Woman of the Bible Challenge: Proverbs

This month I'm flipping back to Proverbs, a challenge called out over Facebook.  October has 31 days and there are 31 chapters in proverbs....so a chapter a day.  I had to jump on board and tie it in with the Woman of the Bible Challenge so here we go.

Proverbs 1
Your mother- don't forsake her teaching.
Wisdom (personified to she)- vs. 33 "Whoever listens to me will live in safety and be at ease, without fear or harm."

Proverbs 2
Wayward wife-
-seductive words, left partner of youth, ignored covenant made before God
-her house leads to death, her paths to spirits of the dead
- v19 "none who go to her return or attain the paths of life."
WISDOM will save you from her.

Proverbs 3
She (wisdom)
-profitable
-precious
v. 15 "nothing you desire can compare to her"
v. 16 Long life, riches, honor
v. 17 her ways are pleasant ways, paths are peace
v. 18 tree of life to those who embrace her
     -will be blessed if you lay hold of her

Proverbs 4
Mother
Wisdom-will protect you, watch over you
Understanding- exalt you, honor you

Proverbs 5
Adulteress -lips drip honey, smooth speech,
     -she is bitter, her steps lead to the grave
     -gives no thought, doesn't know she's crooked
Wife of your youth- loving, graceful

Proverbs 6
Mother's teaching- will guide you, will watch over you, will speak to you
                                           -keeps you from the immoral woman, wayward wife
                                                     -prostitute- reduces you to a loaf of bread
                                                     -adulteress-preys upon your very life
Proverbs 7
Wisdom=sister
Prostitute-loud and defiant

Proverbs 8
Understanding

Proverbs 9
Wisdom
Maids
Folly- loud, undisciplined, without knowledge

Proverbs 10
Mother

Proverbs 11
Kindhearted woman- gains respect
Beautiful woman- shows no discretion

Proverbs 12
Wife (of noble character) - is her husband's crown
Wife (disgraceful)- deceitful

Proverbs 14
Woman (wise)- builds her house
Woman (foolish)- tears her house down

Proverbs 16
No woman here, but verse 9 really stood out to me, "In his heart a man plans his course, but the Lord determines his steps."

Proverbs 19
Wife (quarrelsome)=constant dripping
Wife (prudent)=from the Lord

Proverbs 20
Woman (wayward)

Proverbs 21
Wife (quarrelsome)
Wife (ill-tempered)

Proverbs 22
Adulteress-mouth=deep pit

Proverbs 23
Mother
Prostitute=deep pit
Wife (wayward)=narrow well

Proverbs 24
V. 14 "...if you find it, there is a future hope for you, and your hope will not be cut off!!!"

Proverbs 25
Wife (quarrelsome)

Proverbs 27
Woman (wayward)
Wife (quarrelsome)=constant dripping
Servant girls

Proverbs 28
Mother

Proverbs 29
Mother

Proverbs 30
Mothers
Daughters
Maiden
Adulteress-believes she does nothing wrong
Unloved married woman
Maidservant
Mistress

Proverbs 31
This is the chapter I've been most looking forward to since starting the Proverbs challenge because I knew that it would most fit right in with the Women of the Bible Challenge as well!

King Lemuel's Mother- she taught him an oracle
     -Basically what she taught her son made the Bible; which means what she had to say is pretty
       important and you should pay attention to your mom's lessons.
v. 3- don't spend your strength on women
v. 4- It's not for kings to drink wine or crave beer
v.8,9 "Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute.  Speak up and judge fairly, defend the rights of the poor and needy."

 

The Wife of Noble Character

-Not common

-Worth FAR more than rubies

-Husband has full confidence in her and lacks NOTHING of value

-"Brings husband good not harm ALL the days of her life"

-Hard working; eager to work

-Brings food from afar

-Gets up while still dark

-Provides food for her family & her servant girls

Considers purchases before making them and uses her vineyard for further provision

-Works vigorously

-Arms are strong

-Her trading is profitable (and she knows it)

-Her lamp does not go out at night

v. 19 "In her hand she holds the distaff and grasps the spindle"

  -this has multiple layers according to the definition of distaff that you use

   Distaff: (ACCORDING to Merriam-Webster)

     * A staff for holding the flax, tow or wool in spinning

     * A woman's work or domain

     * The female branch or side of a family

-Arms open to poor

-Hands extended to needy

-No fear (when it snows)

-Household clothed in scarlet

-Makes coverings for bed

-Clothed in fine linen and purple

-Husband is respected; takes seat among elders

-Makes lined garments and sells them; supplies the merchants with sashes

v 25 She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come

-She speaks with wisdom and gives faithful instruction

-Watches over her household; is not idle

-Her children call her blessed; her husband also praises her

- She surpasses many women's noble things

v. 30 Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.