Noble Character, Reflecting Wisdom
Proverbs 31:10-31
"A wife of noble character who can find? She is worth far more than rubies. Her husband has full confidence in her . . . ." — Proverbs 31:10-11
As we reflect on marriage again today, let's consider the way of wisdom described in Proverbs. Proverbs 31 famously summarizes many virtues and blessings of godly Wisdom, personified as a woman earlier in the book (see Proverbs 1:20-23; 8:1-9:12) and contrasted with another woman named Folly (see Proverbs 9:13-18).
In Proverbs 31, Wisdom is personified as a "wife of noble character," but, as another writer has put it, "this chapter is not dictating how godly mothers and wives are supposed to act." Instead, it shows how all God's people can practice wisdom in their daily lives.
The life of wisdom and noble character is indeed busy! Creative in business and agriculture, using the resources God provides, considering opportunities for growth and improvement, sharing with the poor and needy, diligently working toward the future with the sure hope of blessing—this life honors God not only with hard work but also with "faithful instruction," so that others may see the way of wisdom and God may be praised.
Men and women who seek to honor God are guided by wisdom, one of God's great gifts for living. If they are married, a wife and husband should work together to glorify and serve God. And we all, whether married or single, are to blossom into all God created us to be.
Prayer
Father, help us all to faithfully reflect your love and design for our lives. In Jesus, our perfect example of wise living, we pray. Amen.