Proverbs 31 Day Two Final
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The Proverbs 31 Woman LIFEFAITHFUSION DEVOTIONAL DAY TWO
SCRIPTURE STUDY Proverbs 31:10-31 Jeremiah 26:11 Proverbs 9:10 Proverbs 15:33 Psalm 128:1-2 Psalm 139:1-5
THE SECRET OF HER SUCCESS Proverbs 31:30b “(A) woman who fears and reverences God shall be greatly praised.” (LB)
DIGGING DEEPER Yare, the Hebrew word for godly fear means morally reverent. What are the implications of that description? Our reverence and respect for God should transform our behavior. PRAYER FOCUS Dear Jesus, Help me to both love and fear you. Let my lifestyle totally reflect my love and devotion to You. In Jesus’ name, Amen
Many theologians believe that the woman written about in Proverbs 31 is a compilation of abilities and character qualities that mothers would love for their son’s prospective wife to possess. Other Bible scholars believe that the passage was a tribute to King Lemuel’s mother and all she did in her life. The Proverbs 31 woman is a wife, according to verse ten. However the character qualities will be worthy aspirations for all women: single, married, divorced, and with or without children. SHE FEARS AND REVERENCES THE LORD “(A) woman who fears and reverences God shall be greatly praised.” (LB) Godly fear is defined as reverence and respect. God has the ultimate “it” factor, and when His presence is revealed, it will take our breath away. The godly woman understands that God is bigger than the problems, pain, or apprehensions her family faces. This spiritual woman recognizes the power He exhibits that would cause us to truly be afraid. This is the Holy God who wiped out Sodom and Gommorah, who opened the ground and swallowed Korah and his rebellious followers when they challenged Moses’ and Aaron’s authority.
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So how does fear and awe impact her relationship with God? Psalm 111:10 says “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.” It’s only a starting point for knowing Him. It is the concept of respect. The godly woman in Proverbs 31 knew the biography of Moses. His first encounter with God was a burning bush. He saw God’s glory on Mount Sinai, he saw the plagues God sent over Egypt. He saw the Red Sea parted. Moses was God’s friend because he knew God both in His glory and His holiness. The Bible said God loved Moses so much, that God actually buried Moses with his own hands. This dynamic woman knew these stories, so she was not afraid for the future provision and welfare for her household in verse 21: “When it snows, she has no fear for her household; for all of them are clothed in scarlet.” NIV Just as Moses sacrificed the Passover lamb, the woman’s household was clothed in “scarlet” -a symbol that could imply that she had brought her family to saving faith. Her dynamic personal relationship with God allowed her to walk in faith and courage. Perhaps she trusted God’s leadership for her family and her future in the same way that Jeremiah prophesied: “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, Plans to prosper you and not harm you, Plans to give you hope and a future.” Jeremiah 26:11(NIV)
In verse Proverbs 30:28 “her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her” (NIV). Mrs. W believed God; she trusted Him to keep His promises. It would have been easier for her to worship idols like most of her friends. Even her king, Solomon, worshipped idols (1 Kings 11: 4-8). But she stayed faithful to the one true living God. And He blessed her. She had probably memorized the powerful words of King David: “Blessings on all who reverence and trust the Lord—on all who obey Him! Their reward who be prosperity and happiness.” (Psalm 128:1-2 LB)
God loves to bless His children. From Genesis to Revelations we see the thread of God loving and blessing those that “love God and are fitting into His plans” (Romans 8:28 LB). •
How will trusting God with your future impact your life? Will it help you to worry less? Will it help you to relinquish the control of your family to their Heavenly Father? Will it impact your personal worship?
•
Look up Romans 8:28. Write it in your owns words on paper. How does “according to His purpose” impact your life?
•
How does your relationship with God affect the way you interact with your husband? Your children? Your friends and neighbors?
