(Copyright ã 1994, 1995, 2000 Wade Cox)

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There are many misconceptions about Proverbs 31, especially in that it is only directed towards woman. Let us analyse what the text actually states.

We are all to be Proverbs 31 wives. The Church is preparing to be the spotless bride of Christ. All of us are preparing to be brides, as spiritually empowered and directed human beings, to become part of the Kingdom of God.

The Church is not based on a hierarchical form of government. We are not baptised into a church but rather one is baptised into the body of Christ. The body of Christ is not based on a separation of the ministry and the laity but is based on servant leadership. Each one of us is to esteem others as better than ourselves. We are to daily encourage and uplift one another in order to help each person reach the kingdom.

We only have a short time to get a message to this planet in order to bring it to repentance and to protect it. There will come a time when our people will go into captivity and we will be told, "Pray no more for these people."

Let us review the text of Proverbs 31. The first aspect of Proverbs 31 deals with the kingship. Proverbs 31:1-2 refers to King Lemuel. History records nothing on King Lemuel however his name consists of two parts: Lemo (towards) and El (God). Therefore, it means towards God. This text is directed towards the elect and their not being diverted from God’s law by worldly pre-occupations.

Proverbs 31:3 states that the elect are to be kings and priests, and refers to the cares of the world that can destroy the elect.

In Proverbs 31:4 the concept is conveyed that the elect are not to be intoxicated by worldly affairs, which can cause them to pervert justice.

In Proverbs 31:5 we see that they drink to excess and pervert the rights of the afflicted. This means that the elect can become intoxicated and distracted with feasting and own their personl lives and forget the law and from that aspect they pervert justice due to any that are afflicted. We have seen this problem in past decades with churches acting unconstitutionally, not teaching the truth, respecting persons, improperly handling money and teaching for hire. These are all ungodly approaches that hurt people. Officials perverted the course of justice and this is unrighteous.

In Hebrew, justice and righteousness are the same word. We cannot be just without being righteous, and vice versa. The Church has a responsibility to judge righteously, swiftly, completely, and mercifully. Righteousness requires each one of us to act on our logical judgement of the situation. It is unacceptable to know that a system is false and to stay in that false system. It is equally wrong to say, "I don’t know what to do, so I will do nothing." We are commanded to act upon our knowledge. We are empowered by Jesus Christ to judge, and to act on that judgement. We are to take over the Millennial structure and to assist people.

Proverbs 31:6-7 carries on with the concept of binding up and strengthening those who are suffering. This not only means physically, but also those who are suffering mentally and spiritually. The elect are poured out as drink offerings to the Lord. We have a responsibility to lift each other up and to assist those who are weaker to reach the Kingdom of God.

Verses 8-9 deal with just rule. We are required to ensure that everyone understands the requirements of God’s Law and of salvation. We need to present this information in a logical, coherent and understandable fashion.

One cannot empower someone unless he or she prays and fasts for that individual. We, like David, should fast and pray for our enemies. We should pray for a gentle restoration. We do have an obligation to point out errors. Remember Moses’ response when he came down from the mountain and saw how the people had turned away from God? His response was clear, directive, and Godly.

We are to search the planet looking out for the welfare of our people. Those who cannot obtain righteous judgement now must be guaranteed righteous judgment by the elect. We were all under the death penalty. Those of us who are now called are under judgement and it is up to us to intercede to God through His structure for those who cannot currently advocate for themselves.

Moving on to the second part of the Proverb, we see how we are all to be brides of Messiah. Proverbs 31:10-11 refers to Messiah trusting in the Church. The elect work for Messiah and bring the planet into judgement. We are symbolised as wives of Christ because we become parents with Christ of the human family. We assist Christ in bringing the human family into judgement and salvation. Each one of us must exercise discerning judgement at all levels in a loving fashion. Authority is delegated. The more authority that is delegated, the more efficient, responsible, and mature are the people to whom the authority is delegated. We have to serve people to get them to replace us. Our aim is to make every single person in the Church capable of doing the job of the ministry. We need to assist those empowered by the Holy Sprit to be spiritually begotten sons of God in power.

Proverbs 31:12 indicates that the elect fully justify the confidence that Messiah places in them.

Proverbs 31:13 shows that the Church is preparing spiritual garments for other people. As mentioned earlier, we need to provide spiritual food and understanding for others. This is shown not only by our prayers for others, but also in our on-going love and concern for people. All our actions should be of peace, joy, and love; and our peace passes all understanding.

Proverbs 31:14 shows that our salvation comes from afar through the Holy Sprit. Our food is to do the will of Him who sent us (Jn. 4:34).

In Proverbs 31:15 we learn that she is up before dawn preparing food for her maidens. Again, we see the concept of responsibility in providing spiritual food and direction so they are able to do their jobs.

In Proverbs 31:16 she buys a field. We look at those under our care and assist them, as a vine in the vineyard of Lord, to productively bear fruit. God produces the plants and we are the ones who plant the vineyard. Jesus Christ dresses the vines and the Holy Spirit ensures growth (Isa. 5:7).

Proverbs 31:17 indicates that she girds herself in the strength of God. "Making strong her arms" refers to the right arm of God and the right hand, which is Jesus Christ (Ps. 44:3). We are also the arms of God, and do His work.

Proverbs 31:18 shows that we are to meditate on God’s Law to determine our actions in how we should deal with one another, and in how we empower the Church. Her lamp not going out at night is a reference to the wise and foolish virgins. She does not grieve or quench the Holy Spirit; but she encourages the Holy Spirit to grow through her obedience to God’s laws. The Proverbs 31 woman is diligent and keeps the lamp constantly burning in her house. In the end, God and Christ will be the lights of the Temple of God.

In Proverbs 31:19 we again find that she is diligent, always working and assisting the brethren who have come into judgement. She does not neglect the poor. She consistently works to develop and expand the elect.

In Proverbs 31:20 we learn that she and her household are prepared for all adversity through the Law of God and their obedience to the One True God.

In verse 22 we see that she is adorned in the costliest of garments. Her garments were purchased by the sacrifice of the Lamb and washed in his blood.

In verse 23 we learn how Messiah is made known to the world by the efforts of the elect preaching the gospel of the Kingdom of God. The elect will take part in the Millennial structure under the direction of Christ.

In verse 24 we see that the Church is actually supporting the work of Messiah and is a light unto the Gentiles.

In verse 25 we see that her strength and dignity are through the power of the Holy Sprit in righteousness.

In verse 26 she uses speech to uplift and educate, to correct error, and to expose evil.

Verse 27 affirms that all things are done decently and in order, and that every detail of the home is done in modesty and fear of God. She is diligent, and full of energy and zeal to do God’s work.

In verse 28 the concept of rising up and calling her blessed is expounded in the sense that the Church, through the Holy Spirit and Messiah, enforce the Law of God on this planet.

In verse 29, Christ confesses us before the council of the elect. We receive his praise on marriage and pass into the household of God.

From Proverbs 31:30 we learn that we cannot tell the strength of a Church and its people by appearances, but rather we know them by their spiritual fruits. The Laodicean Church was rich, powerful, and strong. Yet, in the eyes of God, it was poor, pitiful, blind, and naked. In their case, beauty was deceitful. The woman who fears God is to be praised. The fear of God is the beginning of wisdom and it is indispensable to the elect in their understanding.

From John 17:3 it is clear that there is only One True God and that Jesus Christ is His son. This understanding is a requirement to inheriting eternal life. If we do not worship the One True God, we will not be in the Kingdom.

In closing, Proverbs 31:31 lets us know that we are judged according to what we do. Women are to be empowered by their husbands and the Holy Spirit to take their position in the Kingdom of God. Similarly the Church, as the bride of Christ, is empowered by the activities of Jesus Christ through the Holy Spirit to take this planet into the Kingdom of God.