The Husband’s Perfect Wife Proverbs 31:10-31

The Husband’s Perfect Wife REST IN PEACE— UNTIL WE MEET AGAIN

The Husband’s Perfect Wife “If you are for pleasure, marry. If you prize rosy health, marry. A good wife is heaven’s last best gift to a man; his angel of mercy; minister of graces innumerable; his gem of many virtues; his box of jewels; her voice, his sweetest music; her smiles, his brightest day; her kiss, the guardian of innocence; her arms, the pale of his safety; the balm of his health; the balsam of his life; her industry, his surest wealth; her economy, his safest steward; her lips, his faithful counselors...and her prayers, the ablest advocates of heaven’s blessing on his head.”

The Husband’s Perfect Wife The author of this morning’s text knew well the peace & tranquility wives bring.

The Husband’s Perfect Wife PROVERBS 31:10-31 The author of this morning’s text knew well the peace & tranquility wives bring.

The Husband’s Perfect Wife Proverbs 31 was not composed by Solomon.

The Husband’s Perfect Wife Proverbs 31 was not composed by Solomon. “The words of King Lemeul. An oracle that his mother taught him” (v 1, ESV).

The Husband’s Perfect Wife Proverbs 31 was not composed by Solomon. “The words of King Lemeul. An oracle that his mother taught him” (v 1, ESV). We don’t know who King Lemeul was.

The Husband’s Perfect Wife Proverbs 31 was not composed by Solomon. “The words of King Lemeul. An oracle that his mother taught him” (v 1, ESV). We don’t know who King Lemeul was. It doesn’t matter, for this are Spirit-inspired words.

The Husband’s Perfect Wife Proverbs 31 was not composed by Solomon. “The words of King Lemeul. An oracle that his mother taught him” (v 1, ESV). These words were originally taught to King Lemeul by his mother.

The Husband’s Perfect Wife Proverbs 31 was not composed by Solomon. “The words of King Lemeul. An oracle that his mother taught him” (v 1, ESV). These words were originally taught to King Lemeul by his mother. This is likely a poem that King Lemuel’s mother prepared to teach him whom he should marry.

The Husband’s Perfect Wife Proverbs 31 was not composed by Solomon. “The words of King Lemeul. An oracle that his mother taught him” (v 1, ESV). These words were originally taught to King Lemeul by his mother. This is likely a poem that King Lemuel’s mother prepared to teach him whom he should marry. This poem is an acrostic.

The Husband’s Perfect Wife Proverbs 31 was not composed by Solomon. “The words of King Lemeul. An oracle that his mother taught him” (v 1, ESV). These words were originally taught to King Lemeul by his mother. This is likely a poem that King Lemuel’s mother prepared to teach him whom he should marry. This poem is an acrostic. Therefore, it would have been easy to remember.

The Husband’s Perfect Wife PREDICTABLE PROFITABLE PRAISEWORTHY The perfect wife is:

The Husband’s Perfect Wife THE HUSBAND’S PERFECT WIFE IS PREDICTABLE vv 11-12

The Husband’s Perfect Wife Some things in this world are quite predictable.

The Husband’s Perfect Wife Some things in this world are quite predictable. King Lemuel’s mother taught them that The Perfect Wife is predictable.

The Husband’s Perfect Wife Some things in this world are quite predictable. King Lemuel’s mother taught them that The Perfect Wife is predictable. “The heart of her husband trusts in her, and he will have no lack of gain. She does him good, and not harm, all the days of her life” (v 11-12, ESV).

The Husband’s Perfect Wife The husband will never have a lack of gain.

The Husband’s Perfect Wife The husband will never have a lack of gain. The KJV translates this as “he shall have no need of spoil.”

The Husband’s Perfect Wife The husband will never have a lack of gain. The KJV translates this as “he shall have no need of spoil.” The word is sometimes used—as seems to be the case here—to mean “dishonest gain.”

The Husband’s Perfect Wife The husband will never have a lack of gain. The KJV translates this as “he shall have no need of spoil.” The word is sometimes used—as seems to be the case here—to mean “dishonest gain.” The idea of trust goes quite well with “dishonest gain.”

