In a family, mothers are often the embodiment of practical wisdom, more than their children, even their adult children, always recognize.
There are two ways we could approach this passage. One is to comment on how much work this poor woman has to do: She sews, she cooks, she labors in the field, she gets up early in the morning and stays up late at night, all this while her husband is out having a good time with the guys. That is not, of course, how we should understand the passage. The biblical writer is not giving a grocery list of all this woman has to do but is telling all this woman is able to do. She is both capable and responsible. Moreover, if we look carefully at the text, we will see not merely this woman's numerous duties but her broad authority. In many ways, this is not only a description of the ideal mate, it is a picture of the ideal marriage. The author begins his description of this woman by speaking about...
This is an indication of the high status of women in scripture, for the Bible identifies only three other items that are of immeasurable worth, more than currency of any type can buy. In...
What follows is a list of qualities, and there is no doubt that this is one busy lady. The catalogue of her activities is quite impressive, as the sage sets forth...
Some have tried to argue that because Israelite society was essentially patriarchal, women had a subservient, even invisible role. This passage depicts "the matriarch who exercised considerable control in the household" (Lyons 1987:240).ii In fact, nowhere in this passage does it refer to the man's household, whereas four times it refers to her household (vv. 15, 212, 27 rTr). She has active industrial pursuits and is an efficient manager.
Along with the diligent attention she gives to affairs at home, her productivity includes other things, for...
Compassion and generosity give her a down-to-earth quality, yet...
The reference to her husband's reputation in v. 23 has always puzzled me. Does his position in the community increase her status, or does her industry and refinement increase his status in the community? Perhaps the answer involves some of both.
Along with this extensive list of accomplishments...
With all this woman does, she sounds suspiciously liberated. She is certainly not invisible; yet neither is she out for herself alone. For The Worthy Wife, the interests of her household are primary. Historical distance and the difference in culture may require some revision in specific applications of this passage, but the general example is certainly worth emulating by women today. Even if your situation is different—
Jim had been trying to get his mother to fly out for a visit. "No way am I getting on an airplane," she would reply. "Look, Mom," Jim said, trying to calm her fears, "When it's your time to go, it doesn't matter if you're on the ground or in the air." "I know," she said. "I just don't want to be that far off the ground...when it's the pilot's time to go."Mothers are the embodiment of practical wisdom, more than their children, even their adult children, always recognize. The message this morning is from the wisdom literature of the Bible, specifically Prov 31, which is not just about mothers but about wives in general and, indeed, has relevance for all women as it describes the experience of The Worthy Wife.
There are two ways we could approach this passage. One is to comment on how much work this poor woman has to do: She sews, she cooks, she labors in the field, she gets up early in the morning and stays up late at night, all this while her husband is out having a good time with the guys. That is not, of course, how we should understand the passage. The biblical writer is not giving a grocery list of all this woman has to do but is telling all this woman is able to do. She is both capable and responsible. Moreover, if we look carefully at the text, we will see not merely this woman's numerous duties but her broad authority. In many ways, this is not only a description of the ideal mate, it is a picture of the ideal marriage. The author begins his description of this woman by speaking about...
I. Her Reputation...and as he makes clear...
- She has truly exceptional worth (vv. 10-12).
Prov 31:10 A wife of noble character who can find? She is worth far more than rubies. 11 Her husband has full confidence in her and lacks nothing of value. 12 She brings him good, not harm, all the days of her life.The passage opens with a rhetorical question.i After reading her résumé in the verses that follow, we might think that the answer is, "No one can find such a woman; she doesn't exist." But the author indicates in v. 29 that "many women" have these qualifications. The difficulty is catching one, if I may put it that way. In some cases, the difficulty may be a husband's inability to recognize these qualities in the one he has already found. Such a woman "is of inestimable value" (Toy 1908:543), "worth far more than rubies."
This is an indication of the high status of women in scripture, for the Bible identifies only three other items that are of immeasurable worth, more than currency of any type can buy. In...
Prov 3:15a Wisdom is more precious than rubies....
Prov 22:1 A good name...is better than silver or gold.
Ps 19:10a [God's word is] more precious than gold....(It is interesting that husbands, even good ones, do not make the list.) This wife's value lies in the "full confidence" she instills because "she works for the benefit of her husband and not against his interests" (Cook 1954:137). His complete faith in her allows him to sit "at the city gate" without worrying about what might be happening at home, because she has truly exceptional worth.
What follows is a list of qualities, and there is no doubt that this is one busy lady. The catalogue of her activities is quite impressive, as the sage sets forth...
II. Her RésuméThis is not a woman who spends her day on the couch watching soap operas and eating bon-bons....
- She has active industrial pursuits (vv. 13-15).
