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?
A good read
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