|
 |
|
 Copyright © 2007 The Salvation Army USA Eastern Territory. All rights reserved. |
|
Women of the Bible Bible Study September 2007 THE WOMAN OF PROVERBS 31 A SPIRIT OF WISDOM by Gladys DeMichael
Background: This woman of Proverbs 31 is described in the Bible as “virtuous (righteous, pure), ideal and noble. She is worth far more than precious gems (v.10). This scriptural passage is a eulogy unsurpassed in classical and religious literature. It has been named literature’s most perfect picture of the ideal woman. In traditional Jewish homes, husbands and children recited these verses at the Sabbath table. The Sabbath event in the Jewish home reveals the high position of women in Israel from Biblical times until the present. Sabbath is a family celebration, centered around the home; the mother of the home being given the honor of welcoming the Sabbath by lighting of the candles. This poem (vs. 10-31) appears in the original form as an acrostic, making the portion easier to memorize. Each line begins with a Hebrew letter in alphabetical sequence.
It is significant that the Book of Proverbs ends with a description of a “virtuous wife”. Throughout the book, and especially in the first ten chapters, wisdom is pictured as a woman, with the pronoun she and the young man is encouraged to “marry” himself to her. In other words, his choice of a wife will be a determining influence on his life and career. In choosing a good wife and focusing his affections on her alone, he will find security and satisfaction. Any other choice would be considered a lack of good sense and judgment.
The Proverbs 31 woman represents the fulfillment of life lived in wisdom. Ancient depictions of women tend to portray them in more insignificant and decorative terms, putting emphasis on their physical charm and beauty. What a marvelous contrast this scripture gives to us for this study.
Matthew Henry, the famous English Biblical commentator, likened this portrait of the ideal woman to a mirror in which all women can examine themselves, though few will find their likeness. But the woman who looks in the mirror there will catch something of the beauty of spirit and the serenity of the virtuous woman.
Biblical Truth: “Do not let your adornment be merely outward – arranging the hair, wearing gold, or putting on fine apparel – rather let it be the hidden person of the heart, with the incorruptible beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is very precious in the sight of God” (1 Peter 3: 3-4 NKJV). A neat outward appearance is proper, yet emphasis should be put on adornment of the heart, the kind of beauty that God values.
In truth, the perfect woman of Proverbs 31 hasn’t always been a friend to ordinary woman. She can easily be a source of guilt and frustration. Who could ever measure up to her? For years, women have read this portrait and sighed at the seeming impossibility of doing all that she does. This woman is a good and devoted wife (11-12), a hard worker (13-17, 27), a manager of wealth and of servants (27), a discerning consumer (18), and a caring mother (19, 21-23). Furthermore, she is an entrepreneur (24) and reaches out to help the poor (20). All of this is an expression of her obedience to God (30). This seems to be an unattainable perfection. She can do EVERYTHING!! Be encouraged! This picture is meant to be a guideline, not a list of demands of “you must do”…or “you must be”.
We can take a bit of comfort from the fact that the writer introduces her by asking the question, “a wife of noble character who can find” (10)? Certainly it is encouraging to know that she is rare. But the fact that she is rare must not keep us from learning from her. She is a woman in the Bible; her story there for our development as a Christian woman. Every woman is different, but down deep inside, most of us would like to be in some ways like this woman of Proverbs 31; a woman of strong self-esteem and confidence, setting and balancing her priorities. Circumstances vary with each individual woman. However, from this woman’s wise use of her time, her resources and her gifts and abilities, we can discover a challenge that fits our personality and lifestyle goals. We can allow her to be our “mentor”, whether it is family, home, work or ministry.
The woman of Proverbs 31 is characterized by what the Hebrews called hachmah – wisdom – “a skill for living”. She knew how to order her priorities to put her full attention on what was important. She had lived long enough and well enough to have gained insight into how to live wisely. Wise living does not come automatically with age. We have to want it and we have to be willing to put it into practice in order to perfect it. Unfortunately, we have all encountered someone of whom we could say, “he/she did not live wisely”.
This ideal woman is a wise manager. To manager is to direct, to administer, to control the use of. She kept her priorities straight! She manages her time well! She did not neglect her work and also cultivated a marvelous relationship with her husband. She encouraged him (12) and had his trust (11). She also gained respect from her children and they bless her (28). She set a high priority on relationships and always spoke with helpfulness and kindness in mind (26).
She made wise use of her free time. It was invested time not wasted time! Being idle is probably not your problem. But, we should carefully choose how we will spend the idle time we do have.
Biblical Truth: Just as God’s work will endure, so His blessings on our works will cause them to endure. Though our days are few, they can be lived in God and thus take on eternal significance. “May the favor of the Lord our God rest upon us; establish the work of our hands for us – yes, establish the work of our hands” (Psalm 90:17 NIV).
