Sunday Morning 05/12/2012 Pastor David King-Part 4-

“Now That’s What I Call A Woman!Proverbs 31

Who can find a virtuous wife? For her worth is far above rubies. The heart of her husband safely trusts her; so he will have no lack of gain. She does him good and not evil all the days of her life. She seeks wool and flax, and willingly works with her hands.

Proverbs 31:10–13

A GODLY WOMAN FINDS PURPOSE AND PLEASURE IN THE DAILY GRIND (10-19)

Virtuous -- יל also translated strength, wealth, army. The virtuous חwoman is a strong, powerful force in her home and world.

Willingly-פץ the word means delight, pleasure. She indeed finds pleasure- חand delight in the work of the home!

Do you embrace and find delight in the daily activities of managing and maintaining a home?

Have you discovered God’s purpose for your calling as wife and mother?

A GODLY WOMAN HAS AN EVER EXPANDING FAMILY CIRCLE (20-21) Is your home a place of hope and provision for those who enter your

doors? Is your home a force for hope and provision in your sphere of influence?

A GODLY WOMAN IS MARKED BY DIGNITY AND RESPECT (11, 22-31)trust – מבטיחי -- The root of the word batah means to lie extended on the

ground. It appears this word carries the idea of putting oneself at the complete mercy of another. The root is also used in connection with trusting in God.

Can your husband and family trust wholly in your commitment and competency to the family?

The Proverbs 31 woman is intended to portray not a super-woman but rather a universal woman; she is the ideal woman, in the ideal home, in the ideal society. In a world full of brokenness, the Christian woman is called to be a redeeming force in her home, her community and her world!

Example of a Proverbs 31 Woman:

Katharina von Bora (1499-1552)

Is one of the most significant women in Church history. She became Martin Luther's wife after escaping from a convent with 11 other nuns. She was a devoted wife to Luther, who referred to her as "my lord Katie" and together they had 6 children, 4 of whom lived to be adults. She was a wonderful manager of the household, despite limited funds and a large number of guests. She grew vegetables, bought a farm to raise cattle and chickens and brewed beer.

Issue #76: Katie Luther: Establishing a Pattern for the Christian Family.

CATHERINE VON BORA was only eighteen at the time Martin Luther issued his now famous 95 theses from Wittenberg. She had lived in a convent since she was three; her father had taken her there after her mother's death.

Catherine and several of the other nuns at the cloister heard of Luther's Biblical teaching. Once they believed the principles Luther taught, they wanted to leave the cloisters. When Luther heard of this, he encouraged a merchant friend to help them escape. Merchant Kopp often delivered herring to the convent, and one evening in 1523, he bundled twelve

nuns into his wagon in the empty fish barrels! Several of the nuns returned to their families; Luther helped find homes, husbands, or positions for the rest. Within two years after their escape, all the nuns had been provided for except one--Catherine.

It has been recorded that Catherine was a bit homely and unrefined and Luther was recorded as saying his reason for marrying her “was to spite the devil!” Not exactly a love story for the ages at that stage! Luther, himself, was no prize in many respects having been recorded to sleep on hay for his bed…hay that he had not changed in years!

Gradually, through the persuasion of friends and his father, Luther proposed to marry Katie himself. Luther had been given the building of the Augustinian monastery at Wittenberg by the Elector, and into the monastery Katie moved after her marriage in 1525. She cleaned up the monastery and brought some order to Luther's daily life. Luther wrote a friend, "There is a lot to get used to in the first year of marriage. One wakes up in the morning and finds a pair of pigtails on the pillow which were not there before."

After a year of marriage Luther wrote another friend, "My Katie is in all things so obliging and pleasing to me that I would not exchange my poverty for the riches of Croesus." Luther, the former celibate monk, now exalted marriage, exclaiming, "There is no bond on earth so sweet, nor any separation so bitter, as that which occurs in a good marriage."

Katie managed the finances of the family and helped free Luther's mind for his work of writing, teaching, and ministering. Luther called her the "morning star of Wittenberg" since she rose at 4 a.m. to care for her many responsibilities. She took care of the vegetable garden, orchard, fishpond, and barnyard animals, even to the butchering of them herself. Often there were as many as 30 students, guests, or boarders staying in the monastery, all of whom came under Katie's care. Luther was often ill, and Katie was able to minister to him in his illnesses because of her great medical skill.

Katie's life was not just concerned with the physical, however. Martin encouraged his Katie in her Bible study and suggested particular passages for her to memorize.

In time the Luthers had six children and also raised four orphan children; the family became a model for German families for several centuries. Luther viewed marriage as a school for character. Family life helped train Christians in the virtues of fortitude, patience, charity, and humility.

After Martin's death in 1546, Katie lived six years. She lived to see her children, except Magdalena who had died young, achieve positions of influence.

