VI. THE EXCELLENT WOMAN.
Prov. xxxi.
In her Home.
I. She is diligent. Verses 13, 15, 18, 19, 22, 27. So 1 Tim. v. 10. Rom. xii. 8.
No gossiping; standing at doors; idling at neighbours.
Observe what is said of the diligent in the Book of Proverbs.
Maketh rich. Prov. x. 4.
Prospered (Prov. xii. 24, 27; xiii. 4; xxi. 5.) Sometimes worldly diligence leads to spiritual sloth. Let it not be so with you; but whilst you are ‘not slothful in business,’ be also ‘fervent in spirit; serving the Lord.’ Rom. xii. 11.
II. She is prudent. Verses 13, 14, 15.
Looks well to her goings. Prov. xiv. 15. Looks forward. Prov. xxii. 3; xxvii. 12. Enjoys a special blessing. Prov. xix. 14.
III. Overlooks her household. Verses 15, 21, 27.
Children, servants, if she has any.
Your household, of whomsoever it may consist, should share your blessings and privileges. Gen. xviii. 19. Lev. xvi. 17. Acts, xvi. 15.
Important to impress this upon your girls going to service. A good mistress ought, and will, look after them. No kindness in lax discipline. Look back to your own days of service. Who was the best mistress? 1 Tim. v. 14.
VII. THE EXCELLENT WOMAN.
Prov. xxxi.
In her Conversation.
I. ‘She openeth her mouth with wisdom,’ verse 26.
1. No foolish talking, or jesting. Job, xv. 3. Eph. v. 4.
2. No chattering or gossip, which tends to penury. Prov. xiv. 23. Eccles. x. 11, 14.
3. No deception. Prov. xxiv. 28; xx. 17.
II. ‘In her tongue is the law of kindness,’ verse 26.
1. No tale-bearing or back-biting. Prov. xxv. 23; xxvi. 22. Ps. xv. 3.
How mischievous. Prov. xxiv. 2.
2. No flattering, like wicked woman. Prov. v. 3; vi. 24. Ps. v. 9.
III. How important to bridle the tongue. Jam. i. 26.
There is often much wisdom in silence. Ps. xxxiv. 13. Prov. xvii. 28; xxix. 11.
Let your conversation be as it becometh the gospel of Christ. Philip, i. 27. Ps. lxxvii. 12. Prov. xv. 4. 1 Pet. iii. 1. 2 Pet. iii. 11. Col. iii. 16.
Make this your prayer. Ps. xix. 14; cxli. 3.
Blessing promised. Ps. l. 23.
IV. Three good rules.
1. So speak to your husband and children, that should these be your last words, you would not regret them.
2. Never say anything of your neighbours you would dislike them to overhear.
3. In all your conversation, remember that the Lord is nigh, and hears each word.
VIII. THE EXCELLENT WOMAN.
Prov. xxxi.
Her Religion.
I. The secret of her many excellencies here portrayed.
It did not consist in beauty. Verse 30. A pretty face often leads to ruin. Prov. xi. 22. Ezek. xxviii. 17.
Never make much of a child’s beauty.
But it was this, she was a religious woman, actuated in all she did by the fear of the Lord. Verse 30.
The woman who fears the Lord.
1. Hates evil. Prov. viii. 13.
2. It is her moving principle, ‘all the day long.’ Prov. xxiii. 17.
3. She is happy, though poor. Prov. xv. 16.
4. It is her confidence and refuge in trial. Prov. xiv. 26.
5. It is well with her. Eccles. viii. 12.
II. She shows her love to Christ, by her love to His people. Verse 20.
You need not be rich to be charitable.
The poorest may give. 2 Cor. viii. 2.
God looks not at the size, or value of the gift, but the motive from which it springs. 2 Cor. viii. 12.
The widow’s mite. Mark, xii. 42, 44.
The cup of cold water. Matt. x. 42; xxv. 35.
Nursing a sick neighbour. 1 Tim. v. 10.