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Chesswood Baptist Church Where Everybody is Somebody

Pastor Howard Daniel, Jr. 4357 US Hwy 59 South P.O. Box 343 Livingston, Texas 77351 936-327-8870

MINISTRY OF THE WORD WHO CAN FIND A VIRTUOUS WOMAN? PASTOR HOWARD DANIEL, JR. SUNDAY MORNING, JANUARY 2, 2011 SCRIPTURE READING: PROVERBS 31:1-31 Proverbs 31:10, Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies.

1. BACKGROUND a. I have preached from the Book of Proverbs on several previous occasions, Chapter 3 Let Not Mercy And Truth Forsake Thee, Chapter 6 Six things God hates plus one, Chapter 14 Righteousness exalteth a nation. Chapter 16 All the ways of man are clean in His own eyes and Chapter 17 on The Eyes Of the Lord Are In The Ends Of The Earth b. The Book of Proverbs is a book that is classified as poetry in the Scriptures. c. Job, Psalms, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, and Song of Solomon all belong to the same basic package. d. The Book of Proverbs is a book on wisdom. James 1:5, If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him. e. It is a delightful book and one that should be read very often by believers. f. Solomon is the writer of the Book of Proverbs; however, several other authors also contributed. g. The date of the writing is between 1000 and 700 B.C. h. Solomon succeeded his father David to rule Israel as their King. i. Solomon asked God for wisdom. God granted that wisdom and Solomon was known as the wisest man that ever lived (other than Christ). 1 Kings 3:12, Behold, I have done according to thy words: lo, I have given thee a wise and an understanding heart; so that there was none like thee before thee, neither after thee shall any arise like unto thee.

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He blessed the people that came from afar to learn; however, he also blessed his own people with his wisdom. k. A Proverb is a saying that conveys a specific truth in a very pointed way. l. Proverbs are short sentences drawn from long experiences. m. The key verse found in the Book of Proverbs is Proverbs 1:7 The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge; but fools despise wisdom and instruction. n. The Book of Proverbs, along with other books of the Bible, are inspired

by God and are provided for our resource, learning and our spiritual growth. 2 Timothy 3:16-17, All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: 17: That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works. o. God has put His stamp of approval upon this book as it provides excellent wisdom for mankind. p. Some themes in the Book of Proverbs: 1.

True wisdom cannot be gained apart from God. 2.

God asks us to submit even the most insignificant areas of our life to His Lordship.

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We should not rely on our human understanding but on the truth of what God's Word teaches us.

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God will direct our path if we will allow the Holy Spirit to guide us.

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Godly success in life comes from obedience to the Word and ways of God. 6.

God desires His children to be happy, productive and positive. 3 John 1:2, Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth.

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God made happiness available to us if we will only trust and obey His will. John 10:10, The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly. q. The wise sayings found in the Book of Proverbs relate to spiritual truth and good common sense. r. The Book of Proverbs will touch every area of human life and should be read often by those who are seeking God's wisdom. s. There are some great gems in the Book of Proverbs and I want to quote a few: 1.

Righteousness exalteth a nation: but sin is a reproach of any people. Proverbs 14:34 2.

The curse of the Lord is in the house of the wicked: but he blesseth 2

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the habitation of the just. Proverbs 3:33 3.

A good name is rather to be chosen than great riches, and loving favor rather than silver and gold. Proverbs 22:1 4.

Proverbs 7:1, My son, keep my words, and lay up my commandments with thee.

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Proverbs 3:5-10, Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. 6: In all of thy ways acknowledge him and he shall direct thy path. 7: Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the Lord, and depart from evil. 8: It shall be health to thy navel, and marrow to thy bone. 9: Honor the Lord with thy substance, and with the first fruits of all thine increase. 10: So shall thy barns be filled with plenty, and thy presses shall burst out with new wine.

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Proverbs 4:23, Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life.

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Proverbs 19:29, Judgments are prepared for scorners and stripes for the back of fools.

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Proverbs 13:9, The light of the righteous rejoiceth: but the lamp of the wicked shall be put out.

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Proverbs 20:2, The fear of a King is as the roaring of a lion; whose provoketh him to anger sinneth against his own soul.

With this background let's proceed into the Word of God today.

