Types of Conscience (Part 1)

Types of Conscience

The Conscience of Adam and Eve was inoperative until Adam’s Sin (Genesis 3:1-6), as evidenced – Adam, when questioned by God (Genesis 3:11), excuses himself and accuses God and his wife (Eve) for the Fall – Genesis 3:12 “Then the man (Adam) said, ‘the woman whom You gave to be with me, she gave me of the tree, and I ate.” The woman (Eve), when questioned by God (Genesis 3:13a), excuses herself and accuses the Serpent – Genesis 3:13b “The serpent deceived me, and I ate.” Thus, because of Adam’s Fall, the Conscience in humanity was set in motion. Conscience is the faculty that God has given to every Person to help him in his life. The New Testament speaks of different types of Conscience:

1. Good Conscience

When an Individual received the Lord Jesus Christ as his Lord and Saviour, and water-baptised, according to the Bible, it is an answer of a Good Conscience towards God – 1Peter 3:20-21 “Who formerly were disobedient, when once the Divine longsuffering waited in the days of Noah, while the ark was being prepared, in which  few, that is, eight souls were saved. There is also an antitype which now saves us – baptism (not the removal of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God), through the Resurrection of Jesus Christ.”  (Romans 6:3-4 – Water-Baptism is the Union with Christ in His Death, Burial and Resurrection). Good-Conscience is maintained through God’s Written Word (Scripture) and Sound {Healthy} Biblical Teaching – Faith (“sound {healthy} doctrine-teaching”) and Good Conscience, are three times conjoined in First Timothy (1Timothy 1:5; 1:19; 3:9); showing the inseparable connection between Faith (“sound {healthy} doctrine—teaching”) and Good Conscience.

  • 1Timothy 1:5 “Now the purpose of the commandment is love from a pure heart, from a good conscience, and from sincere faith (sound {healthy} biblical doctrine {teaching}).
  • 1Timothy 1:19 “Having faith (sound {healthy}biblical doctrine {teaching}) and a good conscience, which some having rejected, concerning the faith (sound {healthy} biblical doctrine {teaching}) have suffered shipwrecked.”
  • 1Timothy 3:9 “Holding the mystery of the faith (sound {healthy} biblical doctrine {teaching}) with a pure conscience.”

If the Individual desires to have a continuous Good Conscience, the Individual needs to continue to walk in God’s Written Word (Scripture) and “Faith” (sound {healthy} biblical doctrine {teaching}), to “Pilot” his course, otherwise there is a danger of shipwreck (1Timothy 1:19). Good Conscience has Seven Basic Characteristics:

a. Effective

Good Conscience effects the Person’s relationship with God and others; Good Conscience keeps the Individual effectively on course – 1Timothy 1:5-6 (KJV) “Now the end (object) of the commandment is love out of a pure heart, and a good conscience, and of faith (body of truth) unfeigned (sincere), from which some, having swerved, have turned aside unto vain jangling (idle talk).” Paul exhorts us to stick to the teaching (Sound {Healthy} Doctrines {Teachings}) of God’s Word (Scripture). This helps us to develop a Good Conscience. Good Conscience keeps us on course in our Christian walk. The phrase “have turned aside” (1Timothy 3:6) means the Person has missed the mark; he has swerved, he has gone off course.

b. Victorious

Good Conscience helps the Person in spiritual warfare –1Timothy 1:19 (KJV) “This charge I commit unto thee, son Timothy, according to the prophecies which pointed to thee, that thou by them mightest war a good warfare, holding faith (body of truth), and a good conscience, which some, having put away concerning faith (body of truth), have made shipwreck.” Spiritual Warfare involves “Faith” (Sound {(body of truth) and a Good Conscience; nothing gives the Person greater courage as he faces the battles of life, than having God’s Word (Faith) and a Good Conscience.

