Scripture: Proverbs 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 strength 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.

10 . 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 She holds the distaff and grasps the spindle with her fingers in her hand. 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 sits among the elders of the land.

24 She makes linen garments, 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

"Faith is taking the first step even when you don't see the whole staircase." – Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

"Without faith it is impossible to please God" Hebrew 11:6

As we enter 2025, the wisdom of Proverbs 31 resonates with renewed clarity. Often celebrated for depicting a virtuous woman, this chapter offers lessons for all who seek to live by faith with purpose and integrity. King Lemuel's mother imparts timeless counsel about leadership, character, and the impact of a life well-lived. Let us explore three key lessons from Proverbs 31 that can shape our journey in this new year.

Lead with Justice and Compassion

King Lemuel's mother begins with a charge to her son: "Speak up for those who have no voice, for the justice of all who are dispossessed. Speak up, judge righteously, and defend the cause of the oppressed and needy" (Proverbs 31:8-9).

This counsel emphasizes the responsibility of leadership to advocate for the vulnerable. Whether we lead in our families, workplaces, or communities, we are called to act with justice and compassion. Jesus exemplified this in His ministry, declaring, "The Spirit of the Lord is on me…to set the oppressed free" (Luke 4:18).

Cultivate Strength and Diligence

The description of the noblewoman in Proverbs 31 highlights her industrious nature: "She evaluates a field and buys it; she plants a vineyard with her earnings. She draws on her strength and reveals that her arms are strong" (Proverbs 31:16-17).

This imagery inspires us to approach 2025 with diligence and intentionality. Whether setting goals or managing daily responsibilities, we are reminded that excellence requires effort. Paul encourages believers: "Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters" (Colossians 3:23).

Fear the Lord Above All Else

Proverbs 31 concludes with this powerful reminder: "Charm is deceptive and beauty is fleeting, but a woman who fears the Lord will be praised" (Proverbs 31:30). While the world often values external accomplishments or appearances, this verse calls us to prioritize our relationship with God.

The fear of the Lord is not about terror but reverence. It's a posture of humility and trust in His sovereignty. The psalmist echoes this truth: "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom; all who follow His precepts have good understanding" (Psalm 111:10).

A Call to Action

Dr. King's words remind us that faith propels us forward, even when the future is uncertain. As we stand at the threshold of 2025, Proverbs 31 challenges us to lead with justice, work with diligence, and walk in reverence before God.

This year, let us live with a noble purpose, remembering that our lives can testify to God's grace and wisdom. Through acts of service, personal growth, or spiritual devotion, our efforts may reflect the beauty of a life anchored in Christ.

Action Steps:

Reflect on Proverbs 31:8-9 and identify one way to advocate for the vulnerable in your community.
Choose a verse from Proverbs 31 to meditate on weekly, allowing its truths to shape your character.
Set aside time at the start of each day to seek God's guidance for your actions and decisions.

As 2025 unfolds, may we strive to embody the qualities praised in Proverbs 31, trusting that our labor in the Lord is never in vain.

Buy

0 comments

When the Godly Seem Silent

Standing Firm in the Face of Adversity

Where is God

A Song of Justice and Refuge

Crowned with Glory and Honor

See all posts from Living Bible Hub