2. INTRODUCTION a. Proverbs is a group of short sentences put together based on long experiences. b. It is a test for crucial and difficult times. c. I have recommended to my classes to read one chapter in Proverbs a day, especially if you tend to be a negative type person and filled with doubt and fears. d. 1 John 4:18, There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love. e. Throughout the Book of Proverbs we learn what God is all about. f. He gives us some very rich gems to program our subconscious so we can be more like our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. Romans 8:29, For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren. g. Yes I know Proverbs is in the Old Testament. It is rich; it speaks to our heart in a very definite way. h. It appeals to people of all walks of life regardless of who they are.

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When we look at Proverbs we find out it is always made rich by the Holy Spirit. John 16:13, Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come. j.

Proverbs was specifically written to the young man who was an Israelite under the Mosaic Law. k. If there is any chapter or group of chapters that have application to the church it is certainly Proverbs. l. We have to fight pride all the time because it causes us problems.

Psalms 10:4, The wicked, through the pride of his countenance, will not seek after God: God is not in all his thoughts. m. Many of the saints of God today are extremely miserable, outside of God’s will, not doing His work and have their eyes on the wrong things. n. When we take our place in the local church we must not place our eyes on any individual; we must place our eyes on the Lord Jesus Christ. o. We must be very careful that we do not consider ourselves clean in our own eyes. Proverbs 16:2, All the ways of a man are clean in his own eyes; but the LORD weigheth the spirits. p. It is the Lord who judgeth and He is the one that weigheth the Spirit.

Today we have recognized our virtuous woman from the Chesswood family for 2011. Certainly I would like to add my congratulations because I think the person who has been chosen is so worthy of the award. q. Let’s take a look at the Word of God and see what we can glean from God’s precious Word as we share from Proverbs 31 entitled Who can find a virtuous woman?

3. SEVENTEEN POINTS TO THE MESSAGE a. The words of king Lemuel.

1. Proverbs 31:1, The words of king Lemuel, the prophecy that his mother taught him.

2. It is amazing how accurate the Word of God is. We do not have to be confused by this particular verse under consideration.

3. As we search the kings in both Israel and Judah, we find no king by this name. However, a close examination would indicate that Solomon is the author of this book.

4. God gave Solomon a name in 2 Samuel 12:25, And he sent by the hand of Nathan the prophet; and he called his name Jedidiah, because of the LORD. This name under consideration of Lemuel is none other than Solomon being taught by his mother Bathsheba.

5. We have a statement that is not contained in the Bible that says, 4

“The hand that rocks the cradle, rules the world.�

6. I believe one of the problems in America is that we have diminished womanhood to a very low level and few want to rock the cradle.

7. I can tell you there is nothing better than a godly mother who is merciful to guide the family in the right direction. She has an influence on the girls. We are told in Titus 2:3-5, The aged women likewise, that they be in behaviour as becometh holiness, not false accusers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things; 4: That they may teach the young women to be sober, to love their husbands, to love their children, 5: To be discreet, chaste, keepers at home, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God be not blasphemed.

8. We also know that the mother has a tremendous influence on the males in the family, especially on her sons when she takes time to teach them.

9. The verse under consideration says that King Lemuel was taught this prophesy by his mother.

10. She took time to instruct this young man. We know that Solomon turned out to be a great man although he did not please the Lord in every aspect of his life. The Lord told him not to multiply horses, wives, gold and silver and he disobeyed.

11. If Solomon had listened and acted upon the advice that his mother gave him, it is amazing what he would have turned out to be: a real gem for God. 12. Solomon asked God for wisdom and God gave him that wisdom.

1 Kings 3:12, Behold, I have done according to thy words: lo, I have given thee a wise and an understanding heart; so that there was none like thee before thee, neither after thee shall any arise like unto thee. b. The son of my vows.

1. Proverbs 31:2, What, my son? and what, the son of my womb? and what, the son of my vows?

2. Bathsheba is making sure that Solomon is instructed by using godly principles.

3. Some would say Bathsheba was involved in a great degree of sin; however, I would like to quickly tell you that Bathsheba was certainly involved with David, but it was David that sinned against the Lord.

4. I believe that she was associated with this sin but I do not believe that she was the one that instigated all of this activity.

