Proverbs 31: Week Forty-Four | The Wolfe Notes

Welcome to week forty-four of our Proverbs 31 journey. This week, we wrap up the virtue of strength and introduce being well-spoken. 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 exercised strength in Jesus from Proverbs 31:17 and 25.
• In November, we are rehearsing being well-spoken by looking to Proverbs 31:26 and 28.

If you're ready to travel with us, welcome! Grab your October or November 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:

*Connections between Proverbs 31:17 and 25
*Altered Definition considering the two verses.

*I am Strong because...

Define Well-Spoken and consider how you personally relate to it.
Proverbs 31:26 Noting key words and phrases.
*Initial Interpretation of Proverbs 31:26
What is Weird? Researching something unusual about Proverbs 31:26.

*Connections

Between Proverbs 31:17 and 25

Proverbs 31:17 She girdeth her loins with strength and strengtheneth her arms.

Proverbs 31:25 Strength and honor are her clothing, and she shall rejoice in time to come. 

• She: Wisdom / Jesus / Bride of Christ / Godly woman 
• Girdeth her loins with strength / strength is her clothing: she prepares herself with truth / stands firm / on guard
• Strengtheneth her arms / honor is her clothing: helps others
• shall rejoice in time to come: because of her actions and the spirit with which she performs them

*Conclusions: I actually did not realize how similar these two verses were. Strengthen yourself to bring honor to your King, and you will rejoice in time to come.

*Altered Definition

Considering the two verses.

STRONG: well-established in God's truth, unshakeable, so that from this foundation, you can serve others which will honor God.

*I am Strong

because...

(You are with me.)

• Personally, I know I'm not alone. I know the source of my strength - His truth - and how to live honorably - by accepting, reflecting, and testifying to His righteousness.
• Relationally, I seek God's approval over the approval of others and treat them as God would want me to - through service in love even when they mistreat me. I forge relationships with people who also find strength in God and seek to follow Him so He can be glorified in them.
• Spiritually, I seek to put aside my thoughts, desires, attitudes, and replace them with His truth. I remember that my job is to bring Him honor, not to seek it for myself.

*Disclaimer: These statements do not describe me all the time. Instead, they serve as reminders of how I have thought and acted successfully at one time so I can think or act this way again.

Define Well-Spoken

And consider how you personally relate to it.

From Merriam-Webster:

1. speaking well, fitly or courteously
2. spoken with propriety, in a way that is proper, suitable, appropriate

*Personal Connection: Gah! How I try to improve the way I speak to others as you can see in these two posts: "Lent Challenge" and "Communication is a Responsibility". Yet unceasingly, I am overcome by grouchiness and words spill out I don't want to say.

What's more, sometimes I validate harshly spoken words: "They need to know they crossed a line"; "I deserve to be treated better than this"; "Why does it always have to be about them, anyway?".

Even now, I find myself wondering if it isn't okay to establish firm boundaries and let people know when they've crossed a line. And I think it is our responsibility to do so, when done respectfully. 

Certainly, a growth area of mine is learning to be well-spoken: to speak words like honey in every circumstance (Proverbs 16:24), to season my words with salt (Colossians 4:6), and to remember everything I say either adds life or death. So, I must choose life. It's what I was chosen to do.

Proverbs 31:26

Noting key words and phrases.

She openeth her mouth / with wisdom; / and in her tongue / is the law of kindness.

Key Words: opens, mouth, tongue, wisdom, law of kindness 

*Initial Interpretation

Of Proverbs 31:26

Whenever she (Wisdom / The Bride of Christ / a Godly wife) speaks, God honoring thoughts, direction, and suggestions, pour out; and her conversation is laced with genuine concern for others to lead them to life.

What is Weird?

Researching something unusual about Proverbs 31:26.

Is there a law of kindness? Or is this verse speaking poetically or generally - appealing to common sense?

• "Law of Love" is meant here. We are only meant to bless and benefit others, which sometimes may take the form of a rebuke. - Revival Ministries
• Love your neighbors as yourself. - Anne Elliot
• Our actions should be animated and regulated by love through gracious kindness and ready empathy. - Pulpit
• Law of love is grace and mercy which is the law of Christ (Carry each other's burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ. Galatians 6:2) - Gill

*Conclusions: No. There is no official law of kindness but many interpretations of what it looks like.

Final Thoughts

Some might not consider that these three words relate: strength, wisdom, and kindness. Yet, it takes strength to make the right choice. It takes strength to be kind in the face of adversity. And, it takes wisdom to understand what the kind choice is.

Growing with You,

Ready for Week Forty-Five?

Sample these related posts:

To review last week's notes.

To return to the beginning of the notes on strength.

To accept communication as a responsibility.

To overcome grouchiness.

To ready yourself to speak kind words.

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