Proverbs 31: A Blueprint for Character and Christian Business

Proverbs 31

1 The words of king Lemuel, the prophecy that his mother taught him.

2 What, my son? and what, the son of my womb? and what, the son of my vows?

3 Give not your strength to women, nor your ways to that which destroys kings.

4 It is not for kings, O Lemuel, it is not for kings to drink wine; nor for princes strong drink:

5 Lest they drink, and forget the law, and pervert the judgment of any of the afflicted.

6 Give strong drink to him that is ready to perish, and wine to those that be of heavy hearts.

7 Let him drink, and forget his poverty, and remember his misery no more.

8 Open your mouth for the dumb in the cause of all such as are appointed to destruction.

9 Open your mouth, judge righteously, and plead the cause of the poor and needy.

10 Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies.

11 The heart of her husband does safely trust in her, so that he shall have no need of spoil.

12 She will do him good and not evil all the days of her life.

13 She seeks wool, and flax, and works willingly with her hands.

14 She is like the merchants’ ships; she brings her food from afar.

15 She rises also while it is yet night, and gives meat to her household, and a portion to her maidens.

16 She considers a field, and buys it: with the fruit of her hands she plants a vineyard.

17 She girds her loins with strength, and strengthens her arms.

18 She perceives that her merchandise is good: her candle goes not out by night.

19 She lays her hands to the spindle, and her hands hold the distaff.

20 She stretches out her hand to the poor; yes, she reaches forth her hands to the needy.

21 She is not afraid of the snow for her household: for all her household are clothed with scarlet.

22 She makes herself coverings of tapestry; her clothing is silk and purple.

23 Her husband is known in the gates, when he sits among the elders of the land.

24 She makes fine linen, and sells it; and delivers girdles to the merchant.

25 Strength and honor are her clothing; and she shall rejoice in time to come.

26 She opens her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness.

27 She looks well to the ways of her household, and eats not the bread of idleness.

28 Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her.

29 Many daughters have done virtuously, but you excel them all.

30 Favor is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that fears the LORD, she shall be praised.

31 Give her of the fruit of her hands; and let her own works praise her in the gates.

Proverbs 31 provides a divine standard for character, focusing on the pursuit of wisdom and the sacred responsibilities of leadership and motherhood.

The Wisdom of the Mother’s Instruction

The chapter begins with the prophecy taught to King Lemuel by his mother, highlighting the vital role parents play in shaping the moral backbone of their children16MR 69.2+1. This training is intended to direct, educate, and develop a child so that when they are old, they will not depart from righteous paths Proverbs 22:6FE 15.2. Mothers are encouraged to cultivate their own minds and keep their hearts pure so they are qualified to improve the minds of their offspring1MCP 167.1.

The Standard of Temperance for Leaders

A significant portion of this counsel warns leaders against the dangers of strong drink, which can lead them to forget the law and pervert judgmentKJV — Proverbs 31:1+1.

• Self-Control: It is not for kings or princes to drink wine, as it numbs the fine sensibilities required to discern between right and wrong Proverbs 31:4-5KJV — Proverbs 31:1+1.

• Consecration: True excellence is found in those who, like Daniel, purpose in their hearts to keep their faculties in the best order to appreciate spiritual truthsST March 4, 1889, par. 5.

• Service: Those in positions of trust should be diligent in business and fervent in spirit, serving the Lord with their whole heartDG 74.3+1.

The Virtuous Woman: A Pattern of Character

The price of a virtuous woman is far above rubies, representing a character that is more precious than any earthly treasure Proverbs 31:10ETI Ruby.2.

• Diligence and Industry: She is a most diligent worker who does not eat the bread of idleness Proverbs 31:275MR 340.1+1. This industry is an important part of true religion and reflects a spirit of self-reliancePK 676.1+1.

• Spiritual Influence: Her influence in the home is paramount, and if she is under God’s control, she commands the respect of her childrenCG 98.3. The atmosphere she creates should be so spiritual that every member of the family is blessed3SM 214.4+1.

• Benevolence: She reaches out her hands to the needy, showing that true Christianity is evidenced by works of charity and active benevolence Proverbs 31:203T 392.3+1.

• Wisdom and Kindness: She opens her mouth with wisdom, and in her tongue is the law of kindness Proverbs 31:26AH 438.3. This wisdom is a pure wisdom developed by those who have an acute sense of propriety in every actionSpTB05 38.1.

