Finally a Proverbs 31 Study That Doesn't Read Like a Manual

If you have browsed around my website and read my thoughts on Proverbs 31, you know that I am skeptical of Proverbs 31 materials. They tend to focus on works-based perfectionism.

However, Amy Bayliss, a great women's ministry leader, has put together an awesome study on Proverbs 31 that focuses on women giving their heart to God. I promise you will learn from this study even if you feel like you are an expert (lover or hater) on Proverbs 31.

I encourage you to watch the video of the first session, Proverbs 31- Shattering the Myths. I have been studying Proverbs 31 for a very long time, and I never knew the detail of the significance of the "ruby" analogy until I watched Amy's webinar. It was truly amazing. Please take the time to watch this video.

This will be a monthly Bible Study hosted at Christian Women Affiliate. You will be able to watch the session live and participate with comments, or watch the recorded video later.

I will be eagerly following this study throughout the year. In response to Amy's blog post about the study, I am answering the following questions:

What do I hope to get out of this Bible study?

I have spent a lot of time writing about the things "not found in Proverbs 31" and the pitfalls of trying to accomplish these things from the outside in. As Amy points out in the first session, Proverbs 31 starts with the fear of the Lord and dependence on His strength, but we do have to act. I know that I will learn a lot about what that action looks like in order to "produce the fruit."

What, if anything, has prevented me from studying these scriptures in the past?

I probably studied them too much with the wrong focus way back in the beginning of my marriage. Then I didn't want to study them at all because the "works" are unachievable. Finally, I began to understand this scripture in the light of more wisdom and see that these works are fruit produced by a heart that is completely God's.

What have I found helpful or frustrating about living out these scriptures?

The frustrating part, of course, is the list of great things when we separate them from the rest of the passage. The helpful part, however, is verse 10 reminding us that this is a description of character, and one that is rare. Of course, verse 30 reminds us that outward beauty is vain and that fulfillment of this passage is found in the fear of the Lord.

Don't miss out on this great study!

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