c. Beauty & Honesty

Good Conscience also helps the Person to be “beautiful,” within – Hebrews 13:18 (KJV) “Pray for us; for we trust we have a good conscience, in all things willing to live honestly.” The word translated “honestly” means “beautifully, seemingly, fittingly.”  The Christian life is to be “a life of beauty,” solving problems instead of being the “problems.” The Person with a Good Conscience will be able to live an honest & beautiful life. People will look at him and say: “There is something about him/her that is really lovely.”

d. Testimony

The Person with a  Good Conscience is effective in testimony: – 1Peter 3:14-17 (KJV)“But and if ye suffer for righteousness’ sake, happy are ye: and be not afraid of their terror, neither be troubled, but sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear, having a good conscience, that, whereas they speak evil of you, as of evildoers, they may be ashamed that falsely accuse your good manner of life (behaviour) in Christ. For it is better, if the will of God be so, that ye suffer for well-doing than for evil-doing.” Peter wrote to People who were falsely accused, that was a hard thing to experience; the Person was accused of saying and doing things that he/she has not said and done.

e. Opportunity

Obstacles can become opportunities; when People create trouble, it is an opportunity to bear testimony of Christ’s Love with our Good Conscience – 1John 3:21 “Beloved, if our heart (Conscience) does not condemn us, we have confidence toward God.” If the Person has not done any evil, his Conscience will not accuse him but strengthen him (1John 3:21). There is nothing like a Good Conscience to keep him strong.

f. Knowledge

Good Conscience has Knowledge -1Corinthians chapter 8, concerning foods offered to idols – Paul makes it clear that knowledge and Conscience (1Corinthians 8:7, 10, 12) go together. The Conscience of some People does not bother them because they have the knowledge that enlightened their Conscience, whereas some People who do not have knowledge are superstitious and ignorance. When John Knox preached the Gospel in Scotland and seeking to reform the Church, Queen Mary, who has a different belief, opposed him. She said to him one day, “my Conscience is not so.” John Knox replied to Queen Mary: “Conscience, Madam, requires knowledge, and I fear that right knowledge you have none.”

g. Exercised

For Good Conscience to be effective, it needs to be exercised. Paul tells Felix: “And in this do I exercise myself, to have always a conscience void of offense toward God, and toward men” (Acts 24:16). The Person’s Conscience, like his muscles, must be exercised. – Hebrews 5:13-14 (KJV) describes this: “For everyone that useth milk is unskilful in the word of righteousness; for he is a babe. But solid food belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.” The Person’s Conscience can be exercised to an amazing degree of goodness. The Person exercises his Conscience when he responds in obedience to God’s Word and His Spirit. A Good Conscience is the one that is constantly exercised and exercised – Good Conscience prevents shipwrecked of life.

Thus, a Good Conscience is an effective Conscience; it keeps the Person on course; keeps him victorious; keeps him honest & beautiful; and keeps him as a testimony, when the going is tough.  Good Conscience and Knowledge go together and needs to be exercised. The Person who abandons a Good Conscience begins to swerve off course and moves toward the dangerous areas of life; before long he is shipwrecked (1Timothy 1:19).

To be continued….Stay tuned.

Conscience’s Importance (1Timothy 1:5) (Part 2)

5. Deacon’s Office

1Timothy 3:9, Paul writes that the Deacon should hold “the mystery of the Faith (body of truth) in a Pure Conscience.”  So, Conscience is connected to the Body of Truth (Faith).  Deacon’s moral orthodoxy is seen in the descriptive “a Pure (Clean) Conscience.”  Deacon is the man/woman who is grounded in God’s Word (the Bible), which is basis of his/her behaviour; so, that he/she has a Pure Conscience. To hold the mystery of the Faith (“Body of Truth”), in a Pure Conscience is to live in the light of God’s Word (the Bible) that illuminates his/her Conscience; and he/she does not feel condemned (1John 3:21). Deacon is a man/woman who combines Pure Conscience with a firm hold on the Truth of God’s Word (the Bible).

