I am a month behind in reading so don’t know if this will be helpful, but if you’re behind like me maybe it will be! In my ESV bible the footnotes break proverbs 30 down like this. Vs 18-19 describe things that leave no damage or trail behind them (assuming the man and virgin are married of course), but in contrast the adulteress in vs 20 leaves behind damage and chaos. A symbol of our willingness to sin, and then saying there’s nothing wrong with it (lack of repentance), which actually causes destruction not only to us and our relationship with God, but to others as well.
Vs 21-23 describe those who have been given something that they are incapable of enjoying and stewarding wisely. Vs 24-28 describe creatures that are seemingly small and insignificant, but teach us the value of humility, hard work, seeking safety and refuge.
These verses seem strange to me too, but I thought about it like this: God is sovereign, he has enabled us to live a life of freedom and joy and significance in him, and we are to be good stewards of what he has given us-not squander it like “a slave who becomes king” or assume we can do all on our own, but relying on His grace and His sovereignty in all we do, giving thanks to Him for what he has done.
The message says “when a girl friend replaces a faithful wife ” I can relate to this being heartbreaking as my brother recently cheated on his wife and the repercussions have been intense …
21 Under three things the earth trembles;
under four it cannot bear up:
23 an unloved woman when she gets a husband.
These verses affected me because it reminded me to not rush into marriage because of social obligation or impatience but to wait for real sacrificial love. Let me know if you interpret this verse any differently.
Acts 12:24 But the word of God increased and multiplied.
I didn’t grow up “in the church” – my parents always encouraged me to find what Faith i felt called to and to follow my heart. I’ll never forget when I dropped to my knees in prayer and was saved just when I stopped thinking there was anyone out there to help me. This verse from the early church reminds me to never be ashamed and to speak freely of His word. I was hundreds of thousands of dollar in debt, had been through many bad relationships, made stupid choices and it was time for someone else to come into my heart and lead. I thank God for that day! I couldn’t control my life in a way that lead me to greatness, but allowing God to lead me has literally opened doors to new beginnings only He could create!
Katrina, your words are so encouraging to me right now! Thank you for sharing, I believe the God who gave you a fresh start is currently working in mighty ways behind the scenes on mine. I feel Him all around, and the circumstances ARE changing. Your story brings hope!!
That’s great! Thank you for the commentary. I am reading a year later and it’s good stuff!
I am a month behind in reading so don’t know if this will be helpful, but if you’re behind like me maybe it will be! In my ESV bible the footnotes break proverbs 30 down like this. Vs 18-19 describe things that leave no damage or trail behind them (assuming the man and virgin are married of course), but in contrast the adulteress in vs 20 leaves behind damage and chaos. A symbol of our willingness to sin, and then saying there’s nothing wrong with it (lack of repentance), which actually causes destruction not only to us and our relationship with God, but to others as well.
Vs 21-23 describe those who have been given something that they are incapable of enjoying and stewarding wisely. Vs 24-28 describe creatures that are seemingly small and insignificant, but teach us the value of humility, hard work, seeking safety and refuge.
These verses seem strange to me too, but I thought about it like this: God is sovereign, he has enabled us to live a life of freedom and joy and significance in him, and we are to be good stewards of what he has given us-not squander it like “a slave who becomes king” or assume we can do all on our own, but relying on His grace and His sovereignty in all we do, giving thanks to Him for what he has done.
Thanks!!! Your explanation makes more sense
Thanks Alison, that’s so good (and convicting!)
Any insight on the passages in psalms? I’m a little confused on when they were naming off things!
The message says “when a girl friend replaces a faithful wife ” I can relate to this being heartbreaking as my brother recently cheated on his wife and the repercussions have been intense …
21 Under three things the earth trembles;
under four it cannot bear up:
23 an unloved woman when she gets a husband.
These verses affected me because it reminded me to not rush into marriage because of social obligation or impatience but to wait for real sacrificial love. Let me know if you interpret this verse any differently.
That one was confusing to me, the whole section really. I should find a good commentary.
In the NIV version it says “a contemptible woman who gets married.” Not sure if that helps
11 A fool gives full vent to his spirit,
but a wise man quietly holds it back.
I feel like we’re often encouraged to do this… Not good! Ive started using the laundry room to vent to the Lord, get on my knees and listen.
Acts 12:24 But the word of God increased and multiplied.
I didn’t grow up “in the church” – my parents always encouraged me to find what Faith i felt called to and to follow my heart. I’ll never forget when I dropped to my knees in prayer and was saved just when I stopped thinking there was anyone out there to help me. This verse from the early church reminds me to never be ashamed and to speak freely of His word. I was hundreds of thousands of dollar in debt, had been through many bad relationships, made stupid choices and it was time for someone else to come into my heart and lead. I thank God for that day! I couldn’t control my life in a way that lead me to greatness, but allowing God to lead me has literally opened doors to new beginnings only He could create!
Praise the Lord Katrina! What a blessing!
Katrina, your words are so encouraging to me right now! Thank you for sharing, I believe the God who gave you a fresh start is currently working in mighty ways behind the scenes on mine. I feel Him all around, and the circumstances ARE changing. Your story brings hope!!
❤️
So much good in Proverbs, and so much to convict me.
Amen!