Tag: Solomon

Recently, I had the opportunity to build out a sermon based on Proverbs 31. I’ll post it below. I hope you find it helpful.

MY MAMA TOLD ME (MAMA’S WISDOM)

Proverbs 31:1-31

• Proverbs 31 is often held up as a standard for Christian women.
• “The sayings of King Lemuel contain this message, which his mother taught him.” (Proverbs 31:1)
• Most of Proverbs is attributed to King Solomon, but Proverbs 31 was based on the sayings of King Lemuel, which were originally spoken to him by his mother.

• A “wise man” heeds the words of his Mother.
• What lessons can Men, Women, and Children learn from the sayings of King Lemuel’s mother that are helpful for us today?

Proverbs 31 Helps Us Understand the: ACTIONS OF A GODLY MAN

• What are some of the actions of a Godly Man?
• Proverbs 31 tells us that a Godly Man Searches for a Godly Wife.
  • “O my son, O son of my womb, O son of my vows, do not waste your strength on women, on those who ruin kings.” (Proverbs 31:2-3)
  • “Who can find a virtuous and capable wife? She is more precious than rubies. Her husband can trust her, and she will greatly enrich his life.” (Proverbs 31:10-11)
  • “Her husband praises her: ‘There are many virtuous and capable women in the world, but you surpass them all! (Proverbs 31:28-29)
• Proverbs 31 tells us that a Godly Man Lives a Godly Life.
  • Living a godly life includes avoiding intoxication. 
  • “It is not for kings, O Lemuel, to guzzle wine. Rulers should not crave alcohol. For if they drink, they may forget the law and not give justice to the oppressed. (Proverbs 31:4-5)
  • “Don’t be drunk with wine, because that will ruin your life. Instead, be filled with the Holy Spirit.” (Ephesians 5:18)
  • Living a godly life means developing a good reputation.
  • “Her husband is well known at the city gates, where he sits with other civic leaders.” (Proverbs 31:23)
  • Sitting at the city gates in Biblical times meant you were a leader, a decision maker, an influential man, and an administrator of justice. 
  • Living a godly life means supporting justice for the poor and oppressed.
  • “Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves; ensure justice for those being crushed. Yes, speak up for the poor and helpless, and see that they get justice.” (Proverbs 31:8-9) 
  • Jesus – “The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me, for He has anointed Me to bring Good News to the poor. He has sent Me to proclaim that captives will be released, that the blind will see, that the oppressed will be set free…” (Luke 4:18)

Proverbs 31 Helps Us Understand The: ACTIONS OF A GODLY WOMAN

• What are some of the actions of a Godly Woman?
• A Godly Woman is Virtuous.
  • “Who can find a virtuous and capable wife? She is more precious than rubies.” (Proverbs 31:10)
  • “Her husband can trust her, and she will greatly enrich his life. She brings him good, not harm, all the days of her life.” (Proverbs 31:11-12) 
• A Godly Woman is Industrious
  • “She finds wool and flax and busily spins it. She is like a merchant’s ship, bringing her food from afar. She gets up before dawn to prepare breakfast for her household and plan the day’s work for her servant girls. She goes to inspect a field and buys it; with her earnings she plants a vineyard. She is energetic and strong, a hard worker. She makes sure her dealings are profitable; her lamp burns late into the night. (Proverbs 31:13-18)
• A Godly Woman Provides for her Family and Cares for Others.
  • “She extends a helping hand to the poor and opens her arms to the needy. She has no fear of winter for her household, for everyone has warm clothes.” (Proverbs 31:20-21) 
• A Godly Woman is Spiritually Mature
  • “She is clothed with strength and dignity, and she laughs without fear of the future. When she speaks, her words are wise, and she gives instructions with kindness.” (Proverbs 31:25-26)
  • A godly woman is strong and courageous, filled with integrity, and always dignified. She is filled with faith in the Lord and is not anxious about what’s to come. Wisdom and kindness permeate her words and actions. 

Proverbs 31 Helps Us Understand the: ACTIONS OF GODLY CHILDREN

• What are some of the actions of Godly Children?
• Godly Children Bless Their Mothers.
  • “Her children stand and bless her.” (Proverbs 31:28)
  • “Honor your father and mother. Then you will live a long, full life in the land the Lord your God is giving you.” (Exodus 20:12)
  • Jesus set a great example by showing respect for His mother from the cross.
  • “When Jesus saw His mother standing there beside the disciple He loved, He said to her, ‘Dear woman, here is your son.’ And He said to this disciple, ‘Here is your mother.’ And from then on this disciple took her into his home.” (John 19:26-27)
• Godly Children Honor All Godly Women.
  • “Charm is deceptive, and beauty does not last; but a woman who fears the Lord will be greatly praised.” (Proverbs 31:30)
  • “Reward her for all she has done. Let her deeds publicly declare her praise.” (Proverbs 31:31)
  • Proverbs 31 women are worthy of the rewards they receive.

• The Lord expects us all to respect and honor the godly women in our lives.
• Who are the godly women in my life I can honor today?

*Image courtesy of Luemen Rutkowski