6. Handling God’s Word

2Corinthians 4:1-2 “Therefore, seeing we have this ministry, as we have received mercy, we faint not. But have renounced the hidden things of dishonesty, not walking in craftiness, nor handling the Word of God deceitfully, but by manifestation of the truth commending ourselves to every man’s conscience in the sight of God.”  God’s People are not the Quitters (2Corinthians 4:1); they have nothing to hide; either in their Personal lives: “not walking in craftiness” or in the Ministry of God’s Word: “nor handling the word of God deceitfully.” Everything is opened and honest; there is no deception or distortion of God’s Word (the Bible); the resultant life is described:

  • Means – “By the manifestation of the truth.”
  • Method – “Commending ourselves to every man’s Conscience.”
  • Measure – “In the sight of God.”

The Person who teaches/preaches presents God’s Word (the Bible) directly and faithfully; thus, commends God’s Word (the Bible) to the Hearers’ Conscience, in God’s sight. By this the Person teaches/preaches wins, the day, and over the false teacher.

7. Motivation

2Corinthians 5:11 “Knowing, therefore, the terror of the Lord, we persuade men; but we are made manifest unto God, and I trust also are made manifest in your consciences” – Out of the respect and exalting Awe of God and not for financial gain, His (God’s) People persuades others to the truth of God’s Word (the Bible); God’s People’s success is gauged in the Conscience of those they ministered.

8. Strengthens Fellowship

Conscience also strengthens the Christian Fellowship. Romans chapters 14 & 15 and 1Corinthians chapters 8, 9 & 10 teaches that some People have Strong Conscience; while some people have Weak Conscience. Those with the Strong Conscience often create problems in the Fellowship. Some in the Roman Assemblies has Weak Conscience, and they would not eat meat. Some in the Corinthian Church has a Strong Conscience; they not only eat meat, but they also eat it at the temples and participated in feasts. Paul writes to those People and explained what it meant to have Weak Conscience and what it meant to have Strong Conscience.

The Person with Strong Conscience does not have the privilege of doing things that would cause the brother to stumble. The Person with the Strong Conscience can exercise his privileges and the freedoms that he has in God’s Word (the Bible), but he must not cause others to stumble.  The Person with Strong Conscience must help the Person with Weak Conscience to grow in the Lord Jesus.

9. Encourages Witnessing

Good Conscience encourages Witnessing as it gives the Person courage to face problems and difficulties. He sees opportunities to demonstrate God’s Love – 1Peter 2:19 “For this is thanks worthy, if a man for conscience toward God endure grief, suffering wrongfully.” Anybody can endure suffering when he has done wrong – that does not take much grace. But when the Person has done everything right and suffers for it; that is something else.

What takes the Person through that suffering?  A Good Conscience; when his Conscience is right between him and God, it makes little difference what people say about him or do to him, as God’s Word states – 1Peter 3:15  “But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear, having a good conscience, that, whereas they speak evil of you, as of evildoers, they may be ashamed that falsely accuse your good manner of life (behaviour) in Christ” A Good Conscience encourages the Person to Witness.

10. Helps Prayer

Good Conscience helps the Person in his prayer: 1John 3:19-22 “And by this we know that we are of the truth and shall assure our hearts before him. For if our heart (conscience) condemns us, God is greater than our heart (conscience), and knoweth all things. Beloved, if our heart (conscience) condemns us not, then have we confidence toward God. And whatever we ask, we receive of Him, because we keep his commandments, and do those things that are pleasing in His sight.”  When the Person prays, and his Conscience convicts him; he needs to get it straightened out before God; because it is a wonderful feeling to be able to pray in the Will of God and not be accused by Conscience. The Psalmist said: “If I regard iniquity in my heart, the LORD will not hear me.” (Psalm 66:18). Conscience helps the Person in his praying, because a Conscience void of offense toward God and others help him to pray more effectively (Matthew 5:23-24).

