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The Proverbs 31 Man
Proverbs 31:10-31
Intro: I know that this passage seems like an unusual one for a Father’s Day theme. Think about how many times women have heard preaching about being the Proverbs 31 woman? Well, I want to talk to you men about being the Proverbs 31 man.
I. Responsible Provider.
It’s clear from this passage that the Proverbs 31 woman has great resources at her disposal:
-vs. 13 she seeks wool & flax
-vs. 14 brings food from afar
-vs. 15 rises early to cook
-vs. 16 plants a vineyard
-vs. 21 family is warmly clothed
-vs 22 has nice clothing (silk, purple, fine linen)
In these verses the Proverbs 31 woman is caring for three basic needs of life: Food, Clothing, Shelter.
How is she able to do all of this? Only by the faithful Provision of a Proverbs 31 Man! Look at these verses; the wife is not working a full time job outside the home to get money to do all these wonderful things for her family. She does sell some clothing she has made in vs. 24, but clearly she is not the primary money maker in the family.
The Proverbs 31 Man is a Responsible Provider.
Sir, you are not required to provide every luxury or convenience, but you are responsible for providing for the basic needs of the family; not Silk But Milk!
1 Tim 5:8 But if any provide not for his own, and specially for those of his own house, he hath denied the faith, and is worse than an infidel.
Romans 12:11- commands us to be “Not slothful in business.”
Every man must take seriously this matter of financial, material provision for his family.
The book of Proverbs contains 12 specific condemnations of slothfulness. In the 12 verses, three different Hebrew words are used with these varied meanings: Lazy, Idle, Deceitful, Without diligence.
A bum approached a man on the sidewalk and asked for a little money. The man said to the bum, “You know, hard work never killed anyone.” The bum replied, “Oh yeah, that’s what you think. It’s already killed two wives for me.”
God expects us to be industrious, hard-working, honest, and faithful as Providers. The Proverbs 31 man is a responsible provider.
II. Reputable Citizen.
Verse 23- Her husband is known in the gates and sits among the elders of the land.
In Bible times, the area just inside the city gates was the place of government, justice, and business. There, matters of civil law were discussed; legal matters were decided; matters of commerce and business were transacted and completed.
The Proverbs 31 Man is a man of good reputation and integrity in the community.
He is known for his honesty in business; for his principles of morality; for fairness in his treatment of others [Clients, customers, employees, employer, business associates, co-workers ...]
Pro. 11:1 A false balance is abomination to the Lord, but a just weight is his delight.
2 Cor. 8:21- providing for honest things not only in the sight of the Lord but also in the sight of men.
Pro. 22: 1 A good name is rather to be chosen than great riches.
The Proverbs 31 Man is a Reputable Citizen. God’s Word is not just in his head, but in his heart and in his hands. He has not just “church religion” but “life religion.” He conducts his business honestly, pays his bills, keeps his word, and does not hide behind the “fine print.” His word is his bond. People who know him, respect him for his integrity, honesty, and principles of righteousness.(even if they don’t agree with him in religious matters)
III. Respectful Husband.
Verse 11- the heart of her husband doth safely TRUST in her.
- He Trusts His Wife.
He is not consumed with petty jealousy; is not constantly suspicious; therefore he is not mean spirited, overbearing or controlling. It is a relationship of mutual trust. There is a difference in being the Head of the Wife and being a Dictator in the home. A dictator uses his authority to bully and browbeat others. As HEAD we use our authority & position to Love and Lead
The Proverbs 31 man trusts his wife and she can trust him.
Then Verse 28- her children rise up and call her blessed, her husband also (he also rises up and calls her blessed) and he praiseth her.
- The Proverbs 31 man Thanks his wife.
He does not take her for granted. He appreciates her and clearly expresses his appreciation. It’s important for a husband to appreciate his wife. Remember, Paul said that the husband is to love his wife like Christ loved the church and GAVE himself for it. The Greek word translated love there is agape; sacrificial love; committed love. We are responsible before God to Trust our wives and be Thankful both For them and To them. After all, we are in a life time covenant.
Paul said that we should love our wives as we love ourselves; for no man ever yet hated his own flesh but nourisheth and cherisheth it.
Then Peter really put the clincher on us men in 1 Peter 3:7- Likewise, ye husbands, dwell with them according to knowledge, giving honor unto the wife, as unto the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the grace of life; that your prayers be not hindered.
1) Commitment- Dwell with them; no exit plan
2) Consideration- according to knowledge; taking time to really know and understand your wife; giving honor to the wife as unto the weaker vessel; respecting her and realizing her value. The statement that she is the “weaker vessel” does not make her inferior or feeble, but fragile and precious. She is to be treated with kindness and handled with care.
Finally Peter said that we are to recognize our wife’s spiritual equality, for while she is weaker as far as her physical make up and was not designed by God to carry the heavy load of headship; she is your spiritual equal. Her standing before God is every bit as good as yours and you both share equally when it comes to God’s grace.
Yes, The Proverbs 31 Man is a responsible provider, a reputable citizen and a respectful husband.
