Do not fear the Proverbs 31 woman!
Do not fear the Proverbs 31 woman. The first verse tells us that the following were instructions that King Lemuel’s mother was giving him regarding a future wife. No one woman did all of these things. This mother was teaching her son.
Proverbs 31 (NLT)
1 The sayings of King Lemuel contain this message, which his mother taught him.
2 O my son, O son of my womb, O son of my vows,
3 do not waste your strength on women, on those who ruin kings.
NOTE: This mother was talking to the son of her womb and telling him not to have sex before marriage!
4 It is not for kings, O Lemuel, to guzzle wine. Rulers should not crave alcohol.
5 For if they drink, they may forget the law and not give justice to the oppressed.
6 Alcohol is for the dying, and wine for those in bitter distress.
7 Let them drink to forget their poverty and remember their troubles no more.
NOTE: This mother was telling her son not to be drunk with alcohol. When you drink it makes your brain fuzzy and you will do ignorant things!
8 Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves; ensure justice for those being crushed.
9 Yes, speak up for the poor and helpless, and see that they get justice.
NOTE: This mother was telling her son to care for the helpless and speak up for justice. We all need to speak out against abortion and help others who cannot help themselves.
A Wife of Noble Character
10 Who can find a virtuous and capable wife? She is more precious than rubies.
11 Her husband can trust her, and she will greatly enrich his life.
12 She brings him good, not harm, all the days of her life.
NOTE: This is a description of a woman’s character – she is a trustworthy woman.
13 She finds wool and flax and busily spins it.
14 She is like a merchant’s ship, bringing her food from afar.
15 She gets up before dawn to prepare breakfast for her household and plan the day’s work for her servant girls.
16 She goes to inspect a field and buys it; with her earnings she plants a vineyard.
17 She is energetic and strong, a hard worker.
18 She makes sure her dealings are profitable; her lamp burns late into the night.
19 Her hands are busy spinning thread, her fingers twisting fiber.
NOTE: The woman described here is willing to use her God-given abilities to care for her family. She is not just barefoot and pregnant. She is an intelligent woman managing the family business. Her husband trusts her decisions. Whatever your skills are use them heartily as unto the Lord!
20 She extends a helping hand to the poor and opens her arms to the needy.
21 She has no fear of winter for her household, for everyone has warm clothes.
22 She makes her own bedspreads. She dresses in fine linen and purple gowns.
NOTE: This woman is generous to others and plans ahead for the needs of her family. She dresses herself and family in the best she can afford. Not every woman sews, but she can shop looking for the best that is on sale to dress her family well.
23 Her husband is well-known at the city gates, where he sits with the other civic leaders.
NOTE: This woman’s husband is being the God-leader he needs to be and trusts his wife to do her best – not comparing her to other women.
24 She makes belted linen garments and sashes to sell to the merchants.
NOTE: This wife and mother uses her unique abilities to bless her family.
25 She is clothed with strength and dignity, and she laughs without fear of the future.
26 When she speaks, her words are wise, and she gives instructions with kindness.
NOTE: This woman trusts in God to provide for her future. She is a wise and kind person.
27 She carefully watches everything in her household and suffers nothing from laziness.
NOTE: This woman is not lazy, but she watches how she can best take care of herself so her home runs smoothly.
28 Her children stand and bless her. Her husband praises her:
29 “There are many virtuous and capable women in the world, but you surpass them all!”
30 Charm is deceptive, and beauty does not last; but a woman who fears the Lord will be greatly praised.
31 Reward her for all she has done. Let her deeds publicly declare her praise.
NOTE: Nothing is said in this passage about this woman’s physical beauty. It’s all about her character, her love for her family, her willingness to do all she can to provide for he family. She loved the Lord with her whole being and lived her life to glorify God.
All women are uniquely designed by God – Psalm 139. We all have differing abilities and interests. We all have different callings in our lives. As a temple of the Holy Ghost, we are challenged to remember our body does not belong to us, it belongs to God. We were purchased with the price of His blood on the cross. We are to glorify God in our body and spirit in all we do – I Cor. 6: 18-20.
Do not compare yourself to other women. God tells us we are unwise if we do so. If knowing how to sew was a requirement by God, then I have failed. God has blessed me with other abilities.
I raised my children in the fear and admonition of the Lord. I kept a clean home. I decorated my home. I was a home school mom for a total of 8 years. I advanced my education and became a Certified Pastoral Counselor – an extension of God’s calling on my life to be a teacher of His Word.
I challenge every woman to understand her value and worth comes from God alone. Use your abilities and interests in life to fulfill the calling God has for you. God said about the woman who anointed His feet, “She hath done what she could!” We all can do what we do by the help of God. Be challenged to grow emotionally, spiritually and relationally for the rest of your life!
www.carolclemans.org – I teach and counsel nationwide by phone/Skype – call (636) 448-0121 to schedule counseling or speaking. Watch teaching videos on Carol Clemans YouTube channel.