11. Enhances Citizenship

Conscience encourages the Person to be a Good Citizen as shown in Romans chapter 13:1-7.  When the Person received the Lord Jesus Christ as his Lord and personal Saviour, it not only produces a life of transformation but also a life of subjection to authority. Romans 13:1-2 states: “Obedience to the State is an ordinance of God;” the opening words: “Let every person subject himself to the governing authorities,” defines the obligation of the Christian. And the reason why he has this obligation: “There is no human authority except by God and those who exist have been established by God” (Romans 13:1b); both the Officeholder and the Office; God’s Word (the Bible) stresses that the Government and its Administrators are from God; to resist Governmental Authority is to resist the Ordinance of God; those who resist will receive condemnation.

Romans 13:3-4

Christians should picture the Governmental Authority in the rightful exercise of their prerogatives. Since Governmental in the proper function brings terror to the evil Worker: “For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the evil.” (Romans 13:3a) – not to the good – the man who Fear (respect) Governmental Authority, constantly practices good work: “Wilt thou, then, not be afraid of the power (authority)?” (Romans 13:3b).The Person who acts thus will receive Praise from the Authority: “Do that which is good, and thou shalt have praise of the same” (Romans 13:3c). Governmental Authority is the Helper and God’s Agent: “For he is the minister of God to thee for good” (Romans 13:4a).

The Person who does wrong ought to fear: “But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid” (Romans 13:4b). Governmental Authority does not carry out punishment without a cause. Here it is clear that God has ordained punishment to be used by the Authority to prevent anarchy and the tyranny of evil in human society: “For he beareth not the sword (punishment) in vain” (Romans 13:4c). The reason is against reinforced, Governmental Authority is God’s Agent; an Avenger that brings God wrath upon the Evildoer: “For he is the minister of God, an avenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil” (Romans 13:4d). Romans 13: 5-7 – Two Reasons for obedience to Governmental Authority, with results:

  • God’s Wrath administered by the Governmental Authority will fall upon those who disobey: “Wherefore, ye must needs to be subject, not only for wrath” (Romans 13:5a).
  • The Christian’s Conscience declares that he must obey the Ordinances of God through submission to the Governmental Authority: “But also for Conscience sake” (Romans 13:5b).

Submission to Governmental Authority is one of these Ordinances involve the paying of one’s taxes, paying customs duties, showing respect to those entitled to respect, showing honour to those entitled honour, etc., etc. These are obligations of Christians to the Governmental Authority: “For, for this cause pay ye tribute also; for they are God’s ministers, attending continually upon this very thing. Render, therefore, to all their due: tribute to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honour to whom honour” (Romans 13:6-7).

12. The Consequence

The Person cannot afford to fool around with, or toy with his Conscience, because Conscience is God’s Gift to him. Conscience can be used to Guide the Person Conduct, strengthen his Service for God, strengthen in him in his Christian Fellowship, encourage his witnessing, helps him in his praying, enhance his Citizenship. That is why Charles Wesley wrote in that hymn: “I want a principle within/of watchful, godly fear.” – That Principle is Conscience!

Stay Tuned….. To be continued…..

Conscience’s Importance (1Timothy 1:5) (Part 1)

Conscience’s Importance

Conscience is important to every Person; and he should be careful what he does to it or with it. The Person should exercise and develop a Good Conscience (1Timothy 1:5), a Pure Conscience (2Timothy 1:2-3), a Conscience void of offense toward God, and toward men (Acts 24:16). Twelve Reasons of Conscience’s Important:

1 God’s Gift

Saint Augustine says: “Thou hast made us for Thyself, and the heart of man is restless until it finds it rest in Thee.”  Romans 2:14-15 shows Conscience’s important, because it is God’s Gift to us – we are made in God’s Image (Genesis1:27); and our basic nature is spiritual; we are made up of spirit, soul and body (1Thessalonians 5:23).  Being made in God’s Image means that:

  • We have a mind to think.
  • We have a heart to feel.
  • We have a will to decide.
  • We have a conscience to guide.

