DOCSLIB.ORG

Beautiful in God's Eyes

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
Beautiful in God's Eyes Copyrighted material Beautiful in God's Eyes.indd 3 7/11/17 9:18 AM Unless otherwise noted, all verses are taken from the New King James Version, Copyright © 1984 by Thomas Nelson, Inc., Publishers. Used by permission. Verses marked kjv are taken from the New Scofield Reference Bible, authorized King James Ver- sion. Copyright © 1967 by Oxford University Press, Inc. Used by permission. Versed marked NASB are taken from the Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB) Copyright © 1999, 2000, 2002, 2003, 2009 by Holman Bible Publishers, Nashville Tennessee. All rights reserved. Verses marked ESV are from The ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copy- right © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved. Italicized text in Scripture quotations indicates author’s emphasis. Cover by Koechel Peterson & Associates Cover Image © Yulia She / Shutterstock Acknowledgment As always, thank you to my dear husband, Jim George, M.Div., Th.M., for your able assistance, guidance, suggestions, and loving encouragement on this project. BEAUTIFUL IN GOD’S EYES Copyright © 1998 by Elizabeth George Published by Harvest House Publishers, Eugene, Oregon 97402 www.harvesthousepublishers.com ISBN 978-0-7369-7049-5 (pbk.) ISBN 978-0-7369-7050-1 (eBook) The Library of Congress has cataloged the earlier printing as follows: George, Elizabeth, 1944— Beautiful in God’s eyes / Elizabeth George. p. cm. Includes bibliographical references. ISBN 978-1-56507-782-9 (pbk.) 1. Women—Religious life. 2. Bible. O.T. Proverbs XXXI, 10-31—Criticism, interpretation, etc. I. Title. BV4527.G458 1998/2005 248.8'43—dc21 97-41991 CIP All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means—electronic, mechanical, digital, photocopy, record- ing, or any other—except for brief quotations in printed reviews, without the prior permission of the publisher. Printed in the United States of America 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 / VP-SK / 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 Copyrighted material Beautiful in God's Eyes.indd 4 7/11/17 9:49 AM In loving memory of Lois George Onesti Godly mother to my husband, Jim, gracious mother-in-law to me, loving grandmother to our daughters, Katherine and Courtney. Because of her faithful obedience, we have known God’s ideal— a woman beautiful in His eyes. d We rise up and bless her! Proverbs 31:28 Copyrighted material Beautiful in God's Eyes.indd 5 5/31/17 1:32 PM Copyrighted material Beautiful in God's Eyes.indd 6 5/31/17 1:32 PM Contents An Invitation to Beauty........................ 9 1. A Rare Treasure—Her Character................. 11 Proverbs 31:10 2. A Sparkling Jewel—Her Value ................... 23 Proverbs 31:10 3. A Solid Rock—Her Loyalty ..................... 33 Proverbs 31:11 4. An Unfailing Prize—Her Contribution ........... 43 Proverbs 31:11 5. A Spring of Goodness—Her Mission .............. 53 Proverbs 31:12 6. A Fountain of Joy—Her Heart................... 65 Proverbs 31:13 7. An Enterprising Spirit—Her Provision ............ 75 Proverbs 31:14 8. A Pattern for the Household—Her Discipline ....... 85 Proverbs 31:15 9. A Field of Dreams—Her Vision.................. 95 Proverbs 31:16 10. An Eager Attitude—Her Work.................. 105 Proverbs 31:17 11. A Taste of Success—Her Confidence ............. 115 Proverbs 31:18 12. A Little Night Work—Her Diligence ............. 125 Proverbs 31:19 Copyrighted material Beautiful in God's Eyes.indd 7 6/19/17 9:37 AM 13. A Helping Hand—Her Mercy .................. 135 Proverbs 31:20 14. A Double Blessing—Her Preparation............. 145 Proverbs 31:21 15. A Tapestry of Beauty—Her Handiwork ........... 155 Proverbs 31:22 16. A Man of Influence—Her Husband.............. 165 Proverbs 31:23 17. A Creative Professional—Her Industry ........... 175 Proverbs 31:24 18. A Wardrobe of Virtues—Her Clothing ........... 185 Proverbs 31:25 19. A Law of Kindness—Her Words ................ 195 Proverbs 31:26 20. A Watchful Eye—Her Management.............. 205 Proverbs 31:27 21. A Cup of Blessing—Her Family ................. 213 Proverbs 31:28 22. A Crowning Chorus—Her Praise................ 225 Proverbs 31:28-29 23. A Spirit of Reverence—Her Faith................ 235 Proverbs 31:30 24. The Harvest of a Lifetime—Her Reward .......... 243 Proverbs 31:31 Notes ..................................... 249 Bibliography . 