We end Proverbs with where we started it. The fear of the Lord is the beginning of all wisdom. Proverbs 31 is the famous passage of a wise and Godly woman. What do we see as the foundation of her wisdom? Why is she to be praised? Verse 30 says that charm is deceitful and beauty is vain, but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised. Proverbs ends where it begins. The fear of the Lord is the beginning of all wisdom. Wisdom begins here – understanding that we are not God and learning to live for Him, not for ourselves. That is where all wisdom starts.

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Good morning! It’s a pleasure to be with you as we conclude our journey through Proverbs today. Today marks our last day in Proverbs, and we’ll be delving into Proverbs 31. It’s been an enjoyable experience, and I hope you’ve found it valuable. While I’ve taught Proverbs in various settings before, reading through it in its entirety has been a refreshing venture.

As I contemplate our next steps, I’ve received several excellent suggestions from you, and I’ll be exploring those ideas in the coming days. I prefer to alternate between the Old and New Testaments, and after giving it much thought and prayer, I’ve decided to dive into Paul’s pastoral letters next. Over the next few weeks, we’ll explore these concise yet impactful letters addressed to individuals—1 Timothy, 2 Timothy, Titus, and Philemon. Each letter is relatively short, making it feasible for us to cover them all. We’ll commence this journey tomorrow morning with 1 Timothy.

But before we embark on this new series, let’s wrap up Proverbs with Chapter 31. This chapter is renowned for its depiction of a virtuous woman and has inspired many women’s ministries. Let me read the entire passage:

[Proverbs 31:1-31]

Proverbs 31 extols the virtues of a godly woman. While I am not a woman, I deeply appreciate the qualities outlined in this chapter. My wife, in my eyes, epitomizes the essence of Proverbs 31. This chapter, like many verses in Proverbs, emphasizes a key principle—summed up eloquently in verse 30: “Charm is deceitful and beauty is vain, but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.” This sentiment not only encapsulates Proverbs 31 but resonates with the overarching theme of Proverbs.

In a world that often values external appearances, Proverbs teaches us that true wisdom comes from fearing the Lord. This wisdom is not derived from outward charm or beauty but from a heart that reveres God. It is a universal truth that applies to both men and women, young and old. The fear of the Lord is the starting point of all wisdom.

The woman in Proverbs 31 is lauded because she fears the Lord, and her actions reflect this reverence. Her life is characterized by selfless service, placing others above herself. This is a poignant reminder for all of us, regardless of gender. Wisdom begins by dethroning ourselves and acknowledging God as the sovereign ruler of our hearts. It involves aligning our lives with His principles and surrendering our desires for His higher purpose.

As we bid farewell to Proverbs, I extend my gratitude to all hardworking and faithful wives out there. Your love and dedication do not go unnoticed. Personally, I am immensely thankful for my wife, Holly, who has been my steadfast companion. For all of us, let’s remember to start with the fear of the Lord, understanding that He is God, and to order our lives according to His will. This is the true beginning of wisdom.

Thank you for joining me on this Proverbs journey. Tomorrow, we’ll embark on a new adventure with 1 Timothy. I’m eager to share this time with you. Have a wonderful rest of your day, and I’ll see you in the morning.