Proverbs 31:10-31 — THE END OF PROVERBS!

READ THIS: Proverbs 31:10-31

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.

WHAT’S THIS MEAN, ANYWAY?

CAN YOU BELIEVE IT?! WE MADE IT THROUGH PROVERBS!!! FOUR AND A HALF MONTHS LATER!!!!

These verses at first glance seem to just describe an amazing wife, but really what's happening is all of the good things we learned about over the past third of a year is being reviewed and displayed through an example of one person. We ALL want to be like the Proverbs 31 woman, because that is what all of Proverbs trains us to be!! Whether we are boys or girls!

So, what exactly HAS proverbs taught us that we can see here? Well...it has taught us that we need to be people who are:

• trustworthy
• hard workers
• wise
• generous
• prepared for the future
• willing to instruct/call out others

But then, the last few verses point out that many can do these noble things, but what causes real praise is if those people also fear God. All of those qualities are nothing without a pursuit of the Lord. 

THINK ABOUT IT:

1.  Which of the descriptions above (trustworthy, hard workers, etc) do you feel like you have worked on over the course of reading Proverbs?

2. Do you feel like you are pursuing God? Why/how?

TRY THIS:

 

Tell someone else about what you have learned from Proverbs! Telling other people helps you remember!