Mission Accomplished

Dennis Tuuri

Outline: Proverbs 31 The Words From God - Mission Accomplished! Sermon Notes for March 28, 2004 by Pastor Dennis R. Tuuri Intro: Seventh, and Climactic Section of Proverbs, Sabbath Enthronement, Feast of Tabernacles Proverbs 1A – Mother Honored, The Lord Feared Proverbs 1B-9 – Lady Wisdom Embraced Proverbs 10-22A – The Right Path Chosen , The Blessing of the Lord It Maketh Rich Proverbs 22B-24 – Vocation, Home, Gate: The Blessings of Diligence Proverbs 25-29 - Rule Established, Grace Extended Proverbs 30 – Humility and Wonderful Dominion Structural Observations (Lemuel – “From God”) 1. Two Separate Poems, Both With Chiastic Centers (Septuagint Puts 25-29 Between ) 31:1-9 Wine, Beer : Beer, Wine vv. 4-7 (Abuse and Use) 31:10-31 Hands Extended, Palm : Palm, Hands Extended vv. 19,20 Excellence Husband Work Diligence and Benevolence Work Husband Excellence Strength, Needy, Voice in Both Poems (v. 3,10,29; 9,20; 8,9,26) 2. Links to Proverbs 30 Two Verse Codas Conclude Both (Actually, All Three, Yea Four!) Mouth Closed and Open Major Lessons From Proverbs 31 1. Continued Warnings about Wine, Women, and The Tongue 2. The Centrality of Concern for the Poor (Grace) 3. Characteristics of the Godly Woman (A to Z, For Seekers As Well!) (“not within the reach of all…unusual gifts and material resources” Kidner) Strength and Courage (10,29; 17,25, 21) An Enabling Love of Husband (See Prov. 12:4, v. 11,12,23; Trustworthy) Diligence (13,22, 27) Pleasure and Joy (v. 13,25) Wisdom in Household Management (v. 15,21, 27) Wisdom in Expanding Commerce (“Econmics” v. 16,18,24) Generosity (v. 19,20) Godly Speech (v. 26) Fears the Lord (Long Verse 30) Praiseworthy (v. 29-32) 4. The Interplay of Moral Virtues and Practical Excellencies “practical ability is derived from her religious commitment” (Whybray) 5. Dominion Through Worship and Vocation Proverbs 31, The Whore and Bride in Revelation, and the Tabernacle in Exodus Strength, Spoils of War, Prey, Extension, Etc. – Zech. 1:18-20