A Wife of Noble Character

This coming Sunday, I'll be preaching from Proverbs 31:10-31.

Traditionally, the passage has been seen as a checklist of the perfect woman. But I see some problems with that interpretation.

First, it uncharacteristically sets ancient women as vigorously engaged in business. That wasn't so.

Second, it sets standards that seem impossible to meet. Even Janet doesn't measure up, so what's the point?

Third, the poem is an accrostic. That means the author has some challenges to keep the pattern going.

Is it possible that the author is referring to something other than a human woman?

Check out the prologue of Proverbs and as you read the book, look for what woman the author refers to repeatedly.