Proverbs 31:12
She brings him good and not harm all the days of her life.
She brings him good

Her conduct strengthens her husband, household, and reputation. As a capable wife, she uses wisdom, diligence, and faithfulness to promote the welfare of her family.

Pro 18:22 He who finds a wife finds a good thing…
Pro 12:4 A wife of noble character is her husband’s crown,…
1Pe 3:1-2 Wives, in the same way, submit yourselves to your husbands,…

and not harm

She is trustworthy in word and deed, never acting against her husband’s interests. Her loyalty preserves the peace and stability of the home.

Pro 14:1 Every wise woman builds her house, but a foolish one…
1Sa 25:32-33 Then David said to Abigail, “Blessed be the LORD,…
Rom 12:17-18 Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Carefully consider…

all the days of her life.

Her devotion is enduring rather than temporary. She remains faithful through every season of life, displaying the steadfast character of a godly marriage.

1Co 7:39 A wife is bound to her husband as long as he lives.…
Ecc 9:9 Enjoy life with your beloved wife all the days…
Rut 1:16-17 But Ruth replied: “Do not urge me to leave you”…

Persons / Places / Events
1. The Virtuous Woman
The subject of Proverbs 31, often referred to as the "Proverbs 31 Woman," is an idealized figure representing the epitome of virtue, wisdom, and diligence in a wife.

2. Her Husband
The recipient of the good that the virtuous woman brings. He is a figure who benefits from her wisdom, diligence, and faithfulness.

3. King Lemuel
The author of Proverbs 31, who shares the wisdom taught to him by his mother, providing a framework for understanding the qualities of a virtuous woman.

4. Ancient Israel
The cultural and historical context in which these proverbs were written, reflecting the societal values and family structures of the time.

5. The Household
The setting where the virtuous woman's actions and influence are most directly felt, serving as a microcosm of her broader impact on society.
Teaching Points
Commitment to Goodness
The virtuous woman is committed to bringing good to her husband consistently. This reflects a dedication to positive actions and intentions within marriage.

Lifelong Faithfulness
"All the days of her life" emphasizes the enduring nature of her commitment. This teaches the importance of lifelong faithfulness and consistency in relationships.

Impact of a Godly Character
Her actions are a result of her godly character, which is cultivated through a relationship with God. This highlights the importance of spiritual growth and character development.

Role of Influence
The virtuous woman influences her household and community positively. This underscores the power of influence and the responsibility to use it for good.

Partnership in Marriage
The relationship between the virtuous woman and her husband is a partnership where she actively contributes to his well-being, illustrating the collaborative nature of a godly marriage.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does the description of the virtuous woman in Proverbs 31:12 challenge modern perceptions of marriage roles?

2. In what ways can we apply the principle of "bringing good" to our relationships today, whether in marriage or other partnerships?

3. How does the concept of lifelong faithfulness in Proverbs 31:12 relate to the teachings of Ephesians 5:22-33 on marriage?

4. What are some practical steps we can take to cultivate a godly character that consistently brings good to others?

5. How can the example of the virtuous woman inspire us to use our influence positively in our communities and families?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Proverbs 12:4
This verse speaks of a virtuous wife as a crown to her husband, reinforcing the idea of bringing good and honor to him.

Ephesians 5:22-33
This passage discusses the relationship between husbands and wives, emphasizing mutual respect and love, which aligns with the virtuous woman's role in bringing good to her husband.

Ruth 3:11
Ruth is described as a virtuous woman, providing a account example of the qualities outlined in Proverbs 31.
The Words of LernuelE. Johnson Proverbs 31:1-31
A Good WifeMemoir of J. Stuart Blackie.Proverbs 31:10-27
A Helpful WifeProverbs 31:10-27
A Noble Woman's Picture of True WomanhoodHomilistProverbs 31:10-27
A Soothing VoiceC. Lamb.Proverbs 31:10-27
A Virtuous WomanProverbs 31:10-27
An Industrious WifeJ. B. F. Tinling.Proverbs 31:10-27
Beautiful HandsChristian TreasuryProverbs 31:10-27
Far Above RubiesW. J. Woods, B.A.Proverbs 31:10-27
Homely AttainmentsProverbs 31:10-27
NeedleworkProverbs 31:10-27
Religion for Every Day -- Our WivesGeorge Bainton.Proverbs 31:10-27
The Excellent WomanW. E. Griffis.Proverbs 31:10-27
The Excellent WomanD. J. Burrell.Proverbs 31:10-27
The Model WomanRobert Tuck, B.A.Proverbs 31:10-27
The Nobility of WomanhoodA. Rowland, LL.B.Proverbs 31:10-27
The Prophecy of Lemuel's MotherA Woman's Sermon to Women.Proverbs 31:10-27
The Virtuous Woman as a WifeR. F. Horton, D.D.Proverbs 31:10-27
The Worth and Work of WomanRichard Glarer.Proverbs 31:10-27
Woman's WorkStopford A. Brooke, LL.D.Proverbs 31:10-27
Christian WomanhoodW. Clarkson Proverbs 31:10-31
The Virtuous HousewifeE. Johnson Proverbs 31:10-31
People
Lemuel, Massa
Places
Jerusalem
Topics
Evil, Harm
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Proverbs 31:12

     5876   helpfulness

Proverbs 31:10-12

     5709   marriage, purpose

Proverbs 31:10-19

     5847   enthusiasm

Proverbs 31:10-31

     5481   proverb
     5744   wife

Library
The Gospel Cordial
A Sermon (No. 3236) published on Thursday, February 9th, 1911 delivered by C.H. Spurgeon at the Metropolitan Tabernacle, Newington. on Lord's Day Evening, September 20th, 1863. "Give strong drink unto him that is ready to perish, and wine unto those that be of heavy hearts. Let him drink, and forget his poverty, and remember his misery no more."--Proverbs 31:6, 7. These somewhat singular sentences were spoken by the mother of Lemuel to her son, who was probably Solomon. She had already said to him,
C.H. Spurgeon—Sermons on Proverbs

Letter Li to the virgin Sophia
To the Virgin Sophia He praises her for having despised the glory of the world: and, setting forth the praises, privileges, and rewards of Religious Virgins, exhorts her to persevere. Bernard, Abbot of Clairvaux, to the Virgin Sophia, that she may keep the title of virginity and attain its reward. I. Favour is deceitful and beauty is vain; but a woman that feareth the Lord, she shall be praised (Prov. xxxi. 31). I rejoice with you, my daughter, in the glory of your virtue, whereby, as I hear, you
Saint Bernard of Clairvaux—Some Letters of Saint Bernard, Abbot of Clairvaux

Of the Practice of Piety in Fasting.
There are divers kinds of fasting--First, A constrained fast, as when men either have not food to eat, as in the famine of Samaria (2 Kings vi. 25;) or, having food, cannot eat it for heaviness or sickness, as it befel them who were in the ship with St. Paul (Acts xxvii. 33.) This is rather famine than fasting. Secondly, A natural fast, which we undertake physically, for the health of our body. Thirdly, A civil fast, which the magistrate enjoins for the better maintenance of the commonwealth. Fourthly,
Lewis Bayly—The Practice of Piety

Proverbs
Many specimens of the so-called Wisdom Literature are preserved for us in the book of Proverbs, for its contents are by no means confined to what we call proverbs. The first nine chapters constitute a continuous discourse, almost in the manner of a sermon; and of the last two chapters, ch. xxx. is largely made up of enigmas, and xxxi. is in part a description of the good housewife. All, however, are rightly subsumed under the idea of wisdom, which to the Hebrew had always moral relations. The Hebrew
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

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