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As a matter of fact when we look at Matthew 1:6, And Jesse begat David the king; and David the king begat Solomon of her that had been the wife of Urias; Notice that Bathsheba’s name is not even mentioned.

6. I believe that God is making it clear that it was David who was responsible for this sin.

7. As Nathan faced David and said, Thou art the man, David did not deny the fact. 2 Samuel 12:7, And Nathan said to David, Thou art the man. Thus saith the LORD God of Israel, I anointed thee king over Israel, and I delivered thee out of the hand of Saul; 2 Samuel 12:13, And David said unto Nathan, I have sinned against the LORD. And Nathan said unto David, The LORD also hath put away thy sin; thou shalt not die.

8. We have an old saying that says, The fruit does not fall far from the tree.

9. Bathsheba knew in detail the heart of David and she knew that Solomon would face similar temptations and wanted to make sure Solomon was instructed the right way so he would not yield to this temptation.

10. When we read about Solomon we see that it did not work even though the instructions were accurate and very clear.

11. When we have been taught and given light we are responsible for that light that we have been given. Psalms 119:130, The entrance of thy words giveth light; it giveth understanding unto the simple.

12. As a result of Solomon’s disobedience, the kingdom was divided and was split into Israel and Judah. We all know the story behind that.

13. Bathsheba was a dedicated mother; she tried to guide Solomon in the right direction.

Give not thy strength unto women.

1. Proverbs 31:3, Give not thy strength unto women, nor thy ways to that which destroyeth kings.

2. She knew David and knew his throne had been greatly affected as a result of David looking upon her instead of being out with his men at war; committing both adultery and murder.

3. Because kings were in authority, she wanted to make sure that Solomon did not get the impression that he was bigger than life.

4. Bathsheba wants Solomon to know that he is not to give his strength to women. She was keenly aware that lack of control, with respect to women, destroys kings. God has ordained one woman for one man for a life time. Genesis 2:24, Therefore shall a man leave his 6

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father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh. Solomon should give his strength to the things of the Lord. Ecclesiastes 12:13, Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man. nor thy ways to that which destroyeth kings. – I believe Bathsheba saw in Solomon many of the characteristics of King David.

Although King David was considered a man after God’s own heart; he stepped out of God’s will and as a result David was punished sorely. 1 Samuel 13:14, But now thy kingdom shall not continue: the LORD hath sought him a man after his own heart, and the LORD hath commanded him to be captain over his people, because thou hast not kept that which the LORD commanded thee.

Not too long ago we preached on David and we learned that as a result of David’s punishment God said the sword would never depart from his house. 2 Samuel 12:10, Now therefore the sword shall never depart from thine house; because thou hast despised me, and hast taken the wife of Uriah the Hittite to be thy wife.

d. O Lemuel, it is not for kings to drink wine.

1. Proverbs 31:4, It is not for kings, O Lemuel, it is not for kings to drink wine; nor for princes strong drink: 5: Lest they drink, and forget the law, and pervert the judgment of any of the afflicted.

2. The thing that has destroyed most nations is alcohol. It is a problem within our nation as well. I seldom get the opportunity to preach on it but here God has given us that privilege.

3. As you know, I try not to meddle and get into other folks business, but when we come across certain things in the Word of God we must preach the whole counsel of God. 4. Notice the reason why kings need to stay away from wine and strong drink: Lest they drink, and forget the law, and pervert the judgment of any of the afflicted.

5. According to this particular passage, kings have a responsibility to the people, to govern according to the rules that God has laid down. When that judgment is clouded in any way, shape or form it poses severe problems.

6. Timothy was instructed in 1 Timothy 5:23, Drink no longer water, but use a little wine for thy stomach's sake and thine often infirmities.

We must be careful to note that this was for medicine for his often infirmities and for no other reason.

7. As far as cocktail parties, happy hours or all the things that alcohol 7

is associated with it causes all types of problems within families. It is difficult for men and woman to comprehend its devastating effects.

8. Bathsheba is able to see this and she instructs her son in the right direction.

9. If we want to abide by God’s instructions that is fine; if we do not want to abide by it there are certainly consequences.

10. I would advice our nation that we need to turn to God’s Word and find out what is contained in the preserved Word of God. 11. We are instructed in Proverbs 23:31, Look not thou upon the wine when it is red, when it giveth his colour in the cup, when it moveth itself aright. e.

