Proverbs 31:10

“Come Out, Come Out, Wherever You Are”

 

Introduction: This is the description of a virtuous woman of those days, but the general outlines equally suit every age and nation.  The purpose of this sermon is to make a beckon call for all virtuous women, and even men for that matter. 

 

I.                  Her Character (v.10a)

·        The part of verse 10 literally reads, “Who can find a woman of strength?”  The term virtuous is from a noun meaning strength, efficiency, ability. 

·        “Virtuous” refers to strength of character: character refers to reputation.

·        Virtuous also refers to moral strength and firmness.

·        A man needs a strong woman, and a woman needs a strong man.

 

II.               Her Value (v.10b)

·        The word price means value/worth is more than rubies.

·        The term “rubies” may not refer to rubies, but may refer to pink pearls or red coral.  There was a pink pearl which was found from a mollusk in the Red Sea which was considered of great value to the ancients.   It was surely “reddish” in color.

·        She was like a rare gem. 

·        She was costly, she is worth something. Come out, come out wherever you are!

 

III.           Her Witness (vv.11-28)

·        A virtuous woman is witnessed by her husband. (vv.11-14, 23) She brings out the best in him (12).

·        A virtuous woman is witnessed by her household. (vv.15-22, 24-27) She can/will work in/outside the house. (v.16)

·        A virtuous woman is witnessed by her children. (v.28) They praise her and bless her. This is done as a result of the previous acts in the household.

·        A virtuous woman is witnessed by the community. (vv.29-31)

 

Conclusion: God has used women all through the years. 

·        The un-named ones…wife of Noah; the wife of Job

·        The un-likely ones…Rahab; Bathsheba

·        As it relates to the human race-there were three things that got us in trouble:  a woman, a man and a tree (Eve, Adam and the tree of knowledge of good and evil).  And three things that got us out of trouble:  a woman, a man and a tree (the virgin Mary, Jesus the Christ and the tree on Calvary)