Author: Mark Hillis

The Christian Wife
Proverbs 31:10 –31
Phil 4:8 8 Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things.
Vs. 10 10
Who can find a virtuous wife?
For her worth is far above rubies.
Biblical Definition of virtue - things that are true (the truth), noble, just (fair), pure (holy living), lovely (as Christ is)
Virtuous woman - treats others fairly and respects others highly, values people. She treats others better than she is treated.
Vs. 11-12,23 11
The heart of her husband safely trusts her; So he will have no lack of gain.
12 She does him good and not evil All the days of her life.
23 Her husband is known in the gates,
When he sits among the elders of the land.
Her husband trusts her, he knows she seeks only good for him and not evil ...when he is in public he can hold his head up and is respected...because his wife is:
Trustworthy * Faithful * Respectful
Vs. 13-19
13 She seeks wool and flax, And willingly works with her hands.
14 She is like the merchant ships, She brings her food from afar.
She also rises while it is yet night, And provides food for her household,
And a portion for her maidservants.
16 She considers a field and buys it; From her profits she plants a vineyard.
17 She girds herself with strength, And strengthens her arm.
18 She perceives that her merchandise is good, And her lamp does not go out by night.
19 She stretches out her hands to the distaff, And her hand holds the spindle.
She works alongside her husband -
Gen. 1:27-28 - Creation story (they were given dominion together)
Gen. 2:18-25 - Creation story in detail
Vs. 20
20 She extends her hand to the poor,
Yes, she reaches out her hands to the needy.
Shows compassion
Vs. 21,24
21 She is not afraid of snow for her household,
For all her household is clothed with scarlet.
24 She makes linen garments and sells them,
And supplies sashes for the merchants.
Cares for her appearance and the family’s outward care
Vs. 25-31 (1 Peter 3:1-6)
25 Strength and honor are her clothing;
She shall rejoice in time to come.
26 She opens her mouth with wisdom,
And on her tongue is the law of kindness.
27 She watches over the ways of her household,
And does not eat the bread of idleness.
28 Her children rise up and call her blessed;
Her husband also, and he praises her:
29 “Many daughters have done well,
But you excel them all.”
30 Charm is deceitful and beauty is passing,
But a woman who fears the Lord, she shall be praised.
31 Give her of the fruit of her hands,
And let her own works praise her in the gates.
We looked at the outward appearance, which is important, but this is why she is praised.
Vs. 30
30 Charm is deceitful and beauty is passing,
But a woman who fears the Lord, she shall be praised.
But a woman who fears the Lord...she shall be praised.
Because of this, she clothes herself with strength, honor, wisdom, kindness, teaches her children (like manners), is not lazy.
She realizes that the outward appearance is fading and looks are deceiving, but the heart will always be revealed (as deceitful outside of the Lord)

#