One who is often reproved, yet remains stubborn, will suddenly be broken beyond healing.

When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice; but when the wicked rule, the people groan.

A child who loves wisdom makes a parent glad, but to keep company with prostitutes is to squander one’s substance.

By justice a king gives stability to the land, but one who makes heavy exactions ruins it.

Whoever flatters a neighbour is spreading a net for the neighbour’s feet.

In the transgression of the evil there is a snare, but the righteous sing and rejoice.

The righteous know the rights of the poor; the wicked have no such understanding.

Scoffers set a city aflame, but the wise turn away wrath.

If the wise go to law with fools, there is ranting and ridicule without relief.

The bloodthirsty hate the blameless, and they seek the life of the upright.

A fool gives full vent to anger, but the wise quietly holds it back.

If a ruler listens to falsehood, all his officials will be wicked.

The poor and the oppressor have this in common: the Lord gives light to the eyes of both.

If a king judges the poor with equity, his throne will be established forever.

The rod and reproof give wisdom, but a mother is disgraced by a neglected child.

Deeper Dive into the Passage
The writer of Proverbs 29 was likely addressing a society where leadership and moral conduct were of paramount importance. The emphasis on wisdom and justice reflects a desire for societal stability and prosperity. The audience, possibly the Israelites, would have understood these proverbs as guidelines for righteous living and governance. The passage may have been intended to highlight the consequences of ignoring wisdom and moral teachings. The repeated references to rulers and justice suggest that the writer was concerned with the integrity of leadership. This could be interpreted as a call for leaders to be just and for individuals to seek wisdom. In a modern context, these proverbs can be seen as timeless advice on leadership and personal conduct. For example, a modern leader who surrounds themselves with dishonest advisors may find their administration plagued by corruption, much like the ruler who listens to falsehoods in Proverbs 29.

Today, these proverbs can be applied to personal and professional life. For instance, a parent might find joy in a child’s wise decisions, just as a father rejoices in a wise child in Proverbs 29. Similarly, leaders are reminded of the importance of justice and truthfulness. Proverbs, as wisdom literature, are not historical accounts but rather collections of sayings meant to impart moral and ethical teachings. Their historical accuracy is less about specific events and more about the enduring truths they convey.

The words of Agur son of Jakeh. An oracle. Thus says the man: I am weary, O God; I am weary, O God. How can I prevail?
Surely I am too stupid to be human; I do not have human understanding.
I have not learned wisdom, nor have I knowledge of the holy ones.
Who has ascended to heaven and come down? Who has gathered the wind in the hollow of the hand? Who has wrapped up the waters in a garment? Who has established all the ends of the earth? What is the person’s name? And what is the name of the person’s child? Surely you know!
Every word of God proves true; he is a shield to those who take refuge in him.
Do not add to his words, or else he will rebuke you, and you will be found a liar.
Two things I ask of you; do not deny them to me before I die:
Remove far from me falsehood and lying; give me neither poverty nor riches; feed me with the food that I need, or I shall be full, and deny you, and say, “Who is the Lord?” or I shall be poor, and steal, and profane the name of my God.
Do not slander a servant to a master, or the servant will curse you, and you will be held guilty.
There are those who curse their fathers and do not bless their mothers.
There are those who are pure in their own eyes yet are not cleansed of their filthiness.
There are those—how lofty are their eyes, how high their eyelids lift!
There are those whose teeth are swords, whose teeth are knives, to devour the poor from off the earth, the needy from among mortals.
The leech has two daughters; “Give, give,” they cry. Three things are never satisfied; four never say, “Enough”:

Deeper Dive into the Passage

Proverbs 30 is a fascinating chapter attributed to Agur, a figure not widely known outside this passage. Agur begins by acknowledging his own limitations in understanding and wisdom. This humility sets the stage for his reflections on the mysteries of life. In the ancient context, wisdom literature often emphasized the pursuit of understanding and the recognition of human limitations. Agur’s words remind us today of the importance of humility in our quest for knowledge. A modern parallel might be the way scientists approach the mysteries of the universe, acknowledging what they do not yet know. Agur lists things that are never satisfied, such as Sheol and the barren womb. This reflects a common theme in wisdom literature: the insatiable nature of certain human desires. In today’s world, this can be seen in consumer culture, where people often seek more possessions or experiences without finding true satisfaction. Agur’s insights encourage us to reflect on what truly fulfills us.

Agur marvels at the wonders of creation, such as the way of a bird in the sky or a ship on the sea. This awe at the natural world is a reminder of the divine order and mystery present in creation. For Agur’s original audience, these observations would have reinforced the belief in a wise and powerful Creator. Today, we might see this reflected in the way people find spiritual meaning in nature and the environment.

Proverbs 30, like much of wisdom literature, is more concerned with conveying timeless truths than with historical events. The sayings attributed to Agur are likely a collection of reflections and observations rather than a historical account. The focus is on imparting wisdom rather than documenting specific events.

