Tags
At last, we come to the final chapter of Proverbs and arrive at the end, chapter 31, the Virtuous Woman. I’m not going to write much about this, beyond mentioning that it is a bit of scripture that has sometimes harmed women in the West, in the sense of being presented in the wrong heart, as in conveying feelings of inadequacy and judgement. The last thing women in the world need is more impossible standards no one could ever live up to, more feelings of condemnation, more doubts and fears.
It is actually an idealistic, romanticized, love song. Long ago Jewish men used to sing it to the women in their house, a song of praise and honor and admiration. Some still do, I have heard it and was beautiful, a tradition of blessing.
Something I like to ponder about Proverbs 31, it begins with, “The words of king Lemuel, the prophecy that his mother taught him.” Some people who track biblical lineage far better than I, have suggested these may actually be the words of Bathsheba, as remembered by her son. Not sure about that, but I do love a good biblical treasure hunt and the secrets just waiting to be revealed.
“Eshet chayil” is actually translated as, “a woman of valor,” be it an idealized allegory for wisdom or a literal love song speaking life over one’s own wife.
See, there's this thing called biology... 
It’s a shame this passage has been perverted, since it’s a reminder to one in a committed human partnership to show respect to the other, and how that respect might be shown (yes, this applies to husband AND wife). It’s not degrading, in fact, it demands that wives develop wisdom and discernment within themselves in order to care for a family if they desire. That was a pretty novel concept to demand that EVERYONE accepts responsibility, and we all should strive to humble ourselves so that we might have the room to grow and learn.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Well said! It’s really a lovely passage, but we people can make a mess of just about anything. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
I don’t know if this is doctrine or not, but I see here prefigured Mary. She is called blessed, and Luke tells us all future generations will call Mary blessed. It says she surpasses all women, and Elizabeth called Mary blessed among women. So perhaps this is not so much an admonition as a description. Ironic, that it is sung in households, and they did not perceive.
We all have a tendency to feel a little insecure when virtue is described. I’d want my children to find such a mate, but I’m glad I found one without getting anywhere close!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Meaning, I am nowhere close to an ideal standard. That was a little unclear. Heh.
LikeLiked by 1 person
A precursor to Mary, I like that. Interesting idea!
When it comes to spouses, I am so grateful to have an imperfect one. Never thought I’d say that, but it’s true. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Ha! Good point! It’s funny, but true. The imperfections of our spouses are a gift to us.
Perfection can be intimidating, too. I know someone whose husband left her after she had a conversion experience. He said she wasn’t the same woman.
LikeLiked by 1 person
IB, I’m glad you brought out that virtuous here means “valor”. The proverb does mention that strength and honor are her clothing. The Hebrew word means valor in the sense of valor in battle, military bravery. While that seems like a strange quality for a woman, woman are warriors. We fight the everyday battles of life. The battle to keep our families going, to feed, clothe, but also to heal, to minister, to train and discipline.
I had to do a study on Proverbs 31 for a talk I’m going to be giving at church, and yes, it does seem daunting, but if you look at it more in terms of qualities rather than the specific duties the woman carries out, I think it becomes less so. I also tend to look at it as a mark we can press toward, like our perfection in Jesus. 🙂
LikeLiked by 2 people
Pingback: Proverbs, the Last Eleven | See, there's this thing called biology...
Wow you finished Proverbs!!!!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks Slim! Yes I finished Proverbs. It was great fun, too. I encourage everyone to give it a try and go exploring 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
I think many immensely enjoyed it judging from the comments
LikeLiked by 1 person