How does 1 Timothy 2:10 relate to Proverbs 31:10-31?

The Call of 1 Timothy 2:10

“but with good deeds, as is proper for women who profess to worship God.”

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What Paul Emphasizes

• True adornment = visible acts of goodness

• Motivation = a heart that openly “professes to worship God”

• Contrast = external display vs. internal character lived out

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Portrait in Proverbs 31:10-31

• “An excellent wife, who can find? For her worth is far more than rubies.” (v. 10)

• The entire poem shows her clothing herself in diligence, generosity, wisdom, and the fear of the LORD (v. 30).

• Her “works praise her at the gates” (v. 31)—the same outward evidence Paul urges.

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Shared Themes

• Good works as adornment

– 1 Timothy 2:10: “with good deeds”

– Proverbs 31:31: “let her works praise her”

• Public testimony

– 1 Timothy 2:10: “profess to worship God”

– Proverbs 31:23: husband “known in the gates” because of her influence

• Fear of the LORD / worship of God

– Proverbs 31:30: “a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised.”

– 1 Timothy 2:10: the lifestyle of one who worships

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Complementary Details

• Industry and Provision

– Proverbs 31:13-19: diligent labor benefits household

– 1 Timothy 2:10 implies active service, not passive piety

• Generosity

– Proverbs 31:20: “She opens her arms to the poor.”

– Titus 2:3-5 joins 1 Timothy 2:10 in praising deeds that bless others

• Wisdom and Speech

– Proverbs 31:26: “She opens her mouth with wisdom.”

– 1 Peter 3:3-4 parallels 1 Timothy 2:10, calling for gentle, quiet strength rooted in faith

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Practical Takeaways

• Cultivate visible kindness that authenticates faith.

• Let skill, diligence, and generosity become your daily “wardrobe.”

• Remember that the fear of the LORD fuels every good deed; reverence shapes reputation.