Proverbs 31.10, 30
“An excellent wife who can find? She is far more precious than jewels.”
This passage describes the attributes and activities of a godly wife. As we saw last week, she is described as excellent, which is the Hebrew word hayil. She displays multiple characteristics of relational excellence.
When reading the descriptions of this incredible woman, be careful you don’t think she accomplished all these things in a single year or in one season of life. This passage summarizes the activities of this woman over many fruitful years, and it provides highlights of productive things she did throughout her life.
Also, don’t get caught up admiring all the things she did but fail to recognize the spirit and motivation that energized her. Don’t simply study the passage as a list of things to do; rather, study the passage (and the entire book of Proverbs) to better understand her heart. Excellence happens inside-out, not outside-in.
We should ask the question: Why did this woman do all of these things so effectively? Why did she have a heart of excellence? The core principle that motivates and inspires the heart of this wonderful woman is revealed at the end of the passage. “Charm is deceitful, and beauty is vain, but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.” (Proverbs 31.30)
There you have it. She fears the Lord. Notice that the verse says this is the reason she is to be praised. She is motivated and energized by a heart that deeply respects God. She seeks to live and work with hayil because she honors the God who designed her and calls her to excellence. She seeks to honor God and love her family by rejecting the way of foolishness and pursuing the way of wisdom.
The rest of this week we will look at the attributes of her life of excellence.
As I close today, please keep in mind that the fear of the Lord is the foundational theme in the Book of Proverbs. The fear of the Lord is essential for a wise and productive life in response to the call of Jesus.
“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and instruction.” (Proverbs 1.7)
“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is insight.” (Proverbs 9.10)
“The fear of the Lord leads to life, and whoever has it rests satisfied.” (Proverbs 19.23)
Sadly, there is a profound and growing disrespect for God in our culture. The popular narrative dismisses God and his standards, which has resulted in the confusion, conflict, and chaos that is currently spreading through western society.
If we are to bring true justice, peace, and unity to our troubled nation, we must rediscover a deep respect for God.
