Proverbs 31: Week Thirty-Eight | The Wolfe Notes

Welcome to week thirty-eight of our Proverbs 31 journey. If you'd like to return to one of our previous stops, let our "Wolfe Notes" guide you. 

• In January we examined our value with the help of Proverbs 31 verses 10 and 29.
• In February we learned what uplifting means by looking at Proverbs 31:11 and 23.
• In March, we considered the virtue of respect by studying Proverbs 31:12 and 28.
• In April, we trained to be hardworking with Proverbs 31:13 and 19 as our instructors.
• In May, we saw what it takes to be resourceful by examining Proverbs 31:14 and 21. 
• In June, we developed our caring muscle by exercising Proverbs 31:15 and 22.
• In July, we practiced being savvy with help from Proverbs 31:16 and 27.
• In August, we witnessed exemplary behavior outlined in Proverbs 31:18 and 31:31.
• In September, we will find what being necessary looks like from Proverbs 31:20 and 24.

If you're ready to travel with us, welcome! Grab your September calendar with daily activities, the lamp for your feet (the Bible), and let's get going! We're journeying through the concluding poem of Proverbs and we're so glad you decided to walk along this road with us! Imagine that as we walk, we're talking about the daily activities. Our side of the discussion is outlined below. What would you add? How would you challenge us? (Ideas that are our thoughts alone are designated with an *.)

Contents:

What is Weird? Researching to answer a question about Proverbs 31:24.
About Girdles from various sources.

About Merchants from various sources.

Other Versions of Proverbs 31:24 and writing your own.
Commentaries of Proverbs 31:24.
*As Christ's Bride applying Proverbs 31:24.
*Look at Roles based on Proverbs 31:24

What is Weird?

Researching to answer a question about Proverbs 31:24.

Why would a woman from a high-ranking household sell fabric and distribute girdles?

"Textiles" from Jewish Virtual Library 

• Linen established the economy in Babylon.
• Wealthy women were still expected to contribute to the production of textiles.

"Entrepreneurs: From Antiquity through the Early Modern Period" at Jewish Women's Archive wholeheartedly supports the notion that a high-status woman would be involved in many professions - although most were widows. 

• Women textile brokers traveled door-to-door to buy and sell wares and material.
• Others worked as textile merchants. 

*Conclusions: It was common for women to work and often earned money for their labor. Textile production was a primary production and source of income for ancient Israeli women. Although, many women infrequently left their home, so men generally sold and distributed their wares.

About Girdles

From various sources.

Hebrew from Bible Hub

• chagor: girded
• Other occurrence: Ezekiel 23:15 Where Jerusalem is depicted as Oholibah, a whore who lusted after and seduced the Babylonians (that were girded in girdles). Oholibah later received God's judgment which served to end the lewdness in the land, warn other women (*nations), and penalize her sinful idolatry so all will know that "I am the Lord God."

Definition from Merriam-Webster

• Something that encircles or confines
• An article of clothing that encircles the body, usually at the waist

"The Girdle of Truth" from Like an Anchor

• A girdle is a belt that is used as purses or pockets.
• Symbolic of:
• Strength, power, and readiness for us. (*Surround yourself in these attributes.)
• Righteousness and faithfulness (Isaiah 11:5) for the Messiah.
• To put on a girdle of truth means:
• We're strengthened, ready, and empowered by God's righteousness and faithfulness through His word: the truth.
• We understand Jesus' teaching and consistently follow His instructions (*only Jesus delivers understanding through Wisdom)
• We are "preparing our minds to walk as Jesus walked and become holy the way the Father is holy."

Scripture from Knowing Jesus

• Genesis 3:7 AMPC: Then the eyes of them both were opened, and they knew that they were naked; and they sewed fig leaves together and made themselves apronlike girdles.
• Exodus 28:40 KJV: And for Aaron's sons thou shalt make coats, and thou shalt make for them girdles, and bonnets shalt thou make for them, for glory and for beauty.
• Luke 12:35 LSB: Gird up your loins, and keep your lamps lit.
• I Samuel 2:4 AMPC: The bows of the mighty are broken, and those who stumbled are girded with strength.
• Ezekiel 16:10 BST: And I clothed thee with embroidered garments, and clothed thee beneath with purple, and girded thee with fine linen, and clothed thee with silk.
• Isaiah 11:5 KJV: And righteousness shall be the girdle of his loins, and faithfulness the girdle of his reins. 

