Compare Jezebel's influence to Proverbs 31's description of a godly woman. Setting the Scene: Two Very Different Women - 1 Kings 21 places Jezebel in the palace of Samaria, married to King Ahab yet steering him toward evil. - Proverbs 31 presents a nameless woman whose life radiates righteousness, blessing her family and honoring the Lord. - Two hearts, two homes, two destinies—one rooted in rebellion, the other in reverence. Jezebel’s Influence in 1 Kings 21 “Then Jezebel his wife came in and asked him, 'Why are you so sullen that you refuse to eat?'” (1 Kings 21:5) What follows: - v. 7 – Jezebel usurps Ahab’s authority: “I will get you the vineyard of Naboth.” - vv. 8-10 – Writes letters in Ahab’s name, schemes false charges, engineers Naboth’s death. - v. 25 – “There was none who sold himself to do evil in the sight of the LORD like Ahab, whom Jezebel his wife incited.” - 2 Kings 9:22 – Her legacy becomes shorthand for harlotry and sorcery. - Revelation 2:20 – The name resurfaces as a symbol of seduction and compromise within the church. Traits on Display - Manipulation and control (v. 7) - Deceit cloaked in legal language (v. 8) - Disregard for life and justice (vv. 10-14) - Promotion of idolatry (1 Kings 16:31-33) - Pride and immorality (2 Kings 9:30) Proverbs 31:10-31—A Portrait of Godly Influence “An excellent wife, who can find? For her worth is far more than rubies.” (v. 10) Highlights: - Trustworthy: “The heart of her husband trusts in her” (v. 11) - Industrious: “She works with willing hands” (v. 13) - Generous: “She extends her hand to the poor” (v. 20) - Wise and kind speech: “She opens her mouth with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue” (v. 26) - Fears the LORD: “Charm is deceptive and beauty is fleeting, but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised” (v. 30) Side-by-Side Contrasts " Area " Jezebel (1 Kings 21) " Proverbs 31 Woman " "------"----------------------"--------------------" " Motivation " Selfish gain, power, revenge " Love, service, reverence " " Treatment of Husband " Incites to evil, overrides " Supports, brings good " " Use of Words " Lies, forged letters, accusation " Wisdom, kindness, instruction " " Impact on Community " Death of Naboth, national sin " Provision for poor, honor in city gates " " Relationship to God " Promotes Baal, defies His law " Fears the LORD, obeys His word " " Legacy " Infamy, judgment (2 Kings 9:37) " Praise, lasting honor (Proverbs 31:31) " Spiritual Roots Behind the Actions - Jezebel’s heart is hardened against God’s authority (Exodus 20:3-6). Rebellion sprouts wicked deeds (James 3:14-16). - The Proverbs 31 woman’s heart reveres the Lord, so her life bears righteous fruit (Psalm 112:1-3; John 15:5). Lessons for Today: Choosing Influence - Influence begins in the heart. “Above all else, guard your heart” (Proverbs 4:23). - Words carry power. Jezebel’s letters destroyed; the Proverbs 31 woman’s words build up. - True beauty is moral and spiritual, not external (1 Peter 3:3-4). - Fear of the Lord steers daily choices, protecting from Jezebel-like compromise and nurturing Proverbs 31 character. One woman shows how far destruction can spread when self rules. The other illustrates the blessing that flows when God rules. The contrast calls each believer to let the fear of the Lord shape every word, deed, and influence. |
    |