The Proverbs 31 Wife, A Fuller Glimpse (Part 4)

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As we come to the end of our series on the study of the “wife of noble character”, I hope you’ve enjoyed glimpsing more fully at each trait.  If you haven’t already, please check out the three previous parts of this series: The PROVERBS 31 Wife, A Fuller Glimpse (Part 1): My Farewell To Age 31, The PROVERBS 31 Wife, A Fuller Glimpse (Part 2), and The Proverbs 31 Wife, A Fuller Glimpse (Part 3) .

I’d explained previously that I felt these attributes were a depiction of the perfect wife: an unattainable ambition.  However, as we’ve highlighted each characteristic,  I’ve learned that I know this woman.  

She’s my mother, she’s my sister, she’s my friend, she’s me, and she’s you.  

The Proverbs 31 Wife tends to the needs of her family from the moment she rises until her head hits the pillow.  Her husband trusts and confides in her; she’s dependable.  She sacrifices and pours every drop of energy into loving her family; she’s productive and hardworking.  She finds time to encourage and uplift those around her; she helps those in need.  

In reviewing the scripture, I never once saw a verse that read, “and she did all of these things perfectly without any flaw”.  

Some days I’ve got it all together and uphold my crown of ‘mother and help meet’ joyfully,   but other days I stumble.  I get angry, I cry, I hurt, I’m a mess and I know the Proverbs 31 Woman would profess the same!

The Proverbs 31 Wife: 

After getting to know her over the course of this month, I feel comfortable referring to the Proverbs 31 Woman as our fellow momma and friend.  

Here are our final attributes of study, as learned from our friend, the ‘noble wife’: 

1. She Speaks w/ Spiritual Wisdom:  We’re all familiar with the phrase “think before you speak”, well the Proverbs 31 Wife takes it a step further and also consults God.  As mentioned previously in the series, she seeks God’s will daily and this includes a surrender of her thoughts and words.  Psalms 19:14 says, “Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be pleasing to you, O Lord, my rock my redeemer.” This is a verse that I’ve memorized and have committed to my heart as I seek to speak words that are spiritually wise. I imagine the “noble wife” would also cling to this scripture.   
2. She’s a Blessing to Her Family: The scripture explains that her children bless her and her husband praises her.  For me, this reminds me of Proverbs 14:1, which explains that a wise woman builds up her home and a foolish one tears it down.  A noble wife is seen to her family as a place of safety, not a source of harm.  (Wheeew! Ain’t that some conviction!) 
3. She Fears the Lord: It’s common knowledge that when we speak of fearing the Lord it refers to reverence and respect.  In order to gain reverence and respect, an individual must spend time getting to know God; so, I’ll add here that she is also in close fellowship with Him.  The wife of noble character knows God, loves Him, fears Him, and follows Him.  
4. She is Worthy of Love: The NLT version reads, “reward her for all she has done”, the NIV says, “honor her for all her hands have done”, and the MSG exclaims, “give her everything she deserves”.  What this says to me is that she is worthy of love and praises.  I’ve often struggled with my own self-worth.  My worthiness of love, my worthiness of credit for a job well done, but here I am reminded that I am worthy and deserving of all God has to give.  I’m betting the Proverbs 31 woman would struggle with this too, which may be why the chapter ends with direction to her loved ones to reward, honor, and give her all she deserves.  Mommas, we are worthy!

This Week’s Challenge: 

Over the course of the series we have challenged ourselves to improve on a weakness, identify a strength, and distinguish our spiritual gift/s. 

In seeking to understand the Proverbs 31 Wife, I would be remiss without taking a look at the definition of the word “noble”.  Some synonyms I found were ‘virtuous’, ‘ethical’, ‘moral’, and ‘righteous’.  What is righteousness?  One dictionary defined it as “acting in accord with divine or moral law: free from guilt or sin” (Merriam-Webster, n.d.) .  As a Christian wife and mother, the Proverbs 31 woman would have seek out righteousness.  

This week I’d like to challenge us with adding a request of righteous thoughts to our morning prayers. 

In the Tony Evans Study Bible, Dr. Evans explains that the reason this woman was so successful is because she took God seriously; this involves seeking righteousness.

Applicable Verses:

Proverbs 31: 26- 31, Psalms 19:14, & Proverbs 14:1

As a wife and mother, there are days where I feel this is the best gift the Lord could have given me and I gladly take on every task.  Then there are days where I feel I don’t have the strength for the challenges faced.  Marriage is hard, parenting is hard, but we weren’t intended to bear the load alone.  We were meant to walk along the path with the help and direction of God, just as the example in the Proverbs 31 Wife.  

I pray this series blessed you! If it did, I invite you to subscribe and stay connected with me.  Also, if you have any ideas for other series you’d like to see discussed, please shoot me an email, I’d love to hear from you!

Chat next week as we share REAL LIFE, FROM ONE MOM TO ANOTHER! 

References: Merriam-Webster. (n.d.). Righteous. In Merriam-Webster.com dictionary. Retrieved August 14, 2020, from https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/righteous