Proverbs 31
This is it, day 31. This month has gone by so fast. And here at the end of Proverbs we find closing remarks on men and women. Women in the Church hold the woman discussed in the closing verses of this book as the model to strive for, but I have never heard a message on, or a conference focused on, the man mentioned in this passage. Last year or the year before I wrote a few posts on the verses that tell us of the Proverbs 31 man, but as I read this morning, I realized I missed two key verses.
Proverbs 31 Man
"Open your mouth for the mute, for the rights of all the unfortunate. Open your mouth, judge righteously, and defend the rights of the afflicted and needy" (verses 8-9).
Men are to speak for those who cannot speak for themselves. They are the stand up for the rights of those who are overlooked. They must not keep quite as injustice tramples the innocent. A man was made to be strong. He was made to be a defender and protector, a leader. A man must do what is right, and stand up for righteousness because if a man doesn't no one can. God gave us strength to use in service to Him and others; we must not compromise it and turn a blind eye.
"The heart of her husband trusts in her, and he will have no lack of gain... Her husband is known in the gates, when he sits among the elders of the land... Her children rise up and bless her; her husband also, and he praises her, saying: 'Many daughters have done nobly, but you excel them all.'" (verses 11, 23, and 28-29).
Husbands, trust your wives. Know who she is and what she is capable of. Trust her gifts and watch how God blesses her as you support her. Husbands, live with integrity. Be the leader you were called to be. Husbands, bless and encourage your wives. Let them know that you are captivated by them, and this means so much more than physical attraction. Give her your words and your strength.
Proverbs 31 Woman
I read in a book that if we look at most women in the church we'll see that Christian woman are exhausted. They don't feel captivating or pursued, just overworked and underappreciated (Wild at Heart). This model woman held up here is what they strive for, but don't feel they will ever attain. I believe for a wife to be able to be the woman mentioned here two things must happen. One her relationship with God must be intimate (as it must be for a man if he is to be the man mentioned here). Without the relationship she is left to try and give, and to come short and never be filled. But with God, she will constantly hear His truth spoken into her. She will see her beauty, she will know she is loved and fought for.
Second, her husband must be the man he was created to be. She can be the woman without the man, God is enough if she will let Him be. But a husband can cripple or heal his wife. He can nurture her so she blossoms, or trample her so she wilts. His words are often louder and clearer than God's, and he can even shape her perception of God. A man must play the man if his wife is to be the woman.
We see this woman works hard, and speaks truth. She is wise and frugal. She is captivating and blessed. Her family loves and appreciates her. How many women do you know like this?
God had a plan for the roles of men and women, and when each plays their part, it's a beautiful thing. But it all begins with wisdom and humility that is found in the fear of the Lord. It all begins with God. If we are to be the people we were created to be, it begins with Him. We were created in His image, made in His likeness. It is only by His workmanship that we can be molded into what we were created to be.
"I have been young and now I am old, yet I have not seen the righteous forsaken or his descendants begging bread."
To God alone be the Glory!
Peace be with you
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