Friday, September 30, 2011

Proverbs 31: Overview & a Realization

   After deciding to spend the month of October studying, exploring, and displaying the book of Proverbs 31, my mind sort of exploded.  But I liked it.  My heart swelled and my thoughts gained momentum in a really exciting, dangerous way.  There are so many writing possibilities here, so much potential learning to do!  Can I please have more than one month?

   Here are just a few of the very meaty topics 
that are begging to be covered:

  • Have you ever noticed that this thirty-first chapter of Proverbs also has thirty one verses?  Is there any significance to that?
  • Who are the speakers and what is the context?  What was going on in history at this time?
  • What is the difference between a proverb and a fable?
  • Did you know that some theologians argue that this book, though traditionally understood to be instructive to women, might actually bend toward instruction to the church?  This is at least consistent with the New Testament analogy of Christ's bride.  Hmm.
  • Fascinating advice on dealing with the poor, defenseless, and underprivileged.
  • I have never owned a ruby.  What ARE they worth?  
  • How can the modern woman translate the resourcefulness of the Proverbs 31 woman?  I mean, we don't really have flax to work.  Wait, what is flax again?
  • Food management and nutrition in an extreme couponing, fast food culture:  How do we strike the balance and please God?
  • Real Estate.  Hmm.
  • Strength of body versus vanity in an image-obsessed but wildly healthless culture.  (Has there ever before been such a paradox for women?)
  • Charity.
  • Household preparedness:.  Winter is Coming.
  • Significance of the colors scarlet & purple, of silk & tapestries.
  • Husband's reputation.
  • Contributions to the family/ marriage by way of her skills.
  • Bread of Idleness:  REALLY interesting how this interacts with the Biblical importance of leavening, both Old and New Testaments.  
  • Excellence:  WOW.
  • Favor & beauty:  Some people call these evil, but is that what is actually says?
  • The ways of Her Household:  Mind Yer Beeswax.

   

   What I can say with certainty is that this book is a timeless source of inspiration for women across the centuries, in every walk of life and every "religion."  Writers have always had a lot to say about these few dozen sentences, so I guess I am I just late to an awesome party.

   So..... regardless of how much or how little I manage to accomplish with this October study, the obvious fact remains that it will be insufficient.  This can only be a springboard study, but it can still be nourishing.
  
   I hope that whatever your path is right now, you give Proverbs 31 a glance, at least a philosophical one, and share your thoughts, you reactions, your personal  experiences.  I think Truth grooves this kind of networking.  Please share your thoughts and insights in the comments.  I would love to spark an exchange and really make some spiritual progress here!

     This month of study will be well spent.

   







6 comments:

  1. Found you through the link up and look forward to reading your thoughts on Proverbs 31. It seems to be such a wealth for women

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  2. I am interested in seeing what you have to say about these topics. Perhaps I will dig out my "Complete Idiot's Guide to the Bible" and see if I can make any intelligent comments this month. xoxo

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  3. Wow! I commend you for taking this one on. I found you from the link up over at The Nester. My 31 days is on the whole book of Proverbs. I'll be interested in how you approach just this one chapter. I'm sure it will be insightful!

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  4. Look forward to reading your thoughts - you have asked some very good questions here. I love Proverbs 31!

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  5. Just found you via the Nester link up! Like Perfect Imperfections above, I'm reading and blogging on the whole book of Proverbs over at Eve Evolves http://eve-olve.blogspot.com/. I am very curious how God will grow each one of us delving into this great book of the Bible!!

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  6. I love a good discussion on Proverbs 31! I look forward to your future posts - great topic.

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Hey thanks for commenting! I love hearing from people. It's the best. I have recently added word verification, a necessary annoyance. Have a wonderful day!

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