In our study of Proverbs, we have learned the majority of proverbs have been written by King Solomon as the first 22 chapters or so were written by him. All these proverbs are useful for anybody, but then we end the book with this very special chapter that elevates the beauty and grace of womanhood.

On episode 4 (the last one from the Proverbs series), AJ and Jen tell it all on the Proverbs 31 woman- no holding back!

Is it fair for us to look at Proverbs 31 as a mirror and compare ourselves to the woman we find here? Comparison has never really been super helpful or healthy, especially when we go back to the gospel and know we can never compare to the standard that God has set (which is perfection.) Reality check: We know we're probably never going to tick all the boxes on this chapter.

But in Proverbs 31:30, we learn that charm is deceptive and beauty is fleeting, but a woman who fears the Lord will be praised. And why is that? Because as Proverbs 1 tells us, the fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge. See how the book comes full circle?

This kind of beauty- the beauty of wisdom- is applicable for all women, whether we're married, single, children, no children, working outside the home or not. This is where we all need to land.

We live in a fallen world and we are still simple people, but what we can do is we can orient our hearts to the gospel and recognize that in doing so, it’s because of Christ that lives in us. We can work towards this goal.

We also discuss the outflow of the heart is what the mouth speaks. For the Proverbs 31 woman, it is wisdom and kindness ( as we have also talked about in the beginning of this series - Episode 1).  A woman who fears the Lord is exalted, and God gives her that wisdom. It flows from her life in a magnificent display for others to see.

Everything she does in this passage is from a heart that fears the Lord.

Wherever you are right now, God puts you in that place for a purpose, for a reason. He is sovereign over that purpose. And if you are fearing Him and trusting Him, He can use you.

That is a great takeaway from this chapter! The ability to make a difference where you are– for your own kids, for those people in your church that are younger than you, that you can mentor, for friends, for family. You can make a difference and it’s important to recognize that and take action.

The girls close out this episode by tying 1 Peter 3:3 with Proverbs 31: “Don't let your beauty consist outward of outward things like elaborate hairstyles and wearing gold jewelry, but rather what is inside the heart"

 Inside the heart: the imperishable qualities of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God's sight.