The Foundation: The Fear of the Lord

While charm and beauty are fleeting, a woman who fears the Lord shall be praised Proverbs 31:30ST December 19, 1878, Art. A, par. 9.

• True Beauty: There is no place for outward adornment like gold or pearls in a heart that seeks the inward adorning of Christian graces 1 Peter 3:3-47BC 941.12+1.

• The Beginning of Wisdom: The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom and the foundation of all knowledge Psalm 111:10+1ST March 4, 1889, par. 5+1.

• Divine Reward: Such a woman will be rewarded for her works, and her life will reflect the goodness and love of Christ to all around her Proverbs 31:31BTS January 1, 1908, par. 2.

Parenthood as a Sacred Responsibility

Assuming the responsibilities of parenthood is a solemn matter that requires careful preparationCG 64.2+1. Parents should understand the laws of nature and the physical, mental, and moral needs of their children1MCP 132.4+1. To enter this relation without such preparation is considered a sinDG 201.3+1. The home is intended to be both a family church and a family school, preparing members for the school above3SM 214.4+1.

A successful business model must be built upon the bedrock of Christian principles, integrating diligence, unwavering integrity, and a commitment to service as taught in the Word of GodAH 391.1+2. True success is not found in the pursuit of rapid wealth, but in the application of practical wisdom found in the scripturesEd 135.1+1.

The Core Pillars of a Christian Business

The foundation of any legitimate enterprise should be defined by specific character traits that ensure longevity and divine favor.

• Diligence and Industry: A person who is diligent in their business is promised a place of honor before kings rather than obscure men Proverbs 22:29Ed 135.1. Industry is a duty, and honest labor is honorable, following the example of Christ who worked as a common laborerTA 167.1+2.

• Unwavering Integrity: Strict honesty must be maintained in every transaction, for God is a witness to every bargain madePC 256.3+2. The worldly maxim that "the end justifies the means" has no place in a Christian business modelPH102 2.2.

• Thrift and Economy: Success is found in gathering by labor and practicing economy rather than seeking wealth through haste or speculationCE 164.3+2.

• Temperance and Purity: These principles are described as the secret of true success and are essential for maintaining the mental clarity needed for sound managementAH 391.1+1.

Sound Financial Management

Practical business operations must be conducted with order and accountability.

• Strict Accounting: Every item of expense and income should be recorded to identify and eliminate "useless things" that do not contribute to the business’s healthGCB April 1, 1901, page 489.10.

• Cash-Based Transactions: Whenever possible, sending cash with orders is the standard of strict business principle to be educated towardGCB April 1, 1901, page 489.10.

• Honoring Obligations: Debts should be settled promptly, and one should avoid becoming a surety for strangers, as the Bible warns against the dangers of such indebtedness Proverbs 11:15Ed 136.10.

• Avoiding Litigation: Disputes should be settled through humble counsel with brethren and mutual agreement rather than going to law, even if it requires accepting some lossCCh 85.2.

The Purpose of Profit

The accumulation of means is not for selfish indulgence but for the advancement of a higher cause.

• Supporting God's Work: Industry is required so that returns may be made to God, providing support for those communicating truth to the worldCS 299.2+1.

• Benevolence toward the Needy: A portion of business returns should be used to consider the poor, the fatherless, and the widow, as this brings the blessing of God and divine protection Psalms 41:1-2+1Ed 141.1.

• Rejecting Greed: The desire for gain should never lead to fraud or the exploitation of the vulnerableST December 20, 1883, par. 10. Wealth gotten by vanity or "haste" will diminish, while that gathered by labor increases Proverbs 13:11Ed 136.7.

Leadership and Influence

Directors and managers serve as examples whose conduct influences employees and the community.

• Christian Manners: Leaders should cultivate polished, agreeable manners that result from a kind heart and a desire to imitate the example of ChristCM 64.1+1.

• Education through Example: The workplace should be an object lesson of order, industry, and refinement, encouraging improvement in all who observe it6T 188.1+2.

• The Golden Rule: All dealings should be governed by the principle of loving one's neighbor as oneself and practicing the Golden Rule Luke 10:272T 42.2+1.

God's eye is upon even the smallest creature, and He requires that man, formed in His image, return a faithful account of the advantages and talents bestowed upon himCG 59.2. By combining divine aid with human effort, the business professional can reach a high standard of excellence and honor God in every transactionCM 64.1+1.