"Proverbs 31:10-31"

In Prov 31:10-31, too, the acrostic form fits the purpose of the poem and the book. This poem paints a picture of a woman who embodies real, practical wisdom from A to Z, or from aleph to tav. Yet, as Carol Meyers points out, this poem does not in fact exhaust the scope of practical economic activity for ancient Israelite women. The acrostic form may therefore be helping to communicate something that the poem’s content does not. Even further, the fact that Proverbs’ only acrostic section shows strong links with major themes of the book (the preciousness of wisdom and the difficulty of obtaining it, the fear of the Lord) shows that the “strong woman” is not just some kind of afterthought but is an essential portrayal of wisdom.

INTRODUCTION

This morning I want to tell you about my Mother.

Joann Bruno (maiden name Bolinger)- her actual first name is Mary but everyone calls her Joann.

Born & raised in Omaha, Nebraska but moved to Lincoln, Nebraska after marrying my Dad, Joseph Bruno.

Mom was a traditional homemaker.

She was hardworking- raised four of us (two of us being twins).

I remember Mom as always busy doing something for someone else.

Whether it was laundry, cooking, cleaning or taking us to practices, Mom was selfless.

Some people may feel she “wasted” her life having never went to college or pursued a career outside the home.

But I will tell you, my mom brought VALUE not just to my life but to our entire family.

My Mom was not a one dimensional woman.

She is a woman of faith.

She loved my father with all her heart.

She loves and cares for her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

She has been blessed with loyal friends.

She worked at a part-time job.

She has volunteered for years serving the community in which she lives.

She is a homeowner and continues to be involved in all aspects of life.

She is a woman of noble character- maybe you are thinking of your Mom as well.

Sadly, I think the unique role of women in society has been diminished.

The concept of sexual complementarianism- the doctrine that men and women are created equal in value/worth and hold separate but equal roles in marriage, family life, the church and elsewhere has been attacked from radical feminist ideology.

“Proverbs 31:10-31” affirms the value of noble women in society and their value was not based on performing the same activities as men.

Transformational Truth: Acknowledge the value of noble women in society.

Transformation Point: Equality does not require women to excel in the same activities as men.

Illustration: Back in the Second World War, Rosie the riveter was certainly a woman, but she was also a wife, a patriotic American involved in a struggle against fascism, and many other things besides.

Movement #1 (verses 10-12)

A good woman is hard to find

“10 A wife of noble character who can find?

She is worth far more than rubies.

11Her husband has full confidence in her

and lacks nothing of value.

12She brings him good, not harm,

all the days of her life.

Movement #2 (verses 13-20)

Hardworking

13She selects wool and flax

and works with eager hands.

14She is like the merchant ships,

bringing her food from afar.

15She gets up while it is still dark;

she provides food for her family

and portions for her servant girls.

16She considers a field and buys it;

out of her earnings she plants a vineyard.

17She sets about her work vigorously;

her arms are strong for her tasks.

18She sees that her trading is profitable,

and her lamp does not go out at night.

19In her hand she holds the distaff

and grasps the spindle with her fingers.

20She opens her arms to the poor

and extends her hands to the needy.

Movement #3 (verses 21-25)

Care for her family

21When it snows, she has no fear for her household;

for all of them are clothed in scarlet.

22She makes coverings for her bed;

she is clothed in fine linen and purple.

23Her husband is respected at the city gate,

where he takes his seat among the elders of the land.

24She makes linen garments and sells them,

and supplies the merchants with sashes.

25She is clothed with strength and dignity;

she can laugh at the days to come.

Movement #4 (verses 26-31)

God-Fearing Faithfulness

26She speaks with wisdom,

and faithful instruction is on her tongue.

27She watches over the affairs of her household

and does not eat the bread of idleness.

28Her children arise and call her blessed;

her husband also, and he praises her:

29“Many women do noble things,

but you surpass them all.”

30Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting;

but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised.

31Give her the reward she has earned,

and let her works bring her praise at the city gate.