How does 1 Timothy 3:11 connect with Proverbs 31 on women's character? Why These Two Passages Belong Together Paul, writing about qualified women in church service (whether deaconesses or deacons’ wives), and Solomon, describing the excellent wife, paint the same portrait. They highlight a woman whose inner life and outer conduct match God’s design for holiness. Four Core Traits in 1 Timothy 3:11 • “Likewise, the women must be dignified, not slanderers” (1 Timothy 3:11a) • Temperate—sober-minded, self-controlled, steady. • Faithful in everything—trustworthy in home, church, work, community. Parallel Portrait in Proverbs 31 • Dignity: v.25 says she is clothed with strength and honor; people see worth before they hear words. • Wise tongue: v.26 begins, “She opens her mouth with wisdom” (Proverbs 31:26a), the positive opposite of slander. • Temperate diligence: v.27 shows self-control as she watches over her household and refuses idleness. • Proven loyalty: throughout the chapter she consistently benefits husband, children, servants, merchants, and poor—faithful “in everything.” Other Threads That Tie Them Together • Titus 2:3-5 echoes both passages: older women are to be reverent, not malicious talkers, teaching good. • James 3:2-12 underscores control of the tongue; the Proverbs 31 woman and 1 Timothy 3 woman master this discipline. • Galatians 5:22-23 lists Spirit-fruit of faithfulness and self-control—explicit in both texts. Putting the Two Lists Side by Side ——————————"—————————— Dignified " Strength & dignity (v.25) Not slanderers " Wise, gracious speech (v.26) Temperate " Steady work, no idleness (v.27) Faithful in all things " Consistent good to all (whole poem) Living the Synthesis Today • Cultivate dignity—carry yourself as one who belongs to Christ; manners, dress, decisions all reflect Him. • Guard the tongue—replace gossip with words that heal and teach. (See Ephesians 4:29.) • Practice temperance—set godly limits on time, money, media, emotions. • Prove faithfulness—show up, follow through, keep confidences, honor commitments. The result is a modern embodiment of the same woman Scripture celebrates—reverent, reliable, and radiant with Christlike character. |
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