Month: May 2021

The Wife from The LORD (Proverbs 18:22 & Proverbs 19:14) (Part 2)

The Companionship of Love

The Creation of woman is ascribed to the need of this “And the Lord God said, it is not good that the man should be alone” (Genesis 2:18). In a marriage a man’s wife is his best friend. Fellowship of soul makes the union more than a mere contract of external relationship. Now, this fellowship is greatly needed for solace amid the cares of life, and strength to face its difficulties. The wife is able to give it to her husband, and the husband to his wife, as no persons in the outer circle of social relationship can hope to offer it.

Mutual Helpfulness

In the narrative of the Creation, God says, concerning Adam, “I will make him a help meet for him” (Genesis 2:18). The wife who understands the Christian calling will aim at ministering to her husband in all ways of helpfulness that are within her power, but chiefly in helping his walks with God and the duty of her husband towards the wife will be similar.

  • Help – The word for “help” (exer) is used for both help and helper. It is used nineteen times in the Old Testament and fourteen times it alludes to God as our Help (Helper – Psalm 70:5). The word means: “surrounding, defending, girding, helping, succouring.” Man must have a help meet (wife), one sufficient for him, not an inferior aid, for this word “help,” as we have seen, is used fourteen times of God.
  • Meet – The word for “meet” (neged) means the front part, the front, or over against, opposite to each other, those who answer to each other (accountability), who are alike.  Placed before Adam, his wife in whom he could recognise his own likeness, his reflected image, one who would correspond to him in every way, succouring and aiding, entirely identified with him. The Syriac translation is “a help similar to him.”
  • Rib (Tsela), translated “rib” in Genesis 2:21, 22, in the plural is translated beams (as in the ribs of building). It is used of a side of a man, or inanimate things such as the tabernacle, altar, side chambers, cells of the temple, of the whole of that part of the temple comprising three stories (Ezekiel 41:5, 9, 11; Ezekiel 41:9), it is word used for space between the two walls of the temple, intended for these chambers. This is the reason, no doubt, why the Septuagint used the Greek word “pleura,” the lining membrane surrounding the ribs, lungs and heart. The rendering “rib” has its origin in the rabbinical writings. How could Adam says, “bone of my bones, and flesh of my flesh” if only a little bone such as a rib had been taken from him?”

What Adam needed was God’s Creation after his own kind. We read that God took one of Adam’s ribs and from this rib made, a woman. When the Hebrews word “tsela” is translated rib it conveys a more limited idea than the Hebrew original. The word is never translated “rib” except in the Genesis account, but always “side,” or “flank.”

This is the true meaning also of the Latin word by which it is rendered in the Vulgate costa as shown in the French côte and our coast…….Woman was not framed out of one of  Adam’s many ribs, of which he would not feel the lost. She is one side of man; and though he may have several sides to his nature and character, yet without woman one integral portion of him is wanting.

Closed up the flesh instead thereof, literally, “closed up the flesh under it,” that is, in its place. This does not mean that man now has flesh where before he had this “side,” but that a cavity was prevented by the drawing of the flesh on the two edges close together, Metaphysically it means that man has no compensation for what was abstracted from him, except in the woman, who is the one side of his nature which he has lost;……She is something  which he once had, but has lost, and while for Adam there is simply the closing of the cavity, the woman is moulded and refashioned and built up into man’s counterpart. She brings back more than the man parted with, and the Creator Himself leads her by the hand to her husband. Note the following comments:

  • Porter – “Man when alone is incomplete” (Porter, Dr. Footnote Kitto, J.: Daily Bible Illustration, Morning Series, p.172).
  • Matthew Henry – “The woman was not made out of his head to top him, nor out of his feet to be trampled upon by him, but out of his side to be equal with him.” (Matthew Henry: An Exposition of the Old and New Testament {London, Frederick Westley & A. H. Davis} 1836, Vol.1, p.12, note 4).
  • Otto Von Gerlach – “In the case of the animals, both sexes could be created side by side; in the case of man, however, where marriage is intended to be a communion of soul in the service of God – where the education and training of the fruits of marriage for God’s service and kingdom, the ordering and governance of the house and of the earth, formed a main part of the task imposed – there must be  the origin of the woman to point to the indissoluble union by which two persons become one until their life’s end. The woman taken out of the man (and out of that part of him which lay nearest to his heart), in order to show that this union of soul in love extended to the unity of the flesh likewise – embraced all…….and was indissoluble.”  (Ott Von Gerlach: Commentary on the Pentateuch (Edinburgh, T & T Clark), 1860, p.56).
  • Bishop Wordworth – He describes Eve as: “a helpmate exactly adapted to his moral and spiritual nature; literally ‘a help as over against him, before him,’ so as to ‘meet’ him, fully and ‘correspond’ to him as his counterpart…….” (Wordworth, Chr.: The Holy Bible with Notes and Introductions {Lond, Rivingtons}, 1880, Vol,1. P.17).

It was God who, with what He took from man, made literally built and created, woman (Genesis 2:22). The outcome of God’s creative act was marriage and the fruit of that union, the family. Woman was not made out of the dust of the ground, as Adam was, but by a separate, creative act which has no parallel in history. Matthew Henry commented: “Man being made last of the creatures, as the best and most excellent of all, Eve’s being made after Adam, and out of him, puts an honour upon that sex, as the glory of the man (1Corinthians 11:7). If man is the head, she is the crown; a crown to be husband, the crown of the visible creation. The man was dust refined, but the woman was dust double-refined, one removes further from the earth.”

To be continued……. Stay Tune.

The Wife from The LORD (Proverbs 18:22 & Proverbs 19:14) (Part 1)

Scripture:

Proverbs 18:22 “Whosoever findeth a wife fineth a good thing, and obtaineth favour of the Lord.”  & Proverbs 19:14 “House and riches are the inheritance of fathers: and a prudent wife is from the LORD.”  

Wife-Place

Woman’s place is important; God has made it so and made her fit for filling it. Man is incomplete without her there is a vacuum about him which she alone can fill. It is here that her great strength lies. When she assumes an independent or rival place, she mistakes her mission and her power.

Man, though made for the throne of the world, was found unfit for the final investiture until he got his wife as a help meet. She became the completion of his capacity and title – she becomes his crown – Proverbs 12:4a “A virtuous woman is a crown to her husband.” Wife should find her place that God has given her; let her be what He made her necessary to husband, and not attempt to make herself independent of her husband. When the relations of Husband and wife move in fittings of truth and love, the working of the complicated machinery of life is a wonder to an observing husband, and a glory of the Creator God.

Septuagint – A good wife is meant (as the Septuagint has it), a virtuous, prudent helpmate, as in Proverbs 12:4a “A virtuous woman is a crown to her husband” – Fineth grace = viz peace, union, plenty, order. “And obtaineth favour (good will) of the LORD” = as shown by the companion (consort) whom God has given him. Favour is rendered by the Septuagint as “cheerfulness,” “joyousness” (Proverbs 19:12b “King’s favour ……like dew upon the grass”).   

Ecclus xxvi.1 “Blessed is the man that hath a good wife, for the number of his days shall be double.” “A virtuous woman rejoiceth her husband, and he shall fulfil the years of his life in peace. A good wife is a good portion which shall be given in the portion of them that fear the LORD. 

Talmud – “A good wife, says the Talmud, “is a good gift; she shall be given to a man that feareth God.”

(Dukes, p.69) And again, “God did not make woman from a man’s head that she should rule over him; nor from his feet, that she should not be his slave; but from his side, that she should be near his heart”

Latin – “He who casteth away a good wife casteth away a good thing (cheerfulness, joyousness – Septuagint; Proverbs 19:12b “King’s favour……like dew upon the grass”).

Parallel Bible Commentary – “A good wife is a gift from Yahweh (Jehovah). It is not blind chance that brings such a blessed union. She is one of the highest expressions of the LORD’s favour.”