257 Copyrighted material Beautiful in God's Eyes.indd 8 5/31/17 1:32 PM An Invitation to Beauty have a real love for the book of Proverbs in the Bible… I because that’s where I first met “the Proverbs 31 woman” (Proverbs 31:10-31). She’s the incredible woman who models for all women—young or seasoned, married or single—all that is beautiful in God’s eyes. Since first discovering the treasure of the Proverbs 31 woman, I’ve tried to model my life after her. I have sought and prayed to duplicate her actions and attitudes in developing strength of character and pursuing the responsibilities, opportunities, and goals God gives me. And I’ve tried to follow after her wisdom in creating a home-sweet-home, nurturing my marriage, and raising my children. And you’ll fall in love with her too! In this remarkable woman you will find instruction, encouragement, a model to follow, and the motivation to keep you looking to God for a lifetime. And most important of all, you’ll find out about true beauty— God’s kind of beauty! I’m glad you’re joining me in scaling the heights of this godly beauty. God’s excellent woman is someone we can follow with- out hesitation. And, my friend, you will never be the same after moving verse by verse through Proverbs 31:10-31! You’ll grow personally and spiritually as you discover what God consid- ers beautiful—and then apply it to your life. To help you, I’ve included practical How-To’s of Beauty in each chapter. And, for 9 Copyrighted material Beautiful in God's Eyes.indd 9 5/31/17 1:32 PM 10 Beautiful in God’s Eyes even greater progress (for you or your study group), I recom- mend the book Beautiful in God’s Eyes Growth and Study Guide. As you know, you and I cannot be who God wants us to be on our own power, so each chapter ends with An Invitation to Beauty reflective section. This “look in the mirror” gives you an opportunity to gaze into God’s eyes, search your heart, and seek God’s beautiful will for your life. My heartfelt prayer as we begin, dear friend, is that you will… = let God use this teaching about His kind of beauty to transform your heart and your life. = share this picture of beauty from the Bible with your friends, daughters, and anyone else who is interested in God’s brand of beauty. = truly desire to become like the woman of Proverbs 31—a woman who is beautiful in God’s eyes. May it be said of you, “Many daughters have done well, but you excel them all” (Proverbs 31:29)! In God’s beautiful love, Copyrighted material Beautiful in God's Eyes.indd 10 5/31/17 1:32 PM 1 A Rare Treasure HER CHARACTER d “Who can find a virtuous woman?” PROVERBS 31:10 (kjv) ave you ever felt overwhelmed by a larger-than-life chal- Hlenge you suddenly found yourself facing? Well, I expe- rienced such a moment as our tour bus drove into the hotel parking lot at the base of the massive natural fortress called Masada. Jutting straight up from the shore of the Dead Sea, these fortifications built by Herod the Great towered some 1300 feet above us. It was already casting its dark and foreboding shadow over our group as the guide told us to get a good night’s rest to prepare ourselves for the 7:00 a.m. climb up this ancient won- der the next day. I felt as if I were standing at the base of Mount Everest! “What am I doing here?” I wondered. “How did this happen? I’m just a wife who came to the Holy Land with her husband to study the Bible ! I never bargained for this!” But now I was expected to climb up this steep mountain with the rest of the much younger group! 11 Copyrighted material Beautiful in God's Eyes.indd 11 5/31/17 1:32 PM 12 Beautiful in God’s Eyes And, my new friend, I want to quickly admit that I have all these same feelings again as you and I stand at the beginning of this book about being beautiful in God’s eyes, looking up at her—the beautiful (and successful and wonderful and perfect) woman of Proverbs 31. She certainly appears to be larger than life. She’s “up there,” so far away, so far removed, so beautiful, so superior, so impossible. Or so it seems…. But wait! Let me finish my story about Masada. I dutifully ate a healthy dinner and went to bed early, just as the guide had instructed. But I also worried all night long—Should I eat or not eat before such a strenuous climb? Should I wear jeans or hiking shorts? How much water should I carry?…On and on my thoughts and fears churned. I definitely didn’t get the pre- scribed good night’s sleep! Finally it was 6:30 in the morning—time to act. I threw on my clothes (shorts because of the brutal heat), grabbed the larg- est water bottle (I skipped breakfast), opened the door of our room, walked to the footpath—and I climbed Masada! I didn’t want to, but I did it.
