--the answer to this age-old question is pending in the hearts of many young men today. Dr. Toya Flakes captivated the minds of students at RAM as she expounded on the proverb describing such a woman. She thought it important to note that the 31st Proverb is not addressing women--No. Rather, the proverb is addressing young men as they pursue the ideal companion-- a lovely, strong, God-fearing woman. Here are a few key points that Dr. Flakes made.
1. A virtuous woman is strong. In verse 10, the word virtuous, describing the woman, is the same Hebrew word that the Bible uses to describe a "valiant man" or "man of strength" (see I Kings 1:42 and 1:52). This suggests that being strong and brave are not gender specific characteristics; rather, just as a God-fearing man, a good woman should exude courage and strength in her ambitions and in the things of God.
2. A virtuous woman is a partner who compliments her husband. In return, she should be well-esteemed. Verse 11 says "the heart of her husband doth safely trust in her, so that he shall have no need of spoil". In other words, a man should have complete confidence in his wife-- that she is more precious than gain, more important than his own ambitions. In essence, he should consider her a treasure that is priceless. Furthermore, the phrase he shall have no need in the text is the same Hebrew phrase that is used in Psalms 23: "the Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want" (verse 1). Again, this reaffirms the role of a wife-- to fulfill and to compliment the husband, just as the Good Shepherd fulfills and supplies the needs of His sheep.
3. A virtuous woman is confident. As verse 18 says, "she perceiveth that her merchandise is good". In other words, she is confident that the "merchandise" or the qualities that she possess are good. The word perceieveth is also the Hebrew word for taste (as in "taste and see that the Lord is good" Psalms 34:8). In order to taste something, one must personally experience it. In the case of the virtuous woman, she has experienced herself and is sure that she has something of great value to offer.
And so the question presents itself: Who can find a virtuous woman? The truth is a good woman (as well as good a man) is hard to come by. However, I believe that as one aligns his or herself with the word of God, "no good thing will he [God] withhold from them that walk uprightly" -- this, of course, includes the blessing and favor of an ideal companion (Psalms 84:11).
So in the words of Corinne Baliey Rae, "Love's on its way"-- only if that love is grounded in Jesus Christ.
Be encouraged young people,
--Tre Michael
1. A virtuous woman is strong. In verse 10, the word virtuous, describing the woman, is the same Hebrew word that the Bible uses to describe a "valiant man" or "man of strength" (see I Kings 1:42 and 1:52). This suggests that being strong and brave are not gender specific characteristics; rather, just as a God-fearing man, a good woman should exude courage and strength in her ambitions and in the things of God.
2. A virtuous woman is a partner who compliments her husband. In return, she should be well-esteemed. Verse 11 says "the heart of her husband doth safely trust in her, so that he shall have no need of spoil". In other words, a man should have complete confidence in his wife-- that she is more precious than gain, more important than his own ambitions. In essence, he should consider her a treasure that is priceless. Furthermore, the phrase he shall have no need in the text is the same Hebrew phrase that is used in Psalms 23: "the Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want" (verse 1). Again, this reaffirms the role of a wife-- to fulfill and to compliment the husband, just as the Good Shepherd fulfills and supplies the needs of His sheep.
3. A virtuous woman is confident. As verse 18 says, "she perceiveth that her merchandise is good". In other words, she is confident that the "merchandise" or the qualities that she possess are good. The word perceieveth is also the Hebrew word for taste (as in "taste and see that the Lord is good" Psalms 34:8). In order to taste something, one must personally experience it. In the case of the virtuous woman, she has experienced herself and is sure that she has something of great value to offer.
And so the question presents itself: Who can find a virtuous woman? The truth is a good woman (as well as good a man) is hard to come by. However, I believe that as one aligns his or herself with the word of God, "no good thing will he [God] withhold from them that walk uprightly" -- this, of course, includes the blessing and favor of an ideal companion (Psalms 84:11).
So in the words of Corinne Baliey Rae, "Love's on its way"-- only if that love is grounded in Jesus Christ.
Be encouraged young people,
--Tre Michael