The blessedness of finding a wife – The Bible does not regard marriage as “a failure,” nor does it treat celibacy as a saintly condition. Even Paul, the Apostle, who does not seem to have been a married man, and who is thought by some to undervalue marriage, gives to it a eulogium is describing the union of husband and wife as a copy of the mystical union of Christ and His Church (Ephesians 5:22-32):

To be continued….. Stay Tuned.

Lesson from Lizard (Proverbs 30:28)

The Lizard

Proverbs 30:28 “The lizard taketh hold with her hands, and as in kings’ palaces.” The KJV & NKJV describes the insect as “Spider,” whereas the NIV describes the creature as Lizard. The insect’s or the animal’s identity is not clear, and thus, for this write-out, we will apply the description to that of the Lizard, instead of Spider.

Lizard’s Limitation

Lizard is defenceless except for its speed. The defenceless characteristic is also descriptive of: “Ants, Coney (Badger) and Locust.” Lizard, is not appealing in appearance and not desirable of many people to take-hold-off, and seem to be a pest to most people – these characteristics would have cause many people to be discouraged, but not the Lizard – where does the Lizard turn up….King’s Palace! (Proverbs 30:28). Lizard is found in the King’s Palace, not by invitation, but persistent and ever persevering!

Wisdom in Action

Lizard speaks of the “Victory of Perseverance,” that compensate for the defencelessness that the Lizard possesses. Despised the Lizard may be, but it is full of wonders. Consider the ingenuity, delicacy, and adaptation of its work; it is truly marvellous. Despite its ease of capture, this animal uses its climbing ability to go everywhere, even on the walls of the King’s Palace. Lizard surefooted tenacity and sneaky persistence testify to the veracity (truth) of this Proverb. Lizard gets into the best place and holds on. 

So humble, yet so busy, that it finds room even in King’s Palace. Lizard is found in King’s Palace because it can stick to the walls, and so run into unlooked-for-places out of the way of men. It is a great thing to be able to hold on. Quiet perseverance wins many a victory. Patient endurance is crowned in the end with glorious success. In the highest things: “He that endures unto the end, the same shall be saved” (Mark 13:13). Lizard demonstrates the success of persistency.

Lessons to be Learned  

For the unwelcome Lizard to establish itself in King’s Palace, there is demanded of this twofold virtue. And for our success, we need this also – ambition to attempt and assiduity (assess critically) to find a way, in spite of all the obstacles that we may encounter. The discouraged and faint-hearted will not success – for the Bible exhorts us: “Faint No!” – Hebrews 12:1-3 “Therefore, we also, since we ae surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the Author and Finisher of our faith,……lest we become weary and discouraged in our souls.”

History has shown that even people with limited talents have been known to accomplish great success/discovery far more than those with great talents and abilities, for he that has no heart for enterprise will certainly achieve nothing; and he who lacks patience to wait his time, perseverance to renew his efforts as often as he is foiled, or as often as one success opens the way to another, will reach no King’s Palace, no place of honour or of influence. The Lizard teaches us this precious lesson of wisdom of: “Victory of Perseverance.”

Word of Exhortation

We have spent time together, studying and learning from these four insects/animals: Ants, Coneys (Badgers), Locusts and Lizards, and I hope that these insects/animals (Ants, Coneys {Badgers}, Locusts, and Lizards) have provided us with valuable lessons of life:

  • The Ants taught us of: “Wisdom of Preparation.”
  • The Coneys (Badgers) taught us of: “Necessity of Precaution – Three Basics of Survival.”
  • The Locusts taught us of: “Unity and Power.”
  • The Lizards taught us of: “Victory of Perseverance.”  

All the four mentions insects/animals in Proverbs 30:25-28, are small in sizes and weak in bodies, nevertheless, all are wise enough to find a compensating quality (wisdom) to make them reach their goals.

Lesson from the Locusts (Proverb 30:27)

The Locusts

Proverbs 30:27 “The locusts have no king yet go they forth all of them by bands.” The Locusts speak of “the Mystery of Unity and Power.” The Locusts lack leadership collectively, yet they march in rank. What an amazing exception they are! It is not their work of ruin, but the wisdom of system by which they do it, that is commended in Proverbs 30:27. They have no leader and lack strength, individually, yet work in amazing unity. Locusts demonstrate the Mystery of Unity and Power.

