#oldtestament #proverbs #proverbs31
#bible #Biblestudy
# Proverbs 31
> [!info] Table of Contents
> [[#đź“ś Scripture Text (NET)]]
[[#đź“– Verse-by-Verse Commentary]]
[[#🧠Chapter Summary]]
[[#🔎 Key Observations / 🛟 Life Application]]
[[#✍️ Key Verses to Remember]]
> [[#🤔 Interesting Facts]]
[[#đź”— Related Passages]]
[[#🙏 Devotional Reflection]]
> [[Proverbs Overview]]
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## đź“ś Scripture Text (NET)
### The Sayings of King Lemuel
1 The sayings of King Lemuel contain this message, which his mother taught him.
2Â O my son, O son of my womb,
    O son of my vows,
3Â do not waste your strength on women,
    on those who ruin kings.
4Â It is not for kings, O Lemuel, to guzzle wine.
    Rulers should not crave alcohol.
5Â For if they drink, they may forget the law
    and not give justice to the oppressed.
6Â Alcohol is for the dying,
    and wine for those in bitter distress.
7Â Let them drink to forget their poverty
    and remember their troubles no more.
8Â Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves;
    ensure justice for those being crushed.
9Â Yes, speak up for the poor and helpless,
    and see that they get justice.
### A Wife of Noble Character
10Â Who can find a virtuous and capable wife?
    She is more precious than rubies.
11Â Her husband can trust her,
    and she will greatly enrich his life.
12Â She brings him good, not harm,
    all the days of her life.
13Â She finds wool and flax
    and busily spins it.
14 She is like a merchant’s ship,
    bringing her food from afar.
15Â She gets up before dawn to prepare breakfast for her household
    and plan the day’s work for her servant girls.
16Â She goes to inspect a field and buys it;
    with her earnings she plants a vineyard.
17Â She is energetic and strong,
    a hard worker.
18Â She makes sure her dealings are profitable;
    her lamp burns late into the night.
19Â Her hands are busy spinning thread,
    her fingers twisting fiber.
20Â She extends a helping hand to the poor
    and opens her arms to the needy.
21Â She has no fear of winter for her household,
    for everyone has warm clothes.
22Â She makes her own bedspreads.
    She dresses in fine linen and purple gowns.
23Â Her husband is well known at the city gates,
    where he sits with the other civic leaders.
24Â She makes belted linen garments
    and sashes to sell to the merchants.
25Â She is clothed with strength and dignity,
    and she laughs without fear of the future.
26Â When she speaks, her words are wise,
    and she gives instructions with kindness.
27Â She carefully watches everything in her household
    and suffers nothing from laziness.
28Â Her children stand and bless her.
    Her husband praises her:
29 “There are many virtuous and capable women in the world,
    but you surpass them all!”
30Â Charm is deceptive, and beauty does not last;
    but a woman who fears the Lord will be greatly praised.
31Â Reward her for all she has done.
    Let her deeds publicly declare her praise.
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## đź“– Verse-by-Verse Commentary
Each verse is important.
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## 🤔 Interesting Facts
##### Is This Lady Wisdom?
Controversy- Is this talking about a woman or talking about “Lady Wisdom?”
- If a godly woman- This would seem like a completely “stripping of gears.”
- If Lady Wisdom- This would mean that Solomon is saying this is what living in wisdom looks like for all.
- The chapter is divided into two sections: advice to King Lemuel from his mother, and the “virtuous woman” poem.
- Verses 1–9 show that biblical leadership includes justice for the voiceless and personal self-control.
- The “Proverbs 31 woman” is an acrostic poem in Hebrew, with each line starting with a different letter of the alphabet.
- Her qualities—diligence, wisdom, fear of the Lord—are presented as the true measure of feminine greatness.
- Verse 30—“Charm is deceptive and beauty is fleeting”—emphasizes inward character over outward appearance.
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## 🧠Chapter Summary
**Main Teaching**: Proverbs 31 is divided into two parts: the first gives King Lemuel’s mother’s advice on leadership, warning against immorality, drunkenness, and injustice. The second part praises the virtuous woman, highlighting her wisdom, strength, fear of the Lord, and care for her household.
**How It Fits in Proverbs**: This chapter fittingly closes the book by embodying the themes of wisdom in leadership and daily life. The description of the noble wife serves as the ultimate picture of wisdom in action—faithful, disciplined, godly, and strong.
**Apologetic Insight**: Proverbs 31 affirms that godliness and virtue are not confined to religious spaces but are lived out in every sphere, including home, business, and community. It powerfully counters cultural trends that devalue biblical womanhood by honoring wisdom as strength, dignity, and reverence for God.
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## 🔎 Key Observations / 🛟 Life Application
- đź“Ś A godly woman is marked by strength, wisdom, and fear of the Lord.
- đź“Ś True beauty is found in character, not appearance.
- đź“Ś Leadership must be just, sober-minded, and advocate for the voiceless.
#### Today, I can apply this chapter by:
- âś… Honor and celebrate the godly women in your life.
- âś… Encourage character and kindness over charm and appearance.
- âś… Take responsibility and lead your home, work, or church with integrity.
- âś… Look for ways to serve others selflessly today.
- âś… Ask God to help you become a person of noble character.
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## ✍️ Key Verses to Remember
**🔑 Proverbs 31:10**
“Who can find a virtuous and capable wife? She is more precious than rubies.”
- **Why it matters**: This verse sets the tone for the entire second half of the chapter, elevating godly character over external charm or wealth.
**🔑 Proverbs 31:26**
“When she speaks, her words are wise, and she gives instructions with kindness.”
- **Why it matters**: This emphasizes the balance of wisdom and gentleness—two qualities essential for leadership, parenting, and influence.
**🔑 Proverbs 31:30**
“Charm is deceptive, and beauty does not last; but a woman who fears the Lord will be greatly praised.”
- **Why it matters**: This is the apex verse of the chapter, reminding readers that reverence for God is more lasting and valuable than charm or appearance.
**🔑 Proverbs 31:8–9**
“Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves; ensure justice for those being crushed. Yes, speak up for the poor and helpless, and see that they get justice.”
- **Why it matters**: These verses call for courage, advocacy, and justice—core themes for Christian leadership and service.
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## đź”— Related Passages
- 🔗 1 Peter 3:3–4 – “Your beauty should… be that of your inner self…”
- 🔗 Titus 2:3–5 – “Teach the older women… to teach what is good…”
- 🔗 Matthew 5:16 – “Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds…”
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## 🙏 Devotional Reflection
Write 3–6 sentences reflecting on:
- How this chapter encourages your faith,
- Convicts your heart,
- Reveals God's character.
Optional format: "In light of this chapter, I am challenged to..." or "I am comforted by..."
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## 🛤 Life Application
**Today, I can apply this chapter by:**
- âś… Application 1
- âś… Application 2
Make these very practical:
- "Trust God's timing in an uncertain situation."
- "Speak truth even when it’s unpopular."
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## đź“‚ Tags