Proverbs 31

Proverbs 31. Today’s chapter gives us a wealth of wisdom to live by and I might jump around a bit, but please bear with me. First, it warns us who not to choose as a mate: (V3-NIV) states, “do not spend your strength on women, your vigor on those who ruin kings”, (Message) “Don’t dissipate your virility on fortune hunting women, promiscuous women who shipwreck leaders.” If you are looking for a spouse (both guys and gals), seek the Lord’s counsel. Hollywood would have you believe you need the “supermodels”, but the Bible tells us (v30) that beauty and charm fades and (v3) promiscuous women will destroy you.

Then, Proverbs 31 also tells us who to look for in a mate: (V10-NIV) “A wife of noble character who can find? She is worth far more than rubies.” What blessings a noble wife can bring: (V11-27). Seeking the spouse that the Lord has for you, a spouse focused on God, will lead you to that wife of “noble character”, one who will bless your house, family, and you with many happy years. Who wouldn’t rather have blessed prosperity instead of strife; try to choose on your own, by selfish characteristics, and that’s exactly what you will be doing, trading blessings for strife. A look at the divorce rate in America can attest to that! Teens and above, do you find yourself changing girlfriends/boyfriends and never being satisfied with who your with? If so, then stop using your selfish desires as a guide and seek God’s will, He will lead you to your perfect spouse, in His time (teenagers don’t rush it!).

Finally, today’s Proverbs also shows how we should treat our spouse (v28-NIV) “Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her” and (v30-NIV) “Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised”. Once you have the spouse God has for you, the blessed, noble one, treat them as God has commanded, with blessings and praise. As a husband, I can tell you that I thank God for Sharri and I couldn’t have picked a better spouse myself (of course not, the verses above state that!), but many times I don’t show her the praise and support she deserves. I don’t follow through enough on God’s Word to praise and adore her, please God help me to praise her more!

Overall, today’s chapter gives us wisdom on how to treat all the women in our lives (wives, mothers, grandmothers, guardians, aunts, godmothers, sisters, etc.). They give so much and add richness to our lives that would be struggled at best without them. Please take time to praise those special women in your life today! Lord, please help us to continue to follow your word and give our ladies the praise they deserve.