Aug. 31, 2021
Authority and Harmony
This section of Proverbs begins Hezekiah’s collection of Solomonic proverbs. Hezekiah introduced religious reforms during his reign (2 Kings 18), and assembling these proverbs may have been part of them. They give wisdom about the folly of the fool, disagreements with enemies, and the blessing of faithful friends.
Paul addresses divisions over corporate worship in the Corinthian church. He first comments on head coverings and worship, giving specific instructions relevant to the Roman culture of the time.
In their culture, head coverings represented respect for women as persons, not sexual objects (see 1 Peter 3:1-7). Paul continues his theme from earlier in the letter by calling men and women to give up their "rights" for the benefit of others, especially in worship.