1
At long last, we have reached the end of this befuddling chapter. Hopefully this series has been helpful and enlightening. I know it was for me.
Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised. Give her the reward she has earned, and let her works bring her praise at the city gate. Proverbs 31:30, 31 — New International Version
Charm is deceptive — let’s go back to the original reason for this chapter; Bathsheba's heart-to-heart with her son, Solomon. Remember, she's already warned him against the wrong kind of woman. Charm is not a good thing, in most cases. It’s used as a cover for a more sinister intent. Example: how are a lot of serial killers described when they’re caught? Ted Bundy was described as very charming….
What is telling of a person's character is their words as well as their actions…they have to match!
A job done well is a job done for God's approval, not another person's. The last line says it all — And let her works bring her praise at the city gate. In other words, in public. The Bible says that people are known by their deeds. In “Proverbs 31: Part Eleven”, we saw that a person's actions and words are representative of what's in their heart.
A woman who fears the Lord is to be praised. It doesn't seem like this is practiced — anywhere. Yet, she's proven to be hard working, shown that she fears the Lord, respects her husband, has foresight, gives encouragement and care, has concern for the needy, has wisdom, is prudent with money…a man could do just one of these things and be lauded from the pulpit. Women do these things every day for the good of their family and for God’s purpose, and they’re overlooked. Something's wrong with that picture, and it’s spelled out, right here, In. The. Bible. You know, God’s. Word. It’s glossed over because it brings attention to women. (Gasp!) I wonder how the theobros explain away these verses since, ya know, it’s detrimental to their narrative. God’s Word shows His obvious favor on women. He’s encouraging their fear of the Lord to be publicly acknowledged!
By humility and the fear of the Lord are riches, and honor, and life. Proverbs 22:4 — King James Version
The whole point of a Christian's life is to be set apart, showing there’s something different in the way one lives with Christ. How will anyone see that if the M.O. stays the same? The lifestyle has to be authentic to reap any rewards from God.
This verse was written by Solomon prior to chapter 31. So he knew what was right — he just didn't adhere to it later on in life. And it did not go well for him.
A kindhearted woman gains respect, but ruthless men gain only wealth. A kind man benefits himself, but a cruel man brings trouble on himself. Proverbs 11:16, 17 — New International Version
Grace and kindness are rewarding attributes. Ruthlessness and cruelty are not. This can be one passage used to thwart the egregious notion that spouses, usually wives, should stay in abusive marriages. Being ruthless and cruel doesn't necessarily mean physical violence. It can be any manner of abuse.
A ruthless man gains wealth — sure, but at what cost to his soul? It's not sinful to be wealthy. It is sinful to gain wealth by ungodly means.
Again, this is pointed at people who profess to be Christians. This isn't intended to condemn those who don't share my Christian beliefs.
The fear of the Lord is the instruction of wisdom; and before honor is humility. Proverbs 15:33 — New Analytical Edition
Just curious, to any theobros reading this: How is abusing one’s spouse an example of fearing the Lord? Also, it isn't wise for someone to abuse another person; and it certainly doesn't denote humility.
I think today's Christians would benefit greatly by re-examining the whole book of Proverbs. Why isn't fear of the Lord (reverence and worship) taught in churches anymore? The Bible has become the “feel good” gospel — which is quite unbiblical. Teaching the Word of God is for encouraging personal reflection and an individual's intimate relationship with God. It’s no one else's business. However, the Bible does say that you will know what kind of person someone is by their actions and the way they speak. Wisdom is having a healthy respect and awe of God, and acting accordingly.
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge; Fools despise wisdom and instruction. Proverbs 1:7 — New American Standard Bible
Are you going to choose knowledge or are you going to choose to be a fool? God is a gentleman and will not force Himself on anyone. Unfortunately, “Christians” do.
Fool: morally undesirable individual who despises wisdom and discipline
Hebrew: Fool: ewil (eh-weel) [Isn’t it interesting how closely the Hebrew word resembles the English ‘evil’….] from an unused root (meaning to be perverse); (figuratively) silly: — fool, foolish, foolish man
Fools and evil people are often used interchangeably throughout the Bible. Just something to think about….
I’ll be doing a series on narcissists in my other publication, “Haven’s Hearth.” The characteristics of narcissists are the same for foolish/evil people: know-it-alls, dogmatic, close minded to anyone else's opinion to the point of believing they are the superior authority on everything, resents discipline, believes they are above the law and rules don't apply to them (erroneous belief that they’re untouchable), they are incapable of personal growth, morally deficient…just to name a few.
I hope this insight over the past few months has been helpful. For more in-depth looks at various biblical subjects, check out my other publication, too! 🙂
Have a blessed day!