Psalm 15

"You Life, Your Soul"
Jul 7, 2025

https://youtu.be/Uj46iJ1aYrw

Psalm 1 and 2

Psalm 1  Blessed Is the Man!

• v. 1 Blessed is to be obtained in 2 Ways.
• Negatively
• Positively
• v. 3 The Rewards of the Blessed Man
• v. 4 The Contrast to the Blessed Man

WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO BE BLESSED? (32:1)

To be blessed is to be happy or full of joy. It is much more than a feeling, however; it is a joyous position resulting from a right relationship with God.

SHOULD WE MEDITATE ON GOD’S LAW? (1:2)

When we meditate by wrapping our hearts and minds around God’s revelation of himself in his Word (law), we find spiritual stability, depth of character and divine blessing. See the article Isn’t meditation used by other religions? (77:12).

DOES FOLLOWING GOD BRING SUCCESS? (1:3–4)

This psalm offers a principle, not a guarantee of success. The ancient Hebrews did not limit their definition of success to the purely financial aspect of life. They valued other factors as well, including a positive reputation and community respect. For the righteous, success is measured not in the accumulation of wealth but in the experience of God’s blessing on their words and deeds. See the article Are proverbs ironclad promises? (Pr 3:1–4).

WHAT IS CHAFF? (1:4)

After wheat is harvested, the chaff (stems, leaves, husks and dust) is separated from the grain in a process called winnowing. Chaff is carried away by the lightest wind, and its removal brings about cleansing by removing the unwanted seed coverings and debris from the grain. In this verse, the worthless chaff symbolizes the wicked, who will be separated from the righteous at judgment.

Psalm 2 "Thou Art My Son!"

• The Determined Hate of the People (v.1-3)
• The Divine Tranquility (v. 4-6)
• Messiah's Manifesto (v. 7-9)
• Overtures and Counsels of Peace (v. 12)

Psalm 23

 Psalms 23

The Lord Is My Shepherd

2 Samuel 5:11–6:23, 1 Chronicles 13–16

 2 Samuel 5:11–6:23

David Defeats the Philistines

The Ark Brought to Jerusalem

Uzzah and the Ark

David and Michal

1 Chronicles 13

The Ark Brought from Kiriath-Jearim

Uzzah and the Ark

1 Chronicles 14

David's Wives and Children

Philistines Defeated

1 Chronicles 15

The Ark Brought to Jerusalem

1 Chronicles 16

The Ark Placed in a Tent

David's Song of Thanks

Worship Before the Ark

June 21 = Psalm 133

 When Brothers Dwell in Unity

Psalm 133




Intro Questions

Text Graphic

• God is ... What do we learn about God in this passage?
• We are ... What do we learn about people in this passage?
• 
  
• I will ... What has the Holy Spirit revealed to us in this passage? How can I apply it to my life this week?
• 
  
• You can ... Who do you know who needs to hear this? Feel free to share with others by social media links at the bottom of this.

https://www.youtube.com/c/edmondchurchofchrist

Other Resources:

2 Samuel 5:1–10, 1 Chronicles 11–12

2 Samuel 5:1–10

David Anointed King of Israel


1 Chronicles 11

David Anointed King

David Takes Jerusalem

David's Mighty Men

1 Chronicles 12

The Mighty Men Join David

Psalm 102 Psalm 103 Psalm 104

Psalm 102 

Do Not Hide Your Face from Me

Psalm 103 

Bless the Lord, O My Soul

Psalm 104

O Lord My God, You Are Very Great

Proverbs Quick Links - Reflections = Week 34 - Saturday

Here are the quick links to each section

Link to the Videos for this series.

