The Valor of the Proverbs 31 Woman
Pastor Tim explains that Proverbs 31, attributed to King Lemuel's mother, offers wisdom that was unconventionally progressive for its patriarchal time, highlighting a woman's virtues beyond traditional expectations. He concludes by asserting that the Proverbs 31 woman embodies qualities to be cultivated by all, serving as a foreshadowing of Christ's perfect character.
Deep Dive Podcast
The Proverbs 31 Woman: A Study Guide
I. Quiz: Short Answer Questions
Answer each question in 2-3 sentences.
What analogy does Pastor Tim use at the beginning of the sermon to encourage all listeners, regardless of gender, to pay attention to the message about the Proverbs 31 woman?
Who is credited with teaching King Lemuel the "inspired utterance" found in Proverbs 31, and why is this significant given the cultural context?
What two specific warnings does King Lemuel's mother give him regarding the misuse of power and resources?
How does the mother's advice to King Lemuel regarding the use of his power align with Jesus' teachings in the New Testament?
What Hebrew word is suggested as a more accurate translation for "noble character" in Proverbs 31:10, and what qualities does it emphasize?
How does the Proverbs 31 woman's character contrast with external appearance, according to Pastor Tim?
Give two examples of how the Proverbs 31 woman's hard work and diligence extend beyond her immediate household.
How does the Proverbs 31 woman demonstrate financial acumen and an entrepreneurial spirit, according to the sermon?
What is the significance of the husband's respect at the city gate in relation to the Proverbs 31 woman?
According to Proverbs 31:30, what is ultimately to be praised in a woman, and how does this connect to the overarching theme of the book of Proverbs?
II. Answer Key (for Quiz)
Pastor Tim uses the analogy of a military campaign where the listener is a tank logistics person. He explains that even if the general's assistant talks about fighter jets, a tank person should still pay attention because all parts of the mission are connected and come from a great mind. This is transferred to the sermon by noting that even if Proverbs 31 is "about women," it connects to everyone, and the words come from God.
King Lemuel's mother is credited with teaching him the inspired utterance. This is significant because it was "way outside the norm" for a patriarchal culture of that time to give credit to a woman for wisdom, indicating a progressive view of women in the book of Proverbs.
King Lemuel's mother warns him not to spend his strength on women (sexual immorality) and not to drink wine or crave beer excessively. These warnings are given because such behaviors can lead to misuse of power, taking advantage of people, and forgetting responsibilities to the oppressed.
The mother's advice to King Lemuel is to use his power to "speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves" and "defend the rights of the poor and needy." This aligns with Jesus' emphasis in the New Testament (Luke 4:16-21) on caring for "the least of these," the oppressed, the outcast, the widow, and the orphan.
The Hebrew word "valor" is suggested as a closer translation for "noble character." This word was often used for warriors, emphasizing qualities of courage, strength, and boldness. Its application to a woman broke cultural norms of the day.
Pastor Tim states that the Proverbs 31 woman's character is prioritized over external appearance. He notes that while culture often emphasizes the external, funerals typically focus on a person's inner character and how they lived, reinforcing that true beauty comes from within.
One example is her active participation in commerce, bringing food from afar "like merchant ships" and going to markets early to gather provisions. Another is her considering and buying a field, then planting a vineyard, which creates employment for others and contributes to the broader community's feasting and celebration.
The Proverbs 31 woman demonstrates financial acumen by "considering a field and buying it" as a good investment, implying an understanding of agriculture. Her trading is also described as "profitable," and she makes and sells linen garments and sashes to merchants, indicating an entrepreneurial spirit and ability to manage finances well.
The husband's respect at the city gate is significant because the city gate was where community leaders gathered to make decisions. His standing among the elders is not just due to his own character but is enhanced by his wife's excellent reputation, showing how her character benefits those in her circle, even in less obvious ways.
Proverbs 31:30 states that "charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised." This connects to the overarching theme of Proverbs by reiterating that "the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom," emphasizing that a right relationship with God is the foundation for a truly wise and praiseworthy life.
III. Essay Format Questions
Discuss how the sermon challenges traditional patriarchal norms, both in the attribution of wisdom to King Lemuel's mother and in the description of the Proverbs 31 woman. Provide specific examples from the text to support your argument.
Analyze the dual responsibility of leadership (like King Lemuel) and individuals (like the Proverbs 31 woman) in caring for the needy and oppressed, as highlighted by Pastor Tim. How does the sermon argue against a "polemic" (either/or) approach to social responsibility?
Explore the concept of "cultivating" character as presented in the sermon. How is this cultivation described for both men and women, and what is its ultimate goal in the context of Christian community?
Examine the balance between internal character and external actions in the description of the Proverbs 31 woman. How does the sermon argue that her actions "speak" before her words, and what does this imply about the nature of righteousness?
The sermon concludes by connecting the Proverbs 31 woman to Jesus. Discuss how she serves as a "foreshadowing" of Christ's perfect character, and what encouragement this offers to both men and women in their spiritual pursuit.
IV. Glossary of Key Terms
Acrostic: A poetic form in which the first letter of each line (or stanza) spells out a word, message, or, in the case of Proverbs 31, follows the order of the Hebrew alphabet.
City Gate: In ancient times, the main entrance to a city, which often served as a public square, marketplace, and a place where elders and leaders would gather to conduct legal, political, and social affairs.
Cultivate: To foster or develop a quality or skill. In the context of the sermon, it refers to the process of nurturing positive traits in oneself and others within the Christian community.
Distaff: A stick or spindle used in hand spinning to hold the flax or wool fibers. It represents a woman's industriousness and skill in textile production.
Fear of the Lord: A central theme in the book of Proverbs, referring not to terror but to a deep reverence, awe, and respect for God, which is presented as the beginning of wisdom.
Foreshadowing: A literary device in which an author hints at future events or concepts. In the sermon, the Proverbs 31 woman's character is seen as hinting at the perfect character of Jesus Christ.
King Lemuel: A king mentioned only in Proverbs 31:1-9, whose mother taught him the "inspired utterance" found in the passage.
Noble Character (Woman of): A central figure in Proverbs 31:10-31, often translated as a "virtuous wife" or "woman of valor," embodying a wide range of admirable qualities including diligence, wisdom, generosity, and strong character.
Patriarchal Culture: A social system in which men hold primary power and authority in roles of political leadership, moral authority, social privilege, and control of property.
Polemic: A strong verbal or written attack on someone or something; often, in the sermon's context, referring to an "either/or" way of thinking that Scripture challenges (e.g., individual vs. government responsibility).
Proverbs 31 Woman: The exemplary figure described in the final chapter of the Book of Proverbs, celebrated for her diligence, wisdom, generosity, and strength of character.
Scarlet: A very expensive dye and color in ancient times, often associated with wealth and luxury. Its mention suggests the Proverbs 31 woman's ability to provide high-quality clothing for her household.
Sexual Immorality: Any sexual activity considered contrary to moral or religious principles, specifically warned against for King Lemuel in the sermon.
Valor: A word suggested as a more accurate translation for "noble character" in Proverbs 31:10, emphasizing courage, strength, and boldness, typically associated with warriors.
Vineyard: A plantation of grapevines, often cultivated for winemaking. In the sermon, the Proverbs 31 woman's acquisition and cultivation of a vineyard symbolize her entrepreneurial spirit and ability to create employment and blessing for others.
