Title Page Lesson Eight Proverbs 31

Title Page

Lesson Eight

Proverbs 31: 10 -14 10 Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies. 11 The heart of her husband doth safely trust in her, so that he shall have no need of spoil. 12 She will do him good and not evil all the days of her life. 13 She seeketh wool, and flax, and worketh willingly with her hands. 14 She is like the merchants’ ships; she bringeth her food from afar.

Proverbs 31: 15 -19 15 She riseth also while it is yet night, and giveth meat to her household, and a portion to her maidens. 16 She considereth a field, and buyeth it: with the fruit of her hands she planteth a vineyard. 17 She girdeth her loins with strength, and strengtheneth her arms. 18 She perceiveth that her merchandise is good: her candle goeth not out by night. 19 She layeth her hands to the spindle, and her hands hold the distaff.

Proverbs 31: 20 -24 20 She stretcheth out her hand to the poor; yea, she reacheth forth her hands to the needy. 21 She is not afraid of the snow for her household: for all her household are clothed with scarlet. 22 She maketh herself coverings of tapestry; her clothing is silk and purple. 23 Her husband is known in the gates, when he sitteth among the elders of the land. 24 She maketh fine linen, and selleth it; and delivereth girdles unto the merchant.

Proverbs 31: 25 -28 25 Strength and honour are her clothing; and she shall rejoice in time to come. 26 She openeth her mouth wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness. 27 She looketh well to the ways of her household, and eateth not the bread of idleness. 28 Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth her.

Focus Verse Proverbs 31: 10 Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies.

Focus Thought The worth of a virtuous woman to her husband, family, and church is beyond material wealth.

Introduction Intro The Life Application Bible makes this observation: “The woman described in Proverbs 31 has outstanding abilities. In fact, she may not be one woman at all—she may be a composite portrait of ideal womanhood. ”

Intro Ann Spangler, in her book Women of the Bible, points out that in traditional Jewish homes, husbands and children recited Proverbs 31 at the yearly Sabbath table. Written as an acrostic, each line of this Proverb begins with a Hebrew letter in alphabetical sequence, making it easy for the children to memorize.

Intro We know for certain one thing about a virtuous woman because the Scriptures declare it, and our experience observes it: she has incredible, incalculable worth!

A Virtuous Woman Is Is Priceless Ancient Middle Eastern culture had an extremely low view of women. Women were seen as property, either of their fathers or of their husbands. They could not testify in court, inherit property, or claim any right to education. Greeks declared three reasons for gratitude:

I. (1) that they were not made a beast, Is A Virtuous Woman (2) that they were not made a woman, and Priceless a barbarian. (3) that they were not made

I. Even Virtuous Woman Isa male. A though the people of Israel lived in dominated world, they lived by a faith that gave Priceless eyes of God. The Bible equality to women in the always holds women in highest regard. In the Old Testament Hebrew culture, Miriam served alongside her brother Moses in leading Israel, Deborah became a judge, and Huldah was a prophetess.

I. Through a careful study both of the Scriptures and A Virtuous Woman Is of history, we can observe three interesting sets of Priceless in ancient Middle Eastern data concerning women society.

I. 1. Before the times of. Womanand A Virtuous the Assyrian Is Babylonian exile, women in Israel enjoyed a Pricelesscomparable to men. status and freedom • Women served as prophetesses, judges, and queens. • Women were never excluded from the worship of God, although they were never part of the priesthood. • Women were honored as being models of wisdom.

I. • A Virtuous Woman Is Women shared honor in the Ten Commandments. Priceless by the laws of God. • Women were protected • Women were not considered property. • Sex was viewed as a gift of God. • Marriage was used as a symbol of the relationship between God and His people.

I. 2. After the Assyrian and Babylonian exile, the A Virtuous Woman Is view of women in Hebrew society grew Priceless increasingly worse. • Women related to God only through men. • Women were excluded and segregated both in worship and society. • Women’s vows to God were thought to be of less value than those of men.