Time-line of Katie Von Bora: Proverbs 31

Virtuous Woman

“Traditionally this poem was recited by husbands and children at the Sabbath table on Friday night.” Expositor’s Bible Commentary

“The woman presented is a wealthy aristocrat who runs a household estate with servants and conducts business affairs and charity. Camp describes the woman as an idealized wife, in an ideal home, in an ideal society—she is not just some man’s dream woman but represents a universal type of woman.” Expositor’s Bible Commentary

This passage is written in a chiasm using the first letter of each alphabet letter.

This poem may be wisdom personified and not necessarily about a virtuous woman. However this poem is also a great pattern for women who want to develop a life of wisdom;

v. 11 “value” this is the word for plunder and may designate that the gain will be as bountiful as the spoils of war.

v. 25 “she is clothed with strength—power over the changes of temporal circumstances, which easily shatter and bring to ruin a household resting on less solid foundations;

“honor” or glory-elevation above that which is low, little, common, a state in which they remain who propose to themselves no high aim after which they strive with all their might: in other words, her raiment is just pride, true dignity with which she looks confidently into the future, and is armed against all sorrow and care.

I. Her Spirituality (31:1–9)

The king’s mother is teaching her son to obey the Word of God. Some students think that “King Lemuel” is actually King Solomon, but we have no proof of this. The most important ministry mothers and fathers have is the spiritual training of their children. See 2 Tim. 1:5 and 3:15. The mother boldly warns Lemuel of

29 Jan 1499 Born in Lippendorf, Germany to Hans von Bora and Katharina Haubitz.

1504 Following her mother's death, she entered the convent school in Brehna.

1515 Took her vows to become a nun, entering the Nimbschen Cloister, where her aunt Magdalena von Bora also lived.

6-7 April 1523 Escaped from the Nimbschen Cloister with 11 other nuns in fish barrels. Aided by Leonard Köppe, a merchant from Torgau. Lived in artist Lucas Cranach's house.

1524 Courted by Hicronymus Baumgaertner, a student at Wittenberg University but his parents opposed the match.

1524 Courted by Pastor Glatz, but she refused him.

13 June 1525 Became engaged to Martin Luther.

25 June 1525 Married Martin Luther in the Black Cloister in Wittenberg.

7 June 1526 First son born, Johannes (Hans) named after Grandfather. He studied law and became a court advisor.

1526 When the cloister closed, the Luther's were given the house.

1 Dec 1527 First daughter born, Elisabeth. (She died at 8 months on May 4, 1528).

4 May 1529 Daughter Magdalena born (She died at 13 years in 1542).

9 Nov 1531 Son Martin born. He studied theology.

29 Jan 1533 Son Paul born. He became a well known physician.

17 Dec 1534 Daughter Margarethe born. She married into a wealthy Prussian family.

1542 Nephew Fabian moved in with the family, following Katharina's brother's death.

1546 Martin Luther died.

1546-7 Fled to Dessau due to the Smalkaldian war.

1552 Fled to Torgau to escape the Plague in Wittenberg.

20 Dec 1552 Katharina von Bora died and was buried in Torgau on December 20th.

some of the dangers he will face in life: sinful companions, strong drink, and a temptation to disobey the Word of God. Happy is that person who had a God-fearing mother who warned about sin, and happier is the person who heeded her warnings.

II. Her Loyalty (31:10–12)

The two key words here are heart and trust—love and faith. Marriage is a matter of the heart; there must be true love between husband and wife. What kind of love should a man show to his wife? The same kind of love that Christ shows to the church (Eph. 5:18ff): sacrificial, patient, suffering, tender, constant. A wife has no problem submitting herself in obedience to a husband who loves her and shows it. Husbands need to take care that their jobs and household chores do not take them away from their wives and children. A happy home does not “just happen”; it is the result of hard work, prayer, and real love. When husbands and wives trust the Lord and each other, there will be happiness and blessing. The marriage vows are promises that must be taken seriously. To break these vows is to sin against God and each other.

III. Her Industry (31:13–22)

This priceless woman is a worker. Whether it be sewing or cooking, taking care of the children or assisting her husband in family business, she is faithfully doing her share. Note that she works willingly (v. 13); it is not a matter of compulsion but compassion. She loves her husband and therefore seeks to please him. (See 1 Cor. 7:32–34 for a wonderful principle of marriage—live to please the other person.) This ideal woman does not spend the morning in bed; she is up early to do her tasks (v. 15) and, if necessary, she stays up late at night (v. 18). Note Paul’s instructions to young women in 1 Tim. 5:14. While there are sometimes emergencies and situations that require women to work outside the home, it must be remembered that even there her first responsibility is to her family.

