The Search Is On

THE SEARCH IS ON…

TEXT: Proverbs 31:10-31 W. Max Alderman

INTRODUCTION: “Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies.” The days, in which we are living, two questions could be asked as it applies to our favored subject. “Who can find a virtuous woman?” and then we could ask the question. “Who’s looking for one? We are living in such wicked days that the emphasis, when looking for a wife, is not on virtue, but on style and sex. The emphasis is not on virtue, but instead on worldly glamour and worldly glory. Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth the LORD, she shall be praised. (Proverbs 31:30) This message is for those of you who are genuinely looking for a virtuous woman, are either you want to be that virtuous woman. For those of you who are looking, May I say: that the search is on…

I. WHEN LOOKING FOR A VIRTUOUS WOMAN, LOOK AT HER VALUE

As Will Be Indicated By Her Spouse…

A. Regarding Value, Look at Her Conduct

11 The heart of her husband doth safely trust in her, so that he shall have no need of spoil. 12 She will do him good and not evil all the days of her life.

B. Regarding Value, Look at Her Commitment

She seeketh wool, and flax, and worketh willingly with her hands. 14 She is like the merchants’ ships; she bringeth her food from afar. 15 She riseth also while it is yet night, and giveth meat to her household, and a portion to her maidens. 16 She considereth a field, and buyeth it: with the fruit of her hands she planteth a vineyard. 17 She girdeth her loins with strength, and strengtheneth her arms. 18 She perceiveth that her merchandise is good: her candle goeth not out by night. 19 She layeth her hands to the spindle, and her hands hold the distaff. (Proverbs 31:13-19)

C. Regarding Value, Look at Her Compassion

She stretcheth out her hand to the poor; yea, she reacheth forth her hands to the needy. (Proverbs 31:20)

D. Regarding Value, Look at Her Caring

She stretcheth out her hand to the poor; yea, she reacheth forth her hands to the needy.

(Proverbs 31:20) She not only has compassion; she shows this compassion by action…

E. Regarding Value, Look at Her Courage

She is not afraid of the snow for her household: for all her household are clothed with scarlet. (Proverbs 31:21)

F. Regarding Value, Look at Her Clothing

She maketh herself coverings of tapestry; her clothing is silk and purple. (Proverbs 31:22)

G. Regarding Value, Look at Her Crown

Strength and honour are her clothing; and she shall rejoice in time to come. (Proverbs 31:25)

II. WHEN LOOKING FOR A VIRTUOUS WOMAN, LOOK AT HER VIRTUE

As Will Be Indicated By Her Speech…

She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness.

(Proverbs 31:26)

A. The Words That She Speaks (She openeth her mouth with wisdom)

The mouth of the just bringeth forth wisdom: but the froward tongue shall be cut out. (Proverbs 10:31)

B. The Way That She Speaks (and in her tongue is the law of kindness)

“I said, I will take heed to my ways, that I sin not with my tongue: I will keep my mouth with a bridle, while the wicked is before me.” (Psalm 39:1)

III. WHEN LOOKING FOR A VIRTUOUS WOMAN, LOOK AT HER VIGILENCE

As Will Be Indicated By Her Stamina…

A. She Will Be Known By the Way That She Works

“She is not afraid of the snow for her household: for all her household are clothed with scarlet. She maketh herself coverings of tapestry: her clothing is silk and purple” (Proverbs 31:21-22)

B. She Will Be Known By the Way That She is Worshiped

“Her husband is known in the gates, when he sitteth among the elders of the land.” (Proverbs 31:23)

“Strength and honor are her clothing; and she shall rejoice in time to come. (Proverbs 31:25)

CONCLUSION: I hope that we will have a greater appreciation of the virtuous woman and that you ladies will strive to be that kind of woman. Also, I trust that you men will strive to be virtuous and those of you who are single will pray