Work of Locusts

The Locusts are known for the immense numbers that suddenly swarm upon a district, and for the vast devastation they accomplish in vegetation in a little while. “Vast bodies of migrating Locusts, called by the oriental the Armies of God,” lay waste the country. The Locusts observed as regular order, when they march, as an army. At evening they descend from their flight, and form, as it were, their camps. In the morning, when the sun has risen considerably, they ascend again, if they do not find food, and fly in the direction of the wind – Proverbs 30:27 “The locusts have no king yet go they forth all of them by bands.”

  • The Locusts go in immense numbers – Jeremiah 46:23 “They shall cut down her forest, says the LORD, ‘Though it cannot be searched, because they are innumerable and more numerous than grasshoppers.”
  • Occupy a space of ten or twelve miles in length, and four and five in breadth, and are so deep that the sun cannot penetrate through them; so that they convert the day into night and bring a temporary darkness on the land – Exodus 10:15 “For they covered the face of the whole earth, so that the land was darkened; and they ate every herb of the land and all the fruit of the trees which the hail had left. So there remained nothing green on the trees or on the plants of the field throughout all the land of Egypt.”
  • The sound of the wings is terrible, when the Locusts descend upon the earth, they cover a vast track a foot and half high; if the air is cold and moist or if they be wet with the dew, they remain….till they are dried and warmed by the sun – Nahum 3:17 “Your commanders are like swarming locusts, and your generals are like great grasshoppers, which camp in the hedges on a cold day; when the sun rises they flee away, and the place where they are I not known.”  
  • Nothing stops them. They fill the ditches which are dug to stop them with their bodies, and extinguish by their numbers the fires, which are kindled. They pass over walls and enter the doors and windows of houses (Joel 2:7-9).
  • The Locusts devour everything which is green, strip off the bark of trees, and even break them to pieces by their weight (Exodus 10:12-19).

Wisdom in Action

Though the Locusts have no king, yet they are able to make successful marches over miles of country, and to completely devastate the lands they visited. It is an accepted principle, in life/management, that a Leaderless Group is a weak Group. Yet in the Locusts, is an example, or an exception to the rule of life/management; here the Locusts, doing well and survive but has no leadership in command. What is the secret of the Locusts’ success and survival?? How can we see “Wisdom,” in action? – Locusts’ limitations have been overcome by their wisdom:

  • The Locusts compensate for the lack of the leadership, by means of band together for a common purpose/strength – stripping the land of its vegetation!
  • Locusts do not waste their time by flying hither and thither, and by opposing one another. Locusts all move on in solid phalanx (group). Each Locust subordinates his individuality to the Group; this is illustrated, when the Locusts come to a small stream, they will move into the stream in such numbers that the Locusts created a causeway of bodies, that can be used by other Locusts. This instinctive order secures success. Thus, the Locusts success is insured by the strength of the total organization, build-up by the strength of the individual insect!

Locust a creature, as an individual, easily crushed, yet gaining immense force by union with others. Joel gives a splendid description of the raid of locusts under the figure of the invading army, with which the accounts of travellers in tropical lands may be closely compared (Joel 1:4). It is an essential part of personal equipment that a man be able to cooperate with others. And in the great majority of cases this means readiness to fall in with the suggestions of other people, to forego our own preference and adopt another person’s advice. It means listening and learning, conciliation and concession, punctuality, and politeness.

Lessons to be Learned

It teaches us that the welfare of the Individual must be subordinates to that of the Community. This speaks of the banding of the Members of the Body of Christ, for common good – this is the strength that comes from unity/diversity, in the Body of Christ:

Psalm 133:1-3 “Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity! It is like a precious oil upon the head, running down on the beard, the beard of Aaron, running down on the edge of the garments. It is like the dew of Hermon, descending upon the mountains of Zion; for there the LORD commanded the blessing – life forevermore.”