One aspect of this Image of God in us is our ability to distinguish the right and the wrong with our Conscience (Romans 2:14-15).  Conscience is the Faculty that responds to the “moral standard” within us. Conscience is a universal phenomenon, found in every Person; God puts within our heart this wonderful Faculty, called Conscience and we must be careful how we treat our Conscience, as it is God’s Gift (Romans 2:14-15).

False Concept – Some Scientists claimed that Conscience come from behind us; it is part of the evolution. As man evolved over the centuries, Conscience evolved within him. Darwin in his book “The Descent of Man” said this: “Of all the differences between man and the lower animals, the moral sense, or conscience, is by far the most important.” Even Darwin could not explain where Conscience comes from; Conscience is not the by-product of evolution; it does not come from behind us.

  • Some viewed that Conscience is merely the total of all the standards of the society around the Person. Philosopher Schopenhauer said that Conscience consisted of “one-fifth the fear of man, one- fifth superstition, one-fifth prejudice, one-fifth custom.” In other words, the Person’s Conscience is a sort of “tossed salad” that he puts together from the society around him.
  • Some Psychiatrists and Psychologists believed that the Person manufactured his own Conscience – it is the by-product of the way his mother raised him, and his father disciplined him.

2 Guides Behaviour

Paul states in Acts 24:16 “In this do I exercise myself, to have always a conscience void of offense toward God, and toward men.” Paul admits that his Conscience needs to be exercised in order that it can be used as a guide for his conduct.  When our Conscience is not functioning properly; it is no longer “void of offense toward God, and toward men.”  God’s Spirit uses God’s Word (the Bible) to guide our Conscience into God’s Will – Romans 9:1 “My conscience bearing me witness in the Holy Spirit.”  If our Conscience is functioning properly then:

  • Conscience is a Compass to direct us.
  • Conscience is a Light to guide us.
  • Conscience is a Law to give us Wisdom in our walk with the Lord Jesus Christ.

3 Strengthens for Service

Conscience is important because it strengthens us in our Christian Service (Ministry). The Standard of Christian Ministry is shown in, 1Timothy 1:5 “Now the end of the commandment is love out of a pure heart, and of a good conscience, and of faith unfeigned (sincere faith, not hypocritical faith).” The term “faith” is not personal believe but “sound{healthy} doctrine {teaching}.” God’s People have God’s Word (Bible), the Perfect Standard from which our Conscience operates. When our Conscience operates based on God’s Word (the Bible); we do not feel condemned – 1John 3:21 “Beloved, if our heart does not condemn us, we have confidence toward God.” God’s People can have “a sincere-faith (sound {healthy}doctrine–teaching)” or unhypocritical (anupokritou) Faith (“sound {healthy} doctrine-teaching”). This Faith (“sound {healthy} doctrine-teaching”) needs no mask to hide; it is not mere lip Faith (“sound {healthy}-doctrine-teaching”) but a sincere trust of the heart.  “Heart, Conscience, Faith (sound {healthy} doctrine-teaching)” marked the progression; it is sound theology!  

4 Warfare

A Good Conscience is important in spiritual warfare; it is the warfare fought throughout the lifetime, not just an isolated battle – 1Timothy 1:18b-19 “That thou mightest war a good warfare. Holding faith (body of truth), and a good conscience, which some, having put away concerning faith (body of truth), have made shipwreck.” For us to fight a good warfare, we need to hold “Faith” (“sound {healthy} doctrine-teaching”) and have “a Good Conscience.” A bad Conscience brings forth the corrupt teaching that is congenial (friendly) to it (Matthew 7:15-20).  Someone has said that Faith (“sound {healthy} doctrine-teaching”) is pure liquid and a Good Conscience is the glass that holds it.  All Ministries must be done without reproach in order not to be made a shipwreck of their life (1Timothy 1:18b-19).  If we desire to have a Good Conscience, we should make Faith (“sound {healthy} doctrine-teaching”) the Pilot of our course, otherwise there is a danger of shipwreck. “Hymenaeus and Alexander” – 1Timothy 1:19-20; “Hymenaeus and Philetus” – 2Timothy 2:17, “made shipwreck” of their Faith (“sound {healthy} doctrine-teaching”) because they manipulate their Conscience.

