Proverbs 31 paper

I'm back to the part of the semester where I feel guilty if I don't post but I have no time to think of anything creative after I'm done writing my papers for school. So I post my papers from school. This was for my Hermeneutics class. Hope you enjoy. :-)

Proverbs 31 is a beautiful piece of literature that encompasses the moral values of many lifestyles and faiths. This cluster proverb is divided into two parts, where verses 1-9 speak to one King Lemuel about how to go about a godly kingship, while verses 10-31 paint a vivid picture of a woman who can be described as nothing less than admirable. Her passion to serve her family is evident. The skill in which she balances family, social, and business life is huge.

Many women have bemoaned the Proverbs 31 woman, as it seems to paint an ideal picture that can never be lived up to realistically. However, what the author intends to communicate is not to burden Jewish women of that time nor Christian women of this, but to inspire them through ideals that are understandably unreachable. It gives concepts of measurements that, when reached, should cause a man to acknowledge his gratefulness to the Lord for providing such a woman in his life. It should inspire him to become a man worthy of such a woman. When women see their fellow sisters living in such a way as Proverbs 31 describes, it is intended that celebration and joy that such diligence has been accomplished. Mothers can admonish and train their daughters with these exhortations and fellow Christians warn one another against pursuing someone who does not display these characteristics.

The rabbi’s of Orthodox Jewish communities utilize a teaching tool called a Midrash. This is a recorded fictitious account that gives explanation to various passages of Scripture; such as why a particular passage was explained in that way or what events provoked a prayer or thought pattern. There is a humorous Midrash that explains how Proverbs 31 came to be written. The morning after Solomon married Pharaoh’s daughter, he was so excited from the previous night’s revelry that he overslept. However, at that time the tradition was for there to be a daily morning service at the Temple. Solomon had the keys, and so the nation was unable to worship. Bathsheba, full of righteous indignation, marched into the King’s quarters, dragged him out of bed, tied him to a pole, and delivered Proverbs 31 to him in speech form. Her intention was to rebuke both Solomon for allowing himself to become besotten with the beautiful Egyptian woman and too much wine. She was admonishing her son in verses 1-9 and the pagan gentile in verses 10-31, while at the same time delivering an ideal for the king to look for. While this story is rather humorous and fictitious, it still conveys the understanding that this piece was written for both men and women, and to be used for instruction.

There is no biblical account of a King Lemuel. Lemuel can be translated as ‘Upon God.’ Lemo ‘upon’ - the same word that Job used Job 40:4 when he said ‘I put my hand upon my mouth; and El meaning ‘God.’ As Solomon spent at least part of his life leaning upon God and his wisdom, it is reasonable to assume that Lemuel was another name for Solomon.. However, another explanation is that Lemuel is another form of the name Lael, such as the one spoken of in Numbers 3:24. If that is the case, and these proverbs are taken from another culture, then it is beautiful to see how virtues and morals transcend culture and time. This passage communicates to rich, poor, believers, pagans, male, female, ancient and modern. Orthodox Jewish rabbi’s have included this passage in a book of prayers that is read aloud once a week in the Jewish home, as they recognize that it speaks to every member in the home.

As a single woman in college with no current romantic ties, it would be easy for me to dismiss Proverbs 31 as applicable to me in any way at this time. However, my international friends keep pointing out that the habits and lifestyle I embrace during this time will be carried over into married life. And so I examine my tendencies in the light of Scripture and see what implications they offer that I can apply to my daily life now.

The proverbs 31 woman is a faithful steward of not only her home, but any opportunities that come her way to improve the standard of living that she and her loved ones have. She is physically fit (verse 17) and tasteful in food (verse 14). However, it is clear from the rest of the passage that she is a shrewd businessperson (verses 18, 24, etc). Therefore, she is going to eat well but also get her money’s worth. I have recently discovered that the spice Cardamom is an amazing substance that is good in pretty much anything; meat, tea, desert, etc. However, it is between $10 and $15 at Kroger. I discovered to my joy that it is only $3.50 at World Market, just down the road. While more convenient to buy all groceries at once, this Scripture passage encourages putting forth the effort to be frugal while at the same time eating well.

Not only does the woman care for herself and her family, but this woman makes time for others (verse15b and 20). It is easy for me to explain away my time towards being a faithful student and upbeat employee, but if I use all my time for myself and do not show compassion towards those around me, I am not being virtuous. Right now this takes various forms; praying for and with my room mates, sending my family encouragement as they try to rebuild their lives from several hard events that took place last year, or simply taking my friend who is an international student grocery shopping.

The second implication in my life is comparing the kind of man described in Proverbs 31:10-31. The emphasis is on the woman, but the husband is mentioned. He trust her (verse 11), and he is well known amongst the elders who sit at the gate (verse 23). He praises his wife openly (verse 28). In biblical times, if a man sat amongst the elders at the gate, it meant that he was respected and wise. He was intelligent. A Proverbs 31 man is one who is willing to open his heart to his wife, trusts her judgment, talks about her to his friends and coworkers, and is godly and intelligent as well. He also allows her a great deal of freedom to fulfill her calling and use her gifts and talents. The husband does not keep his wife from conducting many business transactions that take her out of the home. She is free to buy and sell property without her husband’s permission, and interacts a good deal with merchants and international tradesmen who consider her work. The husband is not with her; he is at the gates. He trusts her to have such interactions and praises her for them. This leads me to my third implication.

I have always recognized the gender roles the Lord has placed upon men and women. Obviously the man is the head of the family and the house. However, it is clear that there is a partnership occurring in this scripture passage. This woman completes her tasks in the home, but many of her activities take her out of the home. While her husband receives praise for her generosity, creativity, and wisdom, this is not the main point. She does it because it is the sensible thing to do. She would do it even if it did not reflect directly on her husband’s good name, although she certainly would avoid it if there were any risk at damaging it. The partnership between the man and woman to fulfill their life’s calling in a complimentary way is evident. When the time comes for me to consider a spouse, that will be a matter of strong consideration. Can I partner with this man? Does he expect me to do nothing to contribute to the ministry God has called him to? Does he expect me to do all the work for the ministry and simply collect the glory for himself? Does he want to do all the work and let me collect the praise or not allow me to do anything to contribute? Or can we both work together, as brother and sister in Christ and also as man and woman, strengthening and encouraging one another to fulfill God’s calling in each others life?

The three implications again are as follows: How do I apply these things in my daily life, and how are they manifested in men I prayerfully notice. Finally, following the mentalities and lifestyles indicated, will a potential spouse be a life partner, following the scriptural roles given and indications of this passage?

BIBLIOGRAPHY

Crossway Publishers, The ESV Study Bible (Wheaton, Illinois: Crossway Publishers 2008)

Phillips, John Exploring Proverbs, Volume Two: An Expository Commentary (Grand Rapids, MI: Kregel Publications, 1996)

Plant, Gunther W. Book of Proverbs (New York, NY: Union of American Hebrew Congregations, 1961)