Proverbs 30-31 We are in the Wisdom Stream reading from The Message. 7streamsmethod.com | @serenatravis | Donate Commentary by Dr. Drake Travis Lord, your wonders are all around us. Your wisdom runs the earth and sky.  We praise you for your mighty works and love for us. Amen. Agur is likely a contemporary of Solomon. There is no reference to who exactly he was except that his father is Jakeh. His material is intriguing for it's keen observation of life, earth, and God's ways. So much so that it fits in with the rest of the literature found in Proverbs.  So it is included. 30 - Agur has no notion of being some sage himself.  In an admirable statement, he knows and states that God is the source of wisdom. Did you catch that question? --> "What is His Name or His Son's Name?". We read this and we know, but Lemuel is asking this magnificent question around 950 B.C.!  His opening wishes are basically, 'don't lie to me, don't tempt me, don't let me forget God. Here's Agur's advice: don't trash talk people - it's not your role. Bless your parents - beyond that, shush up. Be sober about your own virtue - or lack thereof. Be aware that there are mean people out there! There are also "gimme/gimme" types. Agur spells out five lists that are observations about life that we best know, and try to ingest, understand, and abide by. Don't try to fix these issues - just be aware of them. These lists are like terrain when blazing a trail. Just work with it v.s. work against it. 31 - This is the words of Lemuel. Some scholars posit that Lemuel was a nickname or term of endearment that Solomon received from his mother. Whatever the case may be, it is timeless advice about how society ought value its females v.s. "put them in a pumpkin shell [or hut] where you can keep them very well."  Keep in mind that the regions of the world where the women are valued v.s. used and abused as if to be sub-human commodities, it is these places on earth where people enjoy a better society, better facilities, better amenities, provision, civic pleasantries, domestic tranquility. There is also greater wealth, greater function, happier children, healthier and more humane men who govern with virtue, wisdom, and compassion.                    This woman has untold value, she elicits trust, is deeply and eternally good. She understands fabric, shipping, the culinary world. Her help is cared for, she knows real estate, agriculture, and is obviously attentive; knowing the seasons.  Her management skills frees her husband to master his craft... and she's not done: she designs and markets clothing too.  She speaks wisdom, is kind, and raises children who emulate her.  Her reverence for God is evident. Her abilities inspire her town. Her life is the stuff of legend.