The praise of a virtuous woman and good housewife, in her economy, prudence, watchfulness, and assiduity in labor, vv. You can be a proverbs 31 woman its easier than you think. Eishet chayil explained the meaning of a proverbs 31. Im kytia lamour, and in this video, i share my understanding of what it means to be a proverbs 31 woman in modern times. She is very careful to recommend herself to her husbands esteem and affection. The proverbs 31 woman had days where she was angry. Also, how i can make all those little changes in my life that bring me closer to him and make me feel like i am achieving my goals in my personal life, as well as in my job. Throughout proverbs, wisdom is anthropomorphizedas a woman. It is presented as advice which lemuels mother gave to him, about how a just king should reign verse 19, and in the second part detailing the attributes of a good wife or ideal woman verses 1031. In this series of videos youll learn biblical terms such as chayil and yare. The proverbs woman was not able to accomplish these things merely because of talent. Verse 22 does say, she is clothed in fine linen and purple.
Proverbs 31 depicts a strong woman who puts gods wisdom into practice in her life. Ive been following god and studying his word for nearly thirty years, yet somehow i thought the proverbs 31 woman was a mythological creature or worsei thought she was a weapon spiritual leaders use to make all of us ordinary christian women feel bad about ourselves. The proverbs 31 woman was never meant to be your role model, but rather a story told to a son by a mother who wanted him to appreciate a godly wife. Debauchery and much wine to be avoided, proverbs 31. Jun 24, 2018 the proverbs 31 woman 10 myths explained gina poirier bloomington, il, usa jun 24, 2018 the more ive studied her, the more ive discovered that many people dont really understand this intriguing passage of scripture. She is also noted to be a woman who, opens her mouth with wisdom and kindness v. In opposition to this strength, we read of the weakness of the heart of an imperious whorish woman, eze.
Of the terminally ill, for whom life is a living death. It was written a poem so that it would be easy to remember and it was intended to guide a kings choice in choosing a godly helpmeet. Were all living in the shadow of that infamous icon, the proverbs 31 woman, whose life is so busy i wonder, when does she have time for friendships, for taking walks, or reading good books. Let her works praise her if men be silent, the lasting effects of her prudence and diligence will trumpet forth her praises. Proverbs 31 woman bible study helped me in so many ways. Charm is deceitful and beauty is vain, but a woman who fears the.
The words and prophecy of king lemuel, and what his mother taught him, proverbs 31. Use wine and beer only as sedatives, to kill the pain and dull the ache. In the gates in the most public and solemn assemblies. It explains in details the traits of a woman of valor. The most quoted section, verses 10 31, is a chiastic poem, that is, a poem that cycles through repeated thoughts in a particular order. She selects her clothing carefully, she is the true modest woman. Ive always loved the idea of her, while at the same time felt intimidated. In the jewish culture, proverbs 31 is a song of praise woman of valor. I thought the proverbs 31 woman was overwhelmingly perfect. These 10 virtues of the proverbs 31 woman demonstrate how, as christian women today, we can all be proverbs 31 women. It is a womans faith and relationship with christ that makes her a virtuous woman. Here he lays down several qualifications of an excellent wife, which are delivered in alphabetical order, each verse beginning with a several letter of the hebrew alphabet. Today as we see women of all ages following dubious role models, we are refreshed to find a timeless example of virtue, responsibility and good sense. It describes the type of woman who has her stuff together.
You do not get the impression she gives much thought to what others think about her at all. She brings him good, not harm, all the days of her life. It helped me know myself better and understand what the lord wants of me as a woman, a mother, a family member. Together, we will discover the traits of this godly woman and how. When you see the proverbs 31 woman explained in simple to understand terms it. This and the following verses are acrostic, each beginning with a consecutive letter of the hebrew alphabet. Proverbs 31 describes the virtuous woman in the bible we all long to be, but will fall short of if we dont understand the heart of the message.
The qualities of this virtuous wife as described in proverbs 31. The proverbs 31 woman describes a woman well seasoned and experienced. Proverb 31 is the 31st chapter of the book of proverbs in the hebrew bible or the old. Chances are, if youre a christian woman, you already have some sort of idea.