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THE WRITER OF PROVERBS 31 God honored the hard work of the writer of the verses we know as Proverbs 31:10-31. The practical information and wisdom was so profound that the Jewish readers created an acrostic format making the message easier to memorize. In Proverbs 31:10-31, the acrostic uses the Hebrew alphabet of 22 letters: verse 10 begins with Aleph and verse 11 with Beth. (Acrostics are also found in Psalm 119, parts of seven other Psalms, and Lamentations 1-4.) The writer was also honored because those who compiled the book of Proverbs believed it was a fitting conclusion to this book. This practical information and wisdom of thousands of years ago is still very applicable to us today. •
We say an average of 16,000 words a day. How many of those are words of wisdom that our children should remember?
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Have you developed creative ways like the acrostic to help your children learn the Bible?
FEELING OVERWHELMED The Proverbs 31 woman is amazing. She the family caretaker, an entrepreneur in real estate and foreign trade; and a philanthropist. She excels in all she does. As we look at the specifics in the next few days, you may feel overwhelmed if you think you have to be just like her. Remember this is an overview of her entire life. Solomon himself spoke of life’s many seasons in Ecclesiastes chapter three. As young mothers, it might seem that college degrees or professional careers were lost forever to a sea of dirty diapers and dirty dishes. However, when those little feet are no longer heard in the hall, many mothers long for just a few nursery moments. The godly woman knows how to walk closely with God on a day-today basis. She is listening for His leadership, and surrendered to His plan. “LORD, you have examined my heart and know everything about me. You know when I sit down or stand up. You know my every thought when far away. You chart the path ahead of me and tell me where to stop and rest. Every moment you know where I am. You know what I am going to say even before I say it, LORD. You both precede and follow me. You place your hand of blessing on my head.” Psalm 139:1-5 NLT
•
Do you have the assurance that God is guiding your life on a day-to-day basis? How does it make you feel to know that you have a God who knows everything about you, and has a plan for every day of your life?
•
Have you ever felt like your life wasn’t turning out the way you had anticipated? Have you looked at someone else’s life and wished that you had their giftings or opportunities? Does Psalm 139 give you hope that His plan for you is personal and wise? For Additional Study Re-read the following verses and record your observations on the back of this sheet Proverbs 31:10-31; Jeremiah 26:11; Proverbs 9:10; Proverbs 15:33; Psalm 128:1-2; Psalm 139:1-5
The Proverbs 31 Woman LIFEFAITHFUSION DEVOTIONAL DAY TWO
SCRIPTURE STUDY Proverbs 31:10-31 Jeremiah 26:11 Proverbs 9:10 Proverbs 15:33 Psalm 128:1-2 Psalm 139:1-5
THE SECRET OF HER SUCCESS Proverbs 31:30b “(A) woman who fears and reverences God shall be greatly praised.” (LB)
DIGGING DEEPER Yare, the Hebrew word for godly fear means morally reverent. What are the implications of that description? Our reverence and respect for God should transform our behavior. PRAYER FOCUS Dear Jesus, Help me to both love and fear you. Let my lifestyle totally reflect my love and devotion to You. In Jesus’ name, Amen
Many theologians believe that the woman written about in Proverbs 31 is a compilation of abilities and character qualities that mothers would love for their son’s prospective wife to possess. Other Bible scholars believe that the passage was a tribute to King Lemuel’s mother and all she did in her life. The Proverbs 31 woman is a wife, according to verse ten. However the character qualities will be worthy aspirations for all women: single, married, divorced, and with or without children. SHE FEARS AND REVERENCES THE LORD “(A) woman who fears and reverences God shall be greatly praised.” (LB) Godly fear is defined as reverence and respect. God has the ultimate “it” factor, and when His presence is revealed, it will take our breath away. The godly woman understands that God is bigger than the problems, pain, or apprehensions her family faces. This spiritual woman recognizes the power He exhibits that would cause us to truly be afraid. This is the Holy God who wiped out Sodom and Gommorah, who opened the ground and swallowed Korah and his rebellious followers when they challenged Moses’ and Aaron’s authority.
