church today. We should not be having so many government programs to "deliver" the poor, if Christians were more diligent in performing God's detailed admonishment! Which is better, to give willingly or to be taxed forcefully?
10 Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies. 11 The heart of her husband doth safely trust in her, so that he shall have no need of spoil. 12 She will do him good and not evil all the days of her life.
This man, who had so many wives, realized the value of a monogamus marriage in which a man was blessed with a "virtuous woman."
Solomon now begins a lengthy dissertation upon a "virtuous woman" and wife.
Marriage was intended to be a union of one man and one woman for one lifetime (Genesis 2:24).
When a man finds a "good wife" he has been blessed of God (see Proverbs 19:14). She is faithful in her affections to him alone, and she is faithful in duties for him and the family to which she is joined (verse 11).
The intent and determination of a "virtuous woman" is to "do good" for her husband and family all her life.
13 She seeketh wool, and flax, and worketh willingly with her hands. 14 She is like the merchants' ships; she bringeth her food from afar.
The "virtuous" wife is constantly looking to find those things which will be useful in her family. She willingly works with those things that are near and "from afar" to give comfort to the husband and family.
15 She riseth also while it is yet night, and giveth meat to her household, and a portion to her maidens.
My friends, the "virtuous" woman is an EARLY RISER! Her duties cause her to arise early and be sure of her household.
Here is a word of caution to young men. Do not marry a woman who sleeps late!
16 She considereth a field, and buyeth it: with the fruit of her hands she planteth a vineyard. 17 She girdeth her loins with strength, and strengtheneth her arms.
The "virtuous" woman is a business person. She uses what is available to buy that which is fruitful.
She is also a "strong" woman, because she gets plenty of exercise performing the tasks of the household.
18 She perceiveth that her merchandise is good: her candle goeth not out by night.
I love this verse. It reminds me of my childhood. The "virtuous" woman KNOWS that she does good work!
I remember having "rain barrels" around our house. Some of you may not be old enough to remember that. Why would someone want to collect "rain" water which had come off a roof? It cannot be used for drinking water. And it is hard water, not fit for bathing. But it could be used for making SOAP! Women, involved in the duties of the household, knew that rain water was best for making soap.
9 She layeth her hands to the spindle, and her hands hold the distaff. 20 She stretcheth out her hand to the poor; yea, she reacheth forth her hands to the needy. 21 She is not afraid of the snow for her household: for all her household are clothed with scarlet. 22 She maketh herself coverings of tapestry; her clothing is silk and purple.
While being busy to care for her own family, the "virtuous" woman also cares for the "poor." She is constantly making new garments for her own family, and thus can give older ones to the poor.
When cold weather comes (verse 21), she KNOWS that her family is well-clothed.
23 Her husband is known in the gates, when he sitteth among the elders of the land. 24 She maketh fine linen, and selleth it; and delivereth girdles unto the merchant. 25 Strength and honour are her clothing; and she shall rejoice in time to come. 26 She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness.
Her husband is well-known because she has proven her care for him, and he is respected. She is industrious (verse 24) and exhibits integrity (verse 25). She speaks with wisdom and is not a gossip (verse 26).
27 She looketh well to the ways of her household, and eateth not the bread of idleness. 28 Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth her. 29 Many daughters have done virtuously, but thou excellest them all. 30 Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth the LORD, she shall be praised.
The "virtuous" woman is NOT IDLE! She is continually looking for things which will be a blessing to her household.
She receives praise from her husband and children (verse 28). Listen gentlemen: if you wish to improve the industriousness of your wife, be sure and give COMPLIMENTS! She is WORTHY of praise, and she DESERVES it!
Notice what is said about the "virtuous" woman by her husband and children. They say, "There's NONE like you! You're the BEST!"
Now verse 30 is the KEY. The "virtuous" woman is one who faithfully serves GOD!
Young men, when you're looking for a wife, look for a woman who LOVES GOD!
31 Give her of the fruit of her hands; and let her own works praise her in the gates.
My friends, a "virtuous" woman will be KNOWN! She will be known by her WORKS. Her works are of integrity and fulfillment of duty. She is strong, courageous and tender. Her HEART is known by her WORKS!
The intent to serve her family will be SHOWN and exhibited by works of care. Note here, of all the things for which she COULD be noted, her work in the home is the MOST IMPORTANT.
She is not noted for her mental ability, her degrees from the university, her social graces, nor her business accomplishments.
The "virtuous" woman will be PRAISED for her work in the home!
PLEASE CONTINUE IN BIBLE STUDY WITH US TOMORROW.