Respected

"Her husband is known in the gates,when he sits among the elders of the land." Proverbs 31.23

The man of Proverbs 31 is not only trusting of his wife, but he is trusted by the people of his community. He is known by the public, and he sits with the leaders of the city. He is involved in the business of the community, people know him and respect him. This may seem like a fairly simple description; but as I was reading it I got the impression that this is more than simply being respected by the community.

As we read the last verses of Proverbs 31 we see the description of a noble woman, a wife of noble character, and in this one verse, I think it is telling us that her husband is a noble man, a man of noble character. I think this verse takes all of the characteristics of the woman, and here applies them to the man she is married to.

Men, if you want to marry a woman that is described here in Proverbs, then you have to be a man of noble character. To be worthy of a the woman described here, we must live to the same standards, with the same integrity and work ethic. Our passion for God must dominate our lives, our focus must be on Him and the benefit of others, especially the good of our families. We must be men of noble character.

Peace be with you