With that in mind, here are three things you might not know. Throughout proverbs, wisdom is anthropomorphized as a woman. The proverbs 31 woman is one of the most misunderstood people in the bible. Lest, hung over, they dont know right from wrong, and the people who depend on them are hurt. The wise and godly man or woman will speak for the speechless, and take up. The ministry of the proverbs 31 woman wasnt buying and selling fields or trading with merchants or selling her wares. It is a praise of the good wife, a definition of a. He is at ease in absence, because he knows that all he has is safe with. We know that what we see in proverbs 31 is a snapshot of her life overall, not a checklist for everything we have to accomplish each day. A woman who trusts in the lord is finally free to be truly strong. Proverbs 31 provides a detailed metaphor of feminine wisdom in the context of a family and a community. The next step is to choose a monthly or yearly subscription, and then enter your payment information.
Proverbs 31 background information with maps and images. Its about doing these things, taking care of your family and your household, with a smile on your face. The proverbs 31 woman oozes energy, industry, eagerness and diligence. Compare that to the consistent qualities of the proverbs 31 woman. Apr 17, 2020 the proverbs 31 woman takes care of her responsibilities, prioritizing them, even if it means going before her own wants. Youre already logged in with your bible gateway account. Her husband has full confidence in her and lacks nothing of value. Pete enns, in the bible for normal people podcast, does an amazing job of shedding some light on the book of proverbs generally, and on the proverbs 31 woman specifically. Because of this, many people discount the idea that its even possible to be a proverbs 31 woman or they feel discouraged by the seemingly impossible standard set for women in this passage. She is like the merchant ships, bringing her food from afar.
It appears that the focus is more on this womans character. The last verse tells us that we will be praised for our hard work and dedication. I believe its important to submit every area of your life to the lord. To make this fact even more fun, ahava explained to me that she and. Find gifts with meaning and purpose during this season of celebrating. Becoming a proverbs 31 woman isnt possible without faith.
The proverbs 31 woman 10 myths explained gina poirier bloomington, il, usa jun 24, 2018 the more ive studied her, the more ive discovered that many people dont really understand this intriguing passage of scripture. Some scholars have speculated that the proverbs 31 woman is not one woman, but rather a conglomeration of admirable attributes of several different women. David guzik commentary on proverbs 31 the wisdom of king lemuel, words. Proverbs 31 bible commentary matthew henry concise. Often women believe that proverbs 31 doesnt really apply to our modern lives. As a whole, the proverbs have much to say about wisdom, diligent work ethic, wise business practices, honorable speech, compassion for the poor, and integrity. Plus, many of the characteristics on display here here describe any woman, not just wives and moms, although they are mentioned most. Becoming a proverbs 31 woman does not mean you have to be married or have kids. Jan 01, 2018 im kytia lamour, and in this video, i share my understanding of what it means to be a proverbs 31 woman in modern times. This virtuous or an excellent woman is a woman of high morals who is upright in all her ways. Our confusion around proverbs 31, like most misinterpreted bible passages, centers around issues related to genre, audience, and language. So it follows, a virtuous woman is a woman of spirit, who has the command of her own spirit and knows how to manage other peoples, one that is pious and industrious, and a help meet for a man. This is just saying that her worth cannot be measured in earthly things, such as rare stones rubies.
Give her of the fruit of her hands it is but just that she should enjoy those praises which her labours deserve. Look at your hands are they eager to get to work today. The proverbs 31 woman did not do all of the things listed in this chapter in one day. She is very careful to recommend herself to her husbands esteem and affection, to know his mind, and is willing that he rule over her. It depends on neither her accomplishments nor her ability to be a superwoman. It may be proper to observe here, that the versions, in general, agree in reading this, a strong woman, the words.
This excludes the rashness, as the proceeding to buy it excludes the inconstancy, which is often incident to that sex benson commentary. Thats because, too often, we focus on the proverbs 31 womans roles. The proverbs 31 woman 5 things you may not know about her. The proverbs 31 woman explained for modern women when the proverbs 31 woman is explained well, you can see how profound and relevant she is as an example for women today. Stop obsessing about the proverbs 31 woman relevant. Proverbs 31 devotional devotional theology of work.
Understanding the proverbs 31 woman grace love life. In the same way, the portrayal of the proverbs 31 woman closes with a look behind the scenes of the perfect family portrait to show that the virtue of the virtuous woman emanates from her soul. She is not a worrier in fact, she laughs at the future proverbs 31. Here are 5 common questions about the proverbs womanand 5 uncommon answers you need to read. Stop obsessing about the proverbs 31 woman relevant magazine. The wife of noble character a wife of noble character who can find. Most of all, you can be a proverbs 31 woman by fearing the lord. Join me and s of women, from across the globe, who want to dig into their bibles and learn more about the proverbs 31 woman. What should we learn from the virtuous woman in proverbs 31. As you look at the virtuous woman and study each characteristic, you will find that the passage isnt as archaic as you might have once believed. Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain a well favoured look, a graceful countenance, symmetry and proportion of parts, natural or artificial beauty, are vain and deceitful.