The Husband’s Perfect Wife The husband will never have a lack of gain. The Perfect Wife is predictable, for she makes her living honestly.

The Husband’s Perfect Wife The husband will never have a lack of gain. The Perfect Wife is predictable, for she makes her living honestly—She is never going to take advantage of someone.

The Husband’s Perfect Wife The husband knows that his wife will do him good & not evil all the days of her life.

The Husband’s Perfect Wife The husband knows that his wife will do him good & not evil all the days of her life. She never brings reproach upon her husband.

The Husband’s Perfect Wife The husband knows that his wife will do him good & not evil all the days of her life. She never brings reproach upon her husband. No matter what the situation, The Perfect Wife will do the right thing.

The Husband’s Perfect Wife Because The Perfect Wife is so predictable, the heart of her husband trusts her.

The Husband’s Perfect Wife Because The Perfect Wife is so predictable, the heart of her husband trusts her. He never has to worry about what she’s doing.

The Husband’s Perfect Wife SISTERS, HOW PREDICTABLE ARE YOU?

The Husband’s Perfect Wife The New Testament calls upon wives to be predictable.

The Husband’s Perfect Wife The New Testament calls upon wives to be predictable. “As the church submits to Christ, so also wives should submit in everything to their husbands” (Eph 5:24, ESV).

The Husband’s Perfect Wife The New Testament calls upon wives to be predictable. “As the church submits to Christ, so also wives should submit in everything to their husbands” (Eph 5:24, ESV). The Perfect Wife is predictable—she submits to her husband “in everything.”

The Husband’s Perfect Wife The New Testament calls upon wives to be predictable. “As the church submits to Christ, so also wives should submit in everything to their husbands” (Eph 5:24, ESV). “Wives, be subject to your own husbands, so that even if some do not obey the word, they may be won without a word by the conduct of their wives, when they see your respectful and pure conduct” (1 Pt 3:1-2, ESV).

The Husband’s Perfect Wife The New Testament calls upon wives to be predictable. “As the church submits to Christ, so also wives should submit in everything to their husbands” (Eph 5:24, ESV). “Wives, be subject to your own husbands, so that even if some do not obey the word, they may be won without a word by the conduct of their wives, when they see your respectful and pure conduct” (1 Pt 3:1-2, ESV). The Perfect Wife is predictable—she always has “respectful and pure conduct.”

The Husband’s Perfect Wife TRUST IN A MARRIAGE IS SO IMPORTANT.

The Husband’s Perfect Wife TRUST IN A MARRIAGE IS SO IMPORTANT. How predictable are we?

The Husband’s Perfect Wife THE HUSBAND’S PERFECT WIFE IS PROFITABLE vv 13-27

The Husband’s Perfect Wife “She seeks wool and flax, and works with willing hands. She is like the ships of the merchant; she brings her food from afar. She rises while it is yet night and provides food for her household and portions for her maidens. She considers a field and buys it; with the fruit of her hands she plants a vineyard. She dresses herself with strength and makes her arms strong. She perceives that her merchandise is profitable. Her lamp does not go out at night. She puts her hands to the distaff, and her hands hold the spindle. She opens her hand to the poor and reaches out her hands to the needy.

The Husband’s Perfect Wife “She is not afraid of snow for her household, for all her household are clothed in scarlet. She makes bed coverings for herself; her clothing is fine linen and purple. Her husband is known in the gates when he sits among the elders of the land. She makes linen garments and sells them; she delivers sashes to the merchant. Strength and dignity are her clothing, and she laughs at the time to come. She opens her mouth with wisdom, and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue. She looks well to the ways of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness” (vv 13-27, ESV).

The Husband’s Perfect Wife These verses present a shrewd businesswoman.

The Husband’s Perfect Wife These verses present a shrewd businesswoman. It’s intriguing that these verses present a businesswoman in a patriarchal society.