Proverbs has nothing good to say about laziness, whether it involves a man or a woman. See 6:6–11; 10:4, 26; 13:4; 15:19; 18:9; 19:15, 24; 20:4, 13; 21:25; 22:13; 24:30–34; 26:13–16. In these days of “labor-saving devices,” there is still no substitute for hard work and diligence.

IV. Her Modesty (31:23–26)

Her husband is known in the gates; she is known for her faithfulness at home. Man and woman both have a place in the economy of God, and when either one steps out of place, there is confusion and trouble. Of course, the headship of the man does not mean dictatorship; rather it means example and leadership in love. Verse 25 suggests that the godly woman does not depend on fancy clothing to be successful; she wears “strength and honor” on the inner person. Peter writes about the outward adorning of extravagance and the

inward adorning of a “meek and quiet spirit” (1 Peter 3:3–4). Paul commands women to wear “modest apparel” (1 Tim. 2:9) and to depend on spiritual beauty, not the artificial beauty of the world. Verse 26 tells us that the godly woman is careful in her speech as well as in her dress. How wonderful it is when the “law of kindness” rules the tongue.

V. Her Piety (31:27–31)

“A woman who fears the Lord, she shall be praised.” This is the secret of her life: she fears God and seeks to obey His Word. No doubt she would arise early in the morning to meditate on the Word and to pray. All day long she would pray for her husband and her family. Her true beauty is within; though the years might change her body, her beauty in the Lord only grows greater. Her praise comes from God. “I do always those things that please Him.”

How does God praise this woman? By blessing her labors and her life. The fruit of her life will praise her. She will certainly reap “life everlasting” because she has sown to the Spirit, not to the flesh (Gal. 6:7–8).

Her husband and children also rise up and praise her. What a need there is today for husbands and children to show constantly their appreciation for what the wife and mother does in the home. One of the greatest weaknesses in many homes today is that family members take each other for granted. Husbands need to set the right example before their children by openly praising the Lord and the wife for the blessings of the home. How often a dedicated wife sacrifices for the happiness of the home and never receives so much as a simple “thanks.” What a sin lack of appreciation is in our homes. This kind of appreciation must not be reserved for Mother’s Day or Christmas; rather, it must be shown sincerely all year long. Gratitude is a wonderful Christian virtue. It needs to be cultivated in every home.

Of course, these same qualities ought to be seen in the man of the house as well. How often we see a godly woman patiently suffering with a carnal, worldly husband. The Bible knows nothing of a “double standard” for husbands and wives. It is important that the husband be spiritual, loyal, industrious, etc. In God’s gracious plan, He has ordered that both husband and wife are needed in the home and that each one must fulfill certain ministries. One cannot replace the other, although in some emergencies (such as death of one mate) God has given grace for a person to be both “father and mother” in the home.Husbands and wives must constantly be on guard lest Satan move in and break up the home. They have spiritual, material, and physical responsibilities to each other, and if these are not met, Satan goes to work (1 Cor. 7:1–6; 1 Tim. 5:8; Eph. 5:21–33; 1 Peter 3:7). It is especially important to be on guard after the children have grown up and left home, for then the true strength of the home is tested. A man and woman can no longer say, “We will stay together for the

children’s sake.” May God help us all to choose the right mates in His will, and to build the kind of homes that glorify His Name.1

VIII.The Noble Wife (31:10-31)This final section of Proverbs is an acrostic poem exalting a noble wife.

Each of the 22 verses begins with a consecutive letter of the Hebrew alphabet. These verses were written by Lemuel, Lemuel’s mother, Solomon, or someone whose name is unknown. This last view is probably correct.

31:10. The wife of noble character (h\ayil) is also mentioned in 12:4 (cf. “noble” in 31:29). Ruth was called “a woman of noble character” (Ruth 3:11). The word for noble character is translated “capable” in Exodus 18:21. The question who can find? (cf. Prov. 20:6) does not suggest that such women are nonexistent but that they should be admired because they, like noble men, are rare. Also they are more valuable than rubies (cf. a similar statement about wisdom in 8:11).

31:11. The noble wife’s husband is mentioned three times (vv. 11, 23, 28) and is referred to as “him” in verse 12. His confidence in her is complete. He trusts her. Her careful household management enhances their family’s wealth. He lacks nothing of value by way of household goods.

31:12. This kind of woman is an asset, not a liability, to her husband. Good comes to him that can be directly attributed to her. She supports and encourages him. And she is faithful in helping him all . . . her life.

31:13. She is involved in weaving and sewing as indicated in verses 13, 19, 22, 24. She uses wool and flax, and linen (vv. 22, 24) made from flax. With eager hands is literally, “with the delight of her hands, ” suggesting that she enjoys her work.