Load more

Recommended publications
  • A Tribute to Mother Proverbs 31
    A Tribute to Mother Proverbs 31 Most of the Book of Proverbs are short statements about some truth. Yet, Proverbs 31 is the longest passage on any one subject in Proverbs. There are 22 verses on the subject of godly women. -Earlier in the book of Proverbs young men are warned against the wrong kind of woman. Solomon warns against the adulteress whose lips drip honey but who bring about death and destruction. Proverbs warns against the noisy, loud woman, the quarrelsome woman, the rebellious woman, the foolish woman. Young men looking for a mate are warned to stay away from and avoid all such women. If you were to see the last 22 verses of Proverbs 31 in the Hebrew, you would find that each one of these verses begin with each of the 22 letters in the Hebrew alphabet. Notice that 31:1 states that these words were taught to King Lemuel by his mother. -Well, who is King Lemuel? Most Bible students believe that Lemuel is the “pet name” given to Solomon by his mother, Bathsheba. You remember Bathsheba. She is the woman who was bathing in plain view of King David. She was taking a bath. That's the reason she is called Bath-sheba, you see. David lusted after her, called for her, committed adultery with her. When David found out she was with child, David had her husband killed and married her himself. You will remember that that baby died. Then she and David had a second child. His name was Solomon. The words of Proverbs are the words that he remembers his mother teaching him.
    [Show full text]
  • Women Bear God's Image
    Andrews University Seminary Studies, Vol. 54, No. 1, 31–49. Copyright © 2016 Andrews University Seminary Studies. WOMEN BEAR GOD’S IMAGE: CONSIDERATIONS FROM A NEGLECTED PERSPECTIVE Jo Ann Davidson Andrews University The book of Proverbs has been esteemed for centuries. Embedded in the widsom literature of the OT, it is found in all Jewish lists of the canonical books. The book is also quoted in the NT,1 as the apostles apply it to the church. Editors of the UBS list about 60 citations of direct quotations, definite allusion, and literary parallels of Proverbs in the NT, including Peter’s use of Prov 26:11 with reference to false teachers: “Of them the proverbs are true: ‘A dog returns to its vomit,’ and ‘a sow that is washed goes back to her wallowing in the mud’” (2 Pet 2:22).2 The apostles used Proverbs to instruct the church how to live godly lives: Give generously according to your ability (2 Cor 8:12, cf. Prov 3:2, 7); live humbly before God and people because “God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble” (Jas 4:5, 1 Pet 5:5; cf. Prov 3:34); “Fear the Lord and the king” (1 Pet 2:17, cf. Prov 24:21); “Make level paths for your feet (Heb 12:13, cf. Prov 4:26); and “If your enemy is hungry, feed him” (Rom 12:20, cf. Prov 25:21–22).3 Jesus’s acknowledgment of the wisdom of Solomon4 is further evidence of the importance of the material. Both women and men are given instruction in the thirty-one chapters of Proverbs.
    [Show full text]
  • First Reading Options for the Mass of Christian Burial
    First Reading Options for the Mass of Christian Burial Old Testament #1- 2 Maccabees 12:43-46S A reading from the second book of Maccabees. Judas, the ruler of Israel, then took up a collection among all his soldiers, amounting to two thousand silver drachmas, which he sent to Jerusalem to provide for an expiatory sacrifice. In doing this he acted in a very excellent and noble way, inasmuch as he had the resurrection of the dead in view; for if he were not expecting the fallen to rise again, it would have been useless and foolish to pray for them in death. But if he did this with a view to the splendid reward that awaits those who had gone to rest in godliness, it was a holy and pious thought. Thus he made atonement for the dead that they might be freed from this sin. The word of the Lord. Old Testament #2 - Job 19:23-27 A reading from the book of Job. Job answered [Bildad the Shuhite] and said: Oh, would that my words were written down! Would that they were inscribed in a record: that with an iron chisel and with lead they were cut in the rock forever! But as for me, I know that my Vindicator lives, and that he will at last stand forth upon the dust; Whom I myself shall see: my own eyes, not another's, shall behold him; and from my flesh I shall see God; my inmost being is consumed with longing. The word of the Lord. Old Testament #3 - Wisdom 3:1-9 A reading from the book of Wisdom.
