Wisdom in Action

The last chapter of Proverbs begins with the words of King Lemuel—the revelation which his mother taught him. A wise mother passes on wisdom to her son. She tells him: Open your mouth for the mute, in the cause of all who are left desolate. Open your mouth, judge righteously, and serve justice to the poor and needy.

Verses 10-31 form an acrostic poem in Hebrew; each verse begins with the next letter of the alphabet. Who can find a worthy woman? For her value is far above rubies. She is hardworking, wise in business, generous, and strong. She considers a field, and buys it. She opens her arms to the poor. Strength and dignity are her clothing. She laughs at the time to come.

The poem shows wisdom lived out in everyday life. She opens her mouth with wisdom. Kind instruction is on her tongue. She looks well to the ways of her household, and doesn't eat the bread of idleness. Charm is deceitful, and beauty is vain; but a woman who fears Yahweh, she shall be praised. Proverbs began with The fear of Yahweh is the beginning of knowledge, and it ends by praising a woman who fears Yahweh. This picture is for everyone: men and women alike are called to live wisely in the fear of God.