Give strong drink unto him that is ready to perish.

1. Proverbs 31:6-7, Give strong drink unto him that is ready to perish, and wine unto those that be of heavy hearts. 7: Let him drink, and forget his poverty, and remember his misery no more.

2. There is pleasure in sin for a season. Hebrews 11:25, Choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season; 3. Solomon is to use the wine for medicine only as God instructed us in 1 Timothy.

4. Give strong drink unto him that is ready to perish, and wine unto those that be of heavy hearts. 7: Let him drink, and forget his poverty, and remember his misery no more. – This misery is remembered later on as it reflects throughout the families.

5. There are so many families who have been destroyed as a result of alcoholic beverages.

6. I know there are many Christians who rationalize as say it is ok.

Bathsheba gives very good instructions from the inspired Word of God.

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Open thy mouth, judge righteously.

1. Proverbs 31:8-9, Open thy mouth for the dumb in the cause of all such as are appointed to destruction. 9: Open thy mouth, judge righteously, and plead the cause of the poor and needy.

2. Solomon is instructed by his godly mother to be honest, just and to be fair in all his dealings.

3. I believe the slogan at Chesswood Baptist Church; Where Everybody is Somebody, is very good advice for all of us.

4. We must not pick favorites and we must not fail recognize that 8

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there are poor among us.

We are not to embarrass them in any way. We are to take care of their needs.

I believe one of the curses upon this country is that we exploit the poor. It all depends on who you know. It should not be that way at all.

Now this godly mother is going to another area, having covered the fact that Solomon is not to give his strength to women, but is to stay true God, stay away from wine and strong drink. Now she turns to another area where David had a problem and it will destroy Solomon’s home if he does not heed to what she is about to say.

g. Who can find a virtuous woman?

1. Proverbs 31:10, Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies.

2. Virtuous in this particular passage means a woman of character.

3. It also means a woman of strength, of talent, who has abilities, is smart, and is compassionate, kind and understanding.

4. This passage means so many things that we could not paint a proper picture.

5. We have recognized one who, I believe, displays all these virtues and qualities.

6. I can tell you that a mother and her guidance are so important. I remember my mother and her instructions, although she died in 1965, it is very clear in my heart and mind that my mom taught me patience. She taught me excellence, how to do things the right way and not be satisfied with just any old way. She was not a busybody; she was not about trying to take care of other folks business.

7. Notice that there is nothing that would compare to this virtuous woman. for her price is far above rubies.

8. What a picture of the virtuous woman. Bathsheba explains to Solomon all of these qualities.

9. Solomon obeyed part of his godly mom’s instructions. However, he did multiplied horses, wives, gold and silver in disobedience to God and it caused severe and extreme consequences.

10. God has never intended for it to be any other way than one man and one woman for a lifetime.

11. This is God’s rule. God said to Adam in Genesis 2:18, And the LORD God said, It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him an help meet for him.

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12. It is sad that we do not find virtuous women in abundance today.

13. I am pleased that God was able to give me a virtuous woman. h.

The heart of her husband doth safely trust in her.

1. Proverbs 31:11, The heart of her husband doth safely trust in her, so that he shall have no need of spoil.

2. She is faithful in all that she does; faithful to her husband, faithful to her family. She is frugal in the resources that God has given them.

3. A help meet does not mean a servant or slave. I believe that so many men have placed their wives in the form of servants and slaves. We must remember she is an equal partner and the two become one. The Scriptures say she is the weaker vessel. 1 Peter 3:7, Likewise, ye husbands, dwell with them according to knowledge, giving honour unto the wife, as unto the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the grace of life; that your prayers be not hindered.

4. The divine order for a productive home is contained in the preserved Word of God. 1. Ephesians 5:21, Submitting yourselves one to another in the fear of God. 2. Husbands are instructed that the man is to love his wife. Ephesians 5:25, Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it; 3. Wives are to submit themselves to their own husbands. Ephesians 5:22, Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as unto the Lord. 4. Children are commanded to obey their parents. Ephesians 6:1, Children, obey your parents in the Lord: for this is right.

5. I understand that in the day in which we live, we have women’s liberation that has caused men in many cases to disrespect women.