Ephesians 4:16 “From whom the whole body, joined and knit together by what every joint supplies according to the effective working by which every part does its share, causes growth of the body for the edifying of itself in love.”

For the Lord Jesus Christ and His Kingdom, the Individual Member of the Body of Christ is in subordination of the Individual’s will to the whole Plan and Purpose of Christ and His Kingdom. It is the finding and functioning, with the calling and gifting, in our place in the Body of Christ (Romans 12:1-8; Romans 11:29; 1Corinthians 12:8-10; 1Corinthians chapters 13 & 14). It is the recognition and functioning in unity and diversity of the Members of the Body of Christ that makes it possible for spiritual growth and development. The order and subjection to each other that the Body of Christ grows and prospers.

Lesson from Coneys (Badgers) (Proverbs 30:26)

The Coney (Syrian Hyrax)

Proverbs 30:26 “The Coneys (Badgers) are but a feeble folk, yet make they houses in the rocks.” Coney refers to the Syrian Hyrax, a small mammal with short legs, ears, and tail and reddish-brown fur. The animal has large front and heavy teeth, broad nails on their feet, which are also padded, great for movements on the rocky surfaces. One of the Hebrew words “shaphan” is best identified as the “Rock-Badger,” is abound in the Kedron area, as well as near the Dead Sea Hills.

Safety First

Coney (Badger) speaks of the “necessity of precaution.” Coney (Badger) lived in companies in the cleft of the rocks. Coney (Badger) has three basics abilities for survival:

  • Coney (Badger) first ability is to understand its limitation in its size and strength and the protective cleft of the impregnable rock. Thus, Coney (Badger) first step is not to get too far removed from “the protective-home,” of the rock, that it knows so well.
  • The other characteristic of Coney (Badger) is that the animal has “posted-look-out,” and thus, is hard to be captured. This speaks of the ability to read the “situation,” with precaution, taken!
  • The third important safeguard of Coney (Badger) is to move, the moment its sense danger, and not to wait to test the situation with foolishness.

Wisdom at Work

Coney (Badger) is “but a feeble folk” (Proverbs 30:6a), such a profound description of its problem; but Coney (Badger) shows its wisdom by seeking security among the impregnable rocks. Coney (Badger) though not strong, makes wise choice, by living in rocky crags where it can hole up to escape animals of prey or human hunters – Psalm 104:18 “The high hills are for the wild goats; the cliffs are a refuge for the rock badgers (coneys).” – Because Coney (Badger) is hunted, it needs a refuge.

Also, Coney (Badger) has the “in-built instinct” of able to move cautiously, with calculated ability, to move from place to place, but never getting itself too far from “protective-home,” to become victim of a larger and stronger predator/hunter. Coney’s (Badger’s) Wisdom is understanding of its limitations, taking practical action to address the issue, or else its time of learning becomes the end of the learning process.

The tenant (Coney or Badger) may be weak, but the house is strong. This is a demonstration of “the necessity of precaution.” What Coney (Badger) lack of size and strength it makes up for, with wisdom!!

Though feeble, finds compensation in the strength of the dwelling it selects. To be able to run to the rocks or fastnesses is necessary for the feeble. And in the ordering of our lives, it is necessary to count on our being sometimes defeated. He is but a poor captain who conducts his campaign without “securing the base;” and he does not know the practical wisdom of life who does not provide for himself a retreat, a reserve, when fortune goes against him, as it sometimes will in, “the battle of life.”

Lessons to be Learned

The lessons that we can learn from Coney (Badger), is that we have to be wise if we are not strong, in the threefold approach/strategy:

