The Proverbs 31 Man?

We hear lots of talk about the Proverbs 31 woman, but often forget that this teaching originated as a corrective instruction from a mother to her son: THE PROVERBS 31 MAN

The teaching begins with a series of questions:

WHAT are you doing, my son?

What are you DOING, son of my womb?

What ARE you doing, son of my vows?

Mama isn’t happy. This proverb is from a queen who’s son has become king and seems to be following in the footsteps of other sinful ancient kings. She instructs him that these are the things a Proverbs 31 man does and does not do:

1. He Behaves Respectfully and Honorably Toward Women

Do not give your strength to (multiple) women, your ways to those who destroy kings.

He should not consort with sinful women. He should only have one wife and NO HAREM full of women as ancient kings were known to collect. Women are not objects of male pleasure. They are not property or political bargaining chips. God commanded Kings of Israel NOT to have more than one wife (Deut. 17:17), though some of them, like Solomon, shattered that law into 1,000 pieces--literally. 1 Timothy 3:2 lists among the qualifications for overseers of the New Testament church that they are to be the faithful husband of ONE wife.

2. He Never Drinks Alcohol

It is not for kings to drink wine, or for rulers to take strong drink (CSB-beer), lest they drink and forget what has been decreed and pervert the rights of all the afflicted.

A godly man should drink No wine, No mead or beer, No strong drink, EVER. Note: They knew how to preserve juice in ancient Israel without it fermenting. Yes, Jesus turned water into wine, but the Greek word for wine refers to the juice from any type of fruit of the vine or tree, fermented or not. With the consistent Biblical message warning against intoxicating beverages, it is safe to assume that the juice from the fruit of the vine Jesus created at the wedding in Cana and that which he shared with his disciples at the last supper, were not of the intoxicating variety. 

The New Testament teaches that we are heirs of Christ the King. It also teaches:

But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his possession, so that you may proclaim the praises of the one who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light. -1 Peter 2:9

We, as believers, are a royal priesthood. We must stay away from alcoholic beverages. Alcohol is used by those who are perishing—dying—unbelievers.  Godly men must represent Him and must have a clear head at all times to be able to exercise good judgement.

3. HE STANDS UP FOR THE POOR AND WEAK

Open your mouth for the mute, for the rights of all who are destitute

Open your mouth, judge righteously, defend the rights of the poor and needy

A Proverbs 31 man speaks up for those who have no voice. He stands up for the rights of those who have nothing, the down and out. He defends the rights of the downtrodden and needy. He is a protector and defender who stands up for those in need.

4. HE TREASURES AND TRUSTS HIS WIFE

An excellent wife who can find? She is far more precious than jewels. The heart of her husband trusts in her…

A Proverbs 31 man, treasures his wife and is grateful for her. He respects her as an equal heir and image bearer of Christ and realizes that she is of infinite worth. He views his wife as a true partner. He trusts in her with all of his heart and soul and has complete confidence in her.

5. HE IS FAIR

Her husband is known in the gates when he sits among the elders of the land.

A godly man was known in the city gates where business was transacted and judgements were rendered by the elders. He is a leader among the people who is well respected. He Judges fairly and righteously—according to God’s standard.

6. HE APPRECIATES HIS WIFE

Her children rise up and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her: Many women have done excellently, but you surpass them all.

He calls his wife a blessing and praises her exuberantly. He halals her. This is a powerful Hebrew word of praise meaning that He humbles himself toward her and verbally praises her, never abusing or tearing down, always uplifting and building her up. He admires, respects and encourages his wife

A Proverbs 31 man seeks out a godly wife and is faithful to her. He searches out a partner of noble character and cherishes her. He takes joy in seeing his wife thrive, fulfilling her unique calling and maximizing her use of the gifts God has given her. He is respectful and loving toward his wife, praising her, trusting in her, encouraging her and appreciating her.

CONCLUSION

A Proverbs 31 man is sober, well respected, exercises good judgement, and speaks up for those who can’t speak for themselves.  He is faithful, loving, respectful, appreciative and encouraging toward his wife.