2019 Mar 31 Proverbs 31
2019 Mar 31 Proverbs 31
A warm welcome to you! Let’s continue in Proverbs 31, regarding the “capable wife,” this time verses 16-20:
“16 She sets her mind on a field and buys it; She plants a vineyard from her own labors. 17 She prepares herself for hard work, And she strengthens her arms. 18 She sees that her trading is profitable; Her lamp does not go out at night. 19 Her hands seize the distaff, And her hands take hold of the spindle. 20 She extends her palm to the lowly one, And she opens her hands to the poor.”
Prove 31:16 Notice the trust her husband must have in her, revealing the dignity and respect that God wants husbands to accord their faithful wives! He allows her the freedom and resources to decide that she wants to buy a plot of land and put a vineyard on it. We read later that she makes linen garments and belts, and that her trading is profitable. Therefore, we don’t know whether her husband allows her to keep all of her profits to use responsibly, or she contributes all or a portion for family needs, still she had the resources for this potentially wise vineyard income source. Really, what is the view that God’s word the Bible promotes regarding women? Can we not see here that, even with the loving headship arrangement, that women are to be accorded much dignity and respect by her husband and others, as he is to love her as his own body, exercising his headship with consideration of her thoughts, feelings, and needs? Of course, this “capable wife” displays a keen sense of responsibility toward her husband and family. Remember, the man also has a head, Jesus Christ, to whom he must answer for his treatment of his own family. May all in the family learn their respective roles and contribute to the happiness of the divine family unit!
Prove 31:17 We may need to prepare ourselves for hard work that we need to carry out, whether physically or mentally—going over in our mind all that will be involved in the project, having adequate hydration, nutrition, and any other necessities. She planted this vineyard “from her own labors”—no wonder she strengthened “her arms!”
Prove 31:18 By this time we should mention that a “capable wife” may perhaps have another reference to the body of an organization, led by its owner(s) or chief officer(s). When business trading is profitable, some businesses will keep operations going around the clock, including night hours. Thus her “lamp” does not go out at night. One translation words this “her lamp burns late into the night.” Certainly most women need adequate rest, so either understanding would be sensible.
Prove 31:19 The distaff and spindle has reference to spinning wool, she thus does not back down from tedious work, using such for garment making for her own family and her trading. If it were truly necessary, could we carry out tedious work for the benefit of ourselves, our family or loved ones? May we not be too lazy to consider such things, although happily we have many provisions these days to assist and ease our workload.
Prove 31:20 This woman is not selfish, but considerate even of the poor, perhaps setting aside a little money from any income to help those in need. Many commercial organizations as well have made provision for the poor, including restaurants and the like, providing inexpensive options for those with less. How considerate, and agreeable to God, as His Law required certain provisions for the poor in ancient Israel. May we not be so afraid of being taken advantage of that we neglect to ever give anything to those truly in need, but like the capable wife, show compassion, and perhaps assist others to get adequate help.






