PROVERBS 31
INTRODUCTION
This final chapter of Proverbs was written by a man whose name was Lemuel.
Nothing more is known of him, unless this was a “penname” for someone else,
such as Solomon.
The first nine verses give us a series of short points that his mother
knew he needed. They cover some of the same issues that we have noted
all through the book (fornication, alcohol, lawlessness, and using right
principles to judge people and their circumstances).
The rest of the chapter is an always useful lesson about the “virtuous
woman.” Virtue has these three characteristics: duty, determination,
and courage.
DISCUSSION
I. SHE DOES HER DUTY (31:11-16).
A. To her husband
(vv. 11,12).
B. To her family (vv. 13-16).
II. SHE IS DETERMINED (31:17).
A. She is totally committed to it.
B. She puts first things first.
C. She has many examples to follow.
III. SHE IS COURAGEOUS (31:18-27).
A. Her work is of the finest quality (vv. 18,19).
B. She provides for the needs of others (vv. 20,21,24).
C. She clothes herself properly (v. 22).
D. She is a crown to her husband (v. 23).
E. Godliness is her goal (vv. 25-27).
CONCLUSION: What are the results of all of this (vv. 28-31)?
A. Her children respect her (v. 28).
B. Her husband praises her (v. 28).
C. She has excelled (v. 29).
D. The Lord praises her (v. 30).
E. She shall be rewarded (v. 31).
IN LIGHT OF ALL OF THESE THINGS,
HOW HARD IS IT TO KNOW WHAT
A VIRTUOUS WOMAN REALLY IS?
QUESTIONS ON CHAPTER 31
1. Where did King Lemuel learn the words of chapter 31?
2. “Give not thy strength to _________” (v.3).
3. Kings and princes should not _______ ________ (v. 4).
4. When should he open his mouth (vv. 8,9)?
5. What three things are found in virtue (see the outline on the other side)?
6. Write the words of verse 10:
7. Whose heart can trust in the virtuous woman (v.11)?
8. What does she do for him all the days of her life (v.12)?
9. What kinds of works does she do (verses 13-22)?
10. What kinds of things does she talk about (v. 26)?
11. How does she compare with the sluggard of chapter 6 (v. 27)?
12. What are the results of her life (vv. 28-31; see the CONCLUSION of the outline)?
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