Before actually starting our study of Proverbs 31, I thought it would be good to have a brief look at the intent and structure of the book of Proverbs.
About the book of Proverbs
Proverbs is a book classically known as a collection of wise sayings which are associated with King Solomon. The book brings out in the opening verses:
Proverbs 1:2-4 "To know wisdom and instruction, to understand words of insight, To receive the instruction in wise dealing, in righteousness, justice, and equity; To give prudence to the simple, knowledge and discretion to the youth."
This book is so important to grasp, as is every other book in the bible! Proverbs gives clear instruction and application of Gods wisdom for our lives. It is important for us to be renewing our minds with Gods word so that our thinking is biblical and so our actions should follow in a biblical pattern.
Not only does Proverbs provide us with all things that we need to know to be wise, it also stresses to the reader to actually seek out wisdom and to become wise.
Read Proverbs chapter 2
Proverbs is not a fairy tale and is not just a book of wise sayings from a rich man who had many wives. Let us remember, it is a book inspired by God. It instructs us to know wisdom and instruction, to have understanding, to be able to conduct ourselves wisely, righteously and justly. Please read the following verses and write them out.
*Proverbs 2:4
*Proverbs 3:13-14
*Proverbs 8:10-11
The style of the proverbs by Elisabeth George
"The book of Proverbs is a form of poetry in the Hebrew language. But unlike English poetry with its rhyme and meter, Hebrew poetry uses what is called parallelism. As you'll soon see, each proverb, or saying, usually has two lines, each with a parallel relationship to the other."
To communicate wisdom through poetry, the book of Proverbs generally uses three types of parallelism, or line structure to create a poetic effect. As you learn about parallelism, look in your bible at the verses indicated and make notes regarding the wisdom found there.
SYNONYMOUS PARALLELISM - Here the meaning in the first line is paralleled by a similar meaning in the second line.
*Proverbs 1:2
*Proverbs 31:20
ANTITHETICAL PARALLELISM - Here the first line is the opposite of or contrasted with the second line, which usually begins with the word "but".
*Proverbs 10:1
*Proverbs 31:30
SYNTHETIC PARALLELISM - Here the second line simply continues the thought of the first line with the second line usually starting with "and"."
*Proverbs 3:6
*Proverbs 31:13
Heart Probing Time
It is going to be a challenging study ahead of us. This passage can be the most daunting passage of scripture to most woman in this world in our day and age. The standards of the roles of a woman have been so corrupted by worldly wisdom, as we know it today, that this Proverbs 31 woman may even sound impossible, ridiculous and in complete contradiction to your own personal dreams and ambitions. However, we want to keep Gods Word central and let His Word renew our minds so that we can please our Lord.
I am constantly reminded that Gods ways are higher than our ways. When I try to attain to Gods ways in my own strength, I fail miserably and want to give up. I constantly seem to have to learn the lesson to depend on God for everything I say and I do. I am always reminded that it is only when we are humble before God, depending entirely on Him, that we can bring glory to him as He equips us to run the race before us with Grace from Him.
So lets humble ourselves before God, submit to His word and cry out to Him that He will change our hearts so that we can Glorify Him as true biblical woman.
Homework:
1. Read Proverbs 31.
2. Have you read Proverbs 31 before?
3. How do you honestly feel when you read it and when you compare the passage to your own life?
4. Write down your prayer to the Lord as to how you want the Lord to work with you during our study. Please include some points that you mentioned in the previous question.
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SOURCES:
Discovering the Treasures of a Godly woman, Lesson 1 by Elizabeth George
Apologetics Study Bible, Introduction to Proverbs
Verses quoted are from the ESV version
WRITTEN BY:
Natalie Rogers
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