Passage and Comments

The last chapter of Proverbs is well known for speaking about the ‘perfect woman’. You may remember from looking at Proverbs that there are two women contrasted throughout the book. ‘Wisdom’ and ‘Folly’.

10 An excellent wife who can find?

She is far more precious than jewels.

11 The heart of her husband trusts in her,

and he will have no lack of gain.

12 She does him good, and not harm,

all the days of her life. (Pr 31:10–12)

Lemuel is speaking about Wisdom. Her name is Wisdom.

15 She rises while it is yet night

and provides food for her household

and portions for her maidens. (Pr 31:15)

Lemuel is using an analogy of an actual woman involved in housework. Diligently going about various jobs. Wisdom is industrious, and is not lazy.

20 She opens her hand to the poor

and reaches out her hands to the needy. (Pr 31:20)

Wisdom looks after the poor. As we have seen from Proverbs, the poor need to be looked after. The LORD has a heart for the poor.

26 She opens her mouth with wisdom,

and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue.

27 She looks well to the ways of her household

and does not eat the bread of idleness. (Pr 31:26–27)

Wisdom teaches. Wise, kindly spoken, looking after her household and not idle. Seek these qualities.

29 “Many women have done excellently,

but you surpass them all.” (Pr 31:29)

I asked ‘what is her name?’ Her name is wisdom.

Story of Jesus

Where does Jesus stand in all this? Jesus also exemplified wisdom. Which is part of the reason Paul refers to him as the wisdom from God.

20 Where is the one who is wise? Where is the scribe? Where is the debater of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world? 21 For since, in the wisdom of God, the world did not know God through wisdom, it pleased God through the folly of what we preach to save those who believe. 22 For Jews demand signs and Greeks seek wisdom, 23 but we preach Christ crucified, a stumbling block to Jews and folly to Gentiles, 24 but to those who are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God. (1 Cor 1:20–24)

Just as we can learn from Proverbs the way of wisdom. So we can learn from our LORD Jesus.

Copyright © Joshua Washington and thescripturesays, 2014. All Rights Reserved.

Save