*Conclusions: Gird = get ready; strengthen yourself. Girdle = purse or belt. In order to "get ready" you need your purse (or pockets). Who clothed Adam and Eve properly after they discovered their nakedness? Who determined what Aaron's sons should wear? Who readies us for battle? Who prepared the merchant (Jesus) to deliver the robes of righteousness (linen) and faithfulness (wool) we are covered in? God did, does, and will.

About Merchants

From various sources.

Hebrew from Bible Hub

• Kna'aniy: Canaanite (Tyre & Sidon were major commercial Canaanite cities. Canaanite became synonymous with merchant.) ("The Biblical Cities of Tyre and Sidon" at BibleArchaeology.org)
• Other occurrences: Zechariah 14:21; Isaiah 23:8; Zechariah 11:7; and Hosea 12:8

Definition from Merriam-Webster

1. a buyer & seller of commodities for profit
2. one that is noted for a particular quality or activity

"What the Bible Says about Christ as Merchant" by Richard T. Ritenbaugh at Bible Tools

• Deuteronomy 32:20 describes Israelites as a perverse generation, children in whom is no faith by a reincarnate Jesus
• When Jesus walked the earth, he found gems of faith hidden by His Father (Matthew 13:38)
• The work of God is for people to have faith in the One who he sent. (John 6:29)
• The Father would draw people to the Son (John 6:44-45) because the Father gave them faith.
• When He encountered faith, He would instruct the people not to tell anyone after showing them mercy. (Matthew 8:4, Mark 5:34-43, Matthew 9:30) This is just as in the parable of the hidden treasure (Matthew 13:44-46).
• Jesus' pattern was to respond to those in whom the Father had hidden faith, then to keep that faith hidden until he had purchased the field.
• He was willing to buy humanity for the sake of the few to whom the Father had given faith.
• After the resurrection, the treasure did not need to remain hidden.
• It had to remain hidden until Jesus could redeem the lives of his followers so Satan could not snatch them from His hand (John 10:28-29)
• John 17:12 reveals that He was constantly on guard - girded - against losing those with faith.

Scripture from Knowing Jesus

• Job 41:6 GNT: Will fisherman bargain over [Leviathan]? Will merchants cut him up to sell?
• Proverbs 31:14 KJV: She is like the merchants' ships; she bringeth her food from afar.
• Song of Solomon 3:6 KJV: Who is this that cometh out of the wilderness like pillars of smoke, perfumed with myrrh and frankincense, with all powders of the merchant? 
• Isaiah 23:11 TLB: The Lord holds out his hand over the seas; he shakes the kingdoms of the earth; he has spoken out against this great merchant city, to destroy its strength.
• Hosea 12:7 KJV: He is a merchant, the balances of deceit are in his hand: he loveth to oppress

*Connections: There seem to be two merchants searching for the treasure of this world. One that seeks to wrap you in fine linen of righteousness and strengthen you with truth. The other longs to snatch you away into lust by deceit. Which do you do business with? Which do you promote?

Other Versions

Of Proverbs 31:24 and writing your own.

Phrase by Phrase

• She maketh (designs) fine linen (garments/clothes/ sheets)
• and selleth it: sold /leads other to buy
• and delivereth (supplies, gave, brings) girdles (sashes, belts, accessories, sweaters) 
• unto the merchant: for tradesmen to carry across the sea / traders/ dress shops / clothiers / Canaanites / shop owners

Significantly Different Versions

• CEV: She makes clothes to sell to the shop owners. 
• TLB: She makes belted linen garments to sell to the merchants.
• MSG: She designs gowns and sells them, brings the sweaters she knits to the dress shops.
• AMPC: She makes fine linen garments and leads others to buy them; she delivers to the merchants girdles [or sashes that free one up for service].
• ISV: She designs and sells linen garments, supplying accessories to clothiers.

*Wolfe Stew Versions

• Wisdom weaves cloth to cover you in righteousness and tells you of its benefits. Wisdom brings truth through Jesus' word.
• The Bride of Christ tells of robes of righteousness found only through Christ and brings truth to all the world so others can spread it.
• Personally, dress in robes of righteousness and speak convincingly of the finery; and bring truth to everyone you meet.
• Relationally, let others know what you have to offer is Jesus. List His qualities. Deliver truth in every situation.
• Spiritually, remind yourself who clothes you and who strengthens you in truth so you can go forth.
• Intellectually, nothing you make compares to Him. Buy what He's offering. Answer the door when His truth knocks.

