Proverbs 5-6
While it would seem that the "father" in Proverbs 5 is attempting to stir his "son" clear of women of certain backgrounds, he really is warning the son against pursuing other forms of wisdom. Yes, I am sure he is speaking of remaining faithful to a wife, or true love, and to stay away from immoral women, he is warning the son not to follow certain religions and goddesses that will lead him down an impure path. Temple prostitutes were common in this age, as well as many cults following fertility goddesses that celebrated orgies and other sexually deviant behavior.
The seductive cults and loose women were not the only temptation that the father is trying to warn the son about, for other forms of wisdom could also be seen impure women. If Woman Wisdom represents the beauty and truth of wisdom and knowledge, then other women would represent other philosophies. Any of these temptations can ensnare a young person and lead then down a path of wickedness.
A series of teachings comprise Proverbs 6, of being indebted to a neighbor, slothful living and wickedness. It would seem the father warns the son about "pledging" oneself to an neighbor, and while we might see this as a good thing on the surface, it more speaks to borrowing money and pledging to give it back, normally with interest. The warning is clear not to be under the rule of another, and one should find a way to get out of the situation as soon as possible. Likewise, the son is warned about laziness. The thrifty ant, constantly working to provide and prepare is the example.
The chapter closes with a listing of wicked behavior that the Lord abhors. This behavior is to be shunned, one should not even be in the same area as the behavior for fear of being sucked in and lead you into wickedness yourself. Of particular example is sexual desire, particularly lusting after another's wife. Not only is the adultery wicked but this behavior will lead another to murder, so it is really a bad thing.
Colossians 1
The Letter of the Colossians has traditionally been ascribed to Paul but most likely it was not written by Paul. There are enough theological differences between the author of Colossians and Paul that it is extremely unlikely that Paul wrote the letter. Chief among these differences is the authors opinion that we already share in the Resurrection, but Paul always held this to be something to come in the future.
The purpose of the letter seems to address a controversy that has arisen in the community. Some have come to the church in Colossae preaching the need to find a new knowledge in the universe to come closer to God. Evidently Jesus was not enough, more knowledge and wisdom is needed. While it is believed that this new way was not gnosticism per se, it was similar. The letter is written to refute a need of such knowledge.
In the opening of the letter in Colossians 1, the author, if not Paul, also makes reference to Timothy. Most likely this is because Timothy was also well known in Asia Minor where Colossae was located and it was possible that he might have had a relationship with the church personally.
Paul ( or the author, but if Paul is mentioned by me, it also refers to the author) writes of his thanksgiving for the community for their faith and their willingness to accept the ministry of Epaphras, who was one of Paul's contemporaries and founder of the community of faith in Colossae. Paul then goes on to mention that he has been praying for wisdom and knowledge for this community, wisdom and knowledge that would compare to the Old Testament understandings. Paul is not speaking of "special knowledge" but of the wisdom that God has gifted the world.
For the author, this wisdom and knowledge is found in Jesus Christ. It is Christ who knits all things together, and in the hymn found within vs 15-20 has become a foundational statement of the church. It is through Jesus that God has reconciled humanity with him.
Paul, while in prison, rejoices as he writes for he has been given the commission to proclaim this truth. This is the wisdom and knowledge that "was hidden" from the world but is now made known through Jesus Christ.
Backlogged Posts
2 Chronicles 24-25
Following the coronation of Joash, he then sets to repair the temple in 2 Chronicles 24. It would seem that Athaliah and her family had been raiding the temple of its treasures and neglecting it, allowing it to fall into disrepair. But it seems that her influence in Judah also caused the people to neglect their responsibility to pay their tithes and support the work of the temple.
So Joash instructs the priests and Levites to begin repairs but they are slow to respond so Joash takes the initiative, speaks to Jehoiada encourages the work to begin. The people joyously gave to the House of the Lord and the temple is rebuilt and with leftover money, Joash was to supply some other items to the temple as well.
Jehoiada, the mentor to Joash, passes away of old age and a new group of advisers come to power. It seems that Joash is pulled away from God and Judah as well as Israel falls back into worshipping false gods. God raises up Zechariah, the son of Jehoiada, to be a prophet to Israel, yet the king himself has him stoned and killed.
God's judgment comes in the form of the Arameans who come against Judah, sack Jerusalem and take away many prizes. Joash is wounded in the battle and then later killed by his servants because of his treatment of Zechariah.
Joash's son, Amaziah (yes all these names are beginning to run together), becomes king after Joash in 2 Chronicles 25. He does what is right in the Lord's eyes but it seems the faith is not very deep. He punishes the family of the servants who killed Joash, but the author leads us to beleive that it was not handled in a way pleasing to God.
But to make matters worse, Amaziah creates an alliance with the Ephraimites (northern kingdom) when he desires to move against Edom. He is told by a prophet to not just in the notherners, but that God alone is sufficient. While Amaziah does listen to the prophet and slaugthered the Edomites, he brings back idols and sets them up ot be worshipped in Jerusalem. Much to God's displeasure.
Amaziah is no feeling pretty good about himself, and now picks a fight with the northern kingdom, but the Lord is not with him and he is soundly defeated by King Joash of Israel. Because of his betrayal of God, servants again turn against a king and hunt him down to kill him.
Ephesians 5
The author really spares no details in what is expected of a follower of Christ. A Christian refrains from vulgar talk but instead focuses on thanksgiving and praise. Those who are impure or immoral must be held at a distance, they must not be associated with for Christians now live in the light not the dark. One must not be tempted by this darkness so it is best to just stay away.
It is clear that the author beleives that wisdom begins and ends with following Christ and Christ's teachings. One does not seek the intoxication of wine but the influence of the Spirit.
Lastly, this chapter contains the household code that for years has bothered the modern sensibility. However, let me point out that the behavior patterns of the husband are far more strict than that of the wife. Yes, the wife is to be subject to their husbands, but husbands were to be subject to Christ. Given the context of when this was written, for a husband to love a wife and care for her like Christ loves the church meant that the husband needed to be a servant to his wife. Of course, most used this passage for their own misogynistic agenda, but it is certainly not what is said in this chpater.
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