SCRIPTURE READING: PROVERBS 31:13-31

Proverbs 31:28-29, Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth her. 29: Many daughters have done virtuously, but thou excellest them all.

1. BACKGROUND
	a.	I have preached from the Book of Proverbs on several previous occasions: Chapter 3 “Let Not Mercy And Truth Forsake Thee” Chapter 6 “Six Things God Hates Plus One” Chapter 14 “Righteousness Exalteth A Nation” Chapter 16 “All The Ways Of Man Are Clean In His Own Eyes” Chapter 17 “The Eyes Of the Lord Are In The Ends Of The Earth” and Chapter 31 “Who Can Find A Virtuous Woman.”
	b.	The Book of Proverbs is a book that is classified as poetry in the Scriptures.
	c.	Job, Psalms, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, and Song of Solomon all belong to the same basic package.
	d.	The Book of Proverbs is a book on wisdom. James 1:5, If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.
	e.	It is a delightful book and one that should be read very often by believers. I have recommended to my congregation that they read at least one Chapter in the Book of Proverbs every day.
	f.	Solomon is the writer of the Book of Proverbs; however, several other authors also contributed.
	g.	The date of the writing is between 1000 and 700 B.C.
	h.	Solomon succeeded his father David to rule Israel as their King.
	i.	Solomon asked God for wisdom. God granted that wisdom and Solomon was known as the wisest man that ever lived (other than Christ). 1 Kings 3:12, Behold, I have done according to thy words: lo, I have given thee a wise and an understanding heart; so that there was none like thee before thee, neither after thee shall any arise like unto thee.
	j.	He blessed the people that came from afar to learn; however, he also blessed his own people with his wisdom.
	k.	A Proverb is a saying that conveys a specific truth in a very pointed way.
	l.	Proverbs are short sentences drawn from long experiences.
	m.	The key verse found in the Book of Proverbs is Proverbs 1:7 The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge; but fools despise wisdom and instruction.
	n.	The Book of Proverbs, along with other books of the Bible, are inspired by God and are provided for our resource, learning and our spiritual growth. 2 Timothy 3:16-17, All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: 17: That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.
	o.	God has put His stamp of approval upon this book as it provides excellent wisdom for mankind.
	p.	Some themes in the Book of Proverbs:
		1.	True wisdom cannot be gained apart from God. James 1:5, If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.
		2.	God asks us to submit even the most insignificant areas of our life to His Lordship.
		3.	We should not rely on our human understanding but on the truth of what God’s Word teaches us.
		4.	God will direct our path if we will allow the Holy Spirit to guide us.
		5.	Godly success in life comes from obedience to the Word and ways of God. 1 Samuel 15:22, And Samuel said, Hath the LORD as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the LORD? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to hearken than the fat of rams. Joshua 1:8, This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success.
		6.	God desires His children to be happy, productive and positive. 3 John 1:2, Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth.
		7.	God made happiness available to us if we will only trust and obey His will. John 10:10, The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.
	q.	The wise sayings found in the Book of Proverbs relate to spiritual truth and good common sense.
	r.	The Book of Proverbs will touch every area of human life and should be read often by those who are seeking God’s wisdom.
	s.	There are some great gems in the Book of Proverbs and I want to quote a few
		1.	*Righteousness exalteth a nation:* but sin is a reproach of any people. Proverbs 14:34
		2.	The curse of the Lord is in the house of the wicked: but he blesseth the habitation of the just. Proverbs 3:33
		3.	A good name is rather to be chosen than great riches, and loving favor rather than silver and gold. Proverbs 22:1
		4.	Proverbs 7:1, My son, keep my words, and lay up my commandments with thee.
		5.	Proverbs 3:5-10, Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. 6: In all of thy ways acknowledge him and he shall direct thy path. 7: Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the Lord, and depart from evil. 8: It shall be health to thy navel, and marrow to thy bone. 9: Honor the Lord with thy substance, and with the first fruits of all thine increase. 10: So shall thy barns be filled with plenty, and thy presses shall burst out with new wine.
		6.	Proverbs 4:23, Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life.
		7.	Proverbs 19:29, Judgments are prepared for scorners and stripes for the back of fools.
		8.	Proverbs 13:9, The light of the righteous rejoiceth: but the lamp of the wicked shall be put out.
		9.	Proverbs 20:2, The fear of a King is as the roaring of a lion; whose provoketh him to anger sinneth against his own soul
	t.	With this background let’s proceed into the Word of God today.

