A Wife of Noble Character Ch 31

a Proverbs 31 Rewrite

Nov 10, 2024

woman in blue and white dress sitting on red hammock

This is the last chapter rewrite in a series of eleven. If you’ve been following along, I hope by now that you see how Proverbs 31 seems to be depicting Lady Wisdom herself. To wed Lady Wisdom is to be the bride of Christ and represent Him well among the ruling elders at the city gates.

I don’t think it’s a coincidence that the writing of these Proverbs has coincided with my studies about gender. Could it be that I’ve stumbled upon why the author of Proverbs uses women to personify wisdom and folly? Could it be because women, with their integrated relational brains, represent and embody how we properly or improperly integrate and relate to God’s laws? Could it be because women, with their interconnected brains, represent and embody the connectivity between our heart, soul, mind, and strength in following God’s laws? I’m not saying that men aren’t relational and can’t relate ideas and things together, but that women embody connectivity and relationship. Their physical bodies and brains were made for it.

Anyway, I hope this last chapter is a blessing to you. I have added very little to the verses on the Wife of Noble Character. I think they stand alone as a beautiful description of Men and Women who wed Christ with all their heart, soul, mind, and strength.

If you haven’t read the other chapters, you may find links at the end of this blog. As usual, verb tense changes and pronoun changes are not noted, but additions and subtractions are indicated with brackets or ellipses. The original NIV Proverb’s chapters are italicized. I think I used some ESV in there as well. All scripture is footnoted.

Sayings of King Lemuel

Chapter 31

The sayings of King Lemuel—an inspired utterance his mother taught him.

Listen, my son! Listen, son of my womb! Listen, my son, the answer to my prayers! Do not spend your strength on [a seductress], your vigor on those who ruin kings.1 Her feet go down to death. Her steps lead straight to the grave.2 This is the fate of those who trust in themselves, and of their followers, who approve their sayings. They are like sheep and are destined to die. Death will be their shepherd.3

It is not for kings, Lemuel—it is not for kings to drink wine, not for rulers to crave beer, lest they drink and forget what has been decreed, and deprive all the oppressed of their rights.4 This is why it is said: “Wake up, sleeper. Rise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you.”

Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is. Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit.5 Let beer be for those who are perishing, wine for those who are in anguish! Let them drink and forget their poverty and remember their misery no more.

Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute. Speak up and judge fairly. Defend the rights of the poor and needy.6 Learn to do right. Seek justice. Defend the oppressed. Take up the cause of the fatherless. Plead the case of the widow.7

a statue of a person holding a torch — Photo by K. Mitch Hodge on Unsplash

Epilogue: The Wife of Noble Character

A wife of noble character who can find her? She is worth far more than rubies. Her [Bridegroom] has full confidence in her and lacks nothing of value. She brings Him good, not harm, all the days of her life. She selects wool and flax and works with eager hands. She is like the merchant ships, bringing her food from afar. She gets up while it is still night. She provides food for her family and portions for her female servants.8

She considers a field and buys it. Out of her earnings she plants a vineyard. She sets about her work vigorously. Her arms are strong for her tasks. She sees that her trading is profitable, and her lamp does not go out at night. In her hand she holds the distaff and grasps the spindle with her fingers. She opens her arms to the poor and extends her hands to the needy.9

When it snows, she has no fear for her household for all of them are clothed in scarlet. She makes coverings for her bed. She is clothed in fine linen and purple,10 prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her Husband.11 Let us rejoice and be glad and give Him glory! For the wedding of the Lamb has come, and His bride has made herself ready. Fine linen, bright and clean, was given her to wear. (Fine linen stands for the righteous acts of God’s holy people.)12

Her Husband is respected at the city gate, where He takes His seat among the elders of the land. 13 Lift up your heads, you gates. Be lifted up, you ancient doors, that the King of glory may come in. Who is this King of glory. The Lord strong and mighty, the Lord mighty in battle. Lift up your heads, you gates. Lift them up, you ancient doors, that the King of glory may come in. Who is He, this King of glory? The Lord Almighty—He is the King of glory. 14

[His Bride] makes linen garments and sells them, and supplies the merchants with sashes. She is clothed with strength and dignity. She can laugh at the days to come. She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue. She watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness. Her children arise and call her blessed. Her husband also, and He praises her: “Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all.”15

Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting, but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.16 The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction. Listen, my [children], to your father’s instruction. And do not forsake your mother’s teaching.17 Honor her for all that her hands have done, and let her works bring her praise at the city gate.18

In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven. 19