Many men do not understand Proverbs 31 unless they themselves have given themselves as weaker vessels willingly to Christ, their Headship (their spiritual husband) and to the same process described in Ephesians chapter 5: 25-30. 1 Corinthians 11:3 states clearly that the Head of every man is Christ, just as the head of the woman is man. In this way, many verses in scripture that apply to women, apply to us men 1st in relation to Christ.
Imagine this,
A husband of noble character who can find? He is worth far more than rubies. His Spiritual Headship (Christ) has full confidence in him and lacks nothing of value. He brings Christ�s Body (the church) good, not harm, all the days of his life. He selects wool and flax (things used to make coverings � spiritual coverings?) and works with eager hands. He is like the merchant ships, bringing his food (spiritual food) from afar. He gets up while it is still dark (as Christ did); he provides food (spiritually and physically) for his family and portions for his fellow servants. He considers a field and buys it (where to sow spiritually); out of his earnings (the faith he�s been given) he plants a vineyard (to bear spiritual and physical fruit). He sets about his work vigorously; his arms are strong for his tasks. He sees that his trading is profitable (where his time, life and effort has been spent), and his lamp does not go out at night (Christ in him does not fail in the darkness). In his hand he holds the distaff and grasps the spindle with his fingers (again things used to make coverings � of righteousness for others). He opens his arms to the poor and extends his hands to the needy (like Christ). When it snows, he has no fear for his household; for all of them are clothed in scarlet (results of having spiritually covered his family with Christ though the world around them grows colder). He makes coverings for his bed (of righteousness); he is clothed in fine linen and purple (Royalty/ Christ). His Spiritual Husband/ Headship is respected at the city gate, where HE (Christ) takes HIS seat among the elders of the land. He makes linen garments and sells them, and supplies the merchants with sashes (he works for that, which is eternal and is provided for by God). He is clothed with Strength and Dignity (Christ Himself); he can laugh at the days to come (for he trusts in the Lord). He speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on his tongue. He watches over the affairs of his household (including the church) and does not eat the bread of idleness (feed from the world). His children (spiritual and physical children) arise and call him blessed; his wife also, and she praises him: Many men do noble things, but you surpass them all." Charm is deceptive, and physical appeal is fleeting; but a man who fears the LORD is to be praised. Give him the reward he has earned, and let his works bring him praise at the city gate (God honors those who honor Him).
If you look closely in Proverbs 31, you will see perfectly the life of our beloved Savior, beautifully lived out before the Father�
This is interesting. I had never thought of this proverb in terms of Christ's role.
It amazes me how many men point to Proverbs 31 as the example of the "perfect" wife...but I have to wonder how many of those same men have ever thought about what it would look like to be a Proverbs 31 husband.
Compared to Christ's masculinity, we men are actually quite feminine ;)
Look at Abraham, Moses, King David....each one of these men "wonderfully" respond to their Spiritual Headship as they are led throughout their lives, that Headship being Christ.
I really needed to hear that and boost my faith in the fact that there are great Christian men in the world who really understand why God made women, especially since just having been in a long discussion with a man who is casting stones at women for not being "submissive" and realizing their place as being underneath and dependent upon man.
