The Bible Challenge, Day 206: Proverbs 29-31, Psalm 18:21-50 and
Philippians 3
The Book of Proverbs offers insight into successful and blessed living.
Here we learn that opposites can be true, and that the advice comes with a kind of “sometimes but not always” caveat. That being said, I admit that I find
the book a bit depressing, perfectionist as I am. It keeps me ever mindful
of failings and the common traps that snag us human beings in our daily
dilemmas. The hymn in praise to the capable wife seems especially
daunting. (The Common English Bible translates the adjective as
competent.) Here is Super Woman, a perfect companion, seamstress who makes her own cloth, cook, home accountant and negotiator, merchant, staff director,
and farmer. She runs her own personal soup kitchen and home schools her
children in the ways of wisdom. And she even works out! Sigh. Ordinary challenges are awesome enough without this kind of bar before my eyes.
Not long ago I learned that in a traditional Jewish household, the father of
the family recites this hymn to his wife at Sabbath Supper every week.
That information softened my feelings about this passage. I imagine
receiving praise for my contribution to my husband, family and household week by
week, even though I cannot meet the Proverbial standard. We will do well
to acknowledge the contributions of those who work for the welfare of their
families and community, including the Church. Gratitude encourages us to
strive for the great.
Philippians 3 is a wonderful complement to Proverbs today. Here Paul
talks about the high bar of religious teachings. He notes that he has
fulfilled all the expectations – circumcision on the 8th day, being born to the
best tribe in his religious heritage, having the right parents (literal
descendants of Abraham), a student and teacher of Holy Scripture, zealous for
righteousness in himself and others. However – and this is a big however –
he says that his life in Christ is more important than any of these
perfections. As we strive to be our best and to please God, we remember
that we have been redeemed – we stand forgiven, healed and free. This
gives us strength for today and hope for eternity. Thanks be to
God!
The Rev. Jennie Lou Reid
Philippians 3
The Book of Proverbs offers insight into successful and blessed living.
Here we learn that opposites can be true, and that the advice comes with a kind of “sometimes but not always” caveat. That being said, I admit that I find
the book a bit depressing, perfectionist as I am. It keeps me ever mindful
of failings and the common traps that snag us human beings in our daily
dilemmas. The hymn in praise to the capable wife seems especially
daunting. (The Common English Bible translates the adjective as
competent.) Here is Super Woman, a perfect companion, seamstress who makes her own cloth, cook, home accountant and negotiator, merchant, staff director,
and farmer. She runs her own personal soup kitchen and home schools her
children in the ways of wisdom. And she even works out! Sigh. Ordinary challenges are awesome enough without this kind of bar before my eyes.
Not long ago I learned that in a traditional Jewish household, the father of
the family recites this hymn to his wife at Sabbath Supper every week.
That information softened my feelings about this passage. I imagine
receiving praise for my contribution to my husband, family and household week by
week, even though I cannot meet the Proverbial standard. We will do well
to acknowledge the contributions of those who work for the welfare of their
families and community, including the Church. Gratitude encourages us to
strive for the great.
Philippians 3 is a wonderful complement to Proverbs today. Here Paul
talks about the high bar of religious teachings. He notes that he has
fulfilled all the expectations – circumcision on the 8th day, being born to the
best tribe in his religious heritage, having the right parents (literal
descendants of Abraham), a student and teacher of Holy Scripture, zealous for
righteousness in himself and others. However – and this is a big however –
he says that his life in Christ is more important than any of these
perfections. As we strive to be our best and to please God, we remember
that we have been redeemed – we stand forgiven, healed and free. This
gives us strength for today and hope for eternity. Thanks be to
God!
The Rev. Jennie Lou Reid
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