Proverbs 11:16, The Divine Ideal

May 14, Proverbs 11:16

1 Peter 3:1-12 “Worthy is the Lamb to receive strength and honour” (Rev. 5:12)

The Divine Ideal

The Greek Bible (LXX) has a very different translation here. Why? Did these translators have a corrupt Hebrew text, or did they misread what they had, or not like the original text, and so changed it to suit their guesses? This is the all too common practice of our present-day Bible paraphrasers who seem to delight in every conceivable word-play, while they lay “unholy hands” on the precious received Words of God. Some of the preferred readings in modern versions come from the Greek Bible (LXX) as well as other doubtful sources. Read the Introductions and footnotes in any new version to see that this is so.

1. Grace: What is the point in this verse? Is it that the gracious woman retains honour (true wealth) more easily (and permanently) than the strong man retains, grabs, (same word) riches by force, and that’s all he ends up with? Or is the point, that while both honour and riches are desirable, the method of attaining them is poles apart. “Ruthlessness is not the only way to the top” (Kidner). This woman has an equally gracious sister. She was described as a tree of life, and happy is everyone that retains her, lays hold on her (same word as here, 3:18). Beware, however, of that other woman whose charm is as false as her face (5:5). She takes hold (same word again), not on honour, but on hell.

2. Strength: This word strong has mostly a bad sense, striking terror, ruthless (Jer. 15:21; Ez. 28:7). There is a contrast between the gracious lady who earns respect, and this ruthlessly aggressive man who arouses only fear. Gentle graciousness is contrasted with grasping greediness. He is a formidable adversary, whether personal or national. He seems to acquire and hold his riches by his strength over the weak. It is the survival of the strongest. Can riches, so procured, retain honour? Certainly, they cannot ransom his soul. Is his counterpart described in Proverbs 5:22? He shall be holden (same word) with the cords of his sins?

3. Riches and Renown: Graciousness has an influence of its own, but strength by itself can never satisfy the deepest aspirations of the soul. “It is not good for the man to be alone, for he is without grace. It is not good for the woman to be alone, for she is without strength. When men and women stand to one another in the right Christian relation they will complete one another, and together constitute the Divine idea of humanity” (J. Parker). How wonderful when the two join in one person. We see them together in the Lord’s House (Ps. 96:6). We also see them joined in our Lord, and they can be, and will be, joined in everyone who follows in His footsteps (2 Tim.2:1). This will only happen, however, when you keep close to Christ, breathe His Spirit, and let Him be transforming you more and more into His image (2 Cor. 3:18). It has been said, “If you are in Christ, and Christ is in you, then the world should see nothing else” (Anon).

Thought: “Wealth can do us no good unless it help us toward Heaven” (Th. Adams).

Prayer: Lord, give me more grace to grow, and send me more strength to go.