A Godly Women
Notes
Transcript
This morning I want to set aside a time to speak to mothers. But, I think this message will be relevant for not just mothers and wives, but it will be relevant for all women.
This morning I want to examine the qualities of an excellent wife (or woman), and by that I mean the qualities of a woman who fears the Lord!
Proverbs 31:10 ESV10 An excellent wife who can find? She is far more precious than jewels.
Proverbs 31:30 ESV30 Charm is deceitful, and beauty is vain, but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.
The other interesting fact about Proverbs 31 is the order of the book in the Hebrew canon.
In the Hebrew OT the books of the bible are arranged in a different order than they are in our English Bibles.
One interesting observation is that in the Hebrew Bible they put the book of Ruth right after the book of Proverbs.
In our Bible Ruth is put in with the Historical Books of the OT, but in the Hebrew Bible Ruth comes right after the poetry and wisdom books, right after Proverbs.
Some scholars believe the reason the Jews in the OT place Ruth right after Proverbs is that Ruth is meant to be an illustration of the Proverbs 31 woman.
The book of Proverbs ends with this description of an excellent wife or woman of a woman who fears the Lord, and then you go right into reading the book of Ruth who typifies exactly what a Proverbs 31 woman looks like in real life.
1. Her character reflects the disposition of a wise and loving heart (v26)
1. Her character reflects the disposition of a wise and loving heart (v26)
Where does wisdom come from?
It Comes from the Lord.
26 She opens her mouth with wisdom,
and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue.
6 For the Lord gives wisdom;
from his mouth come knowledge and understanding;
10 The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom,
and the knowledge of the Holy One is insight.
31 The mouth of the righteous brings forth wisdom,
but the perverse tongue will be cut off.
Wisdom comes from the Lord, He is the One that gives it.
The beginning of wisdom is to develop a proper fear or reverence for God.
Righteousness is connected with wisdom.
That means words of wisdom come from the life of one who knows God,
who loves and fears God,
and who is putting in to practice righteousness of God.
This does not mean we get it right every time it just means that we try.
2. Her actions show her willingness to work for the benefit of others (vv 13-15)
2. Her actions show her willingness to work for the benefit of others (vv 13-15)
She works for the betterment of others.
Actions speak louder than words.
The more faith is used the stronger it gets.
She knows what must be done and does it with thought or hesitation.
She makes the world a better place every day.
3. Her attitude toward the unknown is that of courage and quiet confidence
3. Her attitude toward the unknown is that of courage and quiet confidence
17 She dresses herself with strength
and makes her arms strong.
21 She is not afraid of snow for her household,
for all her household are clothed in scarlet.
Scarlet was a very sought-after fabric and cost a great deal to import.
To have the whole household be clothed in it means she was a very successful person.
She shares her wealth and prosperity with everyone under her care.
What are the qualities of an excellent woman?
What are the qualities of an excellent woman?
1. Her character reflects the disposition of a wise and loving heart
1. Her character reflects the disposition of a wise and loving heart
Do you go to your mother or wife and receive godly wisdom?
Is she always ready to counsel you with the Scriptures?
Do you know that no matter what, mom is always waiting for you with open arms to wrap you in a loyal loving embrace?
Praise her for that!
2. Her actions show her willingness to work for the benefit of others
2. Her actions show her willingness to work for the benefit of others
Do you see your mother or wife constantly sacrificing herself for the needs of others, cooking, cleaning, working a job, getting up in the middle of the night for the third time to comfort a crying child?
3. Her attitude toward the unknown is that of courage and quiet confidence
3. Her attitude toward the unknown is that of courage and quiet confidence
Do you see your mother or wife boldly facing the dangers of this sin cursed world with courage and quiet confidence in the providence of God?
Is she always speaking truth into your life when you are afraid challenging you to trust the Lord? Praise her for that!
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