6. I believe she is the weaker vessel and I believe God has placed her here as the other half of man.

7. I do not believe man is complete unless he has a virtuous help meet.

8. The heart of her husband doth safely trust in her – There is so much jealousy in the land. There should be no jealousy between husband and wife.

9. We have need of spoil if things are being taken care of. Always remember that the five basic needs of a woman are: 1. Affection 2. Communication 3. Openness 4. Family Support 10

5. Family Commitment i.

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She will do him good and not evil.

1. Proverbs 31:12, She will do him good and not evil all the days of her life.

2. She is a true help meet. She is not seeking ways to destroy or usurp authority. She is seeking ways to praise her husband.

3. If she will take care of this, it is amazing as to what the children will turn out to be.

4. So many people have problems with children today. But if we as husband and wife submit ourselves one to the other in the fear of the Lord, then we will have children who will fall in line.

5. Certainly every child will test the water. But if mom and dad are together and not in competition with each other, then the children will follow suit.

She seeketh wool, and flax.

1. Proverbs 31:13, She seeketh wool, and flax, and worketh willingly with her hands.

2. She is out there using her mind. Not for destruction, but to build.

3. To have a help meet that will move along beside you and help you to build is an amazing thing. Every man is able to be complete in that light.

She is like the merchants' ships.

1. Proverbs 31:14, She is like the merchants' ships; she bringeth her food from afar.

2. In other words, she looks for bargains; she spends wisely, she is very careful to make sure that the needs of her family are taken care of.

3. I could not help but to think of my busy mother who taught school but she always had time for me. I can never remember at time where she didn’t have time to give me godly wisdom. She was a leader, she did not send me to church – she took me to church with her.

4. I am not singling out my mother and saying that dad did not meet those qualifications because he was indeed a true trooper. They both instructed me in the things of the Word of God. 5. The mother runs the nightshift if you will. Her work is never done.

There is an old saying that man works from dawn to dusk but a wife’s work is never done.

6. It is so amazing; she is always there in order to take care of the needs of her family.

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She riseth also while it is yet night.

1. Proverbs 31:15, She riseth also while it is yet night, and giveth meat to her household, and a portion to her maidens.

2. She is an early riser and gives meat to her household. She does not forget those who help her.

m. She considereth a field, and buyeth it.

1. Proverbs 31:16, She considereth a field, and buyeth it: with the fruit of her hands she planteth a vineyard. 17: She girdeth her loins with strength, and strengtheneth her arms.

2. She is a woman of ability. She is a woman of talent, one that rules her own household well.

3. She is a woman who is not afraid of developing herself to her fullest potential.

4. I do believe that woman should develop themselves to their fullest potential. I certainly think they should be educated, that they should be about business and I believe they can take care of all the other things that God has allowed them to do if they keep their eyes on the Lord. n.

She perceiveth that her merchandise is good.

1. Proverbs 31:18, She perceiveth that her merchandise is good: her candle goeth not out by night.

2. I could not help but to think of my lovely wife. We have a handicap child that does not have the ability to speak yet, but she is in her thirties. My wife is always diligent in taking care of her needs.

3. her candle goeth not out by night. – She is ever-watchful of what is going on.

4. She proves herself through her actions.

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She layeth her hands to the spindle.

1. Proverbs 31:19, She layeth her hands to the spindle, and her hands hold the distaff. 20: She stretcheth out her hand to the poor; yea, she reacheth forth her hands to the needy.

2. We are coming across a woman that Bathsheba is explaining to Solomon the type of wife that he needs to select.

3. This woman is generous; she is reaching out her hands to the needy. She is busy but never forgets those who are around her.

4. The thing that makes life is the things we do for others. It is giving that causes us to be a happy camper.

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p. She is not afraid of the snow for her household.

1. Proverbs 31:21-22, She is not afraid of the snow for her household: for all her household are clothed with scarlet. 22: She maketh herself coverings of tapestry; her clothing is silk and purple.

2. In other words, she takes care of all those in her household who have a need.

3. Some mothers have grown up poor and have raised their families sewing in order to make sure the children were dressed in first class fashion.

4. My wife often speaks of this concerning her mother that was one of the greatest gems on the face of the earth.

5. She was not my mother – in- law; she was my mom. I am thankful for her shaping the life of my beautiful bride.

6. She maketh herself coverings of tapestry; her clothing is silk and purple. – Means she provides well for her household. q. Her husband is known in the gates.