Faith (“sound {healthy} doctrine-teaching”) and the Good Conscience are three times conjoined in First Timothy (1Timothy 1:5; 1:19; 3:9); showing the inseparable connection between Faith (“sound {healthy} doctrine—teaching”) and the Good Conscience.

  • 1Timothy 1:5b “From a good conscience and from sincere faith.”
  • 1Timothy 1:19a “Having faith and a good conscience.”
  • 1Timothy 3:9 “Holding the mystery of the faith with a pure conscience.”

Stay Tuned….. To be continued…..

Seven Characters of Conscience (Romans 2:14-15) (Part 3)

4. Judicial

Romans 2:15 “bearing witness…….accusing or else excusing one another.” Conscience does not function legislatively, but judicially.

  • Applies the Law – Conscience is not the law; Conscience applies the law, i.e., judicial. Conscience is not the “moral standard.”
  • Bears Witness – Conscience bears witness to the “moral standard” within the Person. In different parts of the world, there are different “moral standards.”
  • Court-Room – Conscience is man’s “inner courtroom;” Conscience sits at the bench as a Judge, Witness and Jury.
  • Testifies – Conscience testifies to the good and the bad in the Person – this is often missed from view; usually Conscience is thought of as concerned only with the evil; and its power and witness are dreaded. Conscience ought to be the cheer of life; a man knows when he has done right; appraising his life, he sometimes approves. “Conscience makes cowards of us all;” but it is equally true that “Conscience can make brave men of us all.”
  • Faculty – Conscience testifies to the bad in the good – And that is the real ground of a Person’s fear. Self-esteem see only good; Conscience never does. It finds the sinister mark everywhere, and always qualifies its approval and praise. “Nevertheless, I have somewhat against thee.”
  • Assurance – Conscience testifies to the good in the bad – And this keeps fear from becoming hopeless and despairing. The irretrievably has is a conception that can only be associated with demons, not with man. And it is not a genuine Conscience that judges in a blind, sectarian way, and makes a man accuse himself as hopelessly bad.
  • Illumination – Conscience puts both bad and good out of the self-light into the Divine light – Based on the sense a man has of God, will be his Conscience – judgment of his own conduct. Right sense of God brings a reverent and humble fear; the Conscience of evil brings a humiliating and anxious fear. The self-estimate of iniquities is painful enough but what shall he says of the Divine estimate of those same iniquities?

When he does something right, his Conscience approves and commends him, “that’s good!”  When he does something wrong, his Conscience accuses him, “that’s wrong!” Therefore, it hurts. The Others has “the work (requirement) of the Law (of God’s Word) written in his hearts” and not the Law of God’s (God’s Word) – Romans 2:15 “The work of the law written in their hearts.”  Whereas, we has “the Law of God (God’s Word)” written in his heart – Jeremiah 31:33 “I will put my law in their inward parts, and write it in their hearts, and will be their God, and they shall be my people” (Hebrews 8:10).

5. Standard

Conscience does not create the “moral standard;” it assumes the presence of a valid “moral standard” and acts upon that “moral-standard” of the Person (Romans 2:15). The “moral standard” used differs from Person to Person. Conscience functions based on the “moral standard” the Person holds.

6. Umpire

Conscience acts as an Umpire and it does not make the rules but decides in the light of the existing rules (“moral-standard”) the Person holds. Conscience refuses to have no “moral standard.”

7. Can be manipulated

Conscience can be manipulated or changed by the introduction of new “moral standard” (norms) – for better for worse.

Stay tune…..to be continued.