  • First, our ability to understand our size and limitation, as the Coney (Badger), and setting in place, contingency plans, to address our size and weaknesses, as not to be caught flat-footed, in situations, as shown in the wisdom of the Coney (Badger). – Proverbs 3:5-7 “Trust the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths. Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the LORD and depart from evil.”
  • Second, the other use of wisdom is to keep sentries on guard, at all times, so the enemy is not able to catch us by surprise – 1Peter 5:8 “Be sober, be vigilant; because your Adversary the Devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.” This speaks of our ability to read the “situation,” with precaution, taken!
  • Third, knowing what we can do best, in difficult/trying situation – we have contingency plan, in reserve – this is wisdom!! Although the Coney has not the compensating intelligence of the ant. But their instinct leads them to live among the rocks and hide themselves in the dark caves and inaccessible crevices. Thus, the strength of the hills is their protection. When there is no hope of holding our ground in the open field, we may find shelter in the Rock of Ages, our Lord Jesus Christ! – Psalm 62:6-8 “He only is my rock and my salvation; He is my defense; I shall not be moved. In God is my salvation and my glory; the rock of my strength, and my refuge, is in God. Trust in Him at all times, you people; pour out your heart before Him; God is a refuge for us. Selah.” 

The lessons of the Coney (Badger) are small but smart; defenseless due to the size and strength, but great and strong in wisdom! How about us!

Lesson from the Ants (Proverbs 30:25)

This is continuation of Lessons from the Insects/Animals Kingdom (Proverbs 30:24 – 28)

The Ants – Proverbs 30:25 “The ants are a people not strong, yet they prepare their food (meat) in the summer.” Ants speak of “the wisdom of preparation.” The Hebrew word for “Ants” (nemalah) means “to crowd together,” the root word means “to eat.”

A People

Ants are called “a people,” which is an interesting insight, as Ants live in a community, and have authorities which they obey, and their actions are regulated by certain definite laws.

Plan the Future

Ants teach us the lesson of the important of preparation. “Plan ahead” is what we learn from the Ants who overcome their lack of physical strength by starting their “food” preparation in the summer and setting aside enough to carry them through the winter. 

Wisdom at Work

Ants, as insects (“a people”) are not strong (Proverbs 30:25a), as the Ants could be easily crushed; indeed, so weak, that thousands are crushed by one tread of the foot. Proverbs provides us the understanding and assurance that there is nothing wrong of not being strong, provided we are aware of the fact, and of finding solutions to our problems, by our abilities of foresight, followed by preparation, and thus, as wisdom taught by Ants – “Yet the Ants prepared their meat in summer” (Proverbs 30:25). Ants have the uncanny abilities to respond to different/changing situations; for example, Ants, in the cold countries, collect and fill their nests with straws, husks, not as stores to be consumed in the winter, but for warmth and comfort. What can we learn from the Ants?? – Ants have contingency plan to meet their needs before the problems occur.

The question is how can, Ants, such small insects, have such insight/foresight and abilities?? – God in His Sovereignty has given different abilities, to different insects/animals, the abilities of survival – thus, we humans can draw understanding and wisdom from our Creator (God) and His Creation, through seeking, observing, being aware and preparation. God gives the Ants the foresight – planning and hard work, to get ready for the tomorrows!  

Organisation & Unity

Ants displayed the ability to carry huge loads above their size/weight; also, Ants’ ability to find food is uncanny.  Yet how wise they are in preparing their food in the summer for the winter.  Ants know that winter is coming, and they are willing, in summer, to prepare their stores of food for the time of scarcity. They do not only wish for food, but they work diligently to accomplish their goal of collecting and storing food. Thus, Ants demonstrate organisation and unity in function and purpose:

  • Ants laid up vast stores of provisions in their nests.
  • To facilitate this act of Providence, Ants placed their nests as near as possible to the food sources.
  • Ants certainly feed on the gathered provisions during the winter season.
  • Ants encouraged certain insects which secrete sweet juices to consort with them, and collect and store their eggs with their own, that Ants may have them at hand for future use when the eggs are hatched.

The Mind

Ants, are in some respects, the most wonderful insect in the world; for it seems to be about equal in intelligence to the elephant, which is not only the greatest, but also the most intelligent of the larger animals. The bull, so immensely greater than an Ant in body, is far small in mind.

The Application

  • Ants provided its food in the summer and gathered its food in the harvest. When the food gathered by the Ants become damp, they bring it out into the sun and dry it.
  • Ants have “no guide, overseer, or ruler,” and yet no one can watch this insect without seeing that they are “exceeding wise,” each Ant finds what his particular work is, and diligently does it – a profitable lesson for the Saints of God to learn. Tiny in frame, yet full of Providence, making wise provision against the winter.

