Proverbs 31

Oh, my dear, valiant readers!  We have at last come to the end of Proverbs!  I am so proud of you!

What a gem this is!  I was amazed to see that this Proverb is a mother's advice!!!

-Can't get much sweeter than that! Mom knows best (with God's input:) .

Her first bit of advice to her son is:

-- Stay away from bad women

-- Stay away from drunkeness

What mother cannot relate?  God, in His infinite wisdom, reminds us that we should advise our children.  Sure, they may roll their eyes and moan -- but in the end, our words ... and God's...will come back.

God works all things for good.....

This chapter shows the heart of God for the poor:

Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute.
Speak up and judge fairly; defend the rights of the poor and needy. -Proverbs 31:8,9

Again, this verse gives us something to share with our children.  Do a service project for the poor!

Finally, we see a mom's description of an ideal wife. Here is that "Proverbs 31" woman we've struggled with. 

Rereading this, however, I'm struck by God's great instruction on our focus and drive as a woman.  We don't have to be perfect in every way.  This woman is not praised for her looks.  She is praised for her character.

Perhaps we should spend more time on developing a Godly character in our lives than a beautiful exterior (or nice home or perfect kids) --

Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised.
- Proverbs 31:30

What a great bit of advice for our teens and girls who are striving for magazine and TV perfection!  If you have a preteen or teen -- cut pictures from magazines -- and paste this verse at the bottom .  What is God saying to us in this?

Finally, wives, we do need to face the reality of this Proverbs 31 woman.  She is calling us to higher standards, especially with our husbands. 

Remember, for our husbands, love=respect.  This Chapter tells us the Proverbs 31 husband is respected at the gate -- The "Gate" was where all public negotiation, communication, important interaction took place.  The elders sat there. 

The big question is:  Do you respect your husband in public?  Do you honor him at the "Gate"?  Think about it and consider these verses:

Her husband has full confidence in her and lacks nothing of value. She brings him good, not harm, all the days of her life. - Proverbs 31:11,12.

So - the end of our Book of Proverbs speaks loudly to us wives.  God knows how powerful we can be, for good or evil.  We should humbly give our lives to God.  When we fall on our faces before Him - we will be making the most powerful move in our lifetimes.