Regarding the final section I’ve read in The Bible knowledge Commentary (by Walvoord and Zuck): The Proverbs of Solomon Collected by Hezekiah’s Men (chapters 25—29), is an eclectic set of proverbs they chose to copy. Why these and not others? Publishers that put hymnbooks together need to pick and choose (a phrase which I learned from this commentary is a hendiadys – hen-ˈdī-ə-dəs) between Fanny J. Crosby’s thousands of hymns to include. Perhaps that was a winnowing process Hezekiah’s men faced regarding Solomon’s vast writings, and this selection is the result. They give helpful wisdom on a wide range of relational topics. I am reminded that my list of memory verses is also quite diverse, and I don’t recall how I chose all of them. Yet I treasure them all.
The Words of Agur (30:1-33), begins with a healthy attitude toward God, whose vastness is beyond comprehension. This is good wisdom we need to face each day in humility. He prays in 30:8-9 for moderation of riches so he does not get complacent about God. Then he compiles lists of elements that are too wonderful, little, majestic, and others from nature that actually mimic his incomprehension of God. Who can understand it all? Wisdom gives us enough to live a prosperous life, while it leaves room for wonder and exploration.
The Words of King Lemuel’s Mother (31:1-9), reminds us that it is good for kings and those of non-royalty stock to humbly remember the faithful teachings of their godly parents. It is a reminder, too, that a parent’s teaching may come up in unexpected times in the life of their child. This is a hope and comfort for them. This is why such children are a joy to the parent.
The Virtuous Wife (31:10-31), who can find? I suggest a man skilled in wisdom will find her. Like will respond to like. The wise will detect the foolish, and avoid. This woman is exemplifying all the riches found in Proverbs, all in one package, all her activities showing a caring and industrious heart toward family, the poor, and good standing in the community. She could be the “after” picture to the believer’s “before” if the believer wishes to excel in many areas of life in wisdom and the fear of the Lord.
