Marriage, Home and Family

Proverbs 31.10-31

Let’s talk about the passage in general1. It’s a poem2. It’s an acrostic poem: each of the 22

stanzas begins with a letter from the Hebrew alphabet, arranged in their traditional order

3. The sequence of letters form the “structure” of the poem; this is why the topics sometimes seem to appear randomly

4. It’s primary purpose is to advise a husband about what a great wife looks like

5. Solomon doesn’t ignore husbands—the entire poem is built upon the assumption that the husband is a good and Godly man (31.23)

6. This poem contains all the necessary elements for a truly great marriage: not only one of covenant commitment, but of genuine respect and affection for each other

This is a marriage that is built upon mutual trust and respect

• Proverbs 31.11-12– “Trust” is the first word in 31.11– He trusts her (31.11) with good reason (31.12)– It is important that we be trustworthy with the

opposite sex– But it is equally important that we be trustworthy

with the same sex– And it is important that each partner be trustworthy

about the purpose of their marriage, and the role each partner plays

– “Good” is the first word of verse 12—this is her purpose

Part of the good that she brings to the marriage is diligent attention to the well being of the household

• 31.13-15; 17; 21; 27• Remember, Solomon’s perspective is one of

affluence—yet this is not some spoiled, pampered, woman

• Notice some key words:– Seeketh; worketh– girdeth– Afar– While it is night

She contributes to the overall prosperity of the home

• Proverbs 31.16; 18; 19; 24– She is not idle (although she could be): she is

contributing to the economy of the household• Proverbs 31.20; 31.23– She takes the initiative to be helpful– And is recognized as a powerful contributor to the

marriage

But she is not simply a slave laborer

• Proverbs 31.22; 25– She’s more than nice clothes

• Proverbs 31.26– She is wise and kind

And she is worthy of all the praise she receives

• Proverbs 31.28-31– Worthy of the praise from her children (28)– Worthy of the praise of her husband (28-29)– Worthy of praise from God (30)– Worthy of being recognized for her own

contribution in her own right (31)• It is no wonder that such a wife is more

valuable than precious stones