Faithful on Fridays Blog

As we complete these lessons it’s vital to remember the main theme: mashal, ruling and reigning with Christ. As we watch the news, lower story, our minds should be centered on God’s ultimate authority and His indescribable love for those who follow Him, upper story.

I say that because Chapter 29 focuses again on leadership in government as King Solomon anticipated the wicked rising to power (28:28) but reminded us the righteous increase as well. God will eventually humble the proud and the righteous will sing and rejoice (vs. 6): justice will win (vs. 26). 

The descriptions of the ‘scoffers’ sound very much like the rioting we witnessed recently in our cities (vs. 8-11): setting fires, full venting of arguments, rage, mocking laughter, and bloodthirsty fools. Our leaders need good advisors, ability to unify, and uphold the laws whether they agree with them or not. That’s righteous government.

I’m completing these lessons with Chapter 30 since I’ve already written a series on Chapter 31: it stands alone. Go to my website faithfulonfridays.com and use ‘search’; you’ll find it.

A man named Agur penned Chapter 30; his name means gatherer or collector. You’ll find he gathered many more sayings but his writing is different than Solomon. He loved lists, analogies, and he’s considered a prophet; he spoke for God. I sense discouragement as he began (vs. 1-3) but God responded to Agur with questions of His greatness that caused Agur to reevaluate and write a beautiful discourse.

Whether the lists are ‘two things’, ‘three things’, or four his point is made:

Every word of God proves true. 30:5a

I close with his warnings to the next generation beginning with verse 11; it isn’t hopeful unless you’re teaching your children well. This next gen that’s rising will treat their parents with contempt, be full of pride and arrogance, and care nothing about others. They’re a generation of ‘give me more!’ from their families and government; Agur compares them to a leech who’s never satisfied. Let’s commit to pray for this next gen to be God-fearing, walk with Christ, and be filled with the Spirit to stand against the ways and temptations of the world.

Agur balances the negative with the positive in verses 18-31 using analogies that cause you to think; they’re provocative, thoughtful, and insightful. His observations cause us to carefully evaluate our attitudes and opinions. This chapter ends abruptly with another warning against pride and evil; cover your mouth because anger produces strife. 

Mashal means you’re on the road to victory in life no matter what your circumstances look like, remembering to stay in awe of God’s character. His promises of wisdom in place of folly, peace instead of pressure, and righteousness in Christ are for those who will direct their gaze to Him. There’s hope for you and your family as you walk in His ways ruling over Satan’s hope to rule over you; you’re an overcomer, never forget that.