Seven Characters of Conscience (Romans 2:14-15) (Part 2)

The Statement

It is important to know how Conscience is pictured in God’s Word. If the Person understands what Conscience is and how it functions, it will change his life. God’s Word reveals in Romans 2:14-15 the Seven Characters of Conscience:

1. Born With

Conscience is born in every Human Being since the Creation of Adam. Adam’s Conscience was inoperative until Adam sinned – Adam, when questioned by God (Genesis 3:11), excuses himself and accuses God and his wife (Eve) for the Fall – Genesis 3:12 “Then the man (Adam) said, ‘the woman whom You gave to be with me, she gave me of the tree, and I ate.” The woman (Eve), when questioned by God (Genesis 3:13a), excuses herself and accuses the Serpent – Genesis 3:13b “The serpent deceived me, and I ate.

2. Bears Witness

Romans 2:15a “Their conscience also bearing witness.” Conscience is the inner faculty that indicates to the Person whether his action is right or wrong, based on the “standard” within his heart. The phrase “bearing witness” is in the present tense, indicates that Conscience is active all the times:

  • Conscience is not the Law but it bears witness of the Law.
  • Conscience is not the “moral standard” but it bears witness to whatever “moral standard” the Person has in him – Conscience functions is based on “moral standard” that the Person holds! The highest “moral standard” is God’s Word, to the Christians.

Oswald Chambers gives a good definition of Conscience: “The Conscience is that innate faculty in a man’s spirit that attaches itself to the highest that the man knows.”

3. Accuses or Excuses

Romans 2:15b “And their thoughts the meanwhile accusing or else excusing one another.” Conscience accuses or excuses. Conscience is that inner faculty given by God that indicates to the Person whether his actions, motives, thoughts, behaviour, or attitudes are right or wrong; based on the “moral standard” within his heart. Conscience guides him aright if he has the right “moral standard.” Everyone has experienced this. If he does something wrong, his Conscience will bother him. Something down inside keeps reminding him that he should not have done that; this is the “Work” of Conscience. However, if the Person abuses his Conscience, repeatedly; his Conscience begins to be less effective in guiding him: 

  • When David cut off part of King Saul’s skirt, while King Saul was asleep, David’s heart smote him (1Samuel 4:1-6). David knew that what he has done to King Saul was wrong, because he (Saul) is the King of Israel. David’s Conscience bothered him.
  • Proverbs 28:1 says: “The wicked flee when no man pursueth.” That’s Conscience at work.
  • We read that Herod, when he heard about the miracles Jesus is doing, though that John the Baptist has come back to life; his Conscience bothers him: “John, whom I have beheaded; he is raised from the dead” (Mark 6:16).

Stay tune…..to be continued.

The Overview of Conscience (Romans 2:14-15) (Part 1)

The Statement

Every human being on earth is born with a conscience – “something within the heart of every person approves when he does right and accuses when he does wrong; and that something is conscience” – Romans 2:14-15 “For when the Gentiles, who do not have the law, by nature do the things in the law, these, although not having the law, are a law to themselves, who show the work of the law written in their hearts, their conscience also bearing witness, and between themselves their thoughts accusing or else excusing them.”  No person can get rid of or escape from his conscience. A person can cause his conscience to malfunction (breakdown) when he:

  • Argues with his conscience
  • Defiles his conscience
  • Hardens his conscience

Charles Wesley wrote these words to express a truth concerning conscience: “I want a principle within/of watchful, godly fear.”

Immanuel Kant a German philosopher wrote: “Two things fill the mind with ever-increasing wonder and awe…….the starry heavens above me and the moral law within me.

American Indian – An American Indian who was a Christian said: “In my heart there is an arrowhead with three points to it. If I do wrong, the arrowhead turns, and it cuts me. It I do wrong too much, I wear out the points and it does not hurt me quite so much. “But when the pain is gone, watch out!”