Commentaries

Of Proverbs 31:24.

Phrase by Phrase

• She maketh fine linen: This is not the same word as in 31:22 (her clothing is silk and purple). In this context, a garment is denoted. (BARNES); linen, gold or other precious metals - Jeremiah 13:1 & Daniel 10:5 (POOLE); coverings represent good works to serve as an example OR divine instruction, the preaching of the gospel and the truths therein, the righteousness of Christ which is called 'fine linen' and 'white raiment' (GILL) / undergarment - Isaiah 3:23 (CAMBRIDGE)
• and selleth it: without money or price for as she freely receives, she freely gives (GILL); Did not think it unworthy to engage in trade (CAMBRIDGE)
• and delivereth girdles unto the merchant: Canaanite i.e., the Phoenician merchant / costly & highly valued, given as a present, or sold (JAMIESON-FAUSSET-BROWN); used by men & women (POOLE); to dispose of - to sell - to Egyptian priests for their own use to put money in, girdles being used for that purpose (*Our treasure is truth!); or , a girdle to the Canaanite (aka Phoenicians) generally merchants; ministers of the word, as priests of Rome are called the merchants of the earth and false teachers are said to make merchandise men (Revelations 18:3) so faithful ministers, who trade for good of souls, and seek not theirs, but them, and not their own things, but Christ's may be called merchants; and to these, the girdle of truth is given; and these the church exhorts to gird their loins with it, as well as all her members, that they may be ready to every good work and particularly to preach the gospel of peace. Ephesians 6:14 (GILL); necessary - commonly leather but the costly ones were fine linen studded with jewels and gold (2 Samuel 18:11 & Daniel 10:5) righteousness displayed (PULPIT)

*Connections: 

• Practically, this high-ranking woman added to the household coffers by selling finery.
• Spiritually, the church preaches of Christ's righteousness by offering white raiment and brings truth to every person seeking a valuable profit.

*As Christ's Bride

Applying Proverbs 31:24.

Christ's Bride:

• SUBMITS to Jesus' will by selling and distributing what He's made and offers: robes of righteousness secured in truth.
• RESPECTS Jesus by speaking of Him reverently and valuing the gifts He's offered.

Because Jesus:

• LEADS us by doing the necessary work to procure righteousness for us and strengthening us in faithful truth.
• LOVES us by freely giving us His good and perfect gifts through personal sacrifice and faithfulness.

*Look at Roles

Based on Proverbs 31:24

A Helper: 

• SUBMITS to her husband by diligently working to cover not only her family but also those around her in high-quality essentials - physically, emotionally, spiritually, relationally, and intellectually - in alignment with her husband's values.
• RESPECTS her husband by bringing honesty to every situation to promote similar return from her offering.

Because a Keeper: 

• LEADS his wife by helping to keep her work focused on righteousness and supporting her efforts through provision, encouragement, promotion, and labor; by confessing wrongdoing and asking for her forgiveness.
• LOVES his wife by communicating and acting in truth; by trusting her to speak and act in truth wherever she goes; and by forgiving her when she misses the mark.

Final Thoughts

As I consider this verse in my personal life, I wonder what am I selling, what is my product? When others consider my character, my contributions, and my choices how would they describe what I produce? Am I offering finery or rags? Do they see the glory of God shining brightly through me or dusty fragments of light through a tattered lampshade? Am I offering the best of me or the rest of me?

When I speak and act, do I deliver truth or falsehoods? How often do I say or do what I think others want instead of what I know to be right? How often am I motivated by popularity instead of discipleship? 

Father God, help me! You are Righteousness and Truth. How I long to sell You to others in this lost and broken world. They need You. Yet, I struggle. I choose my wants over your righteousness and my glory over Your honor. Keep my eyes fixed on you and my heart longing to know more of You. Remind me that my obedience and faithfulness is what you seek. Father, open their eyes to see Your truth. Incline their spirits to desire more of You.

Growing with You,

Review Week 37 or

Move on to Week 39.

Sample these related posts:

Learn more about women and land ownership in ancient Israel.

Honor honesty.

Lead as a father.

Discover spiritual significance in linen and wool.

Sail with merchant ships for food from afar.

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