2
So how does fear and awe impact her relationship with God? Psalm 111:10 says “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.” It’s only a starting point for knowing Him. It is the concept of respect. The godly woman in Proverbs 31 knew the biography of Moses. His first encounter with God was a burning bush. He saw God’s glory on Mount Sinai, he saw the plagues God sent over Egypt. He saw the Red Sea parted. Moses was God’s friend because he knew God both in His glory and His holiness. The Bible said God loved Moses so much, that God actually buried Moses with his own hands. This dynamic woman knew these stories, so she was not afraid for the future provision and welfare for her household in verse 21: “When it snows, she has no fear for her household; for all of them are clothed in scarlet.” NIV Just as Moses sacrificed the Passover lamb, the woman’s household was clothed in “scarlet” -a symbol that could imply that she had brought her family to saving faith. Her dynamic personal relationship with God allowed her to walk in faith and courage. Perhaps she trusted God’s leadership for her family and her future in the same way that Jeremiah prophesied: “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, Plans to prosper you and not harm you, Plans to give you hope and a future.” Jeremiah 26:11(NIV)
In verse Proverbs 30:28 “her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her” (NIV). Mrs. W believed God; she trusted Him to keep His promises. It would have been easier for her to worship idols like most of her friends. Even her king, Solomon, worshipped idols (1 Kings 11: 4-8). But she stayed faithful to the one true living God. And He blessed her. She had probably memorized the powerful words of King David: “Blessings on all who reverence and trust the Lord—on all who obey Him! Their reward who be prosperity and happiness.” (Psalm 128:1-2 LB)
God loves to bless His children. From Genesis to Revelations we see the thread of God loving and blessing those that “love God and are fitting into His plans” (Romans 8:28 LB). •
How will trusting God with your future impact your life? Will it help you to worry less? Will it help you to relinquish the control of your family to their Heavenly Father? Will it impact your personal worship?
•
Look up Romans 8:28. Write it in your owns words on paper. How does “according to His purpose” impact your life?
•
How does your relationship with God affect the way you interact with your husband? Your children? Your friends and neighbors?
3
THE WRITER OF PROVERBS 31 God honored the hard work of the writer of the verses we know as Proverbs 31:10-31. The practical information and wisdom was so profound that the Jewish readers created an acrostic format making the message easier to memorize. In Proverbs 31:10-31, the acrostic uses the Hebrew alphabet of 22 letters: verse 10 begins with Aleph and verse 11 with Beth. (Acrostics are also found in Psalm 119, parts of seven other Psalms, and Lamentations 1-4.) The writer was also honored because those who compiled the book of Proverbs believed it was a fitting conclusion to this book. This practical information and wisdom of thousands of years ago is still very applicable to us today. •
We say an average of 16,000 words a day. How many of those are words of wisdom that our children should remember?
•
Have you developed creative ways like the acrostic to help your children learn the Bible?
FEELING OVERWHELMED The Proverbs 31 woman is amazing. She the family caretaker, an entrepreneur in real estate and foreign trade; and a philanthropist. She excels in all she does. As we look at the specifics in the next few days, you may feel overwhelmed if you think you have to be just like her. Remember this is an overview of her entire life. Solomon himself spoke of life’s many seasons in Ecclesiastes chapter three. As young mothers, it might seem that college degrees or professional careers were lost forever to a sea of dirty diapers and dirty dishes. However, when those little feet are no longer heard in the hall, many mothers long for just a few nursery moments. The godly woman knows how to walk closely with God on a day-today basis. She is listening for His leadership, and surrendered to His plan. “LORD, you have examined my heart and know everything about me. You know when I sit down or stand up. You know my every thought when far away. You chart the path ahead of me and tell me where to stop and rest. Every moment you know where I am. You know what I am going to say even before I say it, LORD. You both precede and follow me. You place your hand of blessing on my head.” Psalm 139:1-5 NLT
•
Do you have the assurance that God is guiding your life on a day-to-day basis? How does it make you feel to know that you have a God who knows everything about you, and has a plan for every day of your life?
•
Have you ever felt like your life wasn’t turning out the way you had anticipated? Have you looked at someone else’s life and wished that you had their giftings or opportunities? Does Psalm 139 give you hope that His plan for you is personal and wise? For Additional Study Re-read the following verses and record your observations on the back of this sheet Proverbs 31:10-31; Jeremiah 26:11; Proverbs 9:10; Proverbs 15:33; Psalm 128:1-2; Psalm 139:1-5
