Aside from its alphabetical organization, the poem does not appear to lend itself to simple structural analyses. Sep 20, 2015 the book is a collection of proverbial sayings. From this to the end of the chapter we have the character of a woman. While the bible includes narrative, law torah, history and gospels, it also includes several books categorized as wisdom. The woman described in proverbs 31 is so exemplary and so virtuous, and so diligent. Proverbs is a book of short saying for wisdom, and proverbs 31 was written by king lemuel, he says it is the words his mother taught him. The last part of proverbs 31, beginning with verse 10, consists of 22 verses. We dont know whether or not verses 1031 are a continuation of the. Proverbs 31 commentary john gills exposition on the. The same alphabetical pattern is found in some of the psalms and may have been used as an aid in memorizing scripture. We must also assume that what is good for the goose is good for the gander. Proverbs 31 bible commentary matthew henry concise. Proverbs 31 commentary matthew henry commentary on the. May he bless you richly as you grow into a godly, proverbs 31 woman.
These 10 virtues of the proverbs 31 woman demonstrate how, as christian women today, we can all be proverbs 31 women. David guzik commentary on proverbs 31 the wisdom of king lemuel, words his. The book of proverbs is written in poetical form also compare explanations to the psalms. This acrostic construction was used in several psalms such as psalms 910, 25, 34, 37, 11, 112, 119, and 145 and lamentations 4. I encourage you not to simply take my word for it, but to be a good berean, continuing to pray and seek the lords truth. An exhortation to king lemuel to take heed of sin, and to do duties. Find top church sermons, illustrations, and powerpoints for preaching on proverbs 31. We dont know whether or not verses 1031 are a continuation of the advice of lemuels mother.
With that in mind, here are three things you might not know. In order to be deserving of this praise, she must possess this particular characteristicand a lot of it. For a 25% discount for blog readers and followers, click here. There appears to be a relationship between chapters 19 and 31. Her husband can trust her, and she will greatly enrich his life. When god describes the ideal woman, she is portrayed as one who fears god. 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. Her post sparked something inside of me and gave me a desire to begin a series here on my blog going verse by verse through proverbs 31. Proverbs 31 niv sayings of king lemuel bible gateway. Oct 29, 2008 the proverbs 31 woman is my own hero and role model.
The term virtuous is from a noun meaning strength, efficiency, ability. The subject and style change at verse 10, but it is easy to imagine lemuels mother telling him what to look for in a wife. Though feminists belittle and disdain you for focusing your attention and placing your priority on your children and homes, we honor you. Other forerunner commentary entries containing proverbs 31. She said exactly what i was thinking the first time i read proverbs 31. Lady wisdom, who we meet at the beginning of the book prov. She does not spend time dwelling on those things that do not please the lord. A remarkable connection between the book of proverbs and the world of work occurs at the end of the book. She has the inner beauty that only comes from christ.
The proverbs 31 woman of strength cbe international. Understanding the wife of proverbs 31 9 verse by verse of proverbs 31. Each verse begins with a letter, taken in order, of the hebrew alphabet. Most appear in the psalms ps 9, ps 10, ps 25, ps 34, ps 37, ps 111, ps 112, ps 119, ps 145, but prophetic literature nah 1 and wisdom literature sir 51, lam 14 also use acrostics. The entire encourage the young women bible study is now available in paperback. The preface or introduction to them is in proverbs 31. What should we learn from the virtuous woman in proverbs 31. An example of hand spinning is found in the ancient book of exodus. He fully interacts with other proverbs commentators such as fox, waltke, murphy and others its a shame that foxs commentary on proverbs 1031 was not available for longman to interact with when he was writing this commentary. Proverbs by tremper longman iii 9780801026928 best. He is at ease in absence, because he knows that all he has is safe with. Each verse begins with a different letter of the hebrew alphabet in proper order. Verses 1031 are an acrostic poem, the verses of which begin with the successive letters of the hebrew alphabet. But i believe that gods word stands the test of time, dont you.
This is part 21 in a series on the proverbs 31 woman. Longmans theological insights are excellent, especially for christian readers. Mishlei proverbs chapter 31 tanakh online torah bible. Verses 19 most interpreters are of opinion that lemuel is solomon. And as we read this passage a number of mothers guts are tightening as they think to themselves, i cant be this superwoman. So, let me tell you looking at this in context was a great blessing. Proverbs overview william barclays daily study bible.
We are glad to join in this cultural celebration that recognizes the importance of motherhood. A proverbs 31 woman deserves praise in her own right, for her own value and accomplishments, not merely as an extension of her husband proverbs 31. Chapters 19 of the book of proverbs bears witness to the virtues of. She is very careful to recommend herself to her husbands esteem and affection. And i love her six conclusions from her study of the proverbs 31 woman. 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. She stretcheth out her hand to the poor to relieve their necessities. 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. The purpose was to make the passage memorable easier to memorize, and to express poetic skill. She brings him good, not harm, all the days of her life. Proverbs 31, new international version niv the bible app. This chapter is added to solomons proverbs, some think because it is of the same author, supposing king lemuel to be king solomon. She is like a merchants ship, bringing her food from afar.
According to the text itself, a woman, the unnamed mother of the unknown king lemuel, composed the familiar poem describing a desirable woman. Proverb 31 is the 31st chapter of the book of proverbs in the hebrew bible or the old testament of the christian bible. The vices she cautions him against are uncleanness and intemperance. Often women believe that proverbs 31 doesnt really apply to our modern lives. Our confusion around proverbs 31, like most misinterpreted bible passages, centers around issues related to genre, audience, and language. Throughout proverbs, wisdom is anthropomorphized as a woman. Nowhere in this passage does it say every godly woman must be as perfect as this woman.
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