I. • A Virtuous Woman in court. Women were not allowed to testify Is • Women were strictly limited in their Pricelessand were not allowed appearances in public to speak publicly. • Women were seldom allowed to teach or to be educated. • Women took on a rank scarcely above that of slaves.

I. 3. In this Jewish and Roman world, Jesus’ actions A Virtuous Woman Is toward women were deemed revolutionary. Pricelessengage even unclean • He never hesitated to women in public conversation. • He taught women. • He gave them equal rank with men as daughters of Abraham.

I. • A openly ministered. Woman Is He Virtuous to them. • He gave them high respect. Priceless circle of friends. • Women were in His inner • Women were the first witnesses of His resurrection.

I. Jesus’Virtuousview of women in. Is New A demonstrated Woman the Testament was dramatically different from the Priceless surroundings. At a time culture of His day in His when women were ignored except when men had a need for them, Jesus’ treatment of women was viewed as radical. Jesus ministered to women and healed them.

I. He healed Peter’s mother-in-law, delivered the A Virtuous Woman Is daughter of the Syrophoenician woman from a Pricelessdaughter from the dead, demon, raised Jairus’s healed the woman with the issue of blood, raised the widow’s son at Nain, and taught Mary and Martha in their home. The Samaritan woman met him at Jacob’s well, and He allowed women to worship by anointing His feet.

I. Women also figured prominently in Jesus’ last A Virtuous Woman Is hours as they did not abandon Him at the cross. Priceless (See Mark 15: 40 -47. ) Women were the first to witness the result of the Resurrection and to proclaim it to the other disciples, and this occurred during a historical time when a woman’s witness was not accepted even in the legal councils.

I. Clearly, however, the early church viewed and A Virtuous Woman Is treated women differently—more honorably—as Priceless Acts. The women joined recorded in the Book of with the disciples in prayer, and they received the Holy Spirit on the Day of Pentecost.

I. When. Virtuous Woman Isroom to A the disciples gathered in the upper pray, “These all continued with one accord in Priceless with the women, and Mary prayer and supplication, the mother of Jesus, and with his brethren” (Acts 1: 14). The people of Jerusalem gathered around as the followers of Jesus, both men and women, came out from that first Pentecostal prayer meeting speaking with other tongues and preaching the gospel of Christ.

Acts 2: 18 “And on my servants and on my handmaidens I will pour out in those days of my Spirit; and they shall prophesy“ (Acts 2: 18).

I. In the. Virtuous Woman four daughters A New Testament era, Philip had Is who were prophetesses. Priscilla was a co-laborer Priceless preached and taught in the with her husband as they early church. The church met in homes identified by the names of women, indicating their possible prominent roles.

I. In Romans 16: 1, it is interesting that Phoebe is A Virtuous Woman Is described as a “deaconess” or “servant” in many Pricelessin the original Greek is translations. The word diakonos, which means “deacon, ” “minister, ” or “servant. ” (See Strong’s Concordance. )

I. The house of Mark’s mother was the headquarters A Virtuous Woman Is of the first church, and Paul’s first convert in Priceless was obviously a leader Europe was a woman. Lydia in the church at Philippi in later times. Priscilla taught Apollos along with her husband, Aquila.

I. Proverbs 31 gives an overview of the attributes of A Virtuous Woman Is the virtuous woman. These comprise a collective Pricelessaspire to, not the description standard for women to of every Christian woman.

A. Her Price Is above Rubies I. A Virtuous Woman Is According to United(A) statistics, “Women Priceless Nations constitute over 50% of the world’s population. But women do three-fourths of the world’s work, receive one-tenth of the world’s salaries, and own one-hundredth of the world’s land. ”

I. A Virtuous Woman Is A woman’s value is (A) Priceless priceless. Moreover, her role that contributes to the culture and well-being of our world is invaluable. As William Ross Wallace once said, “The hand that rocks the cradle is the hand that rules the world. ” It is impossible to put a value on the worth of a woman, but as the Scriptures reveal, it definitely would be above the value of rubies.

