Proverbs 31 - Praying God's Word

Please read Proverbs 31.

Meditate on verses 10-11 and 30.

An excellent wife, who can find?  For her worth is far above jewels.

The heart of her husband trusts in her, and he will have no lack of gain.

Charm is deceitful and beauty is vain,

but a woman who fears the LORD, she shall be praised.

Just as the virtues in Titus 1:6-9 make a good list for a man to be or for a woman to look for in a husband, Proverbs 31:10-31 is a list of virtues to aspire to as a woman and characteristics to look for in a wife. This woman can inspire us all!

It can be a difficult passage of Scripture for many women because it lays out a woman of such high standards they feel defeated by it. The characteristics of a Godly, hard working wife and mother are displayed with a climactic ending that summarizes the book of Proverbs and explains why this woman was a success.

But a woman who fears the LORD, she shall be praised.

—Proverbs 31:30b

Proverbs ends with the truth God used to start the book, the truth He wanted you to learn as you prayed this book: 

The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge.

—Proverbs 1:7a

Fear of Almighty God is the only way to gain true wisdom and success in this life.

This woman’s fear of God even brought her praise in the gates of the city (Proverbs 31:31).

The city gate was where the elders, nobles, judges, and leaders would sit and do the business of the city or region. It was the official gathering place. It was here that her Godly behaviors were being upheld and praised. Throughout Proverbs men have been valued for wisdom, discretion, and righteousness. It is fitting that Proverbs ends with the woman of virtue being praised.

Two final thoughts:

Ø  Husband, let your wife be all God wants her to be, and do not envy her praise, for it is yours as well. 

Ø  See the value of Godly behavior as a public witness to God’s work in your life. May God be praised in the city gates!

Pray Proverbs 31:10-11 and 30-31 over yourself and those for whom you stand guard as a faithful, prayerful watchman (Isaiah 62:6-7).

“LORD, make _______ an excellent wife, whose worth is far above jewels. 

Let her husband trust her.  May this couple have no lack of gain. 

LORD, charm is deceitful and beauty is vain; may we be people who fear You.

 May what we do bring You praise in the gates.

For the sake of Your Kingdom, Jesus~”

The WATCHMAN on the WALL ~ Dr. Ron and Marsha Harvell