Proverbs 31: Week Forty-One | The Wolfe Notes

Welcome to week forty-one of our Proverbs 31 journey. If you'd like to return to one of our previous stops, let our "Wolfe Notes" guide you. 

• In January we examined our value with the help of Proverbs 31 verses 10 and 29.
• In February we learned what uplifting means by looking at Proverbs 31:11 and 23.
• In March, we considered the virtue of respect by studying Proverbs 31:12 and 28.
• In April, we trained to be hardworking with Proverbs 31:13 and 19 as our instructors.
• In May, we saw what it takes to be resourceful by examining Proverbs 31:14 and 21. 
• In June, we developed our caring muscle by exercising Proverbs 31:15 and 22.
• In July, we practiced being savvy with help from Proverbs 31:16 and 27.
• In August, we witnessed exemplary behavior outlined in Proverbs 31:18 and 31.
• In September, we found what being necessary looks like from Proverbs 31:20 and 24.
• In October, we will exercise strength in Jesus from Proverbs 31:17 and 25.

If you're ready to travel with us, welcome! Grab your October calendar with daily activities, the lamp for your feet (the Bible), and let's get going! We're journeying through the concluding poem of Proverbs and we're so glad you decided to walk along this road with us! Imagine that as we walk, we're talking about the daily activities. Our side of the discussion is outlined below. What would you add? How would you challenge us? (Ideas that are our thoughts alone are designated with an *.)

Contents:

Commentaries on Proverbs 31:17.
*As Christ's Bride apply Proverbs 31:17.

* Look at Roles to apply Proverbs 31:17.

*Godly Wisdom What Proverbs 31:17 reveals about God.
*Application of Proverbs 31:17 to our past, present, and future.
Cross References of Proverbs 31:17.
*Top 3 revelations from Proverbs 31:17

Commentaries

On Proverbs 31:17.

Phrase by Phrase

• She girdeth her loins with strength
• Energy, diligence. (Benson)
• Readiness to every good work - cheerfulness, spirit, and resolution (Gill)
• Psalm 93:1 KJV: The LORD reigneth, he is clothed with majesty; the LORD is clothed with strength, wherewith he hath girded himself: the world also is stablished, that it cannot be moved.
• Job 38:3 KJV: Gird up now thy loins like a man; for I will demand of thee, and answer thou me. (verses referenced by Pulpit)
• and strengtheneth her arms
• daily exercise; capable of great and continued exertion (Pulpit)
• does all she finds to do with all her might and main - as the church does - relying on Christ's strength, not on her own (Gill)
• Genesis 49:27 KJV: But his bow abode in strength, and the arms of his hands were made strong by the hands of the mighty God of Jacob; (from thence is the shepherd, the stone of Israel:)
• I Corinthians 16:13 KJV: Be watchful, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong.
• utmost strength in business; her prosperity is not short-lived (Poole)

Connections

• Practically: She is ready and able to pursue her prosperous industry.
• Spiritually: Strengthened by Christ, she is ready and able to face any fiery dart trained on her by the enemy.

*As Christ's Bride

Apply Proverbs 31:17.

As Christ's Bride, we can:

• Submit to Him by being ready and prepared to do His work. ("Open up the doors / we are ready, we are ready / we're crying out for more / In your presence we come alive" - "Endlessly" by Josh Baldwin)
• Respect Him by recognizing He is your strength.

Because He:

• Leads us by supplying us with what we need and setting the example for us.
• Loves us by serving us, seeing us, encouraging us, knowing what we need before we ask, being present, and taking over when we cannot.

*Look at Roles

To apply Proverbs 31:17.

A Helper:

• Submits to her husband by being familiar with his goals (emotional, spiritual, physical, relational, financial, etc.) and preparing herself to help him meet them.
• Respects her husband by wrapping herself in the support, provision, affection, and faithfulness he offers her.

Because a Keeper:

• Leads his wife by ensuring she is given what she needs and setting an example of loving like Christ - sacrificially, unconditionally, completely, faithfully, mercifully, etc. - in all circumstances.
• Loves his wife by serving her, seeing her, encouraging her, anticipating her needs, spending time with her, and taking over when she cannot. 

*Godly Wisdom

What Proverbs 31:17 reveals about God.

• Desires us to be strong, active, and ready.
• He is our strength.
• His arms support us, protect us, and enfold us.

*Application

Of Proverbs 31:17 to our past, present, and future.

• In the past, I DISREGARDED this verse. That girl who is strong and works out, that's just not me.
• Currently, I am CONVICTED. I am charged with being alert, ready, and able. What goals can I set today to ensure that I am?
• In the future, I hope that I WILL RISE to the call. When Jesus comes, that I'll be ready. When Satan attacks, that I stand firm against him. Able to defend myself because I am relying on the strength of Jesus within me. That going to God becomes my first response instead of my last resort. 

 

Cross References

Of Proverbs 31:17.

I Kings 18:46 And the hand of the Lord was on Elijah; and he girded up his loins, and ran before Ahab to the entrance of Jezreel.

• Context: Follows Elijah's challenge to Baal's prophets to prove which God was greater. The One True God won. (I Kings 18:19-39)
• Commentaries:
• "Hand of the Lord" suggests divine guidance or supernatural strengthening (Pulpit)
• "kept ahead" for a fourteen to sixteen mile stretch with Ahab riding and Elijah running. Shows 1) Honor to the sovereign, Ahab, by showing humility. 2) Strengthens resolve in the relationship by showing it was his sins and not his person that he had aversion to. (Pulpit & Gill)

Job 38:3 KJV Gird up now thy loins like a man; for I will demand of thee, and answer thou me.

• Context: God challenges Job after Job's been begging to plead his case to God.
• Commentaries: When God finally shows up, Job shrinks back. (Pulpit)

*Connections: God is on the move. Buckle up!

*Top 3

Revelations from Proverbs 31:17

1. Strengthen yourself in His truth so you are ready at any given moment.
2. We strengthen ourselves through God and God alone. When it comes from anywhere else, we weaken ourselves.
3. We prepare ourselves for God's work by studying His word and building a relationship with Him through communication (prayer) and faithfulness (obedience). 

Final Thoughts

Beloved, you are called to serve the King of Kings and Lord of Lords. It is a service of love, completed in truth by grace. Rise to your calling. Your time is now.

Growing with You,

Ready for Week Forty-Two?

Sample these related posts:

To review last week's post on Proverbs 31:17.

To turn down the bread of idleness.

To be alert while it is yet night.

To define strength as virtue.

To find strength in humility.

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