Proverbs 31:10-31
Intro: I know that this passage seems like an unusual one for a Father’s Day theme. Think about how many times women have heard preaching about being the Proverbs 31 woman? Well, I want to talk to you men about being the Proverbs 31 man.
I. Responsible Provider.
It’s clear from this passage that the Proverbs 31 woman has great resources at her disposal:
-vs. 13 she seeks wool & flax
-vs. 14 brings food from afar
-vs. 15 rises early to cook
-vs. 16 plants a vineyard
-vs. 21 family is warmly clothed
-vs 22 has nice clothing (silk, purple, fine linen)
In these verses the Proverbs 31 woman is caring for three basic needs of life: Food, Clothing, Shelter.
How is she able to do all of this? Only by the faithful Provision of a Proverbs 31 Man! Look at these verses; the wife is not working a full time job outside the home to get money to do all these wonderful things for her family. She does sell some clothing she has made in vs. 24, but clearly she is not the primary money maker in the family.
The Proverbs 31 Man is a Responsible Provider.
Sir, you are not required to provide every luxury or convenience, but you are responsible for providing for the basic needs of the family; not Silk But Milk!
1 Tim 5:8 But if any provide not for his own, and specially for those of his own house, he hath denied the faith, and is worse than an infidel.
Romans 12:11- commands us to be “Not slothful in business.”
Every man must take seriously this matter of financial, material provision for his family.
The book of Proverbs contains 12 specific condemnations of slothfulness. In the 12 verses, three different Hebrew words are used with these varied meanings: Lazy, Idle, Deceitful, Without diligence.
A bum approached a man on the sidewalk and asked for a little money. The man said to the bum, “You know, hard work never killed anyone.” The bum replied, “Oh yeah, that’s what you think. It’s already killed two wives for me.”
God expects us to be industrious, hard-working, honest, and faithful as Providers. The Proverbs 31 man is a responsible provider.
II. Reputable Citizen.
Verse 23- Her husband is known in the gates and sits among the elders of the land.
In Bible times, the area just inside the city gates was the place of government, justice, and business. There, matters of civil law were discussed; legal matters were decided; matters of commerce and business were transacted and completed.
The Proverbs 31 Man is a man of good reputation and integrity in the community.
He is known for his honesty in business; for his principles of morality; for fairness in his treatment of others [Clients, customers, employees, employer, business associates, co-workers ...]
Pro. 11:1 A false balance is abomination to the Lord, but a just weight is his delight.
2 Cor. 8:21- providing for honest things not only in the sight of the Lord but also in the sight of men.
Pro. 22: 1 A good name is rather to be chosen than great riches.
The Proverbs 31 Man is a Reputable Citizen. God’s Word is not just in his head, but in his heart and in his hands. He has not just “church religion” but “life religion.” He conducts his business honestly, pays his bills, keeps his word, and does not hide behind the “fine print.” His word is his bond. People who know him, respect him for his integrity, honesty, and principles of righteousness.(even if they don’t agree with him in religious matters)
III. Respectful Husband.
Verse 11- the heart of her husband doth safely TRUST in her.
- He Trusts His Wife.
He is not consumed with petty jealousy; is not constantly suspicious; therefore he is not mean spirited, overbearing or controlling. It is a relationship of mutual trust. There is a difference in being the Head of the Wife and being a Dictator in the home. A dictator uses his authority to bully and browbeat others. As HEAD we use our authority & position to Love and Lead
The Proverbs 31 man trusts his wife and she can trust him.
Then Verse 28- her children rise up and call her blessed, her husband also (he also rises up and calls her blessed) and he praiseth her.
- The Proverbs 31 man Thanks his wife.
He does not take her for granted. He appreciates her and clearly expresses his appreciation. It’s important for a husband to appreciate his wife. Remember, Paul said that the husband is to love his wife like Christ loved the church and GAVE himself for it. The Greek word translated love there is agape; sacrificial love; committed love. We are responsible before God to Trust our wives and be Thankful both For them and To them. After all, we are in a life time covenant.
Paul said that we should love our wives as we love ourselves; for no man ever yet hated his own flesh but nourisheth and cherisheth it.
Then Peter really put the clincher on us men in 1 Peter 3:7- Likewise, ye husbands, dwell with them according to knowledge, giving honor unto the wife, as unto the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the grace of life; that your prayers be not hindered.
1) Commitment- Dwell with them; no exit plan
2) Consideration- according to knowledge; taking time to really know and understand your wife; giving honor to the wife as unto the weaker vessel; respecting her and realizing her value. The statement that she is the “weaker vessel” does not make her inferior or feeble, but fragile and precious. She is to be treated with kindness and handled with care.
Finally Peter said that we are to recognize our wife’s spiritual equality, for while she is weaker as far as her physical make up and was not designed by God to carry the heavy load of headship; she is your spiritual equal. Her standing before God is every bit as good as yours and you both share equally when it comes to God’s grace.
Yes, The Proverbs 31 Man is a responsible provider, a reputable citizen and a respectful husband.