Let us rejoice and be glad and give him glory! For the wedding of the Lamb has come, and his bride has made herself ready. (Revelation 19:7 NIV)
I was recently was rereading Proverbs. The very last piece of Proverbs focuses on “A Virtuous Woman” or “The Radiant Bride” or “A Wife of Noble Character,” depending on your translation. I’ve always read these verses as a lofty goal that women should strive for – to have the virtue and productivity that this (admittedly idealized) woman has. Truthfully, it was a bit overwhelming to think of living up to all these things.
But in the Passion Translation, the translator says, “This woman is both a picture of a virtuous wife and an incredible allegory of the end-time victorious bride of Jesus Christ, full or virtue and grace.”* While I may not personally fulfill the complete ideal of this woman, I see myself as part of the End Times Church – The Bride of Christ. This isn’t just about me; it includes all believers. Viewing this passage through that perspective makes it less daunting. I am one part of the Bride of Christ, and together, we all serve the Bridegroom, Jesus.
Who could ever find a wife like this one —she is a woman of strength and mighty valor! She’s full of wealth and wisdom. The price paid for her was greater than many jewels. Her husband has entrusted his heart to her, for she brings him the rich spoils of victory. All throughout her life she brings him what is good and not evil. She searches out continually to possess that which is pure and righteous. She delights in the work of her hands. She gives out revelation-truth to feed others. She is like a trading ship bringing divine supplies from the merchant. Even in the night season she arises and sets food on the table for hungry ones in her house and for others. She sets her heart upon a field and takes it as her own. She labors there to plant the living vines. She wraps herself in strength, might, and power in all her works. She tastes and experiences a better substance, and her shining light will not be extinguished, no matter how dark the night. She stretches out her hands to help the needy and she lays hold of the wheels of government. She is known by her extravagant generosity to the poor, for she always reaches out her hands to those in need. She is not afraid of tribulation, for all her household is covered in the dual garments of righteousness and grace. Her clothing is beautifully knit together —a purple gown of exquisite linen. Her husband is famous and admired by all, sitting as the venerable judge of his people. Even her works of righteousness she does for the benefit of her enemies. Bold power and glorious majesty are wrapped around her as she laughs with joy over the latter days. Her teachings are filled with wisdom and kindness as loving instruction pours from her lips. She watches over the ways of her household and meets every need they have. Her sons and daughters arise in one accord to extol her virtues, and her husband arises to speak of her in glowing terms. “There are many valiant and noble ones, but you have ascended above them all!” Charm can be misleading, and beauty is vain and so quickly fades, but this virtuous woman lives in the wonder, awe, and fear of the Lord. She will be praised throughout eternity. So go ahead and give her the credit that is due, for she has become a radiant woman, and all her loving works of righteousness deserve to be admired at the gateways of every city! (Proverbs 31:10-31 TPT)
God,
We live in that wonder, fear, and awe of your Majesty and Power and we praise you for who you are. Thank you for continually reminding us that when we become your children, you graft us into a family of the many, many people in your Church. Thank you that although you call us into righteousness and to work out our salvation, you do not expect us to do it alone. Thank you that the Holy Spirit within us and other believers around us help to guide, encourage, and direct our ways. Today we pray that you will cause your church to live the fullness of the Bride of Christ. May we as a body work, serve, and do as the Proverbs 31 woman sets us an example. Cause us to act justly, love mercy, walk humbly with you as we share your Good News with the world. Keep us from laziness, indifference, or discouragement, but help us to fully draw on the Holy Spirit within us to shine the Light of Jesus into this dark world. Prepare your Church to be a spotless Bride, ready for the return of the Bridegroom, Christ. We ask this in Jesus’s name, AMEN.
The bride belongs to the bridegroom. (John 3:29 NIV)
He has shown you, O mortal, what is good.
And what does the Lord require of you?
To act justly and to love mercy
and to walk humbly with your God. (Micah 6:8 NIV)
*text note on Proverbs 31:10 TPT