6/20 Proverbs 31 - Wise Wives

Proverbs 31 is known for its instruction for an Excellent Wife. Although this chapter can be intimidating, today, we'll discuss how God will give wisdom to anyone who desires to follow these wise words in their home. Join us! 

1. Verse 1 tells us that the proverbs in this chapter were the words of King Lemuel. According to the podcast, who might he be? Ultimately, do we need to know his identity?

2. Proverbs 31 can be pretty intense. Yet, verse 1 tells us who first taught these principles to King Lemuel. Who was that? Does this help us accept these truths? Ultimately, should that matter to us?

3. In verse 3, why do you think Lemuel’s mom warns the king about giving his strength to women? What does this look like? According to verse 3, why is this a problem?

4. What is being warned about in verses 4 to 7? According to these verses, who should not be drinking wine or strong drink? Why? In these verses, what exception is given as a sensible use of alcohol? What might be a modern application of this principle?

5. Verses 8 & 9 speak of the influence that kings have. Who (or whom) should they be using their influence for? What might this look like in our day and age?

6. The podcast mentioned that verses 10 to 31 form an acrostic in the Hebrew language. Why do you think King Lemuel’s mother gave him these principles in this acrostic format? How important do you think this acrostic was for him to remember this all those years later?

7. Read over verses 10 to 31.

a. What principles do you see regarding how a wise wife relates to her husband?

b. What principles relate to how she handles her children?

c. What principles relate to how she handles her home?

8. If you’re a wife, take a moment and evaluate how your own life conforms (or does not conform) to these principles. Are there any areas where you need to improve?

9. If you’re not a wife, read over verses 10 to 31 and write down the principles that are generic enough that the principle relates to everyone. Are there any principles here that are exclusive to wives?

10. As you reflect on the principles of the Wise & Excellent Wife, is this standard “impossible”? As you reflect on how we have any spiritual growth, what spiritual realities must be present within a person to live according to this chapter? How might you grow in these spiritual realities, in order that you may grow in the principles from this chapter?

 

The Key Chapters Bible Podcast is a daily, 15ish minute podcast that goes over the key chapters of the Bible, one per day, explaining how it fits into the overall message of God and how it relates to our lives now. Jump in today or start back in Genesis 1!

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