• Proverbs - Intro = Week 01 - Saturday
• Many Topics in the Book of Proverbs
• Proverbs 1 Purpose and Theme
• Proverbs 2 The Benefits & Value of Wisdom
• Proverbs 3 Trust in the Lord with All Your Heart
• Proverbs 4 Get Wisdom at Any Cost
• Proverbs 5 Warning Against Adultery
• Proverbs 6 Warnings Against Folly
• Proverbs 7 Warning Against the Adulterous Woman
• Proverbs 8 Wisdom's Call
• Proverbs 9 Invitations of Wisdom and Folly
• Proverbs 10 The Dichotomy of Wisdom and Foolishness
• Proverbs 11 Without Good Direction, People Lose Their Way
• Proverbs 12 If You Love Learning And Wise People Take Advice
• Proverbs 13 The Wise Son Listens to His Father's Instruction
• Proverbs 14 Wisdom's Blueprint: Illuminating Paths
• Proverbs 15 Pathways of Wisdom: Harnessing the Power of the Tongue
• Proverbs 16 Wisdom's Blessings Come From The Lord's Words Of Advice To A Wise Son
• Proverbs 17 Discovering Wisdom's Path: The Guiding Principles
• Proverbs 18 Strife, Speech, and the Power of the Tongue
• Proverbs 19 Wisdom in Integrity: Navigating Life's Complexities
• Proverbs 20 Wisdom instructs on avoiding drunkenness, sloth, and a contentious spirit
• Proverbs 21 The Divine Discernment: Insights from Proverbs
• Proverbs 22 The Worth of Wisdom and the Paths of Integrity
• Proverbs 23 Wisdom's Call: The Life-Shaping Lessons
• Proverbs 24 The Gateway to Righteous Living
• Proverbs 25 The Right Word at the Right Time
• Proverbs 26 Mastering the Art of Wisdom
• Proverbs 27 Iron Sharpens Iron
• Proverbs 28 The Righteous are as Bold as a Lion
• Proverbs 29 Understanding Wisdom and Justice
• Proverbs 30 Unraveling Divine Wisdom
• Proverbs 31 The Virtues of a Noble Woman

Proverbs 31:1-31 The Virtues of a Noble Woman = Week 33 - Saturday

The Virtues of a Noble Woman

Proverbs 31:1-31

Reminder: Pray to God to set your heart right as you engage His word. The text you are about to study was not written to you but is written for you. So, before applying we must ask the following questions:

• What did it mean to the original reader or original audience?

READ THE SCRIPTURE (Multiple times & translations and notice the words that standout)

Biblegateway (NIV) (My choice of all-round site. It is a Great app, better on computers or on smartphones)

StepBible (ESV) (Great on phone or computer with good resources.)

Literal Word  (New American Standard Bible) (Works well on a smartphone or computer + for searching for words like a printed concordance)

Biblia.com (New Century Version) (Great on a computer especially if you have a logos account)

Themes

Wisdom and Guidance

The Ideal Wife and Mother

Godly Virtues

Hard Work and Diligence

Fear of the Lord

Strength and Dignity

Generosity and Kindness

Topics

Instructions from a Mother to her Son

The Characteristics of a Virtuous Wife

Women as Pillars of the Household

The Reward of Diligence and Godliness

Hashtags:

#Wisdom

Topical Bible

Kevin's Teaching Blog About Proverbs 31

Potential Sermon Titles: ??

Intro Questions to get us thinking:

• What is your mother's favorite saying? Can you still recite it?
• (Women) Of all the TV sitcom women, with whom do you identify most: June Cleaver? Jill Taylor? Roseanne? Claire Huxtable? Elaine (Seinfeld)? Other? What features of those women do you admire? 
• (Men) To which of these women would you prefer to be married? Why? 
• Both complete and compare: "A woman's place is in the ___________ "What feelings does this slogan evoke? 

ESV Text with Highlights

#God = 
#People = 

• King Lemuel
• King Lemuel's mother
• The virtuous woman (ideal wife and mother)
• Her family

#Time = 
#Place = 
#Obedient faith = 
#Sin = 
#Key Idea = 

Proverbs 31 ESV

The Words of King Lemuel

1The words of King Lemuel. An oracle that his mother taught him:

2What are you doing, my son?^a What are you doing, son of my womb?
What are you doing, son of my vows?
3Do not give your strength to women,
your ways to those who destroy kings.
4It is not for kings, O Lemuel,
it is not for kings to drink wine,
or for rulers to take strong drink,
5lest they drink and forget what has been decreed
and pervert the rights of all the afflicted.
6Give strong drink to the one who is perishing,
and wine to those in bitter distress;^b
7let them drink and forget their poverty
and remember their misery no more.
8Open your mouth for the mute,
for the rights of all who are destitute.^c
9Open your mouth, judge righteously,
defend the rights of the poor and needy.

