Proverbs 30-31
I doubt there are too many devotions over the last two chapters of Proverbs that are mostly aimed at the topic of Fathers, but for whatever reason or coincidence, here we are on Father’s Day – and our assigned Bible reading includes the Proverbs 31 superhero – the Wife of Noble Character. But, I was surprised to see how many passages popped out to me regarding dear old dad and our relationship with him.
First of all, we run into an interesting passage of rhetorical questions about who can control the wind and water and established the ends of the earth? “What is his name, and the name of his son? Tell me if you know!” (Proverbs 30:4 NIV) I read some very differing commentaries on this passage and I feel a lot like the writer of this proverb, Agur, who confessed, “I am the most ignorant of men,” (Proverbs 30:2 NIV). I do not have a full understanding of the Almighty God. I can’t grasp His eternal greatness and power and all the deeds He has done – and will do. But, I am thankful that I DO know who created this spinning world we call home, the sun that warms it just right, the water cycle that refreshes it, the plants and animals that provide beauty, nourishment, and joy, and the families that inhabit it. I marvel at the power, ingenuity and love of my Heavenly Father and the chance to be called His child. And, I love, love, love, that He has a Son and I know his name is Jesus. And this son Jesus would display his family resemblance to His dad by exerting power over the wind and the waves. He would be given the most difficult but beautiful task of drawing us sinful creatures to His perfect Dad.
Poor Agur lived at a time when this plan of God was not yet revealed, but only hinted at here and there. So, he was left asking – “Tell me if you know?” If you know your Heavenly Father and what His Son has done so that YOU can be called a Child of God – who will you tell today? Make it a Father’s Day that counts by telling someone about your Heavenly Father and His Only Begotten Son and the opportunity opened for them to have a perfect Dad, too.
I am so blessed that my father (and mother and grandparents and church family) on Earth did tell me – and many others. Thanks, Dad! It has been an honor to respect and try to live up to my dad. I had a good one (and doubly blessed with a good father-in-law, too!).
There is a depressing passage of those who are haughty, disdainful, teeth for swords (heard any of that lately), devouring the poor. And the FIRST description of these evil and hurtful people are, “There are those who curse their fathers…” (Proverbs 30:11 NIV) Can you think of any ways our society may have unknowingly become quite expert in cursing our fathers. In so many sitcoms the father figure is stripped of all respect and is a bumbling goofball. In giving women their “rights” we have neglected the responsibility and rights of dad. And, then it sadly happens on a personal level, too. Even in good Christian homes, sometimes. How can we guard against cursing our fathers? How will we show dad the respect God designed them to receive? (Notice I did not say the respect that they have earned).
It appears there is even punishment in store for those who mock dad. Oh be careful little tongue what you say. AND – Agur seems to take it even a step further – be careful little eyes how you roll. You know, the classic eye roll when you don’t agree with dad? Guilty. Proverbs 30:17 says “The eye that mocks a father, that scorns obedience to a mother, will be pecked out by the ravens of the valley, will be eaten by the vultures.” Ouch. This is serious stuff – regardless of what the “funny” sitcoms would have you believe.
Look at your own attitudes, words, actions, and eye rolls. How are you showing respect for your father (and Christian father figures) not cursing or mocking? Thankfulness not disdain?
Thanks Agur for the Father’s Day devotion.
Marcia Railton
Today’s passage can be read or listened to at https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Proverbs+30-31&version=NIV
Tomorrow’s reading will be 1 Kings 12-14 as we continue the 2020 Chronological Bible Reading Plan (1) (1)
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