A Woman Of Noble Character

Woman of Noble Character

Proverbs 31:10-31

May 14, 2023

You might remember the name Robert Fulghum - he wrote several best-selling books called . . . . All I Really Need to Know I Learned in Kindergarten. Besides being an author, Fulghum used to be a Unitarian Universalist minister. In one of his books he told the story about one woman who said, "I’m bringing my mother to church on Mothers Day, and you can talk about anything you want. But it had better include mother and it had better be good." Ok.

Mother’s Day and Father’s Day are possibly 2 of the hardest days to preach on. Not that it’s necessarily difficult to talk in positive ways about moms and dads, men and women, but some of us have not had the greatest experiences, some have experienced grief trying to be parents, and some are experiencing the loss of a parent.

Generally, I talk about a man or woman from the Bible, or continue a series. This year, I wanted to talk about a passage from Proverbs 31.

In many Bibles this section is entitled, "A Wife of Noble Character." Many women, have a love-hate relationship with this passage. On the one hand it extols the virtues of godly womanhood, on the other hand, it’s been used to reinforce stereotypes that aren't always helpful. While this particular text highlights wives, I believe it applies to all women and men as well.

In fact, I wish there was a passage like this for men. The first verses states ---

10 A wife of noble character who can find? She is worth far more than rubies.

11 Her husband has full confidence in her and lacks nothing of value.

12 She brings him good, not harm, all the days of her life.

This is the final chapter of the book of Proverbs, which is a book of wisdom. This final section embodies all the instruction that's been given in the first 30 chapters. The first 9 verses set the stage for this ending. They are words of a mother to her son, offering him wisdom for life.

Throughout the book, Wisdom is often personified as a woman — so it's a fitting way to conclude the book. The word "noble" includes the ideas of strength, character, and competence.

Because of her strength, character and competence, her husband is well-off. She provides him with what he needs for a good and productive life. Notice that she does this for him every day — "all the days of her life."

And this goes both ways. Whether it’s your wife or husband who’s walking with you, they should add to your character, not take away from it. That’s really important. Especially for you younger folks, when considering a mate, are they a believer, and will they enhance you, build you up, brighten your life? Those are important questions to be asking yourself.

Even though this verse speaks about a wife and husband, it has much broader application. We all have people in our lives for whom we have the opportunity to "do good" everyday — if not spouses, then parents, children, siblings, nieces, nephews, neighbors, even roommates. When we do those things, and do them well, it matters. We make a difference in the name of Jesus!

Let’s look at the rest of this passage - - -

13 She selects wool and flax and works with eager hands.

14 She is like the merchant ships, bringing her food from afar.

15 She gets up while it is still night; she provides food for her family and portions for her female servants.

16 She considers a field and buys it; out of her earnings she plants a vineyard.

17 She sets about her work vigorously; her arms are strong for her tasks.

18 She sees that her trading is profitable, and her lamp does not go out at night.

19 In her hand she holds the distaff and grasps the spindle with her fingers.

20 She opens her arms to the poor and extends her hands to the needy.

21 When it snows, she has no fear for her household; for all of them are clothed in scarlet.

22 She makes coverings for her bed; she is clothed in fine linen and purple.

23 Her husband is respected at the city gate, where he takes his seat among the elders of the land.

24 She makes linen garments and sells them, and supplies the merchants with sashes.

25 She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come.

26 She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue.

27 She watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness.

28 Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her: