Shalom,

We read Proverbs 31 today in our Spoken Word Bible Reading Plan. I have taught several times on this, but today I want to share the footnotes found on my PC Study Bible software! It is SO valuable! It is very sad to me that many have taken these wonderful qualities that this mother is praying for her future daughter-in-law to have, and her son to be aware of, and made them into some natural format for women to have to live up to! Remember that each and every one of us is God's individual and unique creation, called, anointed and appointed to do HIS will for our lives! We will ALL live it out a little differently, as we should! The emphasis here is that the supernatural aspects of the people that we are is the MOST important element to consider when believing God for a spouse! 

1. Proverbs 31:2 It is important to the purpose of this invaluable chapter that one realizes that it is first of all intended for young men. It is the mother’s God-given task to provide youth with this information directly from its inspired source, letting them grow up with it in their consciousness.
2. Proverbs 31:10 It is most unfortunate that this description of God’s ideal woman is usually confined in readers’ minds merely to its literal sense—her ability as a homemaker, as in the picture of Martha of Bethany in Luke 10:38-42. But it is obvious that far more than that is meant. When the summary of what makes her value “far above rubies” is given (in Proverbs 31:30), it is her spiritual life only that is mentioned. One can almost hear the voice of Jesus saying, “Mary has chosen the good portion... which shall not be taken away from her” (Luke 10:42).
3. Proverbs 31:29 “Many daughters have done... nobly and well... but you excel them all.” What a glowing description here recorded of this woman in private life, this “capable, intelligent, and virtuous woman” of Proverbs 31! It means she had done more than Miriam, the one who led a nation’s women in praise to God (Exododus 15:20, 21); Deborah, the patriotic military advisor (Judges 4:4-10); Ruth, the woman of constancy (Ruth 1:16); Hannah, the ideal mother (I Samuel 1:20; 2:19); the Shunammite, the hospitable woman (II Kings 4:8-10); Huldah, the woman who revealed God’s secret message to national leaders (II Kings 22:14); and even more than Queen Esther, the woman who risked sacrificing her life for her people (Esther 4:16). In what way did she “excel them all”? In her spiritual and practical devotion to God, which permeated every area and relationship of her life. All seven of the Christian virtues (II Peter 1:5) are there, like colored threads in a tapestry. Her secret, which is open to everyone, is the Holy Spirit’s climax to the story, and to this book. In Proverbs 31:30, it becomes clear that the “reverent and worshipful fear of the Lord,” which is “the beginning (the chief and choice part) of Wisdom” (Proverbs 9:10), is put forth as the true foundation for a life which is valued by God and her husband as “far above rubies or pearls” (Proverbs 31:10).

AMEN! Two people should only marry if they can serve God better together than either could alone! THEN the power of God in and upon their lives, family, ministry will be stronger than ever! Here is Hillsong with a song that each spouse, and every individual believer, should sing directly to our wonderful Saviour as we commit to HIS plans for our lives! "I Surrender":

Shalom in Him!