    [Show full text]
  • A Passage Containing Wisdom Principles for a Successful Marriage
    Page 1 of 9 Original Research Proverbs 31:10−31: A passage containing wisdom principles for a successful marriage Author: Most commentators see Proverbs 31:10−31 as an acrostic poem about an ideal wife. True, 1,2 Robin Gallaher Branch the passage presents an exemplary woman, a paragon of industry and excellence. However, Affiliations: this article looks at this passage in a new way: it assert that the poem depicts an excellent, 1Faculty of Theology, North- successful, working marriage. The passage contains principles contained in Wisdom Literature West University, South Africa that apply to success in any relationship − especially the most intimate one of all. A careful 2Department of Bible and reading of Proverbs’ concluding poem provides a glimpse, via the specific details it shares, of Theology, Victory University, a healthy, happy, ongoing, stable marriage as observed over a span of time. United States of America Correspondence to: Robin Gallaher Branch Spreuke 31:10−31: ’n Gedeelte met wysheidsbeginsels vir ’n suksesvolle huwelik. Die meeste Skrifverklaarders beskou Spreuke 31:10−31 as ’n lettervers oor die ideale vrou. Email: [email protected] Hierdie gedeelte beeld inderdaad ’n voorbeeldige vrou uit wat ’n toonbeeld van werkywer en uitnemendheid is. Hierdie artikel kyk egter met nuwe oë na die gedeelte en voer aan dat Postal address: dit ’n voortreflike, suksesvolle en effektiewe huwelik uitbeeld. Die gedeelte bevat beginsels Department of Bible and Theology, Victory University, wat in die Wysheidsliteratuur vervat is en wat op enige suksesvolle verhouding toegepas kan 255 North Highland, word, veral op die mees intieme verhouding. ’n Noukeurige bestudering van die spesifieke Memphis, TN 38111, besonderhede van hierdie gedeelte in Spreuke bie ’n blik op ’n gesonde, gelukkige, volgehoue United States of America en stabiele huwelik soos dit oor ’n tydperk waargeneem is.
    [Show full text]
  • Download Thesis
    SOUTH AFRICAN THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY THE PARALLEL STRUCTURE OF PROVERBS A MASTERS THESIS SUMITTED TO THE FACULTY OF THE DEPARTMENT OF BIBLICAL STUDIES IN CANDIDACY FOR THE DEGREE OF MASTER’S OF THEOLOGY BY MONROE GAULTNEY HARRISBURG, NC, 28075, USA THE PARALLEL STRUCTURE OF PROVERBS Copyright © 2005 by Monroe Gaultney All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, without written permission from the author. Unless otherwise stated: Scripture quotations used in this book are taken from: The HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved. 2 3 Table of Contents CHAPTER ONE ............................................................ 10 PROVERBS AND TEACHING IN ANCIENT ISRAEL......... 10 1.1 Chapter Overview .............................................. 10 1.2 Arguments For Professional Wisdom Teachers And Schools……………………………………………………………… 12 1.3 The Basic Views ……………………………………….. 14 1.4 Individual Viewpoints........................................ 14 1.5 Summary and Conclusions ................................ 18 CHAPTER TWO............................................................ 21 PROVERB AND PARALLELISM BASICS ........................ 21 2.1 Chapter Overview.............................................. 21 2:2 Defining a Proverb............................................. 21 2.3 Rhetorical Considerations:
    [Show full text]
  • Cornerstone Biblical Commentary Vol 7: Psalms & Proverbs
    CORNERSTONE BIBLICAL COMMENTARY The Book of Psalms Mark D. Futato The Book of Proverbs George M. Schwab GENERAL EDITOR Philip W. Comfort featuring the text of the NEW LIVING TRANSLATION TYNDALE HOUSE PUBLISHERS, INC. CAROL STREAM, ILLINOIS Vol7-fm.indd iii 3/4/2009 2:07:27 PM Cornerstone Biblical Commentary, Volume 7 Visit Tyndale’s exciting Web site at www.tyndale.com Psalms copyright © 2009 by Mark D. Futato. All rights reserved. Proverbs copyright © 2009 by George M. Schwab. All rights reserved. Designed by Luke Daab and Timothy R. Botts. Unless otherwise indicated, all Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2007 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved. TYNDALE, New Living Translation, NLT, Tyndale’s quill logo, and the New Living Translation logo are registered trademarks of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc. Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data Cornerstone biblical commentary. p. cm. Includes bibliographical references and index. ISBN-13: 978-0-8423-3433-4 (hc : alk. paper) 1. Bible—Commentaries. I. Futato, Mark D. II. Schwab, George M. BS491.3.C67 2006 220.7´7—dc22 2005026928 Printed in the United States of America 15 14 13 12 11 10 09 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 Vol7-fm.indd iv 3/4/2009 2:07:27 PM CONTENTS Contributors to Volume 7 vi General Editor’s Preface vii Abbreviations ix Transliteration and Numbering System xiii The Book of Psalms 1 The Book of Proverbs 451 Vol7-fm.indd v 3/4/2009 2:07:27 PM CONTRIBUTORS TO VOLUME 7 Psalms: Mark D.
