TLIC Family. PROVERBS. NOVEMBER 30: STATELY.

THINK TOGETHER

What do kings and queens act like?

READ TOGETHER

Proverbs 30:29-31. ²⁹Three things are stately in their tread; four are stately in their stride: ³⁰the lion, which is mightiest among beasts and does not turn back before any; ³¹the strutting rooster, the he-goat, and a king whose army is with him.

Agur loved lists of four. Yesterday we read his list of four small animals that are not powerful, but they are wise. In today’s verses, Agur lists four things that are powerful, and confident. He calls them stately. That means that they don’t act foolish, or get out of control, but instead they act with dignity and courage.

The lion: he is always confident and in charge of himself. He’s not afraid of anything. The rooster: he walks with his head up and crows confidently letting everyone know the sun has risen. The mountain goat: he stands on top of the mountain enjoying the view, always sure-footed, never stumbling. The King: his army loves him and will fight for him. He rules with kindness and courage.

It is important to read this list of four next to yesterday’s list of four. Yesterday’s animals were small but wise. Today’s animals (and king) are bigger and confident. They have courage and the respect of others.

Jesus is in both lists. In his wisdom he became a small baby so that he could be used by God to save us. As an adult he was stately – he walked with dignity, honor, and courage. He didn’t act silly or stupid. He was always both humble and confident. A servant and a king. Small and big – a human and God. Because he was honored by God, he honored God with his actions.

With Jesus in our hearts, we can be in both lists too. We are an ant and we are a lion. We are small and we are stately. We are weak and we are strong. We are humble and we are confident. We are loving and honoring and we are loved and honored by God just like Jesus.

Because of Jesus we are honored by God.

With Jesus we can have confidence and dignity wherever we go.

DO SOMETHING TOGETHER

Pretend to be kings and queens. What do kings and queens act like? How do they talk? Walk? Dress? Remember, Jesus makes us kings and queens in his kingdom. 

PRAY TOGETHER

Jesus, with you I am honored and humbled. Keep me from being silly at the times I should be serious, and scared when I should be courageous. Amen.