Wednesday, February 13, 2013

A Proverbs 31 Man?


Carol Howard Merritt issued the challenge of what a Proverbs 31 man might look like.  Below is my interpretation of what an 'Ode to a Capable Husband' might look like.  

A capable husband who can find?
He is more precious than silver or gold.

He never gives his wife reason to doubt, and in return she trusts him completely. He will find fulfillment wherever he turns.

He is faithful to his wife, serving her as a valued treasure rather than an object or possession. Each day of his life is devoted to her, and his time is not spent comparing her to others.

He knows what it is to be tired from hard work, and he seeks to contribute, rather than just be entertained.

There are no limits to how far he will go to provide. He does not lounge in bed, waiting for life to meet his every need. He gets up early and gets to work, within the home or without, not grumbling the obligations he has. When opportunities present themselves, he seizes them, rather than lamenting the things that have passed.

His mind and his body are tools that he has, and he cares for them both, a good steward of his gifts.

He is willing to stay up late, to rise early, to do whatever is necessary to fulfill his purpose. Hard work is a path he is eager to trod.

When others come to him with needs, he does not see them as a threat, but rather takes the opportunity to share his blessings. Also, those in his family are prepared for the storms of life, for rather than spend frivolously on himself, he has invested in his family. He, too, is richly dressed for the part he has to play.

His wife is respected in the town, well-thought of by others. He contributes to her reputation and spirit by honoring and respecting her, seeing her as an equal rather than a servant.

He engages in trade, using his gifts to make products to sell.

He is strong and courageous, yet courteous and kind. He lives with integrity and faithfulness, laughing easily, but appropriately. When he speaks, he does so thoughtfully, and kindly, aware of the power of his words, careful not to abuse the trust he has earned.

He cares for his family, ensuring that his life is dedicated to them, rather than investing his time in seeking ease and comfort for himself alone. His children honor their parents and extol their father, and his wife recognizes his dedication and praises him. She tells him that he is the best among those husbands who seek faithfulness and perseverance.

Looks and easy flirtations will not endure—but a man who is faithful to God is worthy of honor and respect. May he be successful in his work, and may his deeds speak to his integrity throughout the city.

2 comments:

Unknown said...

Kim said...

Solomon wrote and/or collected Proverbs and passed that wisdom along to his son(s). He was a well rounded teacher. He taught his son(s) about the disadvantages of being foolish. He admonished his son(s) to exercise wisdom. Then, at the end of Proverbs, he made sure his son(s) understood the description and value of a virtuous wife. In most Christian circles, males are taught to recognize and expect a virtuous wife. Solomon was a very well rounded and thorough teacher. He addressed the responsibilities of BOTH MEN and WOMEN, yet the Christian community often fails to follow Solomon's teaching example and address both sides. Far too many Christians have become comfortable and satisfied ONLY studying the description of the virtuous wife while OMITTING the rest of Proverbs and the valuable descriptions and lessons it has to offer.

Unknown said...

Proverbial Man of Noble Character
A wise man will hear and increase in learning, And a man of
understanding will acquire wise counsel. Pro 1:5
Reprove a wise man and he will love you. Pro 9:8
Give instruction to a wise man and he will be still wiser, Teach a
righteous man and he will increase his learning. Pro 9:9
...a man of understanding holds his peace. Pro 11:12
The generous man will be prosperous, And he who waters will himself bewatered. Pro 11:25
A good man will obtain favor from the LORD. Pro 12:2
A wise man is he who listens to counsel. Pro 12:15
A prudent man overlooks an insult. Pro 12:16
A righteous man hates falsehood... Pro 13:5
Every prudent man acts with knowledge. Pro13:16
He who walks with wise men will be wise. Pro 13:20
A good man leaves an inheritance to his children's children. Pro 13:22
The sensible man considers his steps. Proverbs 14:15
A wise man is cautious and turns away from evil. Pro 14:16
He who is slow to anger has great understanding. Pro 14:29
A man of understanding walks straight. Pro 15:21
...he who has a cool spirit is a man of understanding. Pro17:27
House and riches are the inheritance of fathers Pro 19:14
What is desirable in a man is his kindness. Pro 19:22
A righteous man who walks in his integrity-- How blessed are his sons
after him. Pro 20:7
A wise man scales the city of the mighty And brings down the stronghold
in which they trust. Pro 21:22
A prudent man sees danger, and hides himself... Pro 22:3, 27:12
A wise man is strong, And a man of knowledge increases power. Pro 24:5
For a righteous man falls seven times, and rises again, But the wicked
stumble in time of calamity. Pro 24:16
A faithful man will abound with blessings, But he who makes haste to
be rich will not go unpunished. Pro 28:20
A fool always loses his temper, But a wise man holds it back. Pro 29:11

New Bible translations use the word person in these verses, but older translations use the words man or he.