A capable wife who can find? She is far more precious than jewels. The heart of her husband trusts in her, and he will have no lack of gain. She does him good, and not harm, all the days of her life. She seeks wool and flax, and works with willing hands. She is like the ships of the merchant, she brings her food from far away. She rises while it is still night and provides food for her household and tasks for her servant-girls. She considers a field and buys it; with the fruit of her hands she plants a vineyard. She girds herself with strength, and makes her arms strong. She perceives that her merchandise is profitable. Her lamp does not go out at night. She puts her hands to the distaff, and her hands hold the spindle. She opens her hand to the poor, and reaches out her hands to the needy. She is not afraid for her household when it snows, for all her household are clothed in crimson. She makes herself coverings; her clothing is fine linen and purple. Her husband is known in the city gates, taking his seat among the elders of the land. She makes linen garments and sells them; she supplies the merchant with sashes. Strength and dignity are her clothing, and she laughs at the time to come. She opens her mouth with wisdom, and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue. She looks well to the ways of her household, and does not eat the bread of idleness. Her children rise up and call her happy; her husband too, and he praises her: “Many women have done excellently, but you surpass them all.” Charm is deceitful, and beauty is vain, but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised. Give her a share in the fruit of her hands, and let her works praise her in the city gates.

Deeper Dive into the Passage

Proverbs 31:10-31 is a well-known passage that describes the qualities of a virtuous woman. This passage is often referred to as “The Wife of Noble Character” or “The Virtuous Woman.” The passage presents an idealised vision of womanhood, highlighting virtues such as diligence, wisdom, and kindness. The writer may have intended to provide a model for women in ancient Israel, encouraging them to embody these qualities. This ideal was likely meant to inspire both women and men to appreciate and strive for these virtues in their households.

The passage reflects the societal roles and expectations of women during the time it was written. Women were primarily responsible for managing the household, and this passage acknowledges and praises their contributions. The writer may have aimed to elevate the status of women by recognising their essential role in the family and community. Some scholars suggest that the passage can be interpreted as an allegory for wisdom itself. In this view, the virtuous woman embodies wisdom, which is a central theme throughout the book of Proverbs. The writer may have been conveying that wisdom is as valuable and essential as the qualities of this ideal woman.

Today, this passage can be seen as a celebration of the diverse roles women play in society. While the specific tasks mentioned may differ in a modern context, the underlying virtues of diligence, wisdom, and kindness remain relevant. For example, a modern-day “virtuous woman” might be someone who balances work, family, and community involvement with grace and integrity.

The passage is more poetic and idealistic than historical. It serves as a moral and ethical guide rather than a historical account. Its accuracy lies in its reflection of cultural values and ideals rather than specific events or individuals.

“But I say to you that listen, Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who abuse you. If anyone strikes you on the cheek, offer the other also; and from anyone who takes away your coat do not withhold even your shirt. Give to everyone who begs from you; and if anyone takes away your goods, do not ask for them again. Do to others as you would have them do to you.

If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners love those who love them. If you do good to those who do good to you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners do the same. If you lend to those from whom you hope to receive, what credit is that to you? Even sinners lend to sinners, to receive as much again. But love your enemies, do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return. Your reward will be great, and you will be children of the Most High; for he is kind to the ungrateful and the wicked. Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful.

Do not judge, and you will not be judged; do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven; give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put into your lap; for the measure you give will be the measure you get back.”

Deeper Dive into the Passage

Jesus’ teachings in this passage are revolutionary, urging followers to practice radical love and mercy. This was counter-cultural in a society where retribution was common. The call to love enemies and expect nothing in return challenges societal norms and reflects God’s unconditional love. The passage emphasises the Golden Rule: “Do to others as you would have them do to you.” This principle is central to Christian ethics and encourages empathy and compassion, fostering a community based on mutual respect and kindness. Jesus assures that those who follow these teachings will be rewarded as “children of the Most High.” This promise of divine reward serves as motivation for believers to live out these challenging commands, trusting in God’s justice and mercy.

The Gospel of Luke was written for a predominantly Gentile audience in the late first century. The teachings of Jesus in this passage reflect a radical departure from the prevailing norms of retribution and social hierarchy. By advocating for love and mercy, Jesus was challenging his followers to embody the values of God’s kingdom, which transcends human divisions and prejudices. Today, this passage can be interpreted as a call to practice unconditional love and forgiveness in our daily lives. A modern example might be choosing to forgive someone who has wronged us, rather than seeking revenge or holding a grudge. This aligns with the Christian belief in the transformative power of love and mercy.

While the exact words of Jesus may not have been recorded verbatim, the essence of his teachings in this passage is consistent with the broader message of the Gospels. The historical accuracy of the account is supported by its presence in multiple Gospel narratives, reflecting its significance in early Christian communities.