The Husband’s Perfect Wife These verses present a shrewd businesswoman. It’s intriguing that these verses present a businesswoman in a patriarchal society. Scripture only presents a handful of women who worked in business.

The Husband’s Perfect Wife These verses present a shrewd businesswoman. It’s intriguing that these verses present a businesswoman in a patriarchal society. Scripture only presents a handful of women who worked in business. Lydia was a “seller of purple goods” (Acts 16:14, ESV).

The Husband’s Perfect Wife These verses present a shrewd businesswoman. It’s intriguing that these verses present a businesswoman in a patriarchal society. Scripture only presents a handful of women who worked in business. Lydia was a “seller of purple goods” (Acts 16:14, ESV). Both Aquila and Priscilla were “tentmakers by trade” (Acts 18:1-3, ESV).

The Husband’s Perfect Wife These verses present a shrewd businesswoman. It’s intriguing that these verses present a businesswoman in a patriarchal society. Scripture only presents a handful of women who worked in business. Lydia was a “seller of purple goods” (Acts 16:14, ESV). Both Aquila and Priscilla were “tentmakers by trade” (Acts 18:1-3, ESV). Women typically had no means of being self-sufficient.

The Husband’s Perfect Wife WHAT ARE WE TO MAKE OF THIS WOMAN?

The Husband’s Perfect Wife “WHY IS THIS WOMAN INVOLVED IN BUSINESS?” The more appropriate question to ask is:

The Husband’s Perfect Wife The text answers that question: “Her husband is known in the gates when he sits among the elders of the land” (v 23, ESV).

The Husband’s Perfect Wife The text answers that question: “Her husband is known in the gates when he sits among the elders of the land” (v 23, ESV). The elders played an important role in ancient Israel.

The Husband’s Perfect Wife The text answers that question: “Her husband is known in the gates when he sits among the elders of the land” (v 23, ESV). The elders played an important role in ancient Israel. According to the Law of Moses, they judged many cases & even carried out the death penalty in some.

The Husband’s Perfect Wife The text answers that question: “Her husband is known in the gates when he sits among the elders of the land” (v 23, ESV). The elders played an important role in ancient Israel. According to the Law of Moses, they judged many cases & even carried out the death penalty in some. The Perfect Wife has a husband who is fulfilling an important role among God’s people.

The Husband’s Perfect Wife The text answers that question: “Her husband is known in the gates when he sits among the elders of the land” (v 23, ESV). The elders played an important role in ancient Israel. According to the Law of Moses, they judged many cases & even carried out the death penalty in some. The Perfect Wife has a husband who is fulfilling an important role among God’s people. Sitting at the city’s gates, he is unable to provide financially for his family.

The Husband’s Perfect Wife WHAT APPLICATION CAN WE MAKE FOR TODAY?

The Husband’s Perfect Wife WHAT APPLICATION CAN WE MAKE FOR TODAY? The husband is fulfilling his role & The Perfect Wife is helping him.

The Husband’s Perfect Wife In this passage, we have the fulfillment of woman’s creation.

The Husband’s Perfect Wife In this passage, we have the fulfillment of woman’s creation. “It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him a helper fit for him” (Gn 2:18, ESV).

The Husband’s Perfect Wife In this passage, we have the fulfillment of woman’s creation. “It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him a helper fit for him” (Gn 2:18, ESV). The Hebrew word for “helper” basically means “assistant.”

The Husband’s Perfect Wife In this passage, we have the fulfillment of woman’s creation. “It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him a helper fit for him” (Gn 2:18, ESV). The Hebrew word for “helper” basically means “assistant.” The Perfect Wife is assisting her husband so that he can sit at the city’s gates.

The Husband’s Perfect Wife SISTERS, ARE YOU A PROFITABLE WOMAN?

The Husband’s Perfect Wife SISTERS, ARE YOU A PROFITABLE WOMAN? Are you helping your husband?

The Husband’s Perfect Wife THE HUSBAND’S PERFECT WIFE IS PRAISEWORTHY vv 38-31

The Husband’s Perfect Wife The Perfect Wife receives praise from three sources.

