So, today, we complete our reading of the Book of Proverbs! Congratulations! I pray the Spirit of God has given you plenty to ponder and think about this past month. The biggest take away for me every time I read this Book is how it challenges my character and provides new desires for new growth in my soul—mind, will, emotions. Praise God!
In our passage today, we read the wise sayings of King Lemuel whose name means “devoted to God.” Lemuel gives credit to the Wisdom of God passed down through his mother. This is a pretty amazing testimony to the beautiful nature and character of this woman of God—she was able to live faithfully before God, bless her family, and honor the Lord of her heart. She is the woman of Proverbs 31—the model of the virtuous woman who is a symbol of Lady Wisdom. But, this lesson is not just for women; this lesson is about God’s nature and character in all willing hearts.
This past month, we have read a great deal from Solomon’s proverbs about the adulterous woman and now we will end our readings with Lady Wisdom who provides a huge contrast in character—a unique spiritual “mark” of expression and disposition. Godliness marks human beings who obediently follow the covenant of God’s Law; when we choose Christ we are marked by the Spirit and our expression and disposition reveals the fruit of God’s love and a life lived in excellence. Note, I did not say perfection. Ungodliness also marks human beings; when we choose to live the way of the world or according to our flesh, human character reveals and expresses this lawless disposition.
This writing is like an acrostic poem—each verse begins with a successive letter in the Hebrew alphabet. For example, alphabetically in English, vv.10-14 might read: An “awesome” wife…; A “blessed” lady; A “caring” woman; A “diligent” worker. This gal is everything from A-Z, because of her honor and trust in the Lord. This woman in our passage today may be a composite image of womanhood, but truthfully she represents a woman in love with Jesus—Wisdom!
This relationship she has with God makes her: 1) virtuous and valuable to her husband, 2) a hard worker who uses her hands and head, 3) a compassionate heart who is generous to those in need, 4) she is ready for challenges by taking care of others as well as herself, 5) she builds up her husband’s reputation, 6) she is filled with godly Wisdom and admired by her family, and 7) she is honored by the Lord.
Proverbs 1 starts out with a father telling his son about choosing a Woman of Wisdom and Proverbs 31 ends with that Woman of Wisdom being a godly woman. Jesus empowers men, women, sons, and daughters to live by faith and to excel in the roles he has created for us to fulfill. In Wisdom, may we read our lessons in Proverbs over and over again, so we can grow in Christ’s nature and character. Blessings!
Proverbs 31 Sayings of King Lemuel
1 The sayings of King Lemuel—an inspired utterance his mother taught him.
2
Listen, my son! Listen, son of my womb!
Listen, my son, the answer to my prayers!
3
Do not spend your strength on women,
your vigor on those who ruin kings.
4
It is not for kings, Lemuel—
it is not for kings to drink wine,
not for rulers to crave beer,
5
lest they drink and forget what has been decreed,
and deprive all the oppressed of their rights.
6
Let beer be for those who are perishing,
wine for those who are in anguish!
7
Let them drink and forget their poverty
and remember their misery no more.
8
Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves,
for the rights of all who are destitute.
9
Speak up and judge fairly;
defend the rights of the poor and needy.
Epilogue: The Wife of Noble Character
10
A wife of noble character who can find?
She is worth far more than rubies.
11
Her husband has full confidence in her
and lacks nothing of value.
12
She brings him good, not harm,
all the days of her life.
13
She selects wool and flax
and works with eager hands.
14
She is like the merchant ships,
bringing her food from afar.
15
She gets up while it is still night;
she provides food for her family
and portions for her female servants.
16
She considers a field and buys it;
out of her earnings she plants a vineyard.
17
She sets about her work vigorously;
her arms are strong for her tasks.
18
She sees that her trading is profitable,
and her lamp does not go out at night.
19
In her hand she holds the distaff
and grasps the spindle with her fingers.
20
She opens her arms to the poor
and extends her hands to the needy.
21
When it snows, she has no fear for her household;
for all of them are clothed in scarlet.
22
She makes coverings for her bed;
she is clothed in fine linen and purple.
23
Her husband is respected at the city gate,
where he takes his seat among the elders of the land.
24
She makes linen garments and sells them,
and supplies the merchants with sashes.
25
She is clothed with strength and dignity;
she can laugh at the days to come.
26
She speaks with wisdom,
and faithful instruction is on her tongue.
27
She watches over the affairs of her household
and does not eat the bread of idleness.
28
Her children arise and call her blessed;
her husband also, and he praises her:
29
“Many women do noble things,
but you surpass them all.”
30
Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting;
but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.
31
Honor her for all that her hands have done,
and let her works bring her praise at the city gate.
Prayer: Lord, thank you for these many Wisdom lessons this month to challenge our thinking and to help us live our lives being marked by your Spirit of Truth. Continue to lead us forward in the Spirit and help us become sons and daughters of your true and glorious nature and character. We want to be faithful for your glory. In Jesus’ name. Amen.