# 19 2016 Dev. Prov. 31:10-11 The purpose of these devotionals is to draw closer to God by memorizing selected passages of Scripture. Further, to view the passage in context and grow spiritually by applying His Word to our daily living with family, friends and others. All passages are taken from the NIV.
[b]”A wife of noble character who can find?
She is worth far more than rubies.
11 Her husband has full confidence in her
and lacks nothing of value.”
In Ch. 1 Proverbs begins with a “Purpose and Theme which we read in the first 6 verses: 1. “The proverbs of Solomon son of David, king of Israel:2 for gaining wisdom and instruction; for understanding words of insight;3 for receiving instruction in prudent behavior, doing what is right and just and fair;4 for giving prudence to those who are simple,[a] knowledge and discretion to the young—5 let the wise listen and add to their learning, and let the discerning get guidance—6 for understanding proverbs and parables, the sayings and riddles of the wise”. The writer of Proverbs lays out the purpose and theme that keeps us on track when reading proverbs.
Verse seven is an antithetical (directly opposed or contrasted; mutually incompatible) statement that gives us the perspective and the basis for wisdom: 7 “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools[c] despise wisdom and instruction.”
The Psalmist continues with a prologue: an extensive antithetical introduction for the book beginning in Ch. 1:8 -19. Take note that the main body of the book begins with a father exhorting his son on the moral benefits of seeking wisdom. Ch. 31 ends the book with a mother exhorting her son, the king ending it with a very Christ like statement, verses (Prov. 31: 1-9).
The Psalmist ends the book with an epilogue, a summary (v.19-31) praising the noble wife and mother. He gives women an awsome example of dedication as an equal partner in marriage.
The verses for the week (10-11) come from the epilogue which is an amazing description of a woman that serves the Lord and is written as an acrostic: twenty-two verses, each beginning with a consecutive letter of the Hebrew alphabet. A wise choice for a a son is to find a woman of noble character. Nothing is said about appearance or about erotic attraction. She is valuable, much more than possessions, more than gold and silver.
A husband is blessed by her, she supports him, he trusts her, he depends on her. Because of her he lacks nothing, his wealth is increased, his status is enhanced. Verses 30-31 sum up the epilogue: “Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.31 Honor her for all that her hands have done, and let her works bring her praise at the city gate”. Thank God for our mothers and wives, they deserve our praise and our support, we thank God for them.
© cgvanwyk, all rights reserved
Heavenhigh 