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The Proverbs 31 Man
Her husband is known in the gates when he sits among the elders of the land. Proverbs 31:23 (NASB)
Have you ever wondered how the guy in verse 23 of “our” chapter in
Proverbs managed to pop up out of nowhere to intrude in the sacred
territory of girl talk?! It rather annoyed me for a time because it
just seemed oddly placed and out of context. Also, this is material
we read only if we have eaten our spiritual Wheaties. We don’t
expect to see a male face peering in to our fragile Proverbs mirrors
of self-evaluation. This is the NBA club chapter. No Boys Allowed –
except by invitation.
Since there are no mistakes in the Bible, I decided I should give
God the opportunity to adjust my attitude. Thus, the “gates” where
the respected elders met was central to market activity and
government business. I can imagine the pillars of the community
huddled to share information and bounce opinions off one another. We
know the woman being honored in this chapter was well respected in
her community and by her husband. What I had overlooked was how her
husband had attached to his resume the fine distinction of having a
very industrious spouse. She was admired for her ambition, her
compassion and her expertise in matters of family, community service
and business. She was a jewel not to be overlooked. She feared the
Lord. We wouldn’t attempt to diminish her husband’s accomplishments.
He obviously was among the elders and well respected for his own
contributions. However, it appears that this Proverbs 31 man had the
added benefit of being identified by his wife’s reputation.
Do you see what I see? As well as being known for his reputation, he
is also known for hers. That can be good or that can be not so good.
The purpose for the unannounced visit in verse 23 is to simply
remind you and me of how our choices and the way we handle our
responsibilities affect more than ourselves. Our husbands and
families are known by our reputations as well as their own. Let us
be faithful to encourage one another in our high regard for the LORD
who has given us a standard and a means through Christ to be all He
calls us to be for His sake and the good of our families.
Charm is deceitful and beauty is vain, but a woman who fears the
LORD, shall be praised. Give her the product of her hands, and let
her works praise her in the gates. Proverbs 31:30-31 (NASB) May we
seek to be that woman by God’s grace.
Toni |