Prov 31:13 She selects wool and flax and works with eager hands. 14 She is like the merchant ships, bringing her food from afar. 15 She gets up while it is still dark; she provides food for her family and portions for her servant girls.The first few items all seem to have shopping as a common element—buying fabric (v. 13), food (v. 14), and (in the next section) farmland (v. 16). I am sure this is purely coincidental and does not reflect an inherent inclination among women, although husbands here might see a connection.
Some have tried to argue that because Israelite society was essentially patriarchal, women had a subservient, even invisible role. This passage depicts "the matriarch who exercised considerable control in the household" (Lyons 1987:240).ii In fact, nowhere in this passage does it refer to the man's household, whereas four times it refers to her household (vv. 15, 212, 27 rTr). She has active industrial pursuits and is an efficient manager.
Along with the diligent attention she gives to affairs at home, her productivity includes other things, for...
- She has successful financial ventures (vv. 16-18).
Prov 31:16 She considers a field and buys it; out of her earnings she plants a vineyard. 17 She sets about her work vigorously; her arms are strong for her tasks. 18 She sees that her trading is profitable, and her lamp does not go out at night.This is a rare but important picture of Israelite society, for we often get the impression that because sons received the family inheritance,iii a woman had no significant economic investments. Here we see that she can have a fiscal strategy: researching the market, purchasing property, perhaps renting it out, and putting her profits to work. The Worthy Wife is a shrewd business woman who burns the midnight oil to oversee her interests, which is why she has successful financial ventures. In addition...
- She has practical material concerns (vv. 19-21).
Prov 31:19 She holds the distaff in her hand and grasps the spindle with her fingers.iv 20 She opens her arms to the poor and extends her hands to the needy. 21 She has no fear for her household when it snows; for all of them are clothed in scarlet.These verses describe domestic activity, as she ensures that her family has suitable clothing. Her care for those less fortunate contrasts with the unflattering reference Amos makes to the rich women of Samaria, whom he calls "cows of Bashan...who oppress the poor and crush the needy and say to [their] husbands, 'Bring us some drinks!'" (4:1). The Worthy Wife is not "a lazy, wealthy woman. She [has practical material concerns and] uses her industry in charitable ways" (Ross 1991:1131).
Compassion and generosity give her a down-to-earth quality, yet...
- She has distinctive personal refinement (vv. 22-24).
Prov 31:22 She makes coverings for her bed; she is clothed in fine linen and purple. 23 Her husband is respected at the city gate, where he takes his seat among the elders of the land. 24 She makes linen garments and sells them, and supplies the merchants with sashes.In seeing to the needs of her household, she is also concerned for the appearance of her home, as well as for her own appearance. She shows an appreciation for fine things, which, in turn, become part of her business. She has distinctive personal refinement.
The reference to her husband's reputation in v. 23 has always puzzled me. Does his position in the community increase her status, or does her industry and refinement increase his status in the community? Perhaps the answer involves some of both.
Along with this extensive list of accomplishments...
- She has admirable ethical qualities (vv. 25-27).
Prov 31:25 She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come. 26 She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue. 27 She watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness.From external finery, the author turns to those internal virtues essential to all she does. She has an inner fortitude that enables her to face an uncertain future with good humor and composure. Her experience has given her insight and maturity to counsel others. She has a commitment to the welfare of the home that enables her to maintain her various responsibilities even when she might be tempted simply to coast along. These evince that she has admirable ethical qualities.
With all this woman does, she sounds suspiciously liberated. She is certainly not invisible; yet neither is she out for herself alone. For The Worthy Wife, the interests of her household are primary. Historical distance and the difference in culture may require some revision in specific applications of this passage, but the general example is certainly worth emulating by women today. Even if your situation is different—
- because you can barely pay the rent, let alone buy property;
- or because you are a single parent
- because you can barely thread a needle, let alone sew something; or because you have a brown thumb when it comes to gardening.
- because you have trouble balancing your checkbook,
- and cannot even imagine running a business.
This commitment The Worthy Wife gives to her household should not go unnoticed. Those who benefit from her care should acknowledge her work on their behalf, so the sage now turns to...
Did you ever arise and call your mother blessed? Abraham Lincoln said...
For those whose mother (or grandmother or aunt) manifested the love of God in your life, you should not neglect to acknowledge it. Even when that is not possible, at least not at this time, you can still voice your gratitude to God for this personification of His grace to you.
Just as children are to bless their mother, so a husband is to praise his wife, and in Jewish tradition, as part of the Sabbath liturgy on Friday evening, the husband reads this poem to his wife, giving him an opportunity to express his appreciation for all her efforts during the week with the words of v. 29: "Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all."v Husbands, do you praise your wife? This woman's family recognizes that she has exemplary moral accomplishments.
Others take notice as well, particularly that...
Complementing her faith is the various ways she translates that into action, with deeds of kindness, a sympathetic ear, and words of comfort. As I mentioned before, she manifests the love of God to others. In this way and more, she has sincere spiritual devotion.