2.	INTRODUCTION
	a.	Please see the Morning Message from May 8, 2016 for the Introduction.

3.		SIX POINTS TO THE MESSAGE
	j.		She seeketh wool, and flax.
			1.	Proverbs 31:13, *She seeketh wool, and flax,* and worketh willingly with her hands.
			2.	She is out there using her mind. Not for destruction, but to build. I believe soap operas have certainly done its part to destroy this nation.
			3.	To have a help meet that will move along beside you and help you to build is an amazing thing. Every man is able to be complete in that light.

k.	She is like the merchants’ ships.
	1.	Proverbs 31:14, *She is like the merchants’ ships;* she bringeth her food from afar.
	2.	In other words, she looks for bargains; she spends wisely, she is very careful to make sure the needs of her family are taken care of.
	3.	I could not help but to think of my busy mother who taught school but she always had time for me. I can never remember a time where she didn’t have time to give me Godly wisdom. She was a leader, she did not send me to church – she took me to church with her.
	4.	I am not singling out my mother and saying that dad did not meet those qualifications because he was indeed a true trooper. They both instructed me in things which would be pleasing to the Lord. I will have more about my father on father’s day. But this day belongs to mom.
	5.	Mother’s runs the nightshift if you will. Her work is never done. There is an old saying that man works from dawn to dusk but a wife’s work is never done.
	6.	It is so amazing; she is always there in order to take care of the needs of her family.

l.	She riseth also while it is yet night.
	1.	Proverbs 31:15, *She riseth also while it is yet night,* and giveth meat to her household, and a portion to her maidens.
	2.	She is an early riser and gives meat to her household. She does not forget those who help her.

m.	She considereth a field, and buyeth it.
	1.	Proverbs 31:16, *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.
	2.	She is a woman of ability. She is a woman of talent, one that rules her own household well.
	3.	She is a woman who is not afraid of developing herself to her fullest potential.
	4.	I do believe women should develop themselves to their fullest potential. I certainly think they should be educated, and have a career if they desire. That they should be about business and I believe they can take care of all the other things that God has allowed them to do if they keep their eyes on the Lord.

n.	She perceiveth that her merchandise is good.
	1.	Proverbs 31:18, *She perceiveth that her merchandise is good:* her candle goeth not out by night.
	2.	I could not help but to think of my lovely wife. We have a handicap child that does not have the ability to speak yet, she is in her early forties. My wife is always diligent in taking care of her needs both day and night.
	3.	her candle goeth not out by night. – She is ever-watchful of what is going on.
	4.	She proves herself through her actions. Each and every day. I would like to thank her from the depths of my heart for being an example to me and all the children.

o.	She layeth her hands to the spindle.
	1.	Proverbs 31:19, *She layeth her hands to the spindle*, and her hands hold the distaff. 20: She stretcheth out her hand to the poor; yea, she reacheth forth her hands to the needy.
	2.	Bathsheba emphasizes and describes to Solomon the type of wife he needs to select.
	3.	This woman is generous; she is reaching out her hands to the needy. She is busy but never forgets those who are around her.
	4.	The thing that makes life is the things we do for others. It is giving that causes us to be a happy camper.

p.	She is not afraid of the snow for her household.
	1.	Proverbs 31:21-22, *She is not afraid of the snow for her household:* for all her household are clothed with scarlet. 22: She maketh herself coverings of tapestry; her clothing is silk and purple.
	2.	In other words, she takes care of all those in her household who have a need.
	3.	Some Mothers have grown up poor and have raised their families sewing, in order to make sure the children were dressed in first class fashion. Many of you are too young to remember the beautiful colored feed sacks that Mothers would gather and make dresses for their daughters.
	4.	My late wife often spoke of this concerning her Mother that was one of the greatest gems on the face of the earth. Likewise, my late mother in law was super special.
	5.	She was not my mother in law; she was my mom. I am thankful for her shaping the life of my beautiful bride.
	6.	She maketh herself coverings of tapestry; her clothing is silk and purple. – Means she provides well for her household.

q.	Her husband is known in the gates.
	1.	Proverbs 31:23-24, *Her husband is known in the gates,* when he sitteth among the elders of the land. 24: She maketh fine linen, and selleth it; and delivereth girdles unto the merchant.
	2.	There is an old saying that behind every good man is a good woman.
	3.	This is not in the Bible but is so true. I believe it lives out the Scriptures; that God has completed man through womanhood.
	4.	Her husband is well thought of as she had provided for him. Notice her provisions include the making of fine linen. She is good with her hands.