I. A Virtuous Woman Is A woman may care for many important Priceless (A) responsibilities, interests, and activities. However, none are more valuable or important than the role she fulfills in her home with her husband family.

B. She Is Trustworthy I. A Virtuous Woman Is If a woman desires to be a woman of excellence, Priceless she must she will decide that(B-C)love the Lord more than anything. Her devotion to God will come before her family, her work, her hobbies, and her activities.

I. A Virtuous Woman Is That, of course, is not to suggest that she should Priceless (B-C) neglect her family and responsibilities; however, to adequately care for those, she first must be in proper alignment with regard to her relationship with Jesus Christ.

I. A Virtuous Woman Is A godly woman is unselfish in her devotion both to Priceless (B-C) God and to her family. Divorce and child abuse are epidemic in the world because both men and women have believed that the world revolves around themselves.

I. A Virtuous Woman Is However, the writer of Proverbs made quite clear Priceless describe a two principles that (B-C) successful woman: (1) she puts others before herself, and (2) she puts God before everything. The virtuous woman is faithful, loyal, and trustworthy.

C. She Exhibits Femininity I. A and Purity Woman Is Virtuous Priceless (B-C) “Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth the LORD, she shall be praised. Give her of the fruit of her hands; and let her own works praise her in the gates” (Proverbs 31: 30 -31). A woman’s worth should not be measured by the way she looks. Our society is caught up in physical appearance, especially for women.

I. A Virtuous Woman Is In the eyes of many people today, the way a woman Priceless (B-C) looks determines her worth. The message of popular culture is (1) that people must be beautiful and successful and (2) that they must put themselves first. The number one problem most teenage girls face is a negative perception of their appearance.

I. A Virtuous Woman Is Society judges a woman by the way she appears, Priceless (B-C) but God looks deep into the heart of every individual. A woman’s internal purity is what makes her beautiful to God. The writer of Proverbs indicated that a woman’s worth is determined by who she is on the inside, not the outside.

I. A Virtuous Woman Is Verse 30 reveals that a woman who fears the Lord Priceless (B-C) will be praised, or celebrated. Her real radiance emanates from her beauty of holiness within, which reflects in her outward appearance as well.

I. A Virtuous Woman Is There’s an aura, or glow, about a godly woman who Priceless presence of has lingered in the (B-C) the Lord. The beauty of Christ radiates from her life! In the Old Testament Temple, the priest went into the Holy Place to burn incense to the Lord.

I. A Virtuous Woman Is When he departed the Tabernacle, the fragrance Priceless (B-C) lingered on his garments. Anyone who was around him knew that he had been in the Holy Place with the Lord. So it is with one who has lingered in the presence of the Lord.

A Virtuous Woman II. A Virtuous Woman Is Is Resourceful (A-D) A. Cares for Her Family The virtuous woman is supportive of her husband takes care of her family and home. (See Proverbs 31: 15, 21. )

II. A Virtuous Woman Is of the The woman of Proverbs 31 was a manager affairs of the home. (A-D) 31: 27. ) Men are Resourceful(See Proverbs. Scriptures seem to to be the spiritual leaders, but the indicate that the women are to manage the daily operations of the household. The apostle Paul also wrote to Titus indicating that a woman should be busy handling the affairs of the home. (See Titus 2: 3 -5. )

II. Ais. Virtuous Woman Isis good at This not to imply that since the woman managing the home (A-D) children Resourcefulthat husbands and To the are free to relinquish their duties at home. contrary, every member of the family has responsibilities at home and should diligently care for those duties.

B. Gives to the Poor and Needy II. A Virtuous Woman Is The woman of Proverbs 31 appears to be self. Resourceful (A-D)needs of others. sufficient, but she also sees the Proverbs 31: 20 states, “She stretcheth out her hand to the poor; yea, she reacheth forth her hands to the needy. ” She has a generous heart, and she is compassionate toward the needs of others.

