2024_05_13 Insight Post- Kim Feld
This week’s reading- Proverbs 31:10-31
Over the years, I have heard many views expressed by women regarding the Proverbs 31 Woman. Some see her as a model to aspire to; others see her as another instance of impossibly high standards for women. She does it all.
Proverbs is one of the books of the Bible known as Wisdom books. Throughout the book of Proverbs, we see wisdom personified as a woman. Look at Proverbs 1:20 (NIV):
“Out in the open wisdom calls aloud,
she raises her voice in the public square;”
The Hebrew word for wisdom is hokmâ, which means skill in learning about life or spiritual things. In Proverbs 1:1, Solomon writes that the proverbs are for gaining wisdom and instruction. The book of Proverbs is bookended by the subject of wisdom. Wisdom is an attribute of God – one that Solomon says He gives to us. Look at Proverbs 2:6 (NIV):
“For the Lord gives wisdom;
from his mouth come knowledge and understanding.”
In the New Testament, James reiterates this thought:
“If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.” James 1:5 (NIV)
Proverbs 31:10-31 is written as an acrostic of the Hebrew alphabet. It was traditionally recited by husbands and children during the Sabbath meal. Through portraying wisdom as a woman, we see its attributes in action. We see hokmâ being used in both life skills and spiritually, showing the word’s fullness. In essence, we are to use wisdom in every area of our lives.
In verse 26 of Proverbs 31, we see the woman speaking with wisdom and giving faithful instruction. Take a look at the verse in the NIV and then in the KJV:
“She speaks with wisdom,
and faithful instruction is on her tongue.”
“She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness.”
The Hebrew word for instruction is tôrâ or law – the same word used for the five books of the Old Testament that Moses wrote. I love how the KJV calls it the “law of kindness.” This was brought to my attention by a teaching I listened to by Beth Moore called “Law of Kindness.” It’s a five-part series that I highly recommend. You can find the reference below if you are interested. Still, the point I’m trying to make is the beautiful connection between wisdom and the law. Wisdom begins and ends in God – we cannot be wise alone. His wisdom is meant to permeate every facet of our lives. The wisdom personified through the Proverbs 31 Woman is intended for all of us.
Kim Feld
Executive Director of Education and Outreach
Reference: Moore, B. (Host). (2023). Law of kindness 1-5 [Audio podcast]. Living Proof Ministries. https://subsplash.com/livingproofwithbethmoore/messages/ms/+3qrx3m8