Much of this poem details a woman's many activities, but the final section is about appreciation, which is also what Mother's Day is about, when "[h]er children arise and call her blessed." Of course, this is not just something to do on Mother's Day; neither is it limited to your mother. In other words, even if you did not have this kind of godly influence, you are not off the hook. The reference to "her works bring[ing] her praise at the city gate" implies public recognition by others, outside her immediate family.1viii Just as her husband is well known, so is she.ix
There are women here who show this kind of diligence, the kind we read about in Prov 31, and whose efforts you should acknowledge. They would probably appreciate your encouragement, the simple realization that someone else notices.
Prov 31 depicts the ideal woman, The Worthy Wife. She is a treasure beyond measure and very difficult to find. It is interesting to note that there is little mention of her external appearance, which is often an important factor to men seeking mates. The reason for this omission is probably because the qualities listed here come only with experience and maturity. In any case, the biblical author indicates her most important virtues, those that enable her to accomplish much and that elicit praise from others.
III. Her RecognitionIt is appropriate that appreciation should come first from those closest to her. More than anyone else, it is family members who acknowledge that...
- She has exemplary moral accomplishments (vv. 28-29).
Prov 31:28 Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her: 29 "Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all."It is all too easy to take for granted what we experience everyday. This is especially true of what a mother does for her children. Kids are generally not sensitive to this sort of thing, and in the passage here, the ones who are blessing their mother are probably grown children (Lyons 1987:240).
Did you ever arise and call your mother blessed? Abraham Lincoln said...
I regard no man as poor who had a godly mother.There are times when a sermon applies as much to the one in the pulpit as it does to any in the pews. While researching another topic, I came across a brief, single-line description by a fourth century Jewish teacher, who understood the significance of v. 28a for one who had the influence of a godly mother, and I realized that he expressed my own sentiments in this matter.
b Kid 31b When Rabbi Joseph [d. 3331 would hear his mother's footsteps he would say, "I will arise before the approaching Shekinah [a reference to the divine presence which resided in the temple]."This rabbi understood that the Lord often worked through his mother, and he acknowledged her godly influence. He understood the admonition in...
Lev 19:3a Each of you must respect his mother...The word "respect" translates the same Hebrew word that describes reverence for the Lord. A godly mother is to receive reverence similar to that which people accord God Himself. That is a pretty amazing statement.
For those whose mother (or grandmother or aunt) manifested the love of God in your life, you should not neglect to acknowledge it. Even when that is not possible, at least not at this time, you can still voice your gratitude to God for this personification of His grace to you.
Just as children are to bless their mother, so a husband is to praise his wife, and in Jewish tradition, as part of the Sabbath liturgy on Friday evening, the husband reads this poem to his wife, giving him an opportunity to express his appreciation for all her efforts during the week with the words of v. 29: "Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all."v Husbands, do you praise your wife? This woman's family recognizes that she has exemplary moral accomplishments.
Others take notice as well, particularly that...
- She has sincere spiritual devotion (vv. 30-3 1).
Prov 31:30 Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised. 31 Give her the reward she has earned, and let her works bring her praise at the city gate.Prior to v. 30, this poem has no reference to God. The author saves it for the end, perhaps because a healthy fear of the LORD is the bottom line, the most essential quality.vi It undergirds everything The Worthy Wife does and remains with her when external virtues fade.vii
Complementing her faith is the various ways she translates that into action, with deeds of kindness, a sympathetic ear, and words of comfort. As I mentioned before, she manifests the love of God to others. In this way and more, she has sincere spiritual devotion.
Much of this poem details a woman's many activities, but the final section is about appreciation, which is also what Mother's Day is about, when "[h]er children arise and call her blessed." Of course, this is not just something to do on Mother's Day; neither is it limited to your mother. In other words, even if you did not have this kind of godly influence, you are not off the hook. The reference to "her works bring[ing] her praise at the city gate" implies public recognition by others, outside her immediate family.1viii Just as her husband is well known, so is she.ix
There are women here who show this kind of diligence, the kind we read about in Prov 31, and whose efforts you should acknowledge. They would probably appreciate your encouragement, the simple realization that someone else notices.
Prov 31 depicts the ideal woman, The Worthy Wife. She is a treasure beyond measure and very difficult to find. It is interesting to note that there is little mention of her external appearance, which is often an important factor to men seeking mates. The reason for this omission is probably because the qualities listed here come only with experience and maturity. In any case, the biblical author indicates her most important virtues, those that enable her to accomplish much and that elicit praise from others.
For the bibliography and endnotes, see the pdf here.
No comments:
Post a Comment
Relevant and civil comments are welcome. Whether there will be any response depends on whether Dr. Manuel notices them and has the time and inclination to respond or, if not, whether I feel competent to do so.
Jim Skaggs