II. A Virtuous Woman Is The Shunammite woman loved God and showed it Resourceful (A-D) the prophet of by offering hospitality to Elisha, God. Without prompting, and for no selfish reasons, she and her husband built a room for Elisha. Every time he passed by, he had a place to stay and food to eat.

II. A Virtuous Woman Is Because of their unselfish generosity, God Resourceful a(A-D) when the child rewarded them with child. Later, died, the prophet prayed for him, and God raised him back to life. God rewards unselfish hospitality! (See II Kings 4: 8 -37. )

C. Displays Artistic Ability II. A Virtuous Woman Is Proverbs 31: 13 -24 describes a woman who has Resourceful at crafts and who uses her developed her skills (A-D) skills to help her family. Not everyone is born with artistic ability, but it is important to endeavor to use whatever skills we have, both for the Lord and for our families.

D. Promotes Her II. AHusband’s Cause Virtuous Woman Is Resourceful (A-D) the effect that a The writer of Proverbs recognized contentious wife has upon her husband when he wrote, “It is better to dwell in a corner of the housetop, than with a brawling woman in a wide house” (Proverbs 21: 9). The New International Version translates the verse, “Better to live on a corner of the roof than share a house with a quarrelsome wife. ”

II. A Virtuous Woman Is Resourceful (A-D) by the virtuous One noble quality we see displayed woman of Proverbs 31 is that she supports her husband. “The heart of her husband doth safely trust in her, so that he shall have no need of spoil” (Proverbs 31: 11). This woman is a tremendous asset to her husband. He has confidence in her because of her support.

II. A Virtuous Woman Is Resourcefulmatriarch, Sarah, exhibited this (A-D) The Old Testament same attitude of love and respect toward her husband. The apostle Peter observed, “Even as Sara obeyed Abraham, calling him lord: whose daughters ye are, as long as ye do well, and are not afraid with any amazement” (I Peter 3: 6).

Ephesians 5: 33 “Nevertheless let every one of you in particular so love his wife even as himself; and the wife see that she reverence her husband” (Ephesians 5: 33).

II. A Virtuous Woman Is In our postmodern culture, the message of Resourceful (A-D) popular, but it is Ephesians 5: 33 is not particularly absolutely true nonetheless. Many authors have written on the subject and have documented the psychological truth of this verse—men need and crave respect from the marital relationship, and women need and crave love and emotional security. That reciprocal relationship is vital to every godly marriage.

II. A Virtuous Woman Is Dr. Williard Harley has written a book on marriage Resourceful. Her Needs. He lists the top five entitled His Needs, (A-D) needs of men and women in a marriage. According to Harley, for a man to be happy in marriage, one of his top five needs is to receive admiration from his wife.

II. A Virtuous Woman Is He needs her to admire him and support who he is Resourceful (A-D)is nothing more and what he does. Further, there devastating to a man than a wife who ridicules him or makes light of his contributions and abilities.

II. A Virtuous Woman Is Husbands need the praise of their wives. “Her Resourceful (A-D) her husband children arise up, and call her blessed; also, and he praiseth her” (Proverbs 31: 28). He praises her because she praises him! A wife who can admire, support, and praise her husband is an asset to him, and he will reciprocate in his treatment of her.

II. A Virtuous Woman Is A wife who fails to recognize her husband’s Resourceful (A-D) her positive qualities, who fails to express admiration for him, and who instead constantly nags and quarrels with him, is a burden to him instead of a help.

II. A Virtuous Woman Is Typically, such a wife will receive no more from Resourceful (A-D) her husband than what he feels obligated to provide. From the beginning of Creation, however, God planned for the woman to be a “help meet for him” (Genesis 2: 18).

II. A Virtuous Woman Is Proverbs 12: 4 says, “A virtuous woman is a crown Resourcefulshe that maketh ashamed is as to her husband: but (A-D) rottenness in his bones. ” A virtuous wife is a crown, blessing, and support for her husband.