31:14. The noble wife also does shopping. She is like . . . merchant ships that brought unusual and fascinating merchandise from other places. She too brought interesting and unusual items home from her shopping.

31:15. Though she has household help she herself gets up early, before daybreak, to help prepare breakfast and food for other meals, and to delegate work (portions) to her servants.

31:16. The wife’s considering and buying a field have caused some to question the validity of this poem because women, it is argued, were not permitted to do that in those days. However, in this wealthy household she apparently had money to invest. Then out of her earnings from various investments (cf. “trading, ” v. 18, and “sells, ” v. 24) she plants a vineyard. She has a business mind and she works hard.

31:17. She works energetically (lit., “girds her loins with strength”) and with vigor (cf. “works” in v. 13). She has a healthy attitude toward work.

1Warren W. Wiersbe, Wiersbe’s Expository Outlines on the Old Testament, (Victor Books: Wiersbe’s Expository Outlines on the New Testament) Wheaton, Illinois.

31:18. Her wise business dealings are again referred to (cf. “earnings, ” v. 16, and “sells, ” v. 24). The fact that her lamp does not go out speaks of her planning ahead. The five virgins whose lamps did not go out were praised for their foresight (Matt. 25:4). The extinguishing of one’s lamp pictured calamity (Job 18:6; Prov. 13:9; 20:20; 24:20).

31:19. Verses 13, 19, 22, 24 refer to her weaving and sewing. She makes cloth by spinning wool or flax (v. 13) on a distaff, using a spindle.

31:20. The noble wife is also selfless and generous. She sells some things for profit but she also gives to the poor and the needy (see comments on these words in 30:14; cf. 31:9; also note 11:25; 21:26). Possibly 31:20 refers to her giving cloth she has made (v. 19) to the poor who have none.

31:21. Cold weather does not cause this woman to panic for her household (cf. v. 25b); she is prepared for it. She has clothed them in scarlet, that is, she has provided expensive garments. She spares no cost in protecting her family from the cold.

31:22. She even makes her family’s bed coverings. She clothes herself in fine linen and purple. Linen is made from flax (v. 13) and purple is a dye made from a shellfish. Her own clothes were evidences of her family’s well-to-do position.

31:23. A noble woman enhances her husband’s standing among those who transact legal and judicial affairs at the city gate (cf. v. 31) among the elders . Though she is obviously aggressive and competent, she functions in a way that honors her husband’s leadership rather then denigrates it. She respects him and builds him up.

31:24. Again her clothing enterprise is mentioned. She makes linen clothes for herself (v. 22) but is such a good seamstress that she also makes enough to sell. Linen garments were expensive. Supplying merchants with sashes (belts) speaks of her productivity.

31:25. Clothing is here referred to metaphorically to indicate that her appearance is one of strength and dignity. She is no shameful weakling. Also she can laugh at the future, that is, face it with confidence (cf. v. 21). Though 27:1 cautions against boasting “about tomorrow, ” that does not do away with preparing for it (as ants do, 6:6-8; 30:25).

31:26. In keeping with the theme of Proverbs, this woman is praised for her wisdom and faithful instruction. The instruction probably refers to her teaching her children and her servant girls.

31:27. She is involved in management (she watches over . . . affairs of her household). Yet she is also directly involved in various activities as a housewife. She is not idle (cf. vv. 13, 17).

31:28-29. Her children . . . call her blessed. She is positive and optimistic and enjoys her role in life. Her husband . . . praises her by telling others she is the greatest of the noble women (cf. v. 10).

31:30. Her secret is her godly character. She is physically charming and beautiful but those qualities may not last. But as a woman who fears the LORD, she is praised by her husband (v. 28) and others (v. 31). Appropriately here

near the end of Proverbs, the book concludes the way it began, by referring to fearing the Lord (1:7).

31:31. The writer urged his readers to recognize and reward the faithful diligence and kindness of such a woman. She along with her husband (v. 23) should be honored publicly. Honoring a woman at the . . . gate was not normally done in Israel. But an unusual woman called for unusual recognition.The virtues of a noble wife are those that are extolled throughout the Book of Proverbs: hard work, wise investments, good use of time, planning ahead, care for others, respect for one’s spouse, ability to share godly values with others, wise counsel, and godly fear (worship, trust, service, obedience). As Proverbs has stated repeatedly, these are qualities that lead to honor, praise, success, personal dignity and worth, and enjoyment of life. In the face of the adulteress’ temptations mentioned often in Proverbs, it is fitting that the book concludes by extolling a virtuous wife. Young men and others can learn from this noble woman. By fearing God, they can live wisely and righteously. That is the message of Proverbs.2

2Walvoord, John F., and Zuck, Roy B., The Bible Knowledge Commentary, (Wheaton, Illinois: Scripture Press Publications, Inc.) 1983, 1985.