September 18, 2006 - Proverbs 30-31 and II Corinthians 11:1-15
These last two chapters of the book of Proverbs were not written by Solomon, but they were inspired by God to show us God's wisdom, just like the rest of the book. This tells us that you do not have to be the wisest man in the world to know God's wisdom. I know we all can relate to Agur and King Lemuel. It is evident that they knew they didn't know everything, but they were certain that God had shown them some of His wisdom during their lives.
In chapter 30 Agur gives several lists of things he had learned from God's creation. There are some things that never say enough. They are never satisfied. (v.15) We can learn a lot from the creatures that God made. We feel so superior to them, but could it be that they are superior to us in the area of their strengths? I think that is the case, so God did that so we can learn from them. There is no doubt that our lives can be enriched and strengthened by spending time considering God's creation.
In chapter 31 King Lemuel gives us the classic description of a virtuous wife. I can never read it without thinking of my wife, and I thank God for His great gift to me. Also, I believe it points us to the importance of the role of the wife in marriage. Some people misunderstand what the Bible is saying, because they misunderstand submission. God is not limiting the importance of the wife, and He is not saying that she does not contribute to the family. He is simply saying that there must be a division of labor, and there must be a head.
II Corinthians 11 continues Paul defense of his ministry. There were those who said he was not an apostle, and they taught a different gospel. He flatly says they are false apostles. (v.13) He asserts his own equality with the rest of the apostles. (v.5) What is Paul doing? Is he acting in pride? I don't think he is. I believe he is standing up for what God saved him to do. If he gave in, he would be failing God. What was God's purpose in saving you? What is your ministry? Are you accomplishing it, or have you given up for some reason? Don't give up! Stand up to your critics and ask God to confirm your calling to do His ministry.
Tomorrow, I intend to read Ecclesiastes 1-3 and II Corinthians 11:16-33.
In chapter 30 Agur gives several lists of things he had learned from God's creation. There are some things that never say enough. They are never satisfied. (v.15) We can learn a lot from the creatures that God made. We feel so superior to them, but could it be that they are superior to us in the area of their strengths? I think that is the case, so God did that so we can learn from them. There is no doubt that our lives can be enriched and strengthened by spending time considering God's creation.
In chapter 31 King Lemuel gives us the classic description of a virtuous wife. I can never read it without thinking of my wife, and I thank God for His great gift to me. Also, I believe it points us to the importance of the role of the wife in marriage. Some people misunderstand what the Bible is saying, because they misunderstand submission. God is not limiting the importance of the wife, and He is not saying that she does not contribute to the family. He is simply saying that there must be a division of labor, and there must be a head.
II Corinthians 11 continues Paul defense of his ministry. There were those who said he was not an apostle, and they taught a different gospel. He flatly says they are false apostles. (v.13) He asserts his own equality with the rest of the apostles. (v.5) What is Paul doing? Is he acting in pride? I don't think he is. I believe he is standing up for what God saved him to do. If he gave in, he would be failing God. What was God's purpose in saving you? What is your ministry? Are you accomplishing it, or have you given up for some reason? Don't give up! Stand up to your critics and ask God to confirm your calling to do His ministry.
Tomorrow, I intend to read Ecclesiastes 1-3 and II Corinthians 11:16-33.