Friday 3 October 2025
She does him good, and not harm, all the days of her life. (v. 12)
Background
As we noted yesterday the last two chapters in the book of Proverbs seem to have been added at a later stage to the collection. Today’s section seems deliberately designed to balance the very negative views of women which occur particularly in the first nine chapters, where women are portrayed as devious, quarrelsome and dangerous.
Our passage forms the first part of a longer poem. It is in acrostic form, where the first verse starts with the first letter in the Hebrew alphabet and each succeeding verse starts with the next letter following on. While this structure helped the original hearers of the Proverbs to remember the poem, it militates against any ordered progression of thought and so we are instead given a collage of snapshots of the noble wife.
We need to remember that these words come from a patriarchal society. The Methodist Church in Britain, which brings you these studies, is an inclusive and justice-seeking church in which women and men share together in all aspects of leadership and decision-making. Likewise in homes throughout the land the domestic tasks described here are often undertaken by both men and women.
Even though this characterisation of the role of a 'noble wife' may sit uncomfortably with us we can still draw from it the values of reliability, self-giving and, in particular, a caring and generous attitude to those around us who are in need.
To Ponder:
- Although our passage is mostly about how a woman cares for her household it ends by affirming her care for all in need. How can I ensure that my loving actions are not confined to those closest to me?
- This portrait of a noble wife suggests that she works tirelessly from early to late. Is this a healthy Christian approach?
Prayer
Loving God, may I bring good, not harm, to all whom I meet today. Amen.
Bible notes author: The Revd Dr Donald Ker
Donald Ker is a supernumerary minister, originally from Ireland where he served in a number of different appointments, but now living in Solihull on the Birmingham Circuit.