1. Proverbs 31:23-24, Her husband is known in the gates, when he sitteth among the elders of the land. 24: She maketh fine linen, and selleth it; and delivereth girdles unto the merchant.

2. There is an old saying that behind every good man is a good woman.

3. This is not in the Bible but is so true. I believe it live out the Scriptures; that God has completed man through womanhood.

4. Her husband is well thought of as she had provided for him. Notice her provisions include the making of fine linen. She is good with her hands. r.

Strength and honour are her clothing.

1. Proverbs 31:25, Strength and honour are her clothing; and she shall rejoice in time to come.

2. She is strong in character, wisdom, in understanding and is strong in patience.

3. The next verse brings that out.

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She openeth her mouth with wisdom.

1. Proverbs 31:26-27, She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness. 27: She looketh well to the ways of her household, and eateth not the bread of idleness.

2. Where do we get wisdom? The Bible says wisdom originates with 13

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God. James 1:5, If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.

She is kind and compassionate. She is ready to give advice and is sound in her speaking.

If Solomon would have taken this advice, what a gem he would have turned out to be for God. According to verse 27 she is a planner, sets priorities, and takes care of the ways of her household.

She is smart, astute and eateth not the bread of idleness.

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Her children arise up, and call her blessed.

1. Proverbs 31:28-29, Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth her. 29: Many daughters have done virtuously, but thou excellest them all.

2. She does not attempt to win a popularity contest with her family.

3. She is stern in her actions and wants to make sure that she pleases the Lord in all her actions.

4. Notice the response of her children. Her children arise up, and call her blessed.

5. Her husband praises her in her actions, which builds herself esteem.

6. This is the epitome of a positive and productive home.

7. Many daughters have done virtuously, but thou excellest them all. – When compared to other daughters which have displayed virtuous qualities, the woman that Bathsheba is explaining to Solomon, excellest them all.

8. Notice the next point that Bathsheba goes to, and she covers the entire waterfront here.

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Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain.

1. Proverbs 31:30, Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth the LORD, she shall be praised.

2. a woman that feareth the LORD, she shall be praised. – She is telling Solomon that when he goes searching for a wife to look not for the outward beauty. If you get the outward beauty it is a bargain, but it is the inward adorning that matters and make the difference in one’s life. 1 Peter 3:3-4, Whose adorning let it not be that outward adorning of plaiting the hair, and of wearing of gold, or of putting on of apparel; 4: But let it be the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible, even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price.

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Solomon is given some sound instructions.

Thank God for the virtuous woman!

Give her of the fruit of her hands.

1. Proverbs 31:31, Give her of the fruit of her hands; and let her own works praise her in the gates.

2. Every year we celebrate Mother’s Day, and as we celebrate I am often reminded of the godly moms that have shaped this country.

3. I am also saddened in the fact that there are so many mothers who take things for granted.

4. They do not do the things that God has called them to do. They become unworthy.

5. The reason why our prisons are full is because moms did not take the time to raise their sons and daughters in a godly manner.

6. We can get so busy with things until we have no time to shape our children in character. Our children will soon forget the gadgets and the things that we give them. They will always remember the quality time we spend with them which tells them that they are important.

7. If you do not start in the cradle with your children, you will have a problem later on. They will either praise you or it will be a cause for dissention in the home.

8. Sometimes problems among siblings come from the fact that the mom did not do the things she needed to do.

9. her own works praise her in the gates. – As a matter of fact when we have done it right, it is amazing what will happen. Our children will always arise and praise her as they grow older.

10. I would like to end with a passage of Scripture from Revelation 14:13, And I heard a voice from heaven saying unto me, Write, Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth: Yea, saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their labours; and their works do follow them.

4. CONCLUSION a. Do you know the Saviour? b. If you do not know Jesus Christ as your personal Saviour, it is impossible to be a virtuous woman. c. If you do not know him as Saviour, it is impossible to raise a godly family.

Our kids will later depart. d. Remember God says in Proverbs 22:6, Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.

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e. Romans 3:23, For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; f. Romans 3:10, As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one: g. Romans 10:9-10, That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. 10: For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. h. Would you please stand? www.chesswoodbaptist.org

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