stephen R Harrison

Her children arise and call her blessed. Her husband also, as he praises her. – Proverbs 31:28

Proverbs 31 is generally applied to women. After you read it, you can’t help but do so as it describes what has been called “The Proverbs 31 Woman”. The author of Proverbs 31, King Lemuel, teaches us wisdom “his mother taught him” (31:1). It’s true: behind every great man is a great woman. My mom taught me virtuous character through her actions. My wife models it to our children every day. My daughters have learned it from her. Among the descriptions of a woman of noble character in verses 10-31 are instructions for her husband. Husbands and wives, like all believers, are to “sharpen another” (27:17). We are to allow Lady Wisdom to sharpen us and point us to Christ.

King Lemuel was instructed by his mother not to “spend your strength on women, your vigor on those who ruin kings” (31:3). Instead, he should search for a woman of nobility (31:10). She blesses all who know her, especially her family. This paradigm for godly women also does not dismiss men from being godly. In fact, more than describing a particular woman, Proverbs 31 is a symbol of wisdom. Lady Wisdom is not the adulterous woman we’ve seen earlier in Proverbs (chapters 5 and 7). King Lemuel arranged this proverb alphabetically in Hebrew to help the original readers memorize the attributes of wisdom. It also seems he is praising wisdom for all she does (10-27) and is (28-31). There are lessons to be learned for men and women from Lady Wisdom. She desires to teach us her character so that we will follow in her footsteps. 

Like lady wisdom, men must be faithful stewards of their time, talents, and resources. We must “have full confidence in her (Lady Wisdom); she lacks nothing of value” (11). She is to be respected “in the city gate” when others question her intentions. Stepping into her virtues causes us to “take our seat among the elders of the land” (23). We must not curse Lady Wisdom – she is a lady!  We must “arise and call her blessed” (28). She is responsible for any blessings we may have earned by following her advice – “give her reward she has earned” (31a). While “her works praise her in the city gate” (31b), they ultimately praise the One from Whom she originated. If we only ascribe Proverbs 31 to the value of godly women (and we should do that), we fail to praise the God who makes those women (and men) godly.

Men, we should seek God. We must be worshippers of God. Paul told Timothy, “I want the men everywhere to pray, lifting up holy hands without anger or disputing” (1 Timothy 2:8). That verse sounds like a proverb in its counsel against anger and perverse speech. Wisdom is valuable – more precious than rubies (Proverbs 31:10). Whatever we do, we must get wisdom as it is the principal thing (4:7). When we get it – we find the true treasure – Jesus. His Word leads us to Him. Praise is about Him. Changing our character is about matching and reflecting His! Living righteously points others to Him. The woman in Proverbs personifies God’s presence, counsel, purpose, attributes, and being. She is not a goddess to be worshipped or an independent force separate from God. She exists to point us to God. She illustrates the attributes and nature of God. She invites all to a blessed life with God. In finding wisdom, we find God. Men, let us arise and call her blessed. Let us seek God and gain His wisdom. “All glory to the only wise God, through Jesus Christ, forever! Amen (Romans 16:27 NLT).”

Questions to Ponder

1. What are the virtues of Lady Wisdom?
2. Have you sought wisdom more than God Himself? 
3. What verse stands out the most to you?
4. What other questions came to mind?

Actions to Take

1. Read through the virtues of Lady Wisdom in Proverbs 31. Describe how these are reflected in your life.
2. Proverbs begins with the command to fear the Lord (1:7). It ends by displaying someone who has fulfilled this command (31). List three qualities mentioned in this chapter and how they reflect “the fear of the Lord.”

Scriptures to Read

Proverbs 1:3, 1:6-7, 3:5-6, 4:23, 9:10, 14:12, 16:3, 30:5

Prayers to Pray

Lord, thank you for your wisdom. I see how it leads me to you. You are the treasure. I desire to live by your Word because it causes me to have more of your presence. Please help me not to be wise in my own eyes but to keep my eyes on you. Keep making me into The Proverbs Man. In Jesus’ name, Amen.