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Applying Proverb 31 in todays world

rayquest

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Dear ALL !
Please can any one help me : how to apply Proverb 31
in todays world



Sayings of King Lemuel

31 The sayings of King Lemuel—an inspired utterance his mother taught him.

2 Listen, my son! Listen, son of my womb!
Listen, my son, the answer to my prayers!
3 Do not spend your strengtha]">[a] on women,
your vigor on those who ruin kings.

4 It is not for kings, Lemuel—
it is not for kings to drink wine,
not for rulers to crave beer,
5 lest they drink and forget what has been decreed,
and deprive all the oppressed of their rights.
6 Let beer be for those who are perishing,
wine for those who are in anguish!
7 Let them drink and forget their poverty
and remember their misery no more.

8 Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves,
for the rights of all who are destitute.
9 Speak up and judge fairly;
defend the rights of the poor and needy.

Epilogue: The Wife of Noble Character
10 b]">[b]A wife of noble character who can find?
She is worth far more than rubies.
11 Her husband has full confidence in her
and lacks nothing of value.
12 She brings him good, not harm,
all the days of her life.
13 She selects wool and flax
and works with eager hands.
14 She is like the merchant ships,
bringing her food from afar.
15 She gets up while it is still night;
she provides food for her family
and portions for her female servants.
16 She considers a field and buys it;
out of her earnings she plants a vineyard.
17 She sets about her work vigorously;
her arms are strong for her tasks.
18 She sees that her trading is profitable,
and her lamp does not go out at night.
19 In her hand she holds the distaff
and grasps the spindle with her fingers.
20 She opens her arms to the poor
and extends her hands to the needy.
21 When it snows, she has no fear for her household;
for all of them are clothed in scarlet.
22 She makes coverings for her bed;
she is clothed in fine linen and purple.
23 Her husband is respected at the city gate,
where he takes his seat among the elders of the land.
24 She makes linen garments and sells them,
and supplies the merchants with sashes.
25 She is clothed with strength and dignity;
she can laugh at the days to come.
26 She speaks with wisdom,
and faithful instruction is on her tongue.
27 She watches over the affairs of her household
and does not eat the bread of idleness.
28 Her children arise and call her blessed;
her husband also, and he praises her:
29 “Many women do noble things,
but you surpass them all.”
30 Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting;
but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.
31 Honor her for all that her hands have done,
and let her works bring her praise at the city gate.

thanks
 

SkyWriting

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Don't spend your days drinking and
don't cause harm to the poor.
Look for a good wife who is not lazy
and supports the family as she is capable.

Let me give two examples. My neighbor
while raising her children, had a daycare
sign in her yard for income while still at home.

Another lady I see sits with the garage door
open all day and drinks beer in a chair.

Stay away from door #2.
 
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rayquest

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thanks for you reply,
its unclear :
what is a good wife ?
how can i compare these qualities in today's world ?
what qualities should one look in female ?
Should i stay away from charming and beautiful women?
please can you explain in detail God-Fearing women attributes ?

thanks
again
 
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All4Christ

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Should i stay away from charming and beautiful women?

I don't believe that is implied in Proverbs 31. Rather, we should not marry someone just because they are beautiful and charming. Character and faith are more important.
 
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NJA

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Some people think of "her" as a charitable entrepreneur
But there are many business people who provide for their families and communities at home or abroad, "philanthropists".

However this passage is not talking about man's "good works", it is talking spiritually and can only be understood by people who are walking in the Spirit of God.
It is actually talking about such people!
They are the "bride" of Jesus.
I won't go through all verses ... v13: "She selects wool and flax and works with eager hands"

Wool is sheep's clothing, the love and goodness of God that keeps you warm in a spiritually cold environment.
Flax gives linen, seeing the situation as God sees it, to keep you cool in sticky situations (Pr. 17:27, "excellent" = cool)
 
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smithed64

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thanks for you reply,
its unclear :
what is a good wife ?
how can i compare these qualities in today's world ?
what qualities should one look in female ?
Should i stay away from charming and beautiful women?
please can you explain in detail God-Fearing women attributes ?

thanks
again

I believe #4 and #5 are both correct.
Sometimes the principle of a scripture can be more than on thing. Depends on how it's studied and what God wants you to gain from that scripture.

But Rayquest. Your first question should be.

Who is number one in my life? Are looking for that one, the one that satisfies you, the one that helps you out, the one that can be there full time, the one that can forgive you for everything you goof up on, The one that loves you and willing to sacrifice for you. Well then your number one should be Christ. A wife that puts Christ first, is a good wife.
Put Him first and He will take care to make sure you are with the right woman, because she would also make Christ her number one. And when that time comes, you and her will both put God before your relationship.
Don't try to compare the qualities of then to now. Because it's a different time and different culture. Women today aren't brought up to do those things they did back in those days.
As the old saying goes, beauty is on skin deep. But, When you met that one the Lord will and can lead you to. She'll be just right for you, in looks and bearing.
God fearing women attributes? Should be the same as a God fearing man. Christ first, prayer and reading of God's word daily, placing your trust in Christ for all things, loving your neighbor, and loving your wife more than you love yourself.
 
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graceandpeace

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Verses 8-9 can work as reminders of the Christian calling in the world. Similar calls are found throughout Scripture.

As for the whole "Proverbs 31" bit, my main takeaway from that passage is the importance of a person's character, devotion, faith. I think the modern application is to value these qualities of good character & faithfulness in other persons - men & women.

I sometime feel this passage (& others) gets used for sexist purposes against women, which pains me. Any application of the texts in a way that would limit others or inflict pain would not be Christian, IMO.
 
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