1.This morning we are examining the question found in Proverbs 31:10: "Who can find a virtuous woman?" 2.This is an especially appropriate question for us to study on Mother's Day. 3.In our lesson we are concentrating on the information presented in vs.10-31. 4.However, we first need to point out that these verses contain information that is profitable for men and women. 5.These verses contain information that is profitable for men. a.We learn from vs.1 that King Lemuel wrote these words; however, he learned these important principles from his mother. 1)She was very concerned about her son's conduct. a)(vs.2-5) She wanted him to avoid behavior that would harm him. b)(vs.9) She wanted him to rule his people wisely. 2)Lemuel's conduct would not only affect himself -- his conduct would also affect the people he ruled. 3)It seems that Lemuel's mother wanted him to avoid the mistakes made by Solomon (1 Kings 11:1-4) and Ahab (1 Kings 16:30-32). 4)Lemuel's mother wanted him to understand that "a virtuous woman is a crown to her husband" (Proverbs 12:4). b.To help Lemuel find a good wife, his mother taught him this description of a virtuous woman. 6.These verses also contain information that is profitable for women. a.Christian women are to behave appropriately (1 Peter 3:1-4). b.Aged women are to teach these things to young women (Titus 2:3-5). 7.As we answer our question, let us first observe that . . .
Discussion:
I.AVIRTUOUSWOMANISVERYVALUABLE(vs.10)
A.In describing the value of a virtuous woman, "rubies" are mentioned. 1.Rubies are precious stones that are known for their beauty. 2.Their value makes them worth searching for. 3.A person who finds one has something very special. B.The value of a virtuous woman is "far above rubies." 1.A virtuous woman possesses a special kind of beauty. 2.She is a blessing to God, her family, and to others.
A.She is valuable because she has a very special relationship with her family. 1.She has a special relationship with her husband. a.She has the trust of her husband (vs.11). b.She always treats him properly (vs.12). c.She helps him to have a good reputation (vs.23). 2.She also has a special relationship with her children -- she tends to their needs. a.She sees that they are well-clothed (vs.21). b.She looks well to all their needs (vs.27). B.She is valuable because she possesses many good qualities. 1.She is industrious in that: a.she works with her hands (vs.13-14, 24) b.she plants a vineyard (vs.16) c.the quality of her workmanship is good, and she is not lazy (vs.18-19) d.she is able to take care of her own needs (vs.22). 2.She is diligent (vs.15). 3.She is strong and honorable (vs.17, 25). 4.She is also kind (vs.26). C.She is valuable because of her concern for the poor and needy (vs.20).
A.The virtuous woman is confident in her abilities, but she does not praise herself. B.She would not be so vain that she would have to boast about herself. C.However, she deserves to be highly praised by her children, her husband, and her own works.
Conclusion:
1.A very interesting question is asked in Proverbs 31:10: "Who can find a virtuous woman?" 2.The remainder of this chapter shows how "a virtuous woman" can be found. 3.She is a God-fearing woman who fulfills her responsibilities to God, to herself, to her husband, to her children, and to her fellow man. 4.Some have suggested that no woman can live up to these standards. 5.In the Old Testament we read about a woman who did. a.Her name was Ruth. b.Her future husband Boaz made this statement about her -- "for all the city of my people doth know that thou art a virtuous woman" (Ruth 3:11). 6.May God: a.richly bless all virtuous women b.help all of us to honor and respect our virtuous women.