The Strange and Beautiful End of Proverbs

When you go through a book of the Bible it's always interesting to find passages that are often lifted from that book for a single sermon or perhaps article and then realize how strange that passage is in relation to the rest of the book. 

Proverbs 31 is one such passage. The passage on the excellent wife gets a lot of play perhaps on Christian teaching and books but it comes at the end of a book devoted to teaching young people wisdom from their elders. 

Moreover, it focuses on what seems to be an impossible quest - to find a woman like this.

Proverbs 31:10–11 (ESV) An excellent wife who can find? She is far more precious than jewels. 11 The heart of her husband trusts in her, and he will have no lack of gain.

Some commentators relate this woman to Ruth from the time of the Judges. Ruth worked hard, she was trustworthy and loyal. She impressed all who knew her as she left her home and people to align with Israel for the sake of her mother-in-law to whom she had no legal binding upon the death of her husband. Ruth is an interesting comparison as she is not Jewish but a Moabite. Yet she exemplifies what to look for in a woman of excellence. 

When you read the rest of the passage extolling the virtues of this woman you are struck by how much it debunks the myth that women in scripture are considered second-class citizens. 

Proverbs 31:15–17 (ESV) She rises while it is yet night and provides food for her household and portions for her maidens. 16 She considers a field and buys it; with the fruit of her hands she plants a vineyard. 17 She dresses herself with strength and makes her arms strong.

By purchasing a field, she is a woman of means and influence and privilege in her society. 

By planting a vineyard she has a job for those of high society. 

She's considered strong in body and mind. 

This is not a poor woman, owning and dressing her family in scarlet and purple cloth:

Proverbs 31:21–22 (ESV) She is not afraid of snow for her household, for all her household are clothed in scarlet. 22 She makes bed coverings for herself; her clothing is fine linen and purple.

She empowers her husband in his success among the city leaders. 

Proverbs 31:23 (ESV) Her husband is known in the gates when he sits among the elders of the land.

She is described as influential. A teacher of wisdom:

Proverbs 31:25–26 (ESV) Strength and dignity are her clothing, and she laughs at the time to come. 26 She opens her mouth with wisdom, and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue.

She is respected in her house.

Proverbs 31:28 (ESV) Her children rise up and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her:

Where are the Bible critics concerning this incredible treatment of women here in Proverbs 31? Too busy cherry-picking passages from Genesis I suppose. 

The second to last verse drives home the important truth:

Proverbs 31:30 (ESV) Charm is deceitful, and beauty is vain, but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised.

In a book about wisdom, we end with the details of an invaluable wife. Why? Because the true author of wisdom is the Holy Spirit who cleanses and prepares the bride of Christ for Him. While the practical teaching of this text is clear, the higher spiritual truth is that all who love and know the Lord will be like this woman - strong, successful, respected, and admired. Whoever sold you on the idea that Christians should be schmucks was lying to you. There's an incomparable substance of life to those who know and follow Him.