The Book of Proverbs united ancient values and ideals with Israel’s understanding of God. Written at the time of the exile, about 500 BC, it was intended for serious study in the effort to gain wisdom. Today’s reading is more than a song praising both the housekeeping and commercial activities of a good wife – it is Wisdom in action. And it recognises that a wife should share in the benefits of her work.
And the Psalm celebrates the blessings of family life, wishing such a family prosperity and long life.
The reading from Paul’s letter to the Thessalonians continues from last week’s reading, reminding his hearers that the “Day of the Lord” will come when we least expect it. So we should learn wisdom and live every day in justice and integrity, as if it will be our last.
Matthew’s parable of the talents, like the gospel last week, also urges us to live wisely and justly while waiting for the day of judgement, which will certainly come. But we must do more than just use the resources we have been given for God’s purposes: just as it needs effort to learn wisdom, so we must work at developing our faith, otherwise we may lose it.
Psalm Response: O blessed are those who fear the Lord.