The Woman Who Fears the Lord

10^d An excellent wife who can find?
She is far more precious than jewels.
11The heart of her husband trusts in her,
and he will have no lack of gain.
12She does him good, and not harm,
all the days of her life.
13She seeks wool and flax,
and works with willing hands.
14She is like the ships of the merchant;
she brings her food from afar.
15She rises while it is yet night
and provides food for her household
and portions for her maidens.
16She considers a field and buys it;
with the fruit of her hands she plants a vineyard.
17She dresses herself^e with strength
and makes her arms strong.
18She perceives that her merchandise is profitable.
Her lamp does not go out at night.
19She puts her hands to the distaff,
and her hands hold the spindle.
20She opens her hand to the poor
and reaches out her hands to the needy.
21She is not afraid of snow for her household,
for all her household are clothed in scarlet.^f
22She makes bed coverings for herself;
her clothing is fine linen and purple.
23Her husband is known in the gates
when he sits among the elders of the land.
24She makes linen garments and sells them;
she delivers sashes to the merchant.
25Strength and dignity are her clothing,
and she laughs at the time to come.
26She opens her mouth with wisdom,
and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue.
27She looks well to the ways of her household
and does not eat the bread of idleness.
28Her children rise up and call her blessed;
her husband also, and he praises her:
29“Many women have done excellently,
but you surpass them all.”
30Charm is deceitful, and beauty is vain,
but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.
31Give her of the fruit of her hands,
and let her works praise her in the gates.

OBSERVATIONS (Reflect on the topic and build the concept the writer is trying to communicate to the original audience)

ebible (NLT) (Best for having Bible sections divided by "pericope" or sections by thought)

Bible Project (NLT) (Helpful videos and instructions for the bigger picture)

Thematic Bible (Books and Chapters Structure)

Bible Hub = Outline, Themes, Topics, People, Locations, and Questions

The sayings of King Lemuel, taught by his mother, emphasize the importance of self-control and responsibility for leaders. He is advised against spending his strength on women and drinking, as it may lead to neglecting the rights of the oppressed. Lemuel is encouraged to advocate for those who cannot speak for themselves. The text then describes the qualities of a noble wife, highlighting her worth, diligence, and contributions to her family. She is portrayed as strong, wise, and industrious, earning the respect of her husband and community. Ultimately, a woman who fears the Lord is deemed worthy of praise and honor for her deeds.

Proverbs 31 is a complex chapter that has been interpreted in various ways throughout history. It begins with a king seeking advice from his mother on how to find a virtuous wife. The mother responds with a poetic description of an ideal woman, highlighting her industriousness, wisdom, and devotion to her family.

However, some scholars argue that the chapter is not solely about marriage or domesticity. They suggest that it is a broader reflection on the qualities of a wise and godly person, regardless of gender or marital status. This interpretation emphasizes the woman's entrepreneurial spirit, her generosity to the poor, and her overall contribution to society.

Ultimately, the meaning of Proverbs 31 is open to interpretation. It can be seen as a guide for women seeking to live virtuous lives, a model for ideal spouses, or a broader reflection on the qualities of wisdom and godliness. The specific interpretation often depends on the reader's cultural and religious context.

===

Proverbs 31 is a chapter in the Book of Proverbs in the Bible, traditionally attributed to King Lemuel. It consists of two main sections: advice from a mother to her son and a description of the ideal woman.

Advice from a Mother (Verses 1-9)

• Wisdom for Kings: The mother advises her son, urging him to avoid alcohol and to uphold justice.
• Prioritize Righteousness: He is encouraged to speak up for the voiceless and defend the rights of the poor and needy.

The Ideal Woman (Verses 10-31)

• Character Traits: The chapter describes a virtuous woman as valuable, surpassing rubies. Key traits include:
• Trustworthiness: Her husband has full confidence in her.
• Diligence: She works with her hands and provides for her family.
• Wisdom and Kindness: She speaks with wisdom and teaches kindness.
• Resourcefulness: She is involved in various trades, ensuring her household's well-being.
• Strength and Honor: She is strong and dignified, not afraid of the future.
• Praise and Recognition: The chapter concludes by emphasizing the importance of fear of the Lord as the basis for her worthiness. Her children and husband praise her for her accomplishments.

