Bible Study - Extraordinary - Building the Home I Need - Proverbs 31 - May 12, 2013

Bible Study – Extraordinary – Building the Home I Need – May 12, 2013

This is lesson two in our series entitled, “Extraordinary Relationships.”

Our scripture is Proverbs 31:10-12, 15-20 and 25-31.

HAPPY MOTHER’S DAY to all the moms!!! Being a mother or a wife is not easy. When I grew up, men did not do women’s work. I am very ashamed that I did not help my wife more around the house. I do not see how she did it but she did and with a gracious spirit. I am very proud of our sons and sons-in-law, who have done a great job in parenting and helping around the house. Equally, I am very proud of our daughters and daughter-in-law for being excellent mothers and wives. Job well done!!!

When we read this scripture, keep in mind that it depicts the ideal wife and mother, which can only be achieved by a person’s complete commitment and relationship to GOD through CHRIST. This scripture relates to the ideal woman or wife but it also applies to men and husbands as well. Marriage is a partnership which requires 100% from each partner. The two work and live as one through CHRIST. The idea is that whatever we do, we do as unto the LORD. Family is intended to be a strong unit that is built upon the solid rock of CHRIST and even then it is not easy. The winds blow and the rains fall and the very foundation of every home will be challenged. Satan is out to destroy the stronghold of the home; especially those built upon CHRIST.

In verses 1-9, King Lemuel wrote to other kings and rulers calling for them to be just and to help those in need.

In verses 10-31, he wrote about the ideal mother or wife. The lines of this passage form an acrostic, which means that each line begins with a Hebrew word sequencing the Hebrew alphabet. For example, using our English alphabet, the first line would begin with an A and the second line would begin with a B. This would help with memorization of the scripture.

Let’s explore!!!

Let’s read Proverbs 31:1, 10-12:

The Words of Lemuel 

1 The words of King Lemuel, an oracle (source of wisdom or wise saying) that his mother taught him:

In Praise of a Capable Wife

10 Who can find a capable wife? She is far more precious than jewels. 11 The heart of her husband trusts in her, and he will not lack anything good. 12 She rewards him with good, not evil, all the days of her life.

The word “capable” carries the idea of a woman’s ability. It embraces her value to be a wife to her husband and the husband’s ability to recognize her value and appreciate her. This capable wife and mother had strength, efficient and moral value.

Verse 11 reveals that her husband appreciated her because she was genuine and trustworthy in her relationship to him, their family, matters of the family and others. He knew her heart was genuine toward GOD. What she did came from a pure, loving and caring heart because her strength was founded in the LORD.

Men, do not get the idea that since her husband will “not lack anything good” that the wife is to work and lavish you with stuff. It is that her nature is such that she contributes to the running the household in harmony with her husband. The husband recognizes and acknowledges the precious person who GOD has provided to him. They are truly one in harmony with each other because GOD is in the center of their lives. The husband is to do his part to support and contribute.

My wife and I have been married for over 54 years. She, to me, represents the ideal wife, mother and grandmother. Her biggest problem has been me and my stubborn heart.

This scripture depicts a wife of whom the husband can be very proud.

Let’s read Proverbs 31:15-20:

13 She selects wool and flax and works with willing hands. 14 She is like the merchant ships, bringing her food from far away. 15 She rises while it is still night and provides food for her household and portions for her female servants. 16 She evaluates a field and buys it; she plants a vineyard with her earnings. 17 She draws on her strength and reveals that her arms are strong. 18 She sees that her profits are good, and her lamp never goes out at night. 19 She extends her hands to the spinning staff, and her hands hold the spindle. 20 Her hands reach out to the poor, and she extends her hands to the needy.

This is a very busy woman. It order to get all she has to do done, she gets up early and prepares food for household and distributes or portions the work out to her female servants. She delegates her workload. Some interpret “and portions for her female servants” to think she gave them something to eat. I lean toward the former.

This lady is a business woman. She is intelligent and evaluates a field that is for sale. She makes a decision whether or not to purchase the field. She decides to purchase it because she has thought it through and knows what she is going to do with it. She puts it to work by planting a vineyard. She is confident in her decision and reaps a profit from her investment. She is a hard worker because she is willing to do what is necessary to manage her household, which includes her husband and business.

She spins the yarn needed to make items for the poor and needy. This is one busy woman. She has a heart for those in need. She has thought ahead and is prepared for things that she or her family may face and need. She was a modern day prep-per as we will see in our next scripture.

Let’s read Proverbs 31:21-24:

21 She is not afraid for her household when it snows, for all in her household are doubly clothed. 22 She makes her own bed coverings; her clothing is fine linen and purple. 23 Her husband is known at the city •gates, where he sits among the elders of the land. 24 She makes and sells linen garments; she delivers belts to the merchants.

Because she has prepared ahead of time, therefore, when reasonably predictable things come her way, she is more than ready. Because she was such an organized and active woman who looks out for her family and those in need, her husband reaps the benefits. She brings honor to him. She is well known and the husband is likely introduced at the city gate as “so-and-so’s husband.” This is not an idle woman. Why does she do all that she does?

Let’s read Proverbs 31:25-31:

25 Strength and honor are her clothing, and she can laugh at the time to come. 26 She opens her mouth with wisdom and loving instruction is on her tongue. 27 She watches over the activities of her household and is never idle. 28 Her sons rise up and call her blessed. Her husband also praises her: 29 “Many women are capable, but you surpass them all!” 30 Charm is deceptive and beauty is fleeting, but a woman who •fears the Lord will be praised. 31 Give her the reward of her labor, and let her works praise her at the city gates.

Her activity brings her recognition but her relationship with GOD is her strength and honor. She is a likeable person who laughs because her confidence is in GOD in conjunction with the ability GOD has given her. She is known for being genuine. In verse 26, we see that she is a teacher. She teaches wisdom and she does it with love. Wisdom includes the idea of ethical and religious instruction, which she not only spoke about but practiced what she taught.

She kept a sharp eye out for the things going on in her family and wisely intervened as needed. I believe this would be to intervene as needed with the necessary discipline or praise and encouragement.

This woman is genuine and consistent because she was committed to GOD and her desire was to glorify HIM in all that she does. Fellow man may praise her for all she does but she knows that her desire is to reflect the presence of GOD in all that she does.

We see that her husband praises her “Many women are capable, but you surpass them all!” It seems that not only did her husband tell her but he praised her to others.

Verse 30 reminds those looking for this capable wife and potential mother are not to rely upon charm because it is deceptive and beauty is fleeting. Young men look deeper than the surface look for “a woman who •fears the Lord will be praised.”

When you find such a woman and marry her do not hold her back but “Give her the reward of her labor, and let her works praise her at the city gates.”

I am tired just thinking about this busy woman. One thing seems to come through this passage and that is what she did was a natural part of her life. It comes across as stress free and a woman comfortable in her own skin, which can only be the result of the presence of GOD in her life and being confident in what she was doing. She has the support of her husband and family. There is harmony and balance, which only the Lord can give to such a busy person.

Being a mother is tough and there is no manual which states how to be a mother. Mothers can pass on their experience and hopefully will be role models for their daughters. No one wants to be a slave or taken for granted. This woman is appreciated and honored by her family and all who know her.

I know there are many single parents both men and women who have to jockey both working and raising a child or children. This is a tough job and prayers for all single parents. Whether single or married, you are the role model for your family. I know this is Mother’s Day but dad’s this goes for you as well. Blessings and Happy Mother’s Day!!!