March 9, 2010 Lesson 21 of Proverbs 31

Sorry this is a day late....
What three virtues did King Lemuel’s mother urge upon him (v 1-9)? Are they any less necessary for all who will occupy positions of responsibility? Answer: two major temptations of royalty; 1) sexual promiscuity, and 2) drunkenness. As well as 1 mandate to protect the poor.

Make a list of the qualities of the ideal housewife as depicted in verses 10-31. Answer: noble character; works hard for the family (bringing good clothing and food, and prepares it all without complaint before anyone asks for it), wise in her spending, giving to poor, her husband is respected in the city, strength and dignity, wise in her teaching, not idle, children call her blessed and her husband praises her, and above all fears the Lord.

Notes:
Read verses 6-7 in the light of verses 4-5 i.e. as ‘a cutting reminder that an administrator has better things to do than anaesthetize himself’ (Proverbs (TOTC) p. 182).
Verse 10. ‘Noble’: the Hebrew word includes both moral worth and practical efficiency. Cf. 12:4 Ruth was such an one. See Ruth 3:11.
V18b. This does not mean that she worked all night, but that her house was well ordered and ready against emergencies. Cf.13:9.