Crosstalk – September 20th, 2009
Current series: “Proverbs – Three Sermons from the Gate”
This week’s scripture focus: Proverbs 31:10-31
Background:
Today’s passage concludes the book of Proverbs. The book opened with King Solomon giving advice to his sons. It ends with a king’s mother passing on her wisdom. Proverbs 31:10-31 is an acrostic, with each verse beginning with a differing and consecutive letter of the Hebrew alphabet.
Since marriages were most often arranged by parents or a third party in Bible times, the primary consideration in choosing a spouse was often financial. Prospective brides came along with a mohar, or dowry of money, goods, or service. As we find throughout the book of Proverbs, character trumps wealth in spousal qualities.
The bible came to us through the lens of a culture dominated by men. There’s no getting around that fact. Only in our day have the rights of women even been given consideration. It would be easy to view this passage of the ideal wife as another attempt to see women as property, whose only value is in how they see to the comfort of their husbands. However, we find some surprising characteristics mentioned in this passage. The noble wife isn’t some barefoot, illiterate, kitchen maid.
The Proverbs 31 woman is astute in business as she deals in real estate, an artisan whose goods compare with those brought in from far away lands, an overseer of household operations, all while dispensing words of wisdom in gentleness and providing for the poor with generosity. Keep in mind this poem itself is attributed to a mother! Note the Proverbs 31 woman is beautiful, not because of her outward appearance, but because of the beauty of her actions. Not only does she receive the rewards of her character, but also her husband is respected “at the gate”. The reward this rare woman receives is the praise of her husband and children.
Today’s passage speaks to all people, male and female, married and single, on the value of character. It has a special message to the Bride of Christ, since our character reflects directly upon Jesus, our bridegroom.
Five Questions:
1. What’s happening in your life since last Sunday? What can we pray with you about today?
2. What did God show you through your scripture reading and prayer this week?
3. A noble character is described by such words as “integrity”, “authenticity”, and “courage”. What words do you think best describe our current culture?
4. What are some examples of how Jesus showed true character while on earth?
5. What do you think of this recent CNN news article?
Crosstalk – September 13th, 2009
Current series: “Proverbs – Three Sermons from the Gate”
This week’s scripture focus: Proverbs 1:20-33
Background:
This is the first time that Wisdom, personified as a woman, speaks to us. Sophia (Greek for “wisdom”) has an interesting history. Many traditions view her as an actual person, even a female expression of God! Remember – the Proverbs are best viewed as general “rules of thumb” for wise living, not precepts for doctrine. Lady Wisdom is a symbol of conveyed truth.
Once again, the action is taking place at the city gates. Prophets would often gather at the gate to shout out their warnings to the wayward crowds. Wisdom is pictured here as a “prophetess” of truth. She is warning the “simple” (those ignorant of the truth), the “mockers” (those cynical of the truth), and the “fools” (those hostile to the truth.)
Will God really laugh at the destruction of those who reject His teaching? Again, this passage was not written with Judgment Day in mind, but to convey the urgency of the message. Our choices have consequences, and if we continue to reject wisdom, there will come a time when we must suffer for it.
Note that waywardness and complacency are what destroys the foolish in the end. In Bible times, people viewed destruction as punishment from God for evil actions, and material possessions as blessings from God for faithful service. In contrast, we see that simply refusing to follow wise counsel leads to laziness, and ultimately, death. It’s not that the “simple” aren’t hearing Wisdom’s words; they are just failing to listen. Living wisely requires active listening, then putting what we hear into practice.
Five Questions:
1. What’s happening in your life since last Sunday? What can we pray with you about today?
2. What did God show you through your scripture reading and prayer this week?
3. What is wisdom, anyhow? Why do you think it is portrayed as a woman here?
4. How can we as Christians ensure the world around us is hearing our message?
5. (for thought) Are there areas of your life in which you are being short-sighted, or ignoring God’s truth?
Crosstalk – September 6th, 2009
Current series: “Proverbs – Three Sermons from the Gate”
This week’s scripture focus: Proverbs 22 (focus on verses 1-2, 8-9, 22-23)
Background:
Proverbs falls into a category of scripture known as wisdom literature. The point of the wisdom books is not to convey doctrine or history, but to give life principles to people in ordinary situations, where no one walks on water and angels don’t stop by for dinner!
The book of Proverbs is a collection of couplets, or two-line poems, meant to give practical advise for wise living. Each verse stands alone, with no connection to others around it. It is attributed to Solomon, Israel’s wisest king, and is written from the perspective of a father passing down life lessons to his son. The connecting theme throughout the book is the value of wise living.
Verses 1-2 - A common lesson in Proverbs is that character is more important than wealth. The gap between rich and poor in Solomon’s day was very wide, with those at the top possessing unlimited power, and those at the bottom battling each day for their very existence. Many viewed material wealth as a sign of God’s favor, and felt it entitled them to conduct business as they pleased without regard for how others saw them. Here the author shows another way to view life – God cares about rich and poor equally, and a good name is more important that money.
Verses 8-9- The rich in Solomon’s world held all the power. They could pretty much treat the poor any way they chose, with no consequences. Abuse was common. Solomon teaches that those who, in their wickedness, beat their poor servants or tenants, will suffer consequences in the long run. In contrast, Solomon points out the blessings that come to those who use their power to show generosity to others.
Verses 22-23 – The NIV uses the word “court” here, but a better translation is “gate”. Most cities were surrounded by thick walls in Bible times, with the gates serving as the major gathering place for commerce, community, and justice. The “elders” of the city would gather to settle civil disputes. When the poor brought charges of injustice against a wealthy merchant or landowner, the odds were stacked heavily against them. Solomon here warns that God will stand up for the poor if no one else does, defending them and carrying out sentence against their oppressors.
Five Questions:
1. What’s happening in your life since last Sunday? What can we pray with you about today?
2. What did God show you through your scripture reading and prayer this week?
3. How do you build a good name?
4. What responsibility do we have to those with less money than us?
5. What step will you take this week to “sow” generosity?