Proverbs 31:10-31

Proverbs 31 brings a magnificent book of wisdom to its conclusion.

As we read and consider this final chapter in Proverbs, let us not limit ourselves to widespread opinions and overused one-sided commentaries. Perhaps we can glean a small, untapped gem within this flagship passage for so many well-intentioned pastors, preachers and ministries.

By definition, proverbs are short, pithy sayings that state a general truth. Proverbs are not 100% guaranteed eternal truths – or something to bet the farm over.

Proverbs 31 is an acrostic poem. Every new line begins with a sequential letter of the Hebrew alphabet. This passage was not written as a legal document, giving bullet points to the job description of a perfect or ideal wife. Furthermore, this line of thinking has not been birthed or inspired in the heart and mind of the author, but rather from the heart and mind of his mother. So if this passage is a literal description of the ideal wife/woman, it has been conceived in the heart and mind of the potential mother-in-law.

Many believe that this passage was written as a piece of wisdom for men, with advice as to how to respond to a woman who is, for lack of a better term, amazing. Her husband has full confidence in her (v. 11), praises her (v. 28), and is to honor her (v. 31).

Countless commentaries on Proverbs 31 exist and are easily accessible. I would like to take you down a path not readily traveled.

This path does not seek to divert anyone from the purpose of the passage, but rather to see this passage for all it is worth.

I mentioned the multiple commentaries already out there for Proverbs 31. Most of those tend to overuse this passage to highlight characteristics in women or wives that every woman or wife should aspire to.

We will stop that train right there. The number one person we should all (men and women alike) strive to emulate is our LORD, Christ Jesus. The Apostle Paul instructs the church at Corinth to follow his example only because he follows the example of Jesus.[1]

So many times people will look at passages like Proverbs 31 and think, “Here is an outline for me to follow. Here is a perfect example for me to imitate.” As if that example was the end-all purpose for the description existing within the cannon of Scripture.

Multiple passages in Scripture compare the imagery of a bride and groom to the relationship between Jesus and the church. Other passages having to do with marriage on the surface, such as the Song of Solomon, are poetic words that paint an image of God’s immense love for humanity – or again, Christ Jesus and the church.

What if we read Proverbs 31 through the lens of an analogy?

What if Proverbs 31 depicted the image of how Jesus, our bridegroom, desires His church to function in the role of His bride?

While waiting in line at a grocery store the other day, I saw a magazine cover highlighting the newest royal, Meghan Markle. The title suggested that she is quickly learning all of her duties and expectations as a royal both in public and behind closed doors. The average bride in middle America would never be expected to fulfill all of the duties and obligations Meghan, the Duchess of Sussex is expected to fulfill.

Meghan Markle, once an American actress, now has become a royal. Her duties and expectations are way beyond what most normal people would call “normal.” But she is royalty now. She has a new title, Dutchess. Her new lifestyle and duties are normal for members of the royal household.

In Proverbs 31, the description of the ideal wife – the one of noble character is stated as more valuable than rubies.[2] The writer expresses great value in finding the one who fits this bill. In comparison, Jesus did mention the rarity of those who would follow Him compared to the mass numbers of people who would reject Him. [3]

Verse 11 suggests that the wife is worthy of trust. Think of the parable where Jesus described the trust the master placed in his servants and then the consequences of either investing in his gifts or not.[4] Should the bride of Christ be held to an impeccable standard of trustworthiness? Should the bride of Christ take what the master has given and invest it wisely in order to show Him how much His gifts are valued and treasured? Verses 16 and 18 describe the wife demonstrating shrewd business mindedness and making wise investments.

Throughout the entire passage we read various examples of her labor. This wife works and works and works. She is no sluggard. I hear things like this all too often these days, “The youth today have no concept of work. They just sit around on their phones all day…so lazy.” That is a generalization, but it does ring true to some degree. As a culture, we have lost the importance of a hard day’s work. We have lost the appreciation of a job well done. One of the phrases so many believers look forward to hearing at the end of our life is, “Well done good and faithful servant.”[5] How are we as the body of Christ working to further His kingdom? Jesus said that in order to follow Him, you need to put your hand to the plow and not look back.[6] In other words, be prepared to do some work. Be prepared to get dirty. Be prepared to develop a few blisters.

Not only does the wife in this passage work, but she also has compassion for those in need. Remember the second greatest commandment? Love your neighbor as yourself.[7] What happens when the poor are fed? It is as if the one feeding the hungry and poor is feeding Jesus Himself.[8]

The descriptions of the Proverbs 31 woman do seem loftier than the average human, however we are called to a higher purpose. Remember the words of Jesus, Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.[9] We have a high calling. We have an immense responsibility here on this planet. Let the depiction of the Proverbs 31 woman inspire and motivate us, the bride of Christ Jesus, to bigger and better things. We are not here to gain everything the world has to offer. We are here to make disciples. We are here to proclaim the Gospel. We are here to baptize. We are here to teach everything Jesus commanded. We are here to point people to Christ Jesus. [10]

There are several other similarities I see reflected within this passage that seem to reflect exactly what the bride of Christ should be doing. But I would like for you to dig into the passage for yourself. What do you see? Do you feel I am on point with what I’ve shared? Do you feel that I am reaching and way off base? Let me know in the comments below. I look forward to hearing your insight.

[1] 1 Corinthians 11:1 [2] Proverbs 31:10 [3] Matthew 7:14 [4] Matthew 25:14-30 [5] Matthew 25:21,23 [6] Luke 9:62 [7] Matthew 22:39; Mark 12:31 [8] Matthew 25:35-40 [9] Matthew 5:48 [10] Matthew 28:19-20