A wife of noble character who can find?
More than rubies
The marvellous woman described in Proverbs 31 is the type of wife that a Christian man should seek after. It is also an inspirational challenge to Christian women describing in detail the character and activities of a godly woman.
But does it have anything to do with Christian men?
Well, everything, because this virtuous woman is a ‘type’ of the Bride of Christ.
This is also a description of the church that Jesus Christ is coming back for!
Bearing this in mind, there are some wonderful truths for both men and women in it.
Proverbs 31:10-31
10 A wife of noble character who can find? She is worth far more than rubies.
His bride (or a Godly wife) is a very capable woman and as such is highly sought out treasure of incredible value.
11 Her husband has full confidence in her and lacks nothing of value that a wife could bring.
She cares for her husband and children spirit, soul and body.
Jesus has placed His confidence and trust in us as his Bride and gave us all that we need for life and godliness.
12 She brings him good, not harm, all the days of her life. The Godly wife does only good not evil to her husband all the days of their life together. She need not be perfect but always have the best of intentions.
As his church, it is our duty and privilege to bless and serve God, never to offend or dishonour Him all the days of our life.
13 She selects wool and flax and works with eager hands.
The good wife and the church prepare the raw materials, good deeds, and is eager to work for her husband’s benefit or her Lord’s glory.
14 She is like the merchant ships, bringing her food from afar.
The good wife (and church) is prepared to go out of her way to provide for food and nourishment for her own family/flock. Pastors please note.
15 She gets up while it is still dark; she provides food for her family and portions for her servant girls.
The good wife is up early, praying and providing for their families in various ways.
16 She considers a field and buys it; out of her earnings she plants a vineyard.
This is no limp wristed, simpering woman, but a strong decisive woman. She did not need permission to do this and even more, she financed the transaction herself!
17 She sets about her work vigorously; her arms are strong for her tasks.
She is spiritually speaking fighting fit, ready, willing and able to be about the household’s or the Lord’s work.
18 She sees that her trading is profitable, and her lamp does not go out at night.
She knows that her labour in the Lord is not in vain. Our hearts and homes should always be open to the needy.
19 In her hand she holds the distaff and grasps the spindle with her fingers.
She is ‘hands on’ with the work of her household and so the church with the Lord’s people and work.
20 She opens her arms to the poor and extends her hands to the needy.
She recognises the Lord’s attitude to the poor and is obedient to it. Giving to the poor has come her lifestyle!
21 When it snows, she has no fear for her household; for all of them are clothed in scarlet.
When adversity comes her family will be ready because she has prepared them.
22 She makes coverings for her bed; she is clothed in fine linen and purple.
She clothes herself with good deeds in every area of life, private and public.
23 Her husband is respected at the city gate, where he takes his seat among the elders of the land.
Because this good wife runs all the things in her home so well, this frees her husband to do God’s work and perhaps participate in civic leadership.
Our husband (of the church) is the King of Kings and is seated at the right hand of the Father.
24 She makes linen garments and sells them and supplies the merchants with sashes.
The good wife (as well as the church) supplies good things that can be passed on to others, and are profitable.
25 She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come.
This good wife trusts the Lord and enjoys his all-round security.
We in the church are clothed with the robe of righteousness and are secure in Jesus Christ. (See our sermon on eternal security).
26 She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue.
She speaks the truth of God and realises that as part of his church, we are the only people with the truth available to share.
27 She watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness.
She is vigilant, guarding everything important to her family. The believers should be guarding our Church Fellowship and families and keeping ourselves busy with the master’s business.
28 Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her:
I do praise my own wife for her being this type of wife and mother
29 “Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all."
Well done thou very capable woman, you are a top-class wife!
30 Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised.
The believing wife who fears the Lord is truly blessed and truly a blessing to her family.
31 Give her the reward she has earned, and let her works bring her praise at the city gate.
One day the Lord himself will praise such a wife. I am so blessed to have one.
We shall receive an eternal reward from Him who has the holes in His hands.
Summary of key learning points
This message is for both women and men, whether as a virtuous wife and/or as the Bride of Christ
You are a vital part of the Bride of Christ.
You have a noble character, so much so that you are rarer and more expensive than rubies.
Jesus has placed his confidence in you and has put all his riches at your disposal.
You will try to honour Him and strictly avoid bringing shame or dishonour to His holy name.
You are busy about your master’s business, redeeming the times for they are evil.
You are prepared to go well out of your way for his purposes particularly to help the church family.
You rise early to pray and be about our God-given chores particularly in providing for your family and His.
You are strong in the Lord and are entrusted to make important decisions and are able on occasion to finance ventures yourself.
You are spiritually fighting-fit, ready, able and willing to do the Lord’s work.
You know that your service to the Lord is not in vain and you are always opened to helping the needy.
You are a ‘hands-on’ person regarding the Christian life and walk.
You recognise God’s great love to the widows and orphans and are willing to bless them.
When problems and difficulties come you can handle them, even your family is prepared.
You clothe yourself with good deeds in every area of life, both private and public.
Your husband is King of Kings and is seated at the Father’s right hand.
You are not only to do good deeds but teach others how to profit from your example.
You are clothed with the robe of righteousness and are secure in Jesus’ love.
You and your brothers and sisters are the only ones speaking the truth in this life.
You are vigilant and alert watching out for threats or danger to your family and God’s family.
You want to hear the divine accolade ‘Well done thou good and faithful servant’.
You fear the Lord and are mightily blessed because of it.
If this is you then you will receive your eternal reward from the holed hands of Jesus Christ,
bless His holy name!
Amen
Personal Prayer
