Proverbs 30
Proverbs 30
Much of this was pulled from Jonathan Akin’s writing in the Christ-Centered Exposition of Proverbs.
There are warnings concerning “uncontrolled appetites”, and we will walk through them:
The idea here: a slave doesn’t know how to rule, a fool doesn’t know how to control themselves, a bitter woman does not know how to love a husband.
These uncontrolled appetites lead to dangerous things. But then Solomon gives wisdom on how to live (v. 24-28).
Akin says, “You observe the tiny ants and lizards because they are humble, limited creatures that despite their limitations, even because of their limitations, develop wisdom and competency. Go and do likewise. You learn your weaknesses, your limits, your drawbacks, and then humble yourself before God and you will be made wise… If you have a problem with uncontrolled appetites for money, sex, or status; if you are not honoring your parents; if you are mistreating the poor, or if you can’t see how the world really works it’s because you have a problem with Jesus! So humble yourself and seek forgiveness and transformation in Jesus Christ. There is an order to the world. The Maker made it to work a certain way. That order is Christ-centered.”
What stood out to you from Proverbs 30?
By: Brice Stockton
Much of this was pulled from Jonathan Akin’s writing in the Christ-Centered Exposition of Proverbs.
There are warnings concerning “uncontrolled appetites”, and we will walk through them:
- Uncontrolled appetite for money (v. 15-16)
- There is never a satisfaction, but always a desire for more.
- Uncontrolled appetite for sex (v. 18-20)
- V. 20 – the adulteress treats sex like eating a regular meal. But the adulteress wipes their mouth so there is no remembrance or remorse for actions.
- Uncontrolled appetite for status (v. 21-23)
The idea here: a slave doesn’t know how to rule, a fool doesn’t know how to control themselves, a bitter woman does not know how to love a husband.
These uncontrolled appetites lead to dangerous things. But then Solomon gives wisdom on how to live (v. 24-28).
- Ants – not strong, but provide.
- The idea: Stores up in the good times so it can be prepared for the bad. Complete contrast to the uncontrolled appetite for money.
- Hyraxes – not mighty, but secure.
- The idea: Live a life that is secure from the things that could danger you.
- Locusts – march together
- The idea: The importance for community.
- Lizards – vulnerable, but valued
Akin says, “You observe the tiny ants and lizards because they are humble, limited creatures that despite their limitations, even because of their limitations, develop wisdom and competency. Go and do likewise. You learn your weaknesses, your limits, your drawbacks, and then humble yourself before God and you will be made wise… If you have a problem with uncontrolled appetites for money, sex, or status; if you are not honoring your parents; if you are mistreating the poor, or if you can’t see how the world really works it’s because you have a problem with Jesus! So humble yourself and seek forgiveness and transformation in Jesus Christ. There is an order to the world. The Maker made it to work a certain way. That order is Christ-centered.”
What stood out to you from Proverbs 30?
By: Brice Stockton
2 Comments
Verses 1-4 … This reminded me of Job’s & his wife’s hurt over their trials, and of God’s answer to Job. It reminded me of my own hurt over trials sometimes, and of how I’m hurting God’s heart when I pridefully buck at the things He sends in His wise, sovereign, matchless love. The whole chapter seemed to focus on pride & selfishness; but these beginning verses emphasized to me that in my moments of feeling weary & worn out, I need to “come to Him & find rest” (Matthew 11). I need to remember that HE’S the One Who holds everything together and I need to bring my heavy burdens to Him for help, rather than letting the burdens overwhelm me and then resenting the burdens for being heavy.
Thank you Brice for sharing those illustrations! There is so much in this proverb to process ! What I see is that God’s Word is eternal, is true all the time and is where we can go in all of our circumstances! It is only in and through Christ where we can gain wisdom!