Key Themes

• Virtue and Strength: The portrayal of a woman who embodies strength, wisdom, and virtue.
• Family and Community: The importance of family, community service, and upholding justice.
• Value of Character: Inner qualities are valued over external beauty and wealth.

In essence, Proverbs 31 serves as a guide for both men and women, highlighting the virtues of leadership, righteousness, and the characteristics of an admirable person.

==============

(PROVERBS 31)

Wisdom instructs kings and praises the virtuous, wise, and industrious woman.

I. A Godly Mother’s Counsel (31:1–9)

A. Whom she taught (31:1–2): She taught her son, King Lemuel

B. What she taught (31:3–9)

1. The Negative (31:3–7)

a. “Do not spend your strength on women, on those who ruin kings” (31:3).

b. Do not guzzle wine or crave liquor (31:4–7).

2. The Positive (31:8–9): Stand up for the poor and needy.

II. A Godly Wife’s Character (31:10–31)

A. Her worth (31:10, 25, 29)

1. She is more precious than rubies (31:10).

2. “She is clothed with strength and dignity” (31:25): “She laughs with no fear of the future.”

3. She surpasses all other women (31:29).

B. Her works (31:13–22, 24, 27)

1. With her family (31:13–15, 17–19, 21–22, 27)

a. She provides them with proper clothing (31:13, 21): She finds wool and flax and spins it.

b. She plans meals and her day (31:14–15): She brings food from afar and gets up before dawn to prepare breakfast.

c. She is tireless in her work (31:17–19): She is a hard worker, looking for bargains and working late into the night.

d. She cares for and watches over the entire household (31:22, 27): She makes her own clothes and bedspreads.

2. With her finances (31:16, 24)

a. She buys and sells property (31:16).

b. She plants vineyards with her earnings (31:16).

c. She makes and sells belted linen garments and sashes (31:24).

3. With the less fortunate (31:20): She extends her arms to the poor and needy.

C. Her wisdom (31:26): Her words of instruction are wise and kind.

D. Her witnesses (31:11–12, 23, 28, 31)

1. Her husband (31:11–12, 23)

a. Trusts her (31:11): “She will greatly enrich his life.”

b. Knows she helps him (31:12): “She will not hinder him.”

c. Is respected among the city elders (31:23).

2. Her children (31:28): They “stand and bless her.”

3. Her fellow citizens (31:31): She should be publicly praised.

E. Her worship (31:30): She fears and reverences God.

 

STUDY RESOURCES (This takes some work and here are more resources than you can go through completely)

Rhys N. Thomas @ Thomas Theology Hub is a great resource.

NETBible (New English Translation) (Great for original text information)

BlueLetter  (King James Version) (A variety of resources and good on Phones / better on Computers)

BibleHub (HCSB) (Good on computer or app/phone with lots of well-organized information.)

BibleHub (BSB) (Good on computer or app/phone with lots of well-organized information.)

BibleRef.com (New King James Version) Basic able to compare core translations.

StudyLight (Amplified Bible) (Great site with commentaries by Burton Coffman)

KnowingJesus (Phone / Computer and great for comparing translations)

Bible.com (Lexham English Bible)

One Rabbi's Look at the Old Testament.

https://www.openbible.info/

• God is ... What do we learn about God in this passage?
• We are ... What do we learn about people in this passage?

• How is this king brought to his mother? To the Lord? To his senses? And to his people? 

• If the Jerusalem Times decided to print each of these paragraphs (Proverbs 31:2-3, 4-7, 8-9) as separate articles, with you as its editor, what head-line would you give each one? What accompanying pictures do they bring to mind? What section of the paper do they fit in best? 

• Proverbs 31:10-31 forms an "acrostic"; that is, each verse in succession begins with the next letter of the 22-character Hebrew alphabet. How might this carefully crafted epilogue and personification of wisdom relate to the prologue (Proverbs 1::1-7)? 

• Would the author of this epilogue be applauded by feminists or traditionalists? Would he or she (perhaps Lemuel's mother, Proverbs 31:1) support equal rights for women? Or sex-defined roles? What makes you think so? Which verses support which view? 

