September 22, 2015

“A capable wife who can find?
She is far more precious than jewels.
The heart of her husband trusts in her,
and he will have no lack of gain.
She does him good, and not harm,
all the days of her life.
She seeks wool and flax,
and works with willing hands.
She is like the ships of the merchant,
she brings her food from far away.
She rises while it is still night
and provides food for her household
and tasks for her servant-girls.
She considers a field and buys it;
with the fruit of her hands she plants a vineyard.
She girds herself with strength,
and makes her arms strong.”
Proverbs 31:10-17

“We need more such voices, and I’d suggest Proverbs 31 – as complex as it certainly is – might be one of them. Think about it: this Sunday countless girls will be sitting in church listening to this passage. How many will hear it interpreted not as one more ideal they can’t live up to but instead as a powerful voice that invites them to imagine that they have worth in and of themselves, that they can do anything they set their minds to, and that their value rests in their character and accomplishments, not in the rosy glow of their skin. That’s a sermon I hope my daughter hears. And, for that matter, my son as well.” David Lose, What the Bible Says – And Doesn’t Say – About Women (Posted: 09/22/2012)

I have often used this text when preaching a funeral sermon for a woman who has served as a faithful wife, mother, and other appropriate titles if they are warranted. It is a powerful statement for any woman who has served her family in so many roles — many in the expected roles, and many in unexpected roles. It is interesting that it begins with the statement “Who can find a capable wife?”, and then goes on to list her accomplishments as if there were such a person standing right in front of the writer — or someone the writer has in mind. I personally do not think it is that hard to find a capable wife — or a capable husband in this world. I believe it is more important not to put socially or culturally determined roles on anyone — and allow all people to serve their families, their communities, and their churches in all of the roles they feel called.

Pastor Dave