Proverbs 31 expresses the words and instructions that were given to King Lemuel by his mother; It is his mothers opinion of what a 'woman' should be. A virtuous woman! she encourages her son to look for her.
I noticed that a lot of imagery was used to impress upon him how extra ordinary this woman would be(and that is a little confusing for me). for example " she is worth more than rubies, she is like a mercant ship..."
Well, my point is that; I noticed that many guys on here have written on their profiles that they are searching/looking for the proverbs 31 woman. really? OK in simple words what do you mean by proverbs 31 Woman? If possible relate it to today/our time.
Here is something I wrote several years ago which explains Proverbs 31,
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, Jesus Christ, beautifully lived out before the Father�
Hmm flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, :) I was praying someone responded to this post because I too wondered about this particular scripture. Thank you for explaining it so well.
Just yesterday,I was checking through books in a certain bookshop here when i came across the most incredible book; BEAUTIFUL IN GOD'S EYES-The treasures of the Proverbs 31 Woman by Elizabeth George! I had always wondered who the proverbs 31 Woman really was and trust me i could not figure out a complete picture of this woman and that is the same reason i posted this thread on here.
Interestingly,this book explains in details verse 10-31 of proverbs 31 and am very glad that for the few chapters that i have read so far, i have learnt a great deal.
I cannot put everything together now but i hope to summarize it when i finish reading it but you can also get a copy if you are interested...
