Scripture

Charm is deceptive and beauty does not last,

but a woman who fears the Lord will be greatly praised.

Observation

The book of Proverbs ends with a poem celebrating the ideal wife. A virtuous and capable wife is more precious than rubies.

The ideal wife is hard working, successful in business and able to order her household. She spins thread, makes clothes and always speaks wisely. She is truly a person of talent and integrity.

Application

While many women aspire to the title of “Proverbs 31 Woman,” and many men aspire to catch one, this is clearly an idealised version of an upper class woman in a very different setting to our own.

There are several qualities that women and men should still aim for in God’s grace.

1. To be virtuous. This is about doing what is good and godly as a reflex action. We no longer need to ask “What would Jesus do?” because following the way of Jesus has become automatic. In most situations we don’t need to pray because God’s way is evident to the one who has spent years seeking His will.

2. Work hard. Like being virtuous, this is not a popular ethic in our culture. We waste so much time being entertained, preferring to watch TV rather than study God’s word, for example.

3. Sacrificial love for our family. Because we are brought up to exalt selfishness, it can be difficult to walk in the way of sacrificial self-giving.

4. Wisdom in all things. Wisdom is knowing how to make life work effectively for ourselves and the people who look up to us.

These qualities do not come easily to any of us. They are grown in us as we seek to follow the Lord each day.

Prayer

Lord, may I become like the Proverbs 31 woman. Develop these qualities in me, I pray. Amen.

Scripture

“But all who listen to me will live in peace, untroubled by fear of harm.”

Observation

Wisdom calls to all who will stop to listen. She calls to the crowds on the streets, appealing to fools and mockers to change their ways.

Wisdom has called out so often to no avail, so now she will give up and leave the fools to their fate. But all who listen to her will live in peace.

Application

In this passage, wisdom is personified as a woman calling out to people. The description here is in some ways similar to that of a prostitute in other places in Proverbs. Whereas engaging in illicit sex leads to ruin, engaging with Wisdom brings prosperity and peace.

Wisdom is a metaphor for devotion to the Lord. We are told in several Scriptures that the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.

To gain wisdom we must start by seeking the Lord.

When we do that we walk in peace- peace of mind and soul.

We live in a culture that is distinguished by fear. Political leaders and commercial interests promote fear for their own interests.

The person who trusts the Lord is not troubled by fear. We know that we are safe in His hands and our eternal destination is assured.

Jesus tells us not to be anxious for our heavenly Father knows what we need. We simply need to trust in Him.

Prayer

Thank you Father for the peace that comes from following you. Please help me to trust you in every circumstance. Amen.

The perfect wife

Is hard to find

She serves her family

Working hard to feed them

Toiling to clothe them

Running a business

Working a trade

–

Her children bless her

Her husband adores her

The city thanks her

The elders admire her