We continue our thoughts on Biblical worldview in Proverbs chapter 30. This is not a complete construction of a Biblical worldview. Our study is only helping to lay a foundation and give support to the full set of values that constitute a Christian philosophy of life.

Worldview - As Seen by the Many Vignettes of Proverbs Chapter Thirty - Continued

Proverbs 30:29-31 - Things in the World that are Majestic and Require Respect

Our view of the world must include appreciating that which is stately, graceful, and powerful. In some ways we should fear them. In other ways we might emulate them. Our Scripture has four characters that are described as "comely / majestic / stately."

• The Lion is an obvious choice.


• Translations differ in Proverbs 30:31. Some options are "greyhound / strutting rooster / starling / warhorse" It seems the Hebrew word indicates something that has "girded loins" - an indication of alertness and strength in movement / speed.


• "Male goat / Billy Goat / Mountain Goat."


• A king who has strong armies and military defenses.

What should we think of these four characters?

• Consider the fearless lion - Proverbs 28:1; Psalm 23:4; 27:1; Matthew 10:28-31; Romans 8:15; Acts 20:22-24; II Timothy 1:7; Philippians 1:27-28 cp. Christ - Revelation 5:5.


• Consider the powerful greyhound or warhorse, whose loins are girded, ready for action / running - Ephesians 6:10-18; Hebrews 12:1-3; I Peter 1:13-14.


• Consider the Billy Goat, who is bold and protective - I Corinthians 12:25; 16:13; Galatians 5:13; 6:2; II Timothy 1:7-8; 2:1-4, 8-10.


• Consider the Mountain Goat, who is an agile high-climber - Colossians 3:1-3; Habakkuk 3:19 cp. Psalm 40:1-2.


• Consider the King and the majesty of his power - I Peter 2:9; Revelation 1:5-6; 4:10-11.

Proverbs 30:32-33 - Things of this World to Avoid: Pride, Lust, and Contention

These last two verses may seem anticlimactic, but they leave us with a warning. Our view of the world should have a list of distinct things to avoid - things that are shameful, dangerous, overwhelming, or exhausting. We suggest that pride, lust, and contention produce thoughts and actions which should cause us to humble ourselves, to confess to God, and to make efforts to live peaceably with all men.

See Psalm 34:7-19; Proverbs 3:1-4; 13:9-10; 26:17-19; 28:13-14; Romans 12:1-21; I Corinthians 10:31-33; Ephesians 4:25 - 5:21; I John 2:15-17.