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| Photo Credit: http://faraboverubies-3110.blogspot.com/ |
Proverbs 31 was written to King Lemuel from his mother.
Lemuel means “belonging to God” and this is the only mention of King Lemuel in
the Bible that we know of.
Interesting note: These last verses of Prov. 31 is an
acrostic poem.
Psalms that follow an acrostic pattern begin each line with
a consecutive letter of the Hebrew alphabet. Since the Hebrew alphabet contains
22 letters, psalms written with this structure demonstrate great skill on the
part of the psalmist: acrostic psalms must both say something meaningful as
well as conform to the sequence of the alphabet.
Psalm 111 is a complete acrostic psalm & Psalm 119 is
perhaps the most recognizable acrostic psalm. It consists of 22 stanzas of
eight verses, each set of which begin with the same letter of the Hebrew
alphabet.
It is not clear if acrostic patterns were used for any
reason other their aesthetic value. It is possible they were used to aid
memorization. This may be true especially in shorter acrostics like Psalms 111.
It is also possible they are meant to portray comprehensiveness (i.e.,
everything from A to Z). For example, the acrostic in Psalm 119 seems to
represent a comprehensive statement about responding to God and His Law. [1]
The wife of noble character is also spoken of in 12:4. Ruth was
referred to as being noble in Ruth 3:11. Noble can also be translated as
“capable”. In Exodus 18 when Moses appointed different men to be over groups of
hundreds, fifties, tens, etc. then God told him to find capable men for this
position. Capable means to fear God and be honest & trustworthy. Noble also
translates to mean a virtuous woman with moral integrity, strength, and
courage.
Capable and noble men and women are rare to find. That’s
why the Psalmist is asking us “who can find one?” Not because it’s impossible,
but because someone with this type of character is rare.
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In verses 11, 23, & 28 her husband is mentioned. This is
a total of 3 times and is also mentioned in verse 12 as “him”. He relies on her
and her household management skills. Because of her skill then it enhances his
wealth. This makes me think of a woman who is frugal and doesn’t waste money.
She stretches her dollars. Maybe she coupons. Maybe she finds good deals when
shopping. Maybe she knows how to bargain with sales people. Maybe she is
patient to wait til something is on sale before she buys it. Maybe she sews her
own clothing or that of her children? Maybe she works to help provide income
while also managing the household. There are many ways for a woman to
contribute to a man’s wealth. The noble wife will do what she needs to do to be
a blessing and contribute to the family income! She longs to be helpful and not a burden to their financial budget.
As verse 12 elaborates.. she is an asset to him. She helps
him, supports him, and encourages him! She does not encumber him. She is
faithful to help him all of her life. The good that comes to him is directly
because of the help his wife offers him! This makes me think of the old saying,
“Behind every good man is a woman.” Not from the feminist standpoint.. this
phrase actually can be traced back before the 1940’s.. before the feminist
movement. I think of it from the standpoint that it is the love, support,
encouragement, and help mate of a wife who helps to make her husband successful
& great!
I personally like to coupon and look for good deals or shop clearance sales! I am also never afraid to ask for a discount!! (Honestly, asking is the hardest part.. I can nearly always get a discount just because I ask for one!)
What about you? What are some ways you enjoy contributing to your household?
[1]
Barry, J. D., Heiser, M. S., Custis, M., Mangum, D., & Whitehead, M. M.
(2012). Faithlife Study Bible.
Bellingham, WA: Logos Bible Software.
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