SIH’s Think On These Things: Proverbs 31:17-20

He layeth up sound wisdom for the righteous (Prov 2:7)

 

The Proverbs Of King Lemuel: The Strength And Kindness Of A Godly Influencial Woman: Proverbs 31:17-20

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.
20) She stretcheth out her hand to the poor; yea, she reacheth forth her hands to the needy.

King Lemuel now turns our attention to advice, given from His mother, to help us understand the preciousness and importance of “virtuous” women.

What does “virtuous” mean?  This is a term that carries with it the idea of “force” or “influence”.  It is translated in the Bible as: “army”, “company”, “force”, “might”, “strength”, “valor”, among others.  The main thrust of this term is teaching us that this type of woman is a tremendous force for good in society.  Not only does she bring profit to herself and her family, but she is profitable to all those around her.  This is why she is described as “virtuous”.

EXPOSITION:

17) She girdeth her loins with strength, and strengtheneth her arms.
1.  She belts upon her waist power and ability
2.  She fortifies her arms

A virtuous woman will always seek to improve herself by building up her weak areas.  She will not be content with mediocrity, but she always seeks to be prepared to accomplish whatever task is set before her.

G.  A virtuous woman seeks to excel in every area of her life through self-improvement and preparation

“Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.”  (Ephesians 6:10)

 

18) She perceiveth that her merchandise [is] good: her candle goeth not out by night.
1.  She recognizes the work of her hands is of high quality
2.  She keeps the candle burning late into the night.

She is diligent, using every opportunity to be productive. She shows her diligence through honest self accessment and a hatred of laziness.  Because of her merchandise is of high quality and profitable, her candle can burn all night without her running out of oil.

H.  A virtuous woman shows she is diligent by making the most of every opportunity to be productive.

“They that [were] foolish took their lamps, and took no oil with them:  But the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps.  While the bridegroom tarried, they all slumbered and slept.  And at midnight there was a cry made, Behold, the bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet him.  Then all those virgins arose, and trimmed their lamps.  And the foolish said unto the wise, Give us of your oil; for our lamps are gone out.  But the wise answered, saying, [Not so]; lest there be not enough for us and you: but go ye rather to them that sell, and buy for yourselves.  And while they went to buy, the bridegroom came; and they that were ready went in with him to the marriage: and the door was shut.”   (Matthew 25:3-10)

 

19) She layeth her hands to the spindle, and her hands hold the distaff.
1.  She uses her hand to turn the wheel of the spinning wheel
2.  She wraps the spun wool upon the rod she holds in her hands

In those days the spinning of wool into thread was a very laborious and monotonous task that was commonly performed by the servants of low degree.   A virtuous woman is humble doing tasks that many would say are “beneath her”.  She is very knowledgeable in all the tasks of the home and is able to set the example and instruct others on how to perform them.

I.  A virtuous woman is humble: willing to perform mundane tasks, setting the example, and instructing those under her authority.

“And all the women that were wise hearted did spin with their hands, and brought that which they had spun, [both] of blue, and of purple, [and] of scarlet, and of fine linen.  And all the women whose heart stirred them up in wisdom spun goats’ [hair].”  (Exodus 35:25-26)

 

20) She stretcheth out her hand to the poor; yea, she reacheth forth her hands to the needy.
1.  She holds out her hand to help lift the discouraged and weak
2.  She reaches out an open hand to those needy and destitute.

Not only does a virtuous woman give sacrificially for the benefit of her husband and family, she also willingly gives on behalf of those who are hurting (emotionally, physically, financially).  She takes the time to notice those who have needs around her.  She evaluates their situation and then works to do what is necessary to help them in their time of need.

J.  A virtuous woman is sacrificial, kind, charitable to the needy that may cross her path.

“I have shewed you all things, how that so labouring ye ought to support the weak, and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he said, It is more blessed to give than to receive.”   (Acts 20:35)

 

SUMMARY:

In a study, so far, these are the qualities that are possessed by a Godly “woman of influence”:
A.  A virtuous woman will faithfully care for her family and make certain their needs are supplied.
B.  A virtuous woman will always work for the benefit of her husband’s and family’s reputation and well-being.
C.  A virtuous woman plays the role of manufacturer for her family.
D.  A virtuous woman holds the position of purchaser for the family.
E.  A virtuous woman holds the position of manager/laborer working long hours of labor and oversight.
F.  A virtuous woman has the position of business owner and farmer exercising asset oversight and profitability
G.  A virtuous woman seeks to excel in every area of her life through self-improvement and preparation
H.  A virtuous woman shows she is diligent by making the most of every opportunity to be productive.
I.  A virtuous woman is humble: performing mundane tasks, setting the example, and instructing others.
J.  A virtuous woman is sacrificial, kind, charitable to the needy that may cross her path.

By God’s grace, let us all study these proverbs diligently, giving them the value that they deserve.

May the Lord bless us as we receive this sound wisdom and then “Think On These Things”.

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