By Dean Hughes, pastor of Eastside Baptist Church, Topeka, KS
Read Proverbs 31.
She made her presence known in the beginning, and she is modeled for us at the end of our search. She is indispensable for our relationships—with God, our spouse, and our children.
Who is she? She is wisdom. The book of Proverbs comes full circle beginning in chapter one proclaiming “the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom” and ending in chapter 31 with a portrait of a woman that exudes wisdom – the virtuous woman.
The acrostic beginning in verse ten (in Hebrew, each couplet is listed in alphabetical order) describes the characteristics of an ideal woman of noble character, strength, and valor. The dilemma is twofold: many women feel they cannot measure up to these characteristics and get discouraged or depressed, or they feel these concepts are outdated for the 21st century. Culture changes, but the values of kindness, resourcefulness, industriousness, among others described here, are marks of a maturing, but imperfect believer. Striving to live these values adds quality to our relationships, which should be appreciated by those who observe them. Verse 28 describes how the virtuous woman is praised by those who know her best—her husband and children. Husbands, are you listening?
Above all, this is the one indispensable pursuit, the man, woman, boy, or girl that fears the Lord, shall be praised. Click To TweetAbove all, this is the one indispensable pursuit—written here in the context of women but can be applied to everyone—“a woman (man, teenager, child) that fears the Lord, she (he) shall be praised.”
This is the way of wisdom… will you pursue it?
Reflective Questions:
- What areas of your life do you place too much pressure on yourself for perfection instead of resting in God’s grace?
- Husbands, how are you encouraging your spouse to fulfill God’s potential and purpose for her life?
- What are some ways to exemplify the qualities of the virtuous woman in the reality of your daily life?
Memory Verse:
Charm is deceitful and beauty is passing, but a woman who fears the Lord, she shall be praised. Proverbs 31:30
Prayer:
Dear God, thank you for this study through the book of Proverbs. Help me to be that man, woman, boy, or girl that fears You and understands wisdom.
Click here to see a listing of each daily devotion.
Dean, great summary of this chapter. Well done.