The word “conscience” is used 32 times in the New Testament (KJV).  It is used 21 times by the Apostle Paul in the Epistles. If a born-again Christian is going to be successful in his walk, he must understand what conscience is and how it functions.

The Definition

The word conscience in our English Language comes from two Latin words: “com” = “with or together,” “scio” = “I know.” From the Latin, our English word conscience means “to know with” or “to know together.” “To know with ourselves and to know within ourselves.”  Conscience is that inner knowledge that helps us to know ourselves

  • Greek – The Greek word used in the New Testament is “suneidesis” (“sun” = with; “oida” = to know). “To know;” “knowing of oneself” – the moral sense of what is right and wrong in-built in a human being.  In the New Testament, the word “conscience” is not a strange word. It is used by the Greek in their everyday conversations. It meant “the pain that you feel when you do wrong.” 
  • Oxford Dictionary – Moral sense of right and wrong; consciousness of moral quality of one’s actions or motives.
  • Webster’s Dictionary – Consciousness of the moral right and wrong of one’s own acts or motives.
  • Scriptural – Romans 2:14-15 “For when the Gentiles, who have not the law, do by nature the things contained in the law, having not the law, are a law unto themselves. Who show the work of the law written in their hearts, their conscience also bearing witness, and their thoughts the meanwhile accusing or else excusing one another.”

The Description

Romans 2:14-15 “For when the Gentiles, who have not the law, do by nature the things contained in the law, having not the law, are a law unto themselves. Who show the work of the law written in their hearts, their conscience also bearing witness, and their thoughts the meanwhile accusing or else excusing one another.”

  • Conscience is man’s moral intuition, his moral self in the act of passing judgment upon his own state, emotions, and thoughts, and upon his own words and actions, whether there be viewed as past, present, or future.
  • Conscience is man’s moral self-echoing his cognitive (reasoning) self. It both approves or condemns (Romans 2:14-15).
  • Conscience is man’s inner voice repeating God’s voice, his own judgement endorsing God’s judgement, his own spirit bearing witness with God’s Spirit.
  • Conscience is the response of man’s moral consciousness to the Divine Revelation concerning himself, his attitudes, his words and actions.

The Gentiles are not given the Law; the Law is given to the Jews. But the Gentiles have the work of the Law written in their hearts. Paul does not say that the Gentiles have the Law written in their hearts.  When a person received the Lord Jesus Christ as his Lord and Saviour, the Holy Spirit begins to write God’s Law (Word) in his heart; the right and wrong is defined from God’s Word, God’s Principles and conscience. Whereas, an unbeliever knows the right or wrong as his conscience bears witness (Romans 2:15).  It is important to know how conscience is pictured in God’s Word. If the person understands what conscience is and how it functions, it will change his life. God’s Word reveals in Romans 2:14-15 the Seven Characteristics of conscience:

Stay tune…..to be continued.

Four Types of People (Proverbs 18:1-4) (Part 2)

The Wicked People

Proverbs 18:3 “When the Wicked cometh, then cometh also contempt and, with ignominy (humiliation), reproach (criticism).” (NIV) “When Wickedness comes, so does contempt, and with shame comes disgrace.” – Wicked Person keeps miserable company of: “Contempt {shame}, ignominy {humiliation}, and reproach {scandal}.

The two lines of Proverbs are arranged synthetically, the three term (contempt {shame}, ignominy {humiliation}, reproach {scandal}) telescoping out in a description of the ever-increasing ignominy {humiliation} that befalls the “Wicked-Person.

  • Wickedness brings “contempt” (shame).
  • Wickedness leads to “ignominy” (humiliation).
  • Wickedness leads to “reproach” (scandal).

When the Wicked Person comes, all these evils (contempt {shame}, ignominy {humiliation}, reproach {scandal}) followed him (Perowne). Wickedness is both a contemptible (disgraceful) and a contemptuous (scornful) thing (Thomas). Wickedness brings with it “contempt” {shame}, “ignominy” {humiliation} and “reproach” {scandal