The Husband’s Perfect Wife The Perfect Wife receives praise from three sources. “Her children rise up and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her: ‘Many women have done excellently, but you surpass them all.’ Charm is deceitful, and beauty is vain, but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised. Give her of the fruit of her hands, and let her works praise her in the gates” (vv 28-31, ESV).

The Husband’s Perfect Wife The Perfect Wife receives praise from three sources. “Her children rise up and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her: ‘Many women have done excellently, but you surpass them all.’ Charm is deceitful, and beauty is vain, but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised. Give her of the fruit of her hands, and let her works praise her in the gates” (vv 28-31, ESV). She receives praise from her children, from her husband, & from her works.

The Husband’s Perfect Wife It’s very telling that The Perfect Wife’s children & husband praise her.

The Husband’s Perfect Wife It’s very telling that The Perfect Wife’s children & husband praise her. They know her like no one else, but they praise her.

The Husband’s Perfect Wife The husband says to his Perfect Wife: “Many women have done excellently, but you surpass them all” (v 29, ESV).

The Husband’s Perfect Wife The husband says to his Perfect Wife: “Many women have done excellently, but you surpass them all” (v 29, ESV). I’m not convinced that this text is pure hyperbole.

The Husband’s Perfect Wife The husband says to his Perfect Wife: “Many women have done excellently, but you surpass them all” (v 29, ESV). I’m not convinced that this text is pure hyperbole. It would be difficult not to agree with the husband.

The Husband’s Perfect Wife The husband says to his Perfect Wife: “Many women have done excellently, but you surpass them all” (v 29, ESV). I’m not convinced that this text is pure hyperbole. It would be difficult not to agree with the husband. This is a one-of-a-kind woman.

The Husband’s Perfect Wife The husband says to his Perfect Wife: “Many women have done excellently, but you surpass them all” (v 29, ESV). I’m not convinced that this text is pure hyperbole. I’m persuaded that each husband should be able to say these words to his wife.

The Husband’s Perfect Wife The husband says to his Perfect Wife: “Many women have done excellently, but you surpass them all” (v 29, ESV). I’m not convinced that this text is pure hyperbole. I’m persuaded that each husband should be able to say these words to his wife. But, doesn’t the wording here making that impossible?

The Husband’s Perfect Wife The husband says to his Perfect Wife: “Many women have done excellently, but you surpass them all” (v 29, ESV). I’m not convinced that this text is pure hyperbole. I’m persuaded that each husband should be able to say these words to his wife. But, doesn’t the wording here making that impossible? That’s the point.

The Husband’s Perfect Wife The husband says to his Perfect Wife: “Many women have done excellently, but you surpass them all” (v 29, ESV). I’m not convinced that this text is pure hyperbole. I’m persuaded that each husband should be able to say these words to his wife. But, doesn’t the wording here making that impossible? That’s the point. Every wife should surpass every other woman in her husband’s eyes.

The Husband’s Perfect Wife The works of this woman also praise her.

The Husband’s Perfect Wife The works of this woman also praise her. It seems that the husband praises his Perfect Wife in the city’s gates so that everyone can hear.

The Husband’s Perfect Wife The works of this woman also praise her. It seems that the husband praises his Perfect Wife in the city’s gates so that everyone can hear. That isn’t necessary, for her works praise her.

The Husband’s Perfect Wife The works of this woman also praise her. It seems that the husband praises his Perfect Wife in the city’s gates so that everyone can hear. That isn’t necessary, for her works praise her. Yet, his testimony dovetails perfectly with his wife’s works.

The Husband’s Perfect Wife Our works speak volumes about us.

The Husband’s Perfect Wife Our works speak volumes about us. “Through his faith, though he died, he still speaks” (Heb 11:4, ESV).

The Husband’s Perfect Wife Our works speak volumes about us. “Through his faith, though he died, he still speaks” (Heb 11:4, ESV). The Perfect Wife’s works speak volumes about faithfulness to God & dedication to family.

The Husband’s Perfect Wife WHAT DO YOUR WORKS SAY ABOUT YOU?