Foresight & Preparation

The person who does not look forward and prepare for the day and the hour when some special demand will be made upon him, will surely go down. A wise provision made in the time of leisure or abundance is essential to outward and visible success. We must “buy up the opportunity (redeem the time – Colossians 4:5b); otherwise, when the occasion comes, we shall not be equal to the occasion.” 

Patience

Ants, toil for the future. Herein is strength. Men who care only for the passing moment are shallow and weak. We are strong in proportion as we live in the future.

Lessons from the Insects/Animals Kingdom (Proverbs 30:24 – 28)

The Lessons – Proverbs 30:24-28 “There are four things which are little on the earth, but they are exceedingly wise. The ants are a people not strong, yet they prepare their food in the summer; the rock badgers are a feeble folk, yet they make their homes in the crags; the locusts have no king, yet they all advance in ranks; the lizard skilfully grasps with its hands, and it is in kings’ palaces.”

Proverbs 30:24-28 teach about four weak things (Ants, Coneys {Badgers}, Locusts, and Lizards), and the greatness of each. At the first glance, no one would anticipate great accomplishments from these four little Creatures (Ants, Badgers {Coneys}, Locusts & Lizards), but each illustration from nature contains an importance lesson, to amplify the theme that size does not count nearly as much as wisdom. Each of the creature portrays a different aspect of wisdom in action.

The lesson to be learned from “the wisdom,” of these four creatures (Ants, Badgers {Coneys}, Locusts and Lizards) is that wisdom is defined by the ability to recognise one’s problems and limitations and then set about to compensate for the problems and limitations. The Ants, the Coneys {Badgers}, the Locusts, and the Lizards all have certain limitations, but in each case, each of this creature sets about overcoming its problem/limitation with its solution

The four creatures that are mentioned all illustrate the wonderful way in which the disadvantages of weakness may be overcome by some countervailing quality. These four creatures who, in spite of their size, are possessed of attributes that serve as a source of instruction for us.

The Word of God teaches that “the weak things of the world confounding the things which are mighty” (1Corinthians 1:27). Now we have illustrations from nature for the same principle. Each one of the four creatures teaches us its own special lesson, as each conquers its weakness by same separate and distinctive quality:

  • The Ants – Wisdom of Preparation by Foresight. The ant models the advisability of carefully planning ahead to meet future contingencies. Ant teaches us about preparation.
  • The Coneys (Badgers) – the Necessity of Protection – Three Basics of Survival. Hebrew (shapan) means “hider” The animal is named for its habit of living in the cleft of rocks. The resourcefulness that gains for him a high degree of security. The Coney (Badger) teaches us about wise building.
  • The Locusts – Unity & Power by organisation. It models organisation and discipline. The locust realises it cannot stand alone but needs to gather together with others for self-preservation. The locust teaches us about cooperation and order.
  • The Lizards – Victory of Perseverance by Quiet Persistency, by trying again and again to reach it goal. It models the use of resource beyond one’s own to enhance one’s security and enjoyment of life. The Lizard is about fearlessness.

In an age where brilliant thinking and high technology are admired, it is good to hear again the importance of basic virtues like careful planning (Ant), wise choosing (Coney {Badger}), community loyalty (Locust), and dogged persistence (Lizard). The Bible says that wisdom is the chief thing: (a) Wisdom will generate finance; (b) Wisdom will gather friends; (c) Wisdom will build our home – Proverbs 16:16 says that wisdom is better than gold. Ecclesiastes 9:16 says that wisdom is better than strength.

Children are God’s Heritage (Psalm 127:3-5)

1 Living Asset

Children (Living Assets) – Psalm 127:3 (KJV) “Lo, children are an heritage from the Lord; and the fruit of the womb is His reward.”

