Becoming A Proverbs 31 Woman

Q How many of you know what an acrostic is?

We use acrostics all the time. An example of an acrostic is "MADD" MADD stands for something. It stands for Mothers Against Drunk Driving.

In the Bible acrostics are also used. They are far more complex. In Proverbs 31:10-31 an acrostic is used that sequentially incorporates the 22 letters of the Hebrew alphabet. Every verse of todayâs portion of scripture begins with a successively different letter of the Hebrew alphabet. The question is WHY?

The topic of Proverbs 31:10-31 concerns the characteristics of what would seem to be the perfect wife. By using the alphabet as an acrostic guide we are getting what we would say to be the A to Z of the characteristics of an excellent wife.

Now before we get started let me assure you that since this is going to be a sermon on the characteristics of an excellent wife that within the next 2 months that I will bring to you a sermon on the characteristics of an excellent husband.

Q What characteristics do you think are needed for the making of an excellent wife?

READ PROVERBS 31:10-31

One of the things you probably noted is that the woman of Proverbs 31 is quite healthy, wealthy, and influential. She is a lady of some position. Obviously not everyone can be exactly like her in all respects.

Another thing to tuck into the back of your minds is this: The book of Proverbs is all about wisdom and wise living. In the book of Proverbs wisdom is often referred to as a "she". In a way the woman of Proverbs 31 personifies wisdom. The woman of Proverbs 31 is shown to be one who has put into practice all of the wisdom teachings of the book of Proverbs. Hence the Proverbs 31 woman is shown to have the fruit of her wisdom (influence, respect, wealth, joy, etc)

Ultimately the woman of Proverbs 31 by principle, examples to us all, the way in which a wise person ömale or female- will live and carry out their lives.

Notwithstanding what was just said my goal in preaching this sermon is to encourage you who are women here today to ascribe to be Proverbs 31 women and if married; the kind of wife the Proverbs 31 woman is.

For you who are men: Ask yourself this question: how can I lovingly encourage the women in my life (daughter or wife, etc) to be a Proverbs 31 woman.

1. IN AND OF YOURSELF YOU CAN NEVER BE A PROVERBS 31 WOMAN

Proverbs 31 women just donât happen: in Christ they become Proverbs 31 women.

v.10 "Who can find a virtuous/noble/honorable wife?"

Verse 10 starts off somewhat ambiguously. There is a suggestion that the woman to be described is indeed an elusive creature. This fits rather perfectly with Proverbs 20:6 which says of men "Most men will proclaim each his own goodness. But who can find a faithful man?"

There is a certain rarity to perfect men and women? In fact there are none. But Godâs standards are in no way relaxed because of our inability. What is highlighted is our need of a Savior; one who can make us into the people we have in Christ, been predestined to be.

2. THE WOMAN WHO IS LIKE or who becomes like THE WOMAN OF PROVERBS 31 IS A WOMAN OF GREAT WORTH. v.10

Q What man wouldnât want a wife like the woman of Prov. 31?

Q What godly woman wouldnât want to become a Proverbs 31 woman?

Ruth was a early Prov. 31 woman, so to was Davidâs wife Abigail

In this day of low self esteem hereâs good news: Proverbs 31 women are women of worth.

Men: YOUR Christian WIFE is A PRECIOUS TREASURE who in Christ grows daily in value

A godly Christian wife is a precious treasure worth far more rubies.

At times us men who are husbands donât treat our wives with the respect, care and dignity they are worthy of. At times we treat our wives more in the same manner we would treat a sack of potatoes: rather than treating them as the precious treasure that they are.

Ladies: At times you might be more of a diamond in the rough, a diamond you still are. A diamond that God himself is shaping and polishing, that you might be a radiant Christian and a Proverbs 31 woman.

3. A married Proverbs 31 woman has the complete trust of her husband v.11

Trust in relationships is hard to establish and easy to lose, but here our text speaks of a virtuous wife who completely trusts his wife. His trust has obviously been build upon her impeccable track record.

Q How many husbands and wives mistrust each other and feel that the other is out for their own benefit?