Proverbs 31 Devotional Study
with Pastor Jason Van Bemmel
Forest Hill Presbyterian Church
www.foresthillpca.org
Proverbs 31 concludes the book of Proverbs with an address against the temptations of wine and the wrong kinds of women. King Lemuel is advised by his mother not to give his strength to women or to drink wine, as these can lead to the perversion of justice. Instead, the chapter contrasts these temptations with the picture of an excellent wife, who is trustworthy, reliable, diligent, hardworking, and faithful. This final section is an acrostic poem that describes an ideal woman. It is not meant to be a list of requirements for women, but rather a personification of wisdom. Wisdom, which begins with the fear of the Lord, is characterized by hard work, faithfulness, perseverance, and preparation. These qualities are more important than living for the moment. Ultimately, the call of Proverbs is to choose to live wisely, heeding the call of wisdom personified by Jesus Christ.