She manages her resources well! She lives by the principle – “what really matters is not how much we have but how well we manage what we have”. When we view everything we have as a gift from our Lord, we are compelled out of our great love for Him, to manage it well for His glory. He delights in this display of gratitude. “Those who seek the Lord shall not lack any good thing” (Psalm 34:10b NKJV).
She manages her own gifts and abilities wisely. It is impossible to set our priorities and live by them if we have not come to terms with who we are and what our abilities and gifts are. We must give thought to what is really important to us understanding that we cannot do it all. What we choose should be in line with God’s design for us. We are not in competition with our neighbor or even our best friend. We can live each day with dignity and strength only when we are confident and comfortable with who we are and what we are about. Put your energy where it will make a difference for the important people in your life. Be God’s someone to another!
Biblical Truth: God’s manifold grace gives people different abilities. All are to use their gifts to help others and to build up Christ’s kingdom. “Serve one another with the particular gifts God has given each of you, as faithful dispensers of the magnificently varied grace of God” (1 Peter 4:10 Philips).
Testimony: Hand written in the front of the Bible I use for my quiet time with my Lord is the following. “God wants me to get up in the morning knowing that what I’m doing matters and has eternal significance…and enjoying what He has given me to do”. My life goal! (Gladys DeMichael)
Rule of Good Enough”: “While attending a seminar, I heard for the first time about ‘Rule of Good Enough’. I wish I had known about it when I was young. I’ve spent most of my life trying to do everything perfectly. Of course, I didn’t succeed. No one does. It is important to learn that there are a great many things in life that are not central to who we are. I don’t have to do those things perfectly. Perhaps I don’t need to do them at all. When you know who you are and what is really important for you to do, you can apply the ‘Rule of Good Enough’ to everything else”. (Alice Matthews)
Apart from the Lord, whose opinion or praise matters most to you?
Our Proverbs 31 woman is also a wise counselor. “When she speaks, her words are wise, and kindness is the rule when she gives instruction” (25 NLT). Many women give counsel; some wise, some poor. Wise counsel comes from wisdom – hachmah – fear of the Lord. “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding” (Proverbs 9:10 NIV).
Biblical Truth: The “fear of the Lord” is shown in a loving reverence for God that includes submission to His lordship and to the commands of His Word. We know who God is and where we stand in relation to Him. There is nothing that matters more than that. “Know therefore that the Lord your God is God; He is the faithful God” (Deuteronomy 7:9a NIV)
How freeing to see ourselves in relation to His greatness, His majesty, His power. It’s about Him! Our lives are in His hands and He knows what is best for us. This kind of surrender to Him gives us a clear view of ourselves, our responsibilities and the demands placed upon us for daily living. We do our part; work hard, use our gifts and abilities to meet needs – our own, our family’s and others; and all along the way confident that God is present. “The Lord knows those who are His” (2 Timothy 2:19).
God is our source of “hachmah” – He is our wisdom!
Women, more often than not, set the “atmosphere” in the home. This woman of Proverbs 31 is a woman of joy, optimism, and a delight in the Lord and her family. “She always faces tomorrow with a smile” (25 – The Message). The joy of the Lord is her strength!
William Booth, co-founder of The Salvation Army, gave this tribute at the time of his wife Catherine’s promotion to glory. “To me, she has been made of God, never-failing sympathy, reliable wisdom, and untarnished truth – in short, all that is noble and good; and consequently a tower of strength, a mine of wealth, and an ever-flowing fountain of comfort and joy”. (Catherine Booth; T. Stead)
In this 21st century, there are untold numbers of Christian women, single, wives and mothers, who cherish wisdom above all. They spend their lives loving, serving, sacrificing and investing in the lives around them. Though often weary in their task, they are never weary of their task. These verses in Proverbs 31 are meant to inspire all women to be faithful to their tasks, to have strength of character, and to use their gifts for God’s glory. All Christian women can aspire to that and have it said of them, “Reward her for all she has done. Let her deeds publicly declare her praise” (31 NLT).
Ponder – Praise – Pray:
“The way you mange your time reflects what’s really important to you” (Elizabeth Elliot).
(1 Corinthians 3:19).
What does it mean to be a Proverbs 31 woman? It means my life goal is to be a woman who fears the Lord!
Prayer Eternal God, help me to remember that this very capable woman is ultimately praised not so much for all she accomplishes as for one thing, she fears the Lord. The woman who is worthy of praise is not necessarily the one with outward beauty, or a perfect home, or a great cook or one who works until exhausted at the end of the day. My prayer would be that it would be said of me, “this is a woman who fears the Lord”. I want to be a woman with an all-consuming love for You. I thank You for Your interest in me which will endure for eternity. Amen
October Study Martha – The Gift of Hospitality
|