SIH’s Think On These Things: Proverbs 31:24-28

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

 

The Proverbs Of King Lemuel: A Godly Influencial Woman Is Appreciated For Her Many Endeavors and Talents: Proverbs 31:24-28

24) She maketh fine linen, and selleth [it]; and delivereth girdles unto the merchant. 25) Strength and honour [are] her clothing; and she shall rejoice in time to come. 26) She openeth her mouth with 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.  

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: 24) She maketh fine linen, and selleth [it]; and delivereth girdles unto the merchant.

A virtuous business woman:

1.  She creates quality wrappings and sells it

2.  and turns over bindings to the sellers.

 

Here we see some marks of a virtuous business woman are:

1.  creation of goods that are needed (and wanted) by others

2.  creation of goods of quality

3.  selling her goods to the public or to the merchants (making her goods available to those who need them)

4.  Bringing in a reasonable profit for the benefit of their family which is their first priority.

This example shows us clearly that being a Godly, virtuous woman is not limited to homemakers, but reach into the professional world as well.  Keep in mind, in it just like every area of Christian service… different Christians are called to different areas of service for Christ.  Some women are called into the field of business to be a Christ-like light in the midst of sin darkened business world.  Others are equally as virtuous in the fields of communication, medical, and homemaking…actually the list in unending.

The main point is this all CAN BE EQUALLY virtuous based upon their level of faithfulness to God’s calling and the Christ like testimony that they hold in the field to which they are called.  But in every case, the virtuous woman’s first responsibility is to her family, meeting their needs and raising their children in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.

N.  A virtuous woman is faithful to the Lord in her professional calling and her possession of a Christ-like testimony.

“Not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord;”   (Romans 12:11)  

 

25) Strength and honour [are] her clothing; and she shall rejoice in time to come.

A virtuous woman is influential…

1.  The ability to complete a given task and the respect given to her by others is the force behind her influence

2.  Her Godly influence will bring to her lasting joy and peace

A virtuous woman’s Godly testimony is a force of great influence among her family, friends and others who have the privilege of knowing her.  As they see her successful life of service to the Lord, it brings to her great respect and joy knowing her life is not lived in vain.

O.  A virtuous woman has a Godly testimony that influences others.

“But (which becometh women professing godliness) with good works.”  (1 Timothy 2:10)  

 

26) She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue [is] the law of kindness.

A virtuous woman possesses Godly speech…

1.  Her open mouth is a source of great wisdom

2.  Her tongue fulfills its responsibility to be kind, merciful and caring to others.

The speech and lifestyle of a virtuous woman is in alignment with the teachings of Paul…  “Walk in wisdom toward them that are without, redeeming the time.  Let your speech [be] alway with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man.”  (Colossians 4:5-6)

P.  A virtuous woman speaks beneficial words out of a heart of live, respect and a desire to help those in need.

“Finally, [be ye] all of one mind, having compassion one of another, love as brethren, [be] pitiful, [be] courteous:  Not rendering evil for evil, or railing for railing: but contrariwise blessing; knowing that ye are thereunto called, that ye should inherit a blessing.  For he that will love life, and see good days, let him refrain his tongue from evil, and his lips that they speak no guile:  Let him eschew evil, and do good; let him seek peace, and ensue it.  For the eyes of the Lord [are] over the righteous, and his ears [are open] unto their prayers: but the face of the Lord [is] against them that do evil.”   (1 Peter 3:8-12)  

 

27) She looketh well to the ways of her household, and eateth not the bread of idleness.

A virtuous woman’s first priority is the welfare of her family…

1.  She leans forward intently watching over the path taken by her family members

2.  She does not make wasting of time and opportunity a part of her life.

The virtuous woman is always busy meeting her family’s needs and never finds time to “lean on her shovel” wasting her life and opportunities of service set before her.

Q.  A virtuous woman lives a live of service to meet the needs of her family

“Well reported of for good works; if she have brought up children, if she have lodged strangers, if she have washed the saints’ feet, if she have relieved the afflicted, if she have diligently followed every good work.  But the younger widows refuse: for when they have begun to wax wanton against Christ, they will marry;  Having damnation, because they have cast off their first faith.  And withal they learn [to be] idle, wandering about from house to house; and not only idle, but tattlers also and busybodies, speaking things which they ought not.  I will therefore that the younger women marry, bear children, guide the house, give none occasion to the adversary to speak reproachfully.  For some are already turned aside after Satan.”  (1 Timothy 5:10-15)  

 

28) Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband [also], and he praiseth her.

A virtuous woman finds her greatest respect among those closest to her:

1.  Her children stand in her honor

2.  Her children verbally speak good of her and desire the best for her

3.  Her husband joins the children in causing her to shine in the eyes of others through his speech and actions.

This is a very important point and a good place to stop our study for today.  A truly virtuous woman DESERVES all the praise, honor and respect that can be given to her.   Her family is obligated to give her these things.  THERE IS ABSOLUTELY NO EXCUSE FOR A FAMILY TO TAKE A VIRTUOUS WOMAN FOR GRANTED, NOR TO DISRESPECT HER IN ANY WAY.

This applies to when the family is in public and also in the privacy of their home.  A Godly, virtuous woman is of unspeakable value and is to be treated as such at all times.

This applies as well to Godly men and Godly children. These are all very rare commodities in today’s society and desire the greatest amount of love and respect from those who are the closest to them. This principle applies to children as well. It is very important for GODLY PARENTS OR GODLY CHILDREN to be given the respect and honor that they deserve.  This begins by showing respect to one another in all public and private situations.  When a child complains about their Godly parents, or vice versa, in public or private, they are showing them great disrespect.  It is a matter of respect, love and loyalty to each other and the Lord.

Just a personal note on this…  I do count my wife as the most virtuous woman that I know.  We both observe an unspoken rule to NEVER speak ill of each other to others.  I can honestly say I have never complained,  nor “whined” to others about my wife.  (She makes this very easy for me to do, since there is nothing I have to complain about). To my knowledge, she has done the same for me as well. I trust her in this and I have been told by others “all she does is say good things about you” confirming my trust. I am only sharing this to say that it is possible to live this way as a habitual lifestyle and, actually, very easy to do when your spouse deserves such respect.

Over the years, I have seen the same thing from a variety of Godly couples. This is, normally but not always, those who are older couples who have learned over the years to appreciate their Godly spouses. Similarly I have seen Godly men, Godly women or Godly children whose family did not appreciate them, spoke against them in public, and brought them undeserved shame and embarrassment.  In my way of thinking, this is one of the most difficult situations to live under for a Godly person. To have your closest loved ones take you for granted and talk ill of your Godly living is a travesty.  It should bring sorrow to the heart of all those who are saved by God’s grace and understand the value of those who live virtuous lives for His glory.

R.  A virtuous woman finds her greatest respect among those closest to her “Blessed [are] they that dwell in thy house: they will be still praising thee. Selah.”   (Psalms 84:4)

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.

N.  A virtuous woman is faithful to the Lord in her professional calling and possession of a Christ-like testimony.

O.  A virtuous woman has a Godly testimony that influences others.

P.  A virtuous woman speaks beneficial words out of a heart of live, respect and a desire to help those in need.

Q.  A virtuous woman lives a live of service to meet the needs of her family

R.  A virtuous woman finds her greatest respect among those closest to her

 

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”. SIH Homepage: http://www.settledinheaven.org SIH Text Blog: https://settledinheaven.wordpress.com/all-about-salvation/ SIH Video Blog: http://youtube.com/settledinheaven/ SIH Email: settledinheaven@gmail.com