SIH’s Think On These Things: Proverbs 31:21-23

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

 

The Proverbs Of King Lemuel: A Godly Influencial Woman Brings Honor To Her Family: Proverbs 31:21-23

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.

 

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:

21) She is not afraid of the snow for her household: for all her household [are] clothed with scarlet.
1.  She does not dread when snow comes
2.  She has prepared her family for bad weather with the finest of doubled garments

The virtuous woman does not simply give “lip service” to the meeting of her family’s needs, but looks ahead and prepares for her family’s needs before they take place.  By doing so, she can make the best possible preparations to meet her family’s needs.

K.  The virtuous woman plans ahead to meet her family’s future needs.

“[As] he that taketh away a garment in cold weather, [and as] vinegar upon nitre, so [is] he that singeth songs to an heavy heart.”   (Proverbs 25:20)

 

22) She maketh herself coverings of tapestry; her clothing [is] silk and purple.
1.  She creates handmade woven coverings to decorate her house
2.  She also creates beautiful clothing of fine materials

She not only meets the needs of others, but she is able to satisfy many of her personal desires as well.  A virtuous woman is talented in decorating her home and creating her own fashions.   She is able to create that which is pleasing and satisfying to herself.

L.  A virtuous woman can satisfy many of her desires through the use of her talents and abilities.

“The king’s daughter [is] all glorious within: her clothing [is] of wrought gold.”   (Psalms 45:13)

 

23) Her husband is known in the gates, when he sitteth among the elders of the land.
1.  Her labors on her husband’s behalf brings honor to him from those who enter the city.  He is respected not only for his personal accomplishments but also for his wisdom in marrying such a woman as this.
2.  The honor and respect given to him results in him being given a place among the authority holders of the city.

A virtuous woman will enhance the respect and honor that is given to her husband.  She will show him to be wise and blessed having a wife such as her.  She will possess a testimony that will bring no embarrassment upon her husband or her family, but will only cause them to appreciate her for her faithfulness, support and assistance on their behalf.

M.  A virtuous woman will possess a testimony that brings respect to her husband and family.

“A virtuous woman [is] a crown to her husband: but she that maketh ashamed [is] as rottenness in his bones.”   (Proverbs 12:4)

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.
K.  The virtuous woman plans ahead to meet her family’s future needs.
L.  A virtuous woman can satisfy many of her desires through the use of her talents and abilities.
M.  A virtuous woman will possess a testimony that brings respect to her husband and family.

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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