A Virtuous Woman III. A Virtuous Woman Is Is Honorable (A-C) The word “virtuous” in the Old Testament translates from the Hebrew word chayil, which means “probably a force, whether of men, means or other resources; an army, wealth, virtue, valor, strength. ”

III. A Virtuous Woman Is The King James Version translates the word as Honorable (A-C) “able, activity, (+) army, band of men (soldiers), company, (great) forces, goods, host, might, power, riches, strength, strong, substance, train, (+) valiant ( -ly), valour, virtuous (-ly), war, worthy (-ily)” (Strong’s Concordance).

A. Displays Honesty III. A Virtuous Woman and Integrity Is Honorabletoo much emphasis on a Our culture places (A-C) woman’s appearance, for there is much more to a virtuous woman than her looks. She has substance, character, and goodness. The apostle Peter wrote of the true adorning qualities of a godly woman in his first epistle. (See I Peter 3: 1 -5. )

B. Provides Wholesome Counsel III. A Virtuous Woman Is The life of a virtuous woman is a testimony to all Honorable (A-C) are clearly directed who observe her. Her priorities toward pleasing her Savior and serving her family. Further, her values guide the counsel she gives to others, and they translate into her wholesome lifestyle and conduct.

III. A Virtuous Woman Is There is a story about four preachers discussing the Honorable (A-C) of the Bible. One merits of the various translations liked the King James Version best because of its simple, beautiful English. Another liked the American Revised Version best because it was closer to the original Hebrew and Greek.

III. A Virtuous Woman Is Still another liked a contemporary version because Honorable (A-C) fourth minister of its up-to-date vocabulary. The was silent for a moment, and then he said, “I like my mother’s translation best. ” Surprised, the other three men said they did not know his mother had translated the Bible. “Yes, ” he replied. “She translated it into life, and it was the most convincing translation I ever saw. ”

C. Shuns Idleness III. A Virtuous Woman Is The virtuous woman described in 31 also Honorable (A-C) say. Proverbs rejects is self-sufficient. That is not to that she the advice or assistance of others, but that she is strong and capable. She recognizes what she needs to do, and to the best of her ability she does it. (See Proverbs 31: 16 -19. )

III. A Virtuous Woman Is The virtuous woman is competent and industrious. Honorable (A-C)but she also is a She is not only a homemaker, businesswoman and has responsibilities outside the home. Proverbs 31 paints a picture of her earning money and trading goods.

III. A Virtuous Woman Is In our fast-paced culture today, Honorable (A-C) a woman may choose to work outside the home, but it is commendable for a woman with young children to choose to stay at home. Sometimes, her working outside the home is not by choice but by necessity to help provide for the basic needs of the family.

III. A Virtuous Woman Is However, often in Honorable today’s materialistic culture, (A-C)to provide the means some women choose to work to acquire extras and luxuries of life that are nonessentials. While those things may be nice and enjoyable, what price tag could we possibly place on the spiritual and physical well-being of our children? They definitely benefit incredibly by her presence in the home while they are young.

III. A Virtuous Woman Is The woman usually has the Honorable will workfreedom to choose (A-C) the home; whether or not she outside however, she should know her limits and not neglect her role as a mother and wife.

III. A Virtuous Woman Is In the best-case scenario, it is and Honorable (A-C)challengingwith her difficult for a woman to balance a career responsibilities at home. She should be careful that she keeps her life in balance and harmony with the Lord and with her family’s needs.

III. A Virtuous Woman Is A cartoon showed psychologist talking to a Honorable asaid, “Let’s see, you spend 50 (A-C) woman patient. He percent of your energy on your job, 50 percent of your energy on your children, and 50 percent of your energy on your husband. I think I see your problem!”

A Virtuous Woman IV. A Virtuous Woman Is Is Rewarded (A-C) Mothers are generous, nurturing, and caring. Family members benefit from a mother’s care, and they praise her for her selfless and giving spirit.

IV. A Virtuous Woman Is This is one of the reasons why it is so important for Rewarded (A-C) her to be present at home, especially while her children are young. Try as they might, it is difficult for fathers to provide the measure of nurturing that mothers give naturally.