r.	Strength and honour are her clothing.
	1.	Proverbs 31:25, *Strength and honour are her clothing;* and she shall rejoice in time to come.
	2.	She is strong in character, wisdom, in understanding and is strong in patience and kindness.
	3.	The next verse brings that out.

s.	She openeth her mouth with wisdom.
	1.	Proverbs 31:26-27, *She openeth her mouth with wisdom;* and in her tongue is the law of kindness. 27: She looketh well to the ways of her household, and eateth not the bread of idleness.
	2.	Where do we get wisdom? The Bible says wisdom originates with God. James 1:5, If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.
	3.	She is kind and compassionate. She is ready to give advice and is sound in her speaking and teaching.
	4.	If Solomon would have taken this advice, what a gem he would have turned out to be for God.
	5.	According to Verse 27 she is a planner, sets priorities, and takes care of the ways of her household.
	6.	She is smart, astute and eateth not the bread of idleness. Which means she does not gossip and certainly cannot fall in the category of a busy body?

t.	Her children arise up, and call her blessed.
	1.	Proverbs 31:28-29, *Her children arise up, and call her blessed;* her husband also, and he praiseth her. 29: Many daughters have done virtuously, but thou excellest them all.
	2.	She does not attempt to win a popularity contest with her family.
	3.	She is stern in her actions and wants to make sure that she pleases the Lord in every respect.
	4.	Notice the response of her children. *Her children arise up, and call her blessed.*
	5.	Her husband praises her in her actions, which builds herself esteem.
	6.	This is the epitome of a positive and productive home.
	7.	Many daughters have done virtuously, but thou excellest them all. – When compared to other daughters who have displayed virtuous qualities, the woman that Bathsheba is explaining to Solomon, excellest them all.
	8.	Notice the next point that Bathsheba goes to, and she covers the entire waterfront here.

u.	Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain.
	1.	Proverbs 31:30, *Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain:* but a woman that feareth the LORD, she shall be praised.
	2.	a woman that feareth the LORD, she shall be praised. – She is telling Solomon that when he goes searching for a wife to look not for the outward beauty. If you get the outward beauty it is a bargain, but it is the inward adorning that matters and make the difference in one’s life. 1 Peter 3:3-4, Whose adorning let it not be that outward adorning of plaiting the hair, and of wearing of gold, or of putting on of apparel; 4: But let it be the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible,* even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price.*
	3.	Solomon has been given some sound instructions.
	4.	Thank God for Bathsheba, this virtuous woman!

v.	Give her of the fruit of her hands.
	1.	Proverbs 31:31, *Give her of the fruit of her hands;* and let her own works praise her in the gates.
	2.	Every year we celebrate Mother’s Day, and as we celebrate I am often reminded of the Godly Moms that have shaped this country.
	3.	I am also saddened in the fact that there are so many Mothers who take things for granted.
	4.	They do not do the things God has called them to do. They fail to make a mark in life.
	5.	The reason why our prisons are full is because Moms did not take the time to raise their sons and daughters in a Godly manner.
	6.	We can get so busy with things until we have no time to shape our children character. Our children will soon forget the gadgets and the material things we give them. They will always remember the quality time we spend with them which tells them that they are important.
	7.	If you do not start in the cradle with your children, you will have a problem later on. They will either praise you or it will be a cause for dissention in the home. Proverbs 29:15, The rod and reproof give wisdom: but a child left to himself bringeth his mother to shame.
	8.	Sometimes problems among siblings come from the fact that the mom did not do the things she needed to do.
	9.	her own works praise her in the gates. – As a matter of fact when we have done it right, it is amazing what will happen. Our children will always arise and praise her as they grow older. Proverbs 22:6, Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.
	10.	I would like to end with a passage of Scripture from Revelation 14:13, And I heard a voice from heaven saying unto me, Write, Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth: Yea, saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their labours; and their works do follow them.

4.	CONCLUSION
	a.	Do you know the Saviour?
	b.	If you do not know Jesus Christ as your personal Saviour, it is impossible to be a virtuous woman.
	c.	If you do not know him as Saviour, it is impossible to raise a Godly family. Our kids will later depart.
	d.	Remember God says in Proverbs 22:6, Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.
	e.	Romans 3:23, For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;
	f.	Romans 3:10, As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one:
	g.	Romans 10:9-10, That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. 10: For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.
	h.	Would you please stand?

050816PM HER CHILDREN ARISE UP, AND CALL HER BLESSED

SCRIPTURE READING: PROVERBS 31:13-31

Author: Daniel

Related posts