But i believe that gods word stands the test of time, dont you. To simplify this even more i have a list of things i try to do dailyweeklymonthly that helps me become closer to god. She is hardworking, faithful, and wise, as seen by her actions. The woman described in proverbs 31 is so exemplary and so virtuous, and so diligent to perform all her duties that women today, who have a heart to please god, may find it difficult or even discouraging to try to follow her example. Proverbs 31 gives hope and a challenge to any modern day christian woman. The husband can go to work, he can go away, he can do whatever he needs to do with absolute confidence of her integrity, her wisdom, and her discretion in the use of his assets and in the care of his interests.
Jan, 2014 join me and s of women, from across the globe, who want to dig into their bibles and learn more about the proverbs 31 woman. Years ago, i broke proverbs 31 down into what i call the 10 virtues of the proverbs 31 woman because i believe that these 10 characteristics are how we live out proverbs 31 today as modern women. Here, in this lovely picture of womanhood, is a woman who embodies the qualities. Proverbs 31 is one woman s motherly advice not an overarching prescription. But keep in mind verse 30, charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting. The proverb begins by stating that an excellent wife is difficult to find, but when she. She has got into a shipping business, making for the export trade with the merchantsliterally, canaanites or phoenicians, the great traders of the east, from whom, no doubt, she got the purple of her clothing in exchange for her manufacture. Proverbs chapter 31, the words of king lemuel, praise of a virtuous woman.
A simple guide to proverbs 31 explained for modern women. Still others say that shes not really a woman at all, but rather a personification of wisdom. She selects wool and flax and works with eager hands. Aug 28, 2014 the proverbs 31 woman is not a real woman. As a mom, i see this in terms of waking up with my kids my little alarm clocks without snooze buttons. Starting your free trial of bible gateway plus is easy. The proverbs 31 woman shines as a bright beacon in this wonderful old testament book of precepts and warnings. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths. There are verses that mention how to be a good mother. This chapter is added to solomons proverbs, some think because it is of the same author, supposing king lemuel to be king solomon. The proverbs 31 woman10 myths explained gina m poirier. I love how the proverbs 31 womans love for god overflows onto her family through her desire to serve them. You can bless the people around you through your daily actions. Jun 27, 2018 examining proverbs in its historical context can help us to have the proverbs 31 woman explained to us better than just looking at the passage alone outside of its context.
For single men who are looking for an honorable wife, it is a sketch of a godly woman. From this to the end of the chapter we have the character of a woman. The book of proverbs is a collection of sayings wisdom intended to be passed down to the next generation. Proverb 31 is the 31st chapter of the book of proverbs in the hebrew bible or the old testament of the christian bible. Apr 22, 2016 the proverbs 31 woman did not do all of the things listed in this chapter in one day. The excellent woman we find in proverbs 31 is not the perfect model for how to everything perfectly all the time. Instead of spending your life trying to do all that the proverbs 31 woman does, devote yourself to the one thing that drove everything she did.
King lemuels mother was describing the kind of woman she hoped her son would find. Below is a breakdown of the eishet chayil text, in its original hebrew and translated into english, from proverbs chapter 31, verses 1031. Proverbs 31 is not about a list of things we have to do every day. In some families on shabbat, the husband will read the passage in proverbs 31 over his wife to honor and appreciate her. When it comes to being last, it proves a good woman is worth waiting for. Eishet chayil explained the meaning of a proverbs 31 woman. But the word is the same, whether applied to men or women.
Proverbs 31 commentary matthew henry commentary on the. Proverbs 31 woman bible study introduction day 1 youtube. Becoming a proverbs 31 woman means working hard to become a woman who honors god. The subject of countless mothers day sermons, womens bible studies, christian blogs for women, and christian womens ministries such as proverbs 31 ministries, the proverbs 31 woman also known as the virtuous woman certainly gets her fair share of attention. Proverbs 31 ministries is a nondenominational, nonprofit christian ministry that seeks to lead women into a personal relationship with christ, with proverbs 31.
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