Proverbs chapter 30

vs 23

So these are obviously things that are things that go against how the world was made. It's not that they don't happen - that's the whole point, I suppose, they do - but when you see them, you know something is broken with the world. In that way, the servant becoming king or displacing the mistress thing is a bit nasty. Not sure what to do with that. Modern western meritocracy is supposed to be built on this ideal. Of course it isn't. But anyway, the idea is that there are things in life that we see, and think, "It shouldn't be like that," but it is. This is definitely a bit Ecclesiastical.

vs 24

Four more things - easy to remember when you repeat the pattern, I guess. And these are directly related to wisdom.

vs 25

Because ants are awesome. They teach us, apparently, that storing up for hard times is wise.

vs 26

I think a hydrax is a kind of bunny. But I'm wrong. I just looked at one, and I've got no idea what it is. Therefore, I'm not exactly sure what wisdom we learn from them. They are resourceful? That's about as good as I can get.

vs 27

They work together.

vs 28

They are sneaky. Not often what we would think of as wise - in fact, considering the link between wisdom and righteousness, the idea that sneakiness is wise means we should probably use a different word. Shrewd, I believe Jesus uses. Perhaps even tenacious?

vs 29

Now what does a stately stride have to do with anything? Let's see if he enlightens us.

vs 30

Okay, so courage is stately? I'm guessing.

vs 31

Darn. We get to the end of the phrase, where the punchline is meant to be, and the Hebrew is uncertain. So the idea, I think, is courage, assurity, confidence - hold your head up, and these things give you a look of authority.

vs 32

We can stop ourselves from doing or saying what we do or say. I think sometimes we don't exert enough power over ourselves to stop what we know is probably going to end up bad. The lesson here is, if you can't keep your mouth shut, cover it! Better to look a little silly than have to make excuses.

vs 33

It's a fait accomplit. Trouble brews where there is anger. Because it's much more difficult to control what you say or do when you're angry. Not impossible, though. But sufficed to say that if anger is being sought, strife will follow it. There's really no good reason to provoke anger.