It Starts Small

As we come down to the final day of this scripture series I thought it important we conclude looking at the Proverbs 31 woman. We have spent this past month looking at the description of godliness, the characteristics of godliness, the wisdom of godliness and the wisdom of corrupted ungodliness. We looked at Daniel and now I want to look at what the famous Proverbs 31 says about godliness.

One of the greatest tributes to women is found in Proverbs 31. This beautiful poem was written by King Lemuel’s mother. Much of the Old Testament has to deal with God working in the lives of men. Sarah, Rachel, Rebekah, Rehab, Ruth, Esther, and Deborah are some of the prominent women, but this tribute was written in honor or tribute to an unknown. This poem tells us her deeds and spirit were more important than her name.

I believe she is our example, as a woman, of godliness.

This Woman is a Woman of Value

“She is worth far more than rubies.” v. 10

She is valuable to her husband. She is not only his helpmate and the mother of his children, but her actions show how much she means to him.

He trusts her – “Her husband has full confidence in her” v.11
He benefits from her – “lacks nothing of value” v.11
He is affirmed by her – “She brings him good, not harm, all the days of her life.” v.12
He praises her – “and he praises her” v.28

She is valuable to her household.

As a mother – “she provides food for her family” v. 28
As a model – “and portions for her servant girls” v.15

This woman also loved her “neighbors” as Jesus commands us to do. She was valuable to the homeless. 

“She opens her arms to the poor and extends her hands to the needy.” v. 20

This busy and industrious worker also had a heart of compassion for those who were unable to accomplish all that she was doing in providing for her household.

A GODLY WOMAN is a Woman of Virtue

“A wife of noble character who can find?” v. 10

The good wife described here has every virtue wisdom can offer. This woman is diligent, has a keen sense for business matters, is compassionate, is prepared for the future, is a good teacher, is dedicated to her family and above all else possesses the primary characteristic of biblical wisdom, the fear of the Lord.

Her virtue shows as she shuns sinfulness.

“and does not eat the bread of idleness” v.27

In his famous sermon, “Payday Someday,” Dr. R.G. Lee reminds us to:

“Search the pages of the Bible all you will; study history all you please. And you will find one truth that stands out above some other truths. What is that truth? The truth that the spiritual life of a nation, city, town, school, church, or home never rises any higher than the spiritual life of women. When women sag morally and spiritually, men sag morally and spiritually. When women slump morally and spiritually, men slip morally and spiritually. When women take the downward road, men travel with them. When women are lame morally and spiritually, men limp morally and spiritually. The degeneracy of womanhood helps the decay of manhood.

Yes – we ask again – who can so degrade a man as a woman of wicked tendencies and purposes? Is not a woman without spiritual religion and love of God in her heart like a rainbow without color – like a poisoned well from which the thirsty drink – like a heated stove whose heat is infection – like kissing lips spread with deadly poison?”

Lee, Robert G., Pay-Day Someday, Grand Rapids; Zondervan Publishing House, 1959, pp10-11.

Her virtue shows as she speaks sweetly.

“She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue.” v.26

Her virtue shows as she strives steadfastly.

“She gets up while it is still dark” v.15
“She plants a vineyard” v.16
“She sets about her work vigorously” v.17
“She makes linen garments and sells them” v.24

A GODLY WOMAN is a Woman with Vision

“a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised” v.30

A Vision of Faith – “a woman who fears the Lord”

A Vision for the Future – “she can laugh at the days to come.” v.25

All that she does through her work and her diligence are to insure that her family will not suffer in the future. Clothes, food and shelter will be provided by her hard work, but she also realizes that there are other needs for the future in addition to material security.

A Vision for Her Family – “she watches over the affairs of her household.” v.27

Dr. Lee reminds us that as evil women bring men down, so in like manner, righteous women can bring men up.

Pursuing godliness is a righteous virtue to not just act and behave godly, but most importantly to fear the Lord! To have such great reverence for the Lord and ALL His Word that we decide to intentionally live everyday in obedience to the Word of God. We are not obedient out of an unhealthy fear of punishment. NO, we are obedient because we know that sin separates us from God. IF we want to pursue righteousness we need to make God first and always first in everything we do because He is truly the most important.

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