Summer Series: Proverbial Woman
Notes
The entire book of Proverbs speaks about the search
for wisdom. The essence of wisdom is reverence and
obedience to God and His laws. The book of Proverbs
presents wisdom in two ways: a series of pithy sayings
about human nature and right living as well as the last
chapter’s “virtuous woman” who is both inspirational
and awe-inspiring. Beginning with the premise of
obedience as the source of wisdom (Proverbs 1:7), the
chapter ends with the portrait of a woman who fulfills
God’s commandments. Proverbs 31 describes a
powerful and wise woman in one of the Bible’s 13
acrostic poems (each verse begins with a new letter of
the Hebrew alphabet).
The “woman of worth” is trustworthy, industrious,
generous and compassionate as well as being both
wise and kind. She is both businesswoman and
manager. Truly a paragon! Not only do her husband,
family, household and even community depend on her
to provide physical needs but also attend to their
emotional and spiritual well-being. The female
personification of wisdom found in Proverbs 31 is
remarkable considering the patriarchic nature of
ancient Jewish life. Some think this is a way to
emphasize a feminine side of the divinity: while God is
described in terms of a male or father most often in
the Bible, scripture also includes feminine creative
and ordering roles. Others believe she represents the
perfect Church of believers, purchased at a “price far
above rubies”, the blood of Christ. Surely the good
wife’s description is meant as more than just
instructions about finding a spouse.
The woman in Proverbs is considered ideal because of
her reverence for God. In fact, her physical
appearance is never mentioned. Her beauty and
appeal come entirely from her character. The figure of
Wisdom in Proverbs stands for truth and knowledge
and understanding. We can all, man or woman, strive
to achieve wisdom by being submissive to God’s will.
This description of a virtuous woman is given
emphasis by being placed at the end of Proverbs. As a
summary of sorts of what the whole book describes
(the truly wise person), the good wife represents the
person we are all meant to be.
The Bible Front to Back
Week 41: July 28, 2013
Prepared by:
Ruth Connell
Proverbs 31:10-31
Personal Reflection and
Application
1. Read through the Bible
verses for this week. Now
reread using a different
translation. How does it sound
different? Can you find subtle
differences in meaning?
2. The woman described in
Proverbs does it all: she is
honest, hard-working and
visionary as well as being both
wise and kind. Do you find her
example inspirational or overwhelming? Is it possible to
achieve all the things she seems
to do so effortlessly?
3. If wisdom is the use of
knowledge, what knowledge do
we need to be spiritually wise?
How can you gain that
knowledge?
4. How can we help our spouse
and other loved ones become
the best person that they can
be? How can we help them
become wise?
5. How do you discern God’s
will in your life? Does God’s will
show in your life? How?
Memory Verse
“Charm is deceptive and beauty
is fleeting; but a woman who
fears the LORD is to be
praised.”
Proverbs 31:30
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Summer Series: Proverbial Woman
Small Groups
1. Read Job 28. What is the basis for all
wisdom? What is understanding?
2. Proverbs 1:7 says, “The fear of the LORD
is the beginning of knowledge, but fools
despise wisdom and instruction.” Why is
obedience required in order to gain
wisdom?
3. God knows what is best for us. Proverbs
gives practical advice on following God’s
teachings for all of our lives, including
home, work, and relationships. How can we
know what God wants us to do?
4. Proverbs 31 is recited on Friday nights
before Shabbat dinner in some Jewish
homes. Do you regularly recite scripture in
your home? Share what examples would be
particularly meaningful.
5. James, the New Testament’s book of
wisdom, teaches the fruit of God’s wisdom
is peaceable, gentle, and full of mercy
(James 3:17). According to James, we must
be quick to hear (1:22-2:26), slow to speak
(3:1-8), and slow to anger (4:1-5:6). How
can we best follow James’ advice?
6. Wisdom’s nature is to realize the kind of
behavior that God requires of all of us.
What does God ask from us?
Proverbs 31:10-31
Families
1. Repeat the memory verse. What do you
think people can tell about you by how you
look? What do you want them to think?
2. Write your own acrostic poem about a
family member. Write either the letters of
the alphabet, a word, or the person’s name
down the left side of the paper. Then write
a line about that person beginning with
each letter. Describe some of their best
qualities but not how they look.
3. Why is a wise person obedient to God?
To teachers? To parents? When is it wise to
not be obedient to others?
4. Have a family day without work,
organized sports, cooking, cleaning or
electronics. Take a walk (not for exercise).
Listen for God’s voice – what do you think
he is trying to tell you? Your family?
5. Compliment each person in your family
at least once a day for one week.
6. Make a list of all the good things your
family members do for you and for others.
What great people they are!
7. Pray for each family member this week
thanking God for each person’s special
God-given qualities.
Prayer
Gracious God,
Help us to be obedient to you in word and deed. We seek the wisdom of following your will and
not our own. May we become the persons we are meant to be by following your plan for our
lives. Give us the courage to follow you. Amen
The Bible Front to Back
Week 41: July 28, 2013
Prepared by:
Ruth Connell
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