Compare Proverbs 7:11 with Proverbs 31:10-31 on virtuous versus wayward behavior. Setting the Scene • Proverbs offers two vivid portraits of womanhood. • Proverbs 7:11 sketches the “wayward woman.” • Proverbs 31:10-31 celebrates the “virtuous woman.” • Both reveal how choices shape reputation, family, and testimony. Traits of the Wayward Woman – Proverbs 7:11 “ ‘She is loud and defiant; her feet do not remain at home.’ ” • Loud – craves attention, drowns out wisdom (cf. 1 Peter 3:3-4). • Defiant – resists godly instruction (cf. Proverbs 1:7). • Restless feet – unstable, ever roaming toward temptation (cf. James 1:8). Outcome: lures others into sin, destroys trust, invites judgment (Proverbs 5:4-5). Traits of the Virtuous Woman – Proverbs 31:10-31 “ ‘An excellent wife, who can find? For her worth is far above rubies.’ ” (v. 10) • Trustworthy heart – “The heart of her husband trusts in her.” (v. 11) • Diligent hands – “She works with willing hands.” (v. 13) • Entrepreneurial mind – “She considers a field and buys it.” (v. 16) • Generous spirit – “She extends her hands to the needy.” (v. 20) • Wise tongue – “She opens her mouth with wisdom.” (v. 26) • Fear of the LORD – “Charm is deceptive… but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised.” (v. 30) Outcome: blessing overflows to family, community, and future generations (v. 28-31). Heart Posture and Outcomes Wayward woman: self-centered desire → chaos, sorrow, spiritual death. Virtuous woman: God-centered reverence → order, joy, lasting honor (cf. Galatians 6:7-8). Implications for Daily Life • Guard the heart: motives shape actions (Proverbs 4:23). • Cultivate quiet strength, not noisy self-promotion (1 Thessalonians 4:11). • Practice faith-filled diligence—home, work, ministry all matter to God (Colossians 3:23-24). • Revere God first; every other virtue flows from that fountain (Psalm 112:1). Aligning with Wisdom Ask: Does this choice echo Proverbs 7:11 or Proverbs 31? • Speech—edifying or loud and defiant? • Use of time—restless wandering or purposeful service? • Relationships—self-gratifying or others-building in Christ? Key Takeaways • Scripture’s portraits are literal, timeless, and instructive. • God contrasts rebellion with reverent obedience, not to shame but to steer hearts toward life. • Pursuing the virtues of Proverbs 31 glorifies the Lord, blesses families, and stands in stark, winsome contrast to the destructive path of Proverbs 7:11. |
    |