Begin with two minutes of stillness and silence before God.

Today, we reflect on the final chapters of Proverbs, written by Agur and King Lemuel. They echo and reinforce central themes of wisdom and humility. 

Agur highlights that true wisdom is rooted in humility, recognizing God's infinite knowledge. His words reflect his deep respect and awe of God's power, position, and wisdom. He cautions against adding to God's Word and urges us to strive for a balanced approach to life. 

King Lemuel shares his mother's wisdom about leading with righteousness, faithful service, sound judgment, and wholehearted care for others. The virtuous woman describes a life rooted in reverence for God and poured out in practical love for family and neighbor. 

These two chapters close out Proverbs with the refrain that wisdom is not just about knowing—it's about living humbly, loving generously, and fearing God above all else. As I considered what I might offer from these two chapters, the obvious choice from a female writer was Proverbs 31:10-31, "The Wife of Noble Character." These verses provide a wealth of material to convict, encourage, and challenge. Yet, my heart is repeatedly pulled to the heartfelt call to action in verses 8 and 9.  

They remind us that living wisely and righteously involves using our voices and our influence on behalf of those who are vulnerable, overlooked, or mistreated. God calls His people to look squarely in the direction of injustice and suffering and act with compassion. 

This isn't about loudly aligning with or loudly separating ourselves from a popular social or political agenda; it's about obeying the timeless command of Jesus to love our neighbor as ourselves. Our neighbor means, well, anyone (Matt. 22:39, Mark 12:31). A neighbor is anyone near us, especially those who live in close proximity. "Neighbor" also includes anyone we encounter or who has a need we can meet, as illustrated in the parable of the Good Samaritan. 

We are to reflect God's heart for justice and truth in our daily lives and be courageous advocates for truth and fairness. This requires doing what is right in the eyes of God, even when it seems different from what I might view as right in my own eyes. It means caring for those impacted by poverty (spiritual, relational, and material) and those without a voice, as Christ Himself cares deeply for them, just as He has cared deeply for us all when we were helpless in our sin. 

This kind of action requires us to suspend judgment for curiosity because how we see people in their circumstances changes how we respond. We are called to see people as God sees us all, as His image bearers. This is only possible when we lean closer into the stories of the vulnerable. Michelle Warren, Author of "The Power of Proximity," says, "When we build relationships where we live, we discover the complexities of standing with the vulnerable and the commitment needed for long-term change. Proximity changes our perspective, compels our response, and keeps us committed to the journey of pursuing justice for all." 

Do you know your neighbors? The child or family impacted by MS Foster Care (Approx. 4,000 MDCPS, 2025); the orphaned or unadopted child (nearly 400 in MS/153 Million in our world -MDCPS & UNICEF, 2025); the adolescent who is pregnant (MS has 2nd highest US teen birth rate - CDC, MSDH, 2025); the Immigrant (Approx. 74,000 call MS, home - AIC, 2025); the individual impacted by homelessness (Roughly 1000 in MS and 140 in Hattiesburg area -NAEH, 2024); the child/family affected by poverty (564,000 MS residents - Census Bureau, 2025) …The Widow? Single Parent? The Individual who is Incarcerated? 

Do you know any person who needs your voice and influence? Any person with a need (spiritual, relational, material) you might help meet?

Ask God to open your eyes to the struggles around you. Be Brave! Build a relationship, ask tough questions, and embrace complexity. Be Compassionate! Lean in curiously, judge fairly, and show kindness and respect. Speak Up! Use your voice and influence to advocate for others, even when uncomfortable. 

Ultimately, every lofty virtue unearthed in chapter 31 isn't born from willpower but dependence on and submission to Christ in us and our faithfulness to trust and obey—it's "everyday, average obedience in the same direction" (GK Chesterton). This wise living helps me flourish and also helps others around me flourish. 

Prayer: Father, give me the wisdom to see clearly, the conviction to lean in closely, the courage to speak up boldly, and the will to act consistently. Thank You for advocating on my behalf when I was at my most desperate. Amen.

Take two minutes to reflect in silence.

Reflection:

Use the S.O.A.P. Method to study God’s Word.

• SCRIPTURE: What stands out to you in today’s passage?
• OBSERVATION: What is this text saying? What is the context? How does it fit with the verses before and after it? Are there any commands, instructions, or promises? 
• APPLICATION: How can you apply this verse to your life? What does this mean today? What is God saying to you? 
• PRAYER: Respond to the passage in prayer. Ask God to help you apply this truth to your life and spend some time listening to what He may be telling you.