To the ancient Jews, the building of the house and the protection of the city were for the families. Family was the basic unit and most important elements of Jewish society, as they were under constant threat from the enemies

1.1 Children are the Blessing

Children are the blessing for the Jews, writes Rabbi Leo Trepp. “Each child brings a blessing all his own, our Ancestors would say. We rejoice in children because we are a people, a historical people” (“The Complete Book of Jewish Observance,” pg.217).

  • An old German Proverb says: “Many children make many prayers, and many prayers bring much blessing.”
  • John Howard Hinton’s daughter said to him as she knelt by his deathbed: “There is no greater blessing than for children to have godly parents.” “And the next,” said the dying father, with a beam of gratitude, “for parents to have godly children.” (“Memoir in Baptist Handbook”)

1.2 The well-being of the family is a partnership between God and the parents

Psalm 127:3 (KJV) “Lo, children are an heritage from the Lord; and the fruit of the womb is His reward. Family was God’s idea. It was God who gave Eve to Adam and told them: “Be fruitful and increase in number; fill the earth and subdue it” (Genesis 1:28).

1.3 Descendants to keep our name and family alive upon the earth.

Another point of building up a house, namely leaving Descendants to keep our name and family alive upon the earth. Without this, what is a person’s purpose in accumulating wealth? To what purpose does he build a house if he had none in his household to hold the house after him? What boots it that he is the Possessor of broad acres if he has no heir?

1.4 God’s blessing on the City (Psalm 127:1-2)

God’s blessing on the City (Psalm 127:1-2), begins with his blessing on the family (Psalm 127:3-5) – Since the family is the basic unit of society, if the families prosper, the nation prospers. If the families are neglected and decline, the entire nation will decline.

1.5 To Build

The connection between the first part (Psalm 127:1-2) of the Psalm and the remainder (Psalm 127:3-5) is better understood if it be remembered that the Hebrew word for “children” is from a root meaning to build.

The teaching on Psalm 127:1-2 is enforced by an example – the concept of the necessity of dependence upon God (Psalm 127:1-2) is carried over into the building of a family (Psalm 127:3-5). A recognition that children are God’s Gift is the basis for building a successful home. Conception is God’s reward to His people (Deuteronomy 28:4,11). The prosperity, alike of States and of Individuals, depends on nothing so much as on an abundant progeny (off-spring) of children. Children are manifestly God’s Gift. Psalm 127 is the middle Psalm of the third Group (Psalm 126 to Psalm 128) of the divisions of the Book of Psalms; and seems to have been chosen by Hezekiah as suited to his own childless condition during the siege of Jerusalem by Sennacherib (2Kings 18) and longs for the fulfilment of it in his case by the granting of an heir (2Chronicles 6:16; 7:18). Manasseh was born in Hezekiah’s seventeenth year on the throne, that is, the third of the added fifteen years (2Kings 20:18; 21:1).

2 Protection

Psalm 127:4-5a (KJV) “As arrows are in the hand of a mighty man (Warrior – NKJV), so are children of one’s youth. Happy is the man who hath his quiver full of them.” – Children are precious – a heritage – and make the home a treasury. But they are also useful – like fruit and arrows – and make the home a garden and an armoury. If we do not raise our children to know and love the truth, who will plant the seeds of truth and fight the battles against lies and evil in the years to come? Children protect their aged parents as effectually as arrows in the hand of a Warrior (Mighty-man – KJV). Happy is the man who has abundant children for protection.

2.1 Speak in Defense

Psalm 127:5b (KJV) “They shall not be ashamed, but they shall speak with the enemies in the gate.” – Children speak in defence of their parents. “The Gate” – was the chief place of the city concourse for commerce, council, court (Deuteronomy 21:19; Ruth 4:1; Amos 5:12). It was the place where judgement was given, and where consequently adversaries were apt to meet, as they pushed their respective causes. The children of the family (father & mother) were to defend their father in the community court which meets at the city gate. A man who has many children to defend him, stands at an advantage.

2.2 Personal Application

A stalwart congregation (“many children”) conveys a sense of influence and power, enough, e.g. to make an unjust adversary hesitate to mount complaints or attacks – Psalm 127:5b (KJV) “They shall not be ashamed, but they shall speak with the enemies in the gate.“