    [Show full text]
  • 5. Appendices Proverbs 30:1 – 31:31
    5. APPENDICES PROVERBS 30:1 – 31:31 85 Section Four Introduction to 30:1 - 31:31 The final two chapters consist of a number of appendices. 1The words of Agur, the son of All scholars agree that verse 1 is impossible to Yakeh, of Massa; the utterance translate with any degree of confidence. McKane of the man. There is no God, spends four pages on it (pages 644-647), and I am there is no God and I am ex- following his translation of verses 1-4. hausted; ‘Massa’ may be the name of a north Arabian tribe 2for I am more beast than a (see Genesis 25:14; 1Chronicles 1:30). man, and human discernment McKane writes (pages 646-647): is not given to me. 3I have not learned wisdom, nor do I have Agur’s tone in vv. 2f. appears to be ironical. knowledge of the Holy One. With a mock ruefulness he observes that others 4 seem to know all about God and have him com- Who has ascended to heaven pletely in their grasp, whereas he, poor fellow, and come down again? Who is apparently sub-human, since for him God is has held the wind in his hands? shrouded in mystery. He has never been able to Who has wrapped the waters penetrate this domain of knowledge in which in a cloak? Who has estab- others seem to move with great familiarity and lished all the ends of the earth? assurance. If this is what is indicated by vv. 2f., What is his name, and his son’s it is compatible with the weary or despairing name, if indeed you know? searcher after God who has been created by the reconstruction of v.
    [Show full text]
  • The Two Wise Women of Proverbs Chapter 31
    THE TWO WISE WOMEN OF PROVERBS CHAPTER 31 RAYMOND APPLE The book of Proverbs claims to be the work of Solomon (1:1, 10:1, 25:1), redacted in Hezekiah's time (25:1; cf. Bava Batra 15a). The Midrash says Solomon wrote the Song of Songs when he was young, Proverbs as an adult and Ecclesiastes in old age (Cant. R. 1:10), reflecting the tradition that Solo- mon engaged in wisdom activity (I Kgs. 5). Ascribing these books to the wise king (I Kgs. 3:12) gave them status and credibility. The last chapter, Proverbs 31, has two sections, perhaps connected. Both describe clever women, but where one woman preaches, the other practises. In the lesser known section, verses 1-9, a king's mother warns her son against inappropriate conduct; in verses 10-31 a "woman of worth" (eshet hayyil ) is praised for her accomplishments in an alphabetical hymn. The chapter faces us with many questions. Are the two women separate and distinct? Are they historical or allegorical figures? Is there a connection with the earlier parts of Proverbs? The first woman is worried about her son the king's behavior, and tells him that kings must have standards and avoid impropriety. Abraham Ibn Ezra believes Proverbs as a whole is about heeding one's parents (1:8, 6:20, etc.): there is the constant address to beni, "my son." The early chapters of Prov- erbs are the lessons of the father, whom Ibn Ezra believes to be David, with the final section the advice of the mother, Batsheva.
