A Wife of Noble Character...“Who can find a virtuous and capable wife? She is more precious than rubies.
Her husband can trust her, and she will greatly enrich his life.
She brings him good, not harm, all the days of her life.” Proverbs 31: 10-12
Stop. It’s all about character. As you read this proverb, you’ll see that this woman is an excellent wife and mother. We also are told she is a manufacturer, importer, manager, realtor, farmer, seamstress, upholsterer, and a merchant. Wow, she’s a real go-getter! How is it humanly possible to do all that? Her strength and dignity don’t come from her amazing achievements, but they most certainly are a result of her reverence to God! Search and see that her physical appearance is never mentioned. Isn’t our society obsessed with outward appearances? Her attractiveness completely comes from her character.
“She is clothed with strength and dignity, and she laughs without fear of the future.
When she speaks her words are wise, and she gives instructions with kindness.
Her children stand and bless her.
Her husband praises her.
Charm is deceptive, and beauty does not last; but a woman who fears the Lord will be greatly praised.” Proverbs 31: 25-26, 28, 30
The Bible Commentary brings up an excellent thought: The woman in this proverb may not be one woman at all—she may be a composite portrait of ideal womanhood. We mustn’t see her as the model to imitate in every detail. See her instead as an inspiration to be all that we can be. Isn’t it interesting that the book of Proverbs starts out with the command to fear the Lord; and it ends with the picture of a woman who does exactly that? Her qualities are mentioned throughout the book: hard work, fear of God, foresight, respect for spouse, care for others, encouragement, concern for the poor, wisdom in handling money. When these qualities are coupled with fear of the Lord, success…enjoyment…honor…and worth are byproducts; they are all an expression of her obedience to God.
We made it through Proverbs! Can you feel the wisdom?
Posts
8 thoughts and/or comments:
Lori, this post was so good. I agree with the commentary you mentioned that said the Prov 31 woman could be a composite of all the qualities of character and wise communal living.
You could even say this image is a composite for all people, men and women. This of the Prov. 31 woman as "Woman Wisdom." In Prov. 31 Woman Wisdom cries out in the streets for the simple to come follow her and become wise. In Prov. 7 Woman Folly encourages the young man to leave his morals, in which case he will be like an ox going to slaughter. In the first 9 chapters of Proverbs two women are vying for young peoples' attention - Woman Wisdom and Woman Folly. One leads to godly living, the other to wild living.
In Prov. 9 Woman Wisdom serve her meal, inviting all of the young people who followed her into her home to eat. At the end of Prov. 9 Woman Folly also serves a meal - of stolen (illicit) water. Folly!
Then, in chapters 10 through 30 Woman Wisdom is serving her meal - wisdom, godliness, character training, etc. By 31 she is caring for those who have dined with her and been with her. They are now her family, and Woman Wisdom is caring for them.
The mature, selfless, giving, kind, hard working, caring, loving, gracious woman of Prov. 31 is what God wants all of us to eventually become.
Good post, very stimulating!
Hi Warren,
Thank you for that summary-it was awesome! What a great overview, a great way of giving someone just enough info to make them want to dive into the Proverbs...at least to better understand them.
I agree with you when you said this image is a composite for all people, men and women. Great comment. Blessings!
Lori! thank you for this post..this is who I want to be...my favorite verse is Proverbs 31:30 "Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised."
^_^
Hi Paige, it's always good to hear from you. Great comment. Yes indeed, may we all aspire to be the Proverbs 31 Woman...
God bless you!
Hi Lori!
I just dropped by and see I can by it on Lulu, looking forward to it! Say a prayer for me, coming down to the wire with my career, but we are at peace. God Bless my friend!
Hi Scott! Praying for you now, and will pray for you family as the Holy Spirit leads. Thanks for the encouraging comment about my book!
God bless!
I am inspired by the prov. 31 woman it is a worthy position to attain and yes it is by the strength of God in us that we can have such Godly character. The part i need to remember is to laugh without fear of the future in Jesus name!
Hello Tamela,
Yes, she is very inspiring. Your comment reminds me of a picture I have hanging...it says, "Lord, thank you for laughter, without it I can take myself too seriously!" I know that applies to the future too. We're in God's hands, but I know sometimes it's hard to not fear the future.
Thanks for the comment. Blessings!
Post a Comment