Welcome back to our study series on the Proverbs 31 woman. This often-misunderstood woman can be such a mystery to us these days.
But let’s remember – she’s not a real woman. She’s basically a list of characteristics that we can aspire to in our role as women. (Not just wives and mothers, even though it does speak to that specifically.)
In the interest of pursuing this fictional woman’s character, we are breaking it down, and looking at these characteristics, and what the Bible says about them. So far, we’ve done:
– An intro post
– A study on trustworthiness
– And a study on eagerness.
Today we’re diving into her wisdom.
Let’s take a look at Proverbs 31:14 (NIV): “She is like the merchant ships, bringing her food from afar.” And verse 16: “She considers a field and buys it; out of her earnings she plants a vineyard.”
So, she cooks international and she likes wine. So what?
Seriously, though. When I first saw verse 14, I assumed it meant she added a lot of variety to her dinner menu. It’s a nice thought, sure. But is it really a noble characteristic?
Some commentaries, via StudyLight.org, help give some perspective on this verse. You can check them out for yourself using the link above, but here are some points that the commentaries seemed to agree on:
- She has an entrepreneurial spirit. What she makes at home (cloth – see previous post on eagerness), she exchanges for other things her family needs.
- She is smart about spending and budget.
- She will go out of her way, taking trips and going a distance, to get a better price and value than she would pay out of convenience close by.
The Keil and Delitzsch Commentary, Ellicott’s Commentary, and Whedon’s Commentary were the ones that were most helpful to me.
What does it mean to be wise?
The definition for wisdom, coming from the Oxford Dictionaries, is “the quality of having experience, knowledge, and good judgment.”
Dare I even say she could be described as savvy? (I’m pretty sure she wouldn’t have used that word to describe herself, though.) The definition for savvy, also coming from the Oxford Dictionaries, is “shrewd and knowledgeable; having common sense and [here it is again] good judgment.”
It means having experience, and being able to make good decisions. For this particular situation, it appears that she is savvy with money, with finding things that will be of value at the best cost. But it would stand to reason that the wisdom would extend to her other areas of life too.
And also, it sounds like it means doing what isn’t necessarily convenient in the interest of doing what is best.
What does the Bible say about being wise?
I’ll answer that question with one word: Proverbs. Boom.
Proverbs 1:2-4 (NIV) announces itself as being useful “for gaining wisdom and instruction; for understanding words of insight; for receiving instruction in prudent behavior, doing what is right and just and fair; for giving prudence to those who are simple, knowledge and discretion to the young…” and more.
God is identified as the source of wisdom in Proverbs 2 (vs 6), and that it is pleasing, acts as a protector or guard, saves you from evil and death, and leads to success (also in Proverbs 2).
How do we get wisdom? Proverbs 1:7 (NIV) says, “the fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge; but fools despise wisdom and instruction.” Similarly, Proverbs 9:10 (NIV) says, “the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.”
Yes, but…does that include me? James 1:5 (NIV) says, “if any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.” (Emphasis mine.)
But really, practically, how do I get wisdom?
The Bible makes it clear – wisdom starts with God. Proverbs 4:7 (NIV) encourages us to “get wisdom. Though it cost you all you have, get understanding.” It stands to reason that going after God wholeheartedly leads to wisdom.
We can trust that God’s way is the right way. It’s not about blind following. We have examples in the faith who show us the power of wise choices (Hebrews 13:7). Jesus says that we will know truth by living it (John 8:31-32). Again, James 1 says that we only need to ask (and believe, in verse 6). And we have everything we need to live a life that is godly (2 Peter 1:3).
It’s an imperfect practice.
We are human. We have to learn how to do everything, and we won’t always get it right. But I think that’s why the definition for wisdom includes “having experience”. How can we get it if we don’t try?
God doesn’t punish us for trying and failing. There are natural consequences when we just flat out don’t try. But I’m learning that God isn’t about the results. He’s not going to load us up with riches when we do something good, nor strike us with lightning when we mess up.
I am sure there is infinitely more you can dig into about wisdom in your Bible. Any favorite scriptures? What are your thoughts on wisdom?
Scriptures from BibleGateway.com: Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
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