    [Show full text]
  • Psalms & Proverbs 31 Day Reading Plan
    Psalms & Proverbs 31 Day Reading Plan This plan is designed to increase your worship and wisdom. You will read through the books of Psalms and Proverbs in one month. Each day you will read five Psalms and one Proverb coordinating with the date of the month. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Psalm 1 Psalm 2 Psalm 3 Psalm 4 Psalm 5 Psalm 6 Psalm 7 Psalm 31 Psalm 32 Psalm 33 Psalm 34 Psalm 35 Psalm 36 Psalm 37 Psalm 61 Psalm 62 Psalm 63 Psalm 64 Psalm 65 Psalm 66 Psalm 67 Psalm 91 Psalm 92 Psalm 93 Psalm 94 Psalm 95 Psalm 96 Psalm 97 Psalm 121 Psalm 122 Psalm 123 Psalm 124 Psalm 125 Psalm 126 Psalm 127 Proverbs 1 Proverbs 2 Proverbs 3 Proverbs 4 Proverbs 5 Proverbs 6 Proverbs 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 Psalm 8 Psalm 9 Psalm 10 Psalm 11 Psalm 12 Psalm 13 Psalm 14 Psalm 38 Psalm 39 Psalm 40 Psalm 41 Psalm 42 Psalm 43 Psalm 44 Psalm 68 Psalm 69 Psalm 70 Psalm 71 Psalm 72 Psalm 73 Psalm 74 Psalm 98 Psalm 99 Psalm 100 Psalm 101 Psalm 102 Psalm 103 Psalm 104 Psalm 128 Psalm 129 Psalm 130 Psalm 131 Psalm 132 Psalm 133 Psalm 134 Proverbs 8 Proverbs 9 Proverbs 10 Proverbs 11 Proverbs 12 Proverbs 13 Proverbs 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 Psalm 15 Psalm 16 Psalm 17 Psalm 18 Psalm 19 Psalm 20 Psalm 21 Psalm 45 Psalm 46 Psalm 47 Psalm 48 Psalm 49 Psalm 50 Psalm 51 Psalm 75 Psalm 76 Psalm 77 Psalm 78 Psalm 79 Psalm 80 Psalm 81 Psalm 105 Psalm 106 Psalm 107 Psalm 108 Psalm 109 Psalm 110 Psalm 111 Psalm 135 Psalm 136 Psalm 137 Psalm 138 Psalm 139 Psalm 140 Psalm 141 Proverbs 15 Proverbs 16 Proverbs 17 Proverbs 18 Proverbs 19 Proverbs 20 Proverbs 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 Psalm 22 Psalm 23 Psalm 24 Psalm 25 Psalm 26 Psalm 27 Psalm 28 Psalm 52 Psalm 53 Psalm 54 Psalm 55 Psalm 56 Psalm 57 Psalm 58 Psalm 82 Psalm 83 Psalm 84 Psalm 85 Psalm 86 Psalm 87 Psalm 88 Psalm 112 Psalm 113 Psalm 114 Psalm 115 Psalm 116 Psalm 117 Psalm 118 Psalm 142 Psalm 143 Psalm 144 Psalm 145 Psalm 146 Psalm 147 Psalm 148 Proverbs 22 Proverbs 23 Proverbs 24 Proverbs 25 Proverbs 26 Proverbs 27 Proverbs 28 29 30 31 Psalm 29 Psalm 30 Psalm 59 Psalm 60 Psalm 89 Psalm 90 Psalm 119 Psalm 120 Psalm 149 Psalm 150 Proverbs 29 Proverbs 30 Proverbs 31.
    [Show full text]
  • (#208) the Proverbs of Solomon Proverbs 31:1-3- Listen to Your Mama About Women
    Studies in the Book of Proverbs by John T Polk II For The Fellowship Room (#208) The Proverbs of Solomon Proverbs 31:1-3- Listen to Your Mama About Women Since God Created humans, only God can provide specific understanding of human behavior. God gave Solomon Divine Wisdom (1 Kings Chapters 3 and 10) to explain what and why behavior is as it is, and Proverbs 30-31 were added and preserved by the Holy Spirit. New Testament passages may help see the continuation of Wisdom offered through Jesus Christ. Proverbs 31:1-3: The words of King Lemuel, the utterance which his mother taught him: 2 What, my son? And what, son of my womb? And what, son of my vows? 3 Do not give your strength to women, nor your ways to that which destroys kings. Verse 1: These have been the Proverbs of Solomon: for his son (Chapters 1-9); for his people (Chapters 10-24); for his legacy (Chapters 25-29); for his influence (Chapters 30-31). The Book of Proverbs began with a father instructing his son, and ends in this last chapter with the mother’s wise words, or “hear the instruction of your father, and do not forsake the law of your mother” (Proverbs 1:8). Verse 2: Almost asking: “What can I say for the best benefit for my son, my flesh and blood?” “Son of my womb” refers to the closeness of the mother-son bond, for she was his home before he was born. “Son of my vows” can refer to the legitimate son born after marriage vows of his parents (Malachi 2:14), or to parental commitment to raise the child “in the training and admonition of the Lord” (Ephesians 6:4).