• From this chapter, how would this ideal woman define her "place": (a) The house, making meals and clothes? (b) The House and Senate, making decisions? (c) City market, on a shopping spree? (d) City market, as an entrepreneur, selling? 

• What does she manage: Kids? Domestic help? Property? Money? Business partnership? All of the above? Which of these roles do you see as the primary one for her? Why? 

• What abilities make her praiseworthy in the eyes of her husband? Her children? The city fathers? The poor and needy? 

• What is her spiritual life like? Her appointment calendar? Her work pace? Her temperament?

• 
  

Link to More Questions

APPLICATION (God wants us all to arrive at action, life-changing faith)

ESV (English Standard Version) Good translation with some helpful resources.

Biblegateway (Christian Standard Bible) has some application resources.

The Message (MSG) (An easy-to-read paraphrase that helps some with application)

Heartlight (Great for practical application of scripture)

Precept Austin Devotionals

Verse of the Day

Scripture Graphics

Bible.org search site

https://www.openbible.info

• In what ways can you "speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves" (Proverbs 31:8)? 

• Besides women (Proverbs 31:3), who are "those who ruin kings"? How so? What should be your attitude to them? 

• What is your reaction to these sayings of this unknown king? 

• How could anyone become like this woman? What does Proverbs 31:10 imply? Is she just a symbol for some spiritual quality? A flesh and blood woman? Or both? 

• If she represents "God's ideal woman," should an "average" woman (single or married) aspire to her qualities? Likewise, should a man? Why or why not? 

• What would you think of someone who aspired to these qualities, but came up "a buck short"? What if she came up woefully short"? 

• Which of the domains managed by this ideal woman are also things you are involved in? Which of those roles energize you? Which ones drain energy from you? 

• How does this woman who "does it all" compare with your image of the woman today who "does it all"? What are the differences? The similarities? How can women today follow her example without wearing themselves out and compromising their role as wife and mother? 

• She spent her expertise and resources on the poor and needy (Proverbs 31:20). To whom or what mission do you give yourself? 

• She both feared the Lord and received the praise of her children, husband, and co-workers. Apart from the Lord's favor, whose opinion or praise matters most to you? Who is harder to please your family members or your co-workers? Why? 

• (Women) What do you think is "the reward she has earned" (Proverbs 31:31)? What reward do you think you deserve? 

• (Men) In what way could you best reward the work of the woman in your life? How do you expect the woman to respond? 

• (Group) You've finished your study of Proverbs. What stands out? What changes are you still praying about? In what ways are you wiser now than when you started? What disturbed you most?

• I will ... What has the Holy Spirit revealed to us in this passage? How can I apply it to my life this week?
• What transformative move needs to be made?
• You can ... Who do you know who needs to hear this? Feel free to share with others via social media links at this bottom.

Take Away Challenges

• What has the Holy Spirit revealed to you in this passage? How will you apply it to your life this week?
• Whom do you know who needs to hear this?
• What is God bringing to your attention in this discussion? What beliefs, thoughts, or actions need to be addressed or changed?

PRAYER: Father, thank you for the gift of marriage and family. Help us to grow in love and unity, reflecting your image to the world. Amen. In the Name of Jesus.

https://www.youtube.com/c/edmondchurchofchrist

Other Resources:

• My YouTube Channel
• Links to Edmond Videos

• Other YouTube Videos

Wisdom Against Foolishness and for Christlikeness – Mike Mazzalongo | BibleTalk.tv

https://youtu.be/HJ9N2Wf8m1M

May 29, 2025  Old Testament Bible Study – Mike Mazzalongo = The final lesson in the series reviews one last failing that wisdom guards us from and explores the affinity shared by all those who seek the knowledge of Christ with the wisdom of Solomon.

SearchTV

• Audio Recordings
  
Through the Word = Audio
Proverbs 31 - https://app.throughtheword.org/proverbs-get-wisdom

• Discovery Bible Study

• Articles

• Devotions

 

• Links 

Thomas Theology Hub

Please let me know if you find any broken links or corrections that need to be made. Thank you for helping to make this useful.