IV. A Virtuous Woman Is Actually, God intentionally designed the home to Rewarded (A-C) function with both a mother and a father raising their children. It is hard for a single parent to raise his or her children alone. Single parents need love, support, and encouragement, which in a two-parent home they are able to receive naturally.

IV. A Virtuous Woman Is When there is not another parent present, for Rewarded single parent whatever reason, the (A-C) needs to draw love, support, and encouragement from other sources. And, of course, the Lord always will be present to provide spiritual nurturing for the single parent as well.

IV. A Virtuous Woman Is Research shows that children of working mothers do Rewarded (A-C) not do as well as children whose mothers stay home with them, particularly in their younger years. Where mothers worked less than twenty hours per week, there was no noticeable harm to the children, but beyond that, there was a significant difference.

IV. A Virtuous Woman Is The overwhelming majority of mothers of young Rewarded be at home children would rather(A-C) with their young ones than working. Because of this, there is a present trend of women in the workplace making sacrifices in order to return home so that they may be with their children.

IV. A Virtuous Woman Is It is in the home where children learn to live with Rewarded (A-C) others in important ways. They learn to forgive others. They also learn that love is more than a feeling; it is a deep and abiding commitment that overcomes feelings. Home is where true ministry begins. The virtuous woman ministers to her children and trains them in the principles of Christian faith— both by word and by example.

IV. A Virtuous Woman Is God’s greatest calling both to men and to women is Rewarded (A-C) His call for us to minister to those living in our homes. A woman makes her place and excels in many settings and opportunities, but the place of her greatest influence and honor is in her home.

B. Her Husband Praises Her IV. A Virtuous Woman Is Paul wrote, “So ought men to love Rewarded. He that loveth histheir wives as (A-C) wife loveth their own bodies. himself” (Ephesians 5: 28). The whole point of the story of Eve’s creation in Genesis 2 was that man by himself was inadequate.

IV. A Virtuous Woman Is It was not that he someone Rewardedneededthat he neededdo his work (A-C) to a full and meet his needs, but partner for life—one without whom life would not be nearly so rich and meaningful. When men treat their wives not as partners, but as someone only to care for their needs, they miss the valuable purpose of God for marriage.

IV. A Virtuous Woman Is God intended for to be a powerful Rewardedit (A-C)live uppartnership. Further, women are unable to to their full value if they are treated as servants instead of partners.

C. Her Fear of the Lord Causes IV. A Virtuous Woman Is All to Praise Her Rewarded (A-C) Finally, a virtuous woman is devoted to the Lord Jesus Christ. Of all that the virtuous woman does, she fears God first and foremost, and the testimony of her life is noticed by those around her. Consequently, she receives their praise.

D. Her Relationship with Her IV. A Virtuous Womanthe Husband Represents Is Rewarded (D) Relationship between Christ and the Church “For we are members of his body, of his flesh, and of his bones. For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and shall be joined unto his wife, and they two shall be one flesh. This is a great mystery: but I speak concerning Christ and the church” (Ephesians 5: 30 -32).

IV. The virtuous woman is Womanof what the A Virtuous an illustration Is true church should be(D) ways. She is pure, in many Rewarded. She is concerned about her holy, and unselfish. husband, and believers seek to reverence and praise Jesus Christ. She nurtures and protects her children, as Christians care for the new believers in the church.

IV. She is Virtuous diligent, as should be all true A industrious and Woman Is believers. The virtuous woman knows that her Rewarded the way, as well as at the end (D) reward comes along of her labor. Christians understand that they receive some of their reward as they minister for Christ but that their greatest blessing comes at the end of this life.

Reflections The worth of all women in this postmodern society is tremendous, but the value of a virtuous woman to her husband, family, and church is immeasurable. Her godly womanhood is her primary ministry, from which all other opportunities for ministry flow.

Reflections The attributes of a virtuous woman, described in Proverbs 31, are ideals for which all women should strive. However, these invaluable elements come only with diligence, dedication, and a deep, lasting love of family and of God. Through love, every believing woman can be a virtuous woman.