Wednesday Bible Study: The end of all things- Proverbs

 

I'm going to look at Proverbs 31 from just a bit different angle this time.  I know we have earlier talked about the 'stairstep' method in study, and how the passage about a "virtuous wife" is a good example of how this applies.  But the thought was given to me- if the Church is the Bride of Christ, shouldn't this be a list of the characteristics we should have?  So let me first give you the text, and then point out the characteristic we should be developing as His Bride.

Pro 31:10  Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies.
Pro 31:11  The heart of her husband doth safely trust in her, so that he shall have no need of spoil.
Pro 31:12  She will do him good and not evil all the days of her life.
Pro 31:13  She seeketh wool, and flax, and worketh willingly with her hands.
Pro 31:14  She is like the merchants' ships; she bringeth her food from afar.
Pro 31:15  She riseth also while it is yet night, and giveth meat to her household, and a portion to her maidens.
Pro 31:16  She considereth a field, and buyeth it: with the fruit of her hands she planteth a vineyard.
Pro 31:17  She girdeth her loins with strength, and strengtheneth her arms.
Pro 31:18  She perceiveth that her merchandise is good: her candle goeth not out by night.
Pro 31:19  She layeth her hands to the spindle, and her hands hold the distaff.
Pro 31:20  She stretcheth out her hand to the poor; yea, she reacheth forth her hands to the needy.
Pro 31:21  She is not afraid of the snow for her household: for all her household are clothed with scarlet.
Pro 31:22  She maketh herself coverings of tapestry; her clothing is silk and purple.
Pro 31:23  Her husband is known in the gates, when he sitteth among the elders of the land.
Pro 31:24  She maketh fine linen, and selleth it; and delivereth girdles unto the merchant.
Pro 31:25  Strength and honour are her clothing; and she shall rejoice in time to come.
Pro 31:26  She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness.
Pro 31:27  She looketh well to the ways of her household, and eateth not the bread of idleness.
Pro 31:28  Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth her.
Pro 31:29  Many daughters have done virtuously, but thou excellest them all.

And now, the character traits we should strive for:

V 11- Trustworthiness.

V12- Righteousness.

V13-14- Seeking out good works to do.

V 15- Rises early/avoids laziness.

V16- Doesn't act in haste, but considers.

V17- Strengthens herself daily (in the Word and prayer).

V 18- Is discerning.

V 19- Hard-working.

V 20- Generous.

V 21- Prepared in all occasions.

V 22-23-24- Has a good reputation, and makes sure her family has one.

V 25- Has hope in her heart, knowing her time to rejoice is coming.

Not a bad guide to go on!  And with this concept, it might be a little easier to understand what God is TRULY saying in the many Proverbs about 'a contentious woman', yes?