    [Show full text]
  • The Proverbs 31 “Woman of Strength”: an Argument for a Primary-Sense Translation Megan K
    The Proverbs 31 “Woman of Strength”: An Argument for a Primary-Sense Translation Megan K. DeFranza Proverbs 31:10–31 is one of the better-known passages of the Old quantitative disparity remains. The poem found in Proverbs 31 Testament. Many of us hear sermons preached from this text ev- can serve to do just that, but will fail to do so if standard transla- ery Mother’s Day, yet these sermons often miss the meaning of tions are maintained. That Hebrew authors who are often accused this passage. Many pastors hold up the Proverbs 31 woman as of misogynist bias did not flinch from ascribing to a woman the the model for all women, yet they present a distorted and limited same title given to military heroes throughout the Old Testament view of women, hindered as they are by imprecise English trans- should cause students of this text to pause and consider the sig- lations. Given the weight placed upon the Proverbs 31 woman as nificance of such an ascription. an example of “biblical womanhood,” it is essential that we cor- In o order t argue my case, I will look briefly into the historical rect our reading of the text. One of the best ways we can do this is and literary contexts of the Proverbs 31 woman, walk carefully by returning to a more literal or primary-sense translation. but quickly through an examination of the poem itself, and show For a word attested more than 240 times in the Old Testa- the superiority of a primary-sense translation of ’esheth-khayil sa ment, some may find it surprising that scholars cannot agree on the “woman of strength.” a standard translation for khayil in the context of Proverbs 31:10– Historical and literary context 31.e Th range of translations for ’esheth-khayil includes “wife of noble character” (NIV), “virtuous woman” (KJV), “excellent Two sections of Proverbs 31 bear affinity for one another: “The wife” (NAS), “capable wife” (NRS, JPS), “truly capable woman” sayingsf o King Lemuel—an oracle his mother taught him” and (NJB), “worthy wife” (NAB), “woman of worth” (DB1), “valiant the woman of strength.
    [Show full text]
  • Proverbs 31: a Woman That Fears the Lord
    A WOMAN THAT FEARS THE LORD A Study of Godly Womanhood from Proverbs 31:10-31 Leader's Guide BARBARA THOMPSON ". you have given me the heritage of those who fear your name." Psalm 61:5 A WOMAN THAT FEARETH THE LORD Published by CHRISTIAN EDUCATION & PUBLICATIONS 1700 North Brown Road, Suite 102 Lawrenceville, Georgia 30043 1-800-283-1357 www.pcanet.org ©1976 Revised edition ©1995 © 2010 Third Edition Unless otherwise indicated, all quotations from Scripture are from the English Standard Version of the Bible, copyright 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a division of Good News Publishers. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means electronically, mechanical, photocopy, recording, or otherwise except as expressly allowed herein or for brief quotations for the purpose of review or comment, without the prior permission of the publisher, Christian Education and Publications, at the above address. ISBN-13 978-0-9818283-1-2 TABLE OF CONTENTS 1. SHE WHO FEARS THE LORD IS TO BE PRAISED,……..,................... 1 2. GOOD AND NOT HARM,,.,,,,..,,..,...........,,,....... 7 3. THE HEART OF HER HUSBAND ......,.,.........,,,...... 13 4. THE TEACHING OF KINDNESS.,,,..........,................... 19 5. HER WORKS PRAISE HER.,................,,.,....,, 25 6. SHE OPENS HER MOUTH WITH WISDOM ................ 31 7. SHE IS NOT AFRAID .................................... 37 8. HER LAMP DOES NOT GO OUT...,..............,,....... 43 9. SHE REACHES OUT HER HANDS ,.,,................... 49 10. LINEN AND PURPLE..............,....................... 55 11. SHE HAS DONE EXCELLENTLY...............,...................... 59 12. SHE SHALL REJOICE ...............,.................... 63 For Further Study LEADER'S PREPARATION At least two weeks before the study begins, be sure all participants have a copy of A Woman That Fears The Lord by Emalyn Spencer.
    [Show full text]