July 3rd~More Precious Than Rubies

Proverbs 30:1-33

We finished the book of Proverbs, ending with the most famous chapter — Proverbs 31. Since Solomon devoted a good portion of his work to warning his son about the immoral woman, it is fitting that Proverbs should end with the kind of woman that is worthy of praise. In the style of Agur, who wrote Proverbs 30, here are three things — no four — that summarize her life.

First, she is diligent, meaning that she is the opposite of idle or lazy. “She is energetic and strong, a hard worker” (v.17). A diligent woman is industrious and productive; she makes the most of her time. “She does not have to bear the consequences of laziness” (v.27).

Second, she is wise. She makes good decisions. She is discerning and instructive; she gives good counsel. She plans her days, and she is frugal with her money and thrifty with her resources. “She watches for bargains” (v.18). She is careful with her words (v.26), and she has a good name with others. “Let her deeds publicly declare her praise” (v.31).

Third, she is compassionate. She sees, cares about, and meets the needs of others, starting with her family. “She also extends a helping hand to the poor and opens her arms to the needy” (v.20). She is kind and considerate.

Finally, and most importantly, she fears the Lord. While the other character qualities are admirable, fear of the Lord is foundational to the rest. When one possesses the other qualities, she is a good woman, but when she fears the Lord, she is a godly woman; and godliness is the catalyst for compelling the rest.

A fear of the Lord is also the distinguishing quality between a godly woman and the modern radical feminist who disdains God and His Word.

Did you notice that the godly woman is married to a man? The radical feminist despises marriage and endorses lesbianism. The godly woman seeks to “greatly enrich her husband”; she wants to “help him all her life” (v.12). The godly woman promotes family and produces children, while the radical feminist promotes singleness and abortion on demand. The godly woman is humble; she lets others praise her (v.28), while feminism is built on arrogance and selfishness. If a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised, then what should we do with women who revile and rebel against God?

Daily Reflection

I have been blessed to have two Proverbs 31 women in my life — my wife and my mother. What about you? Who are the godly women in your life? How have they inspired you?

If you are a woman, are you seeking to glorify the Lord or glorify yourself? Are you seeking to do His will or your own? What would others say?

You must be careful not to put the woman of Proverbs 31 on a pedestal. She is not the standard. Christ is the standard. Don’t strive to be like her in all her qualities and miss the most important aspect, a relationship with the Lord. Strive to know and love Him first, then these qualities, the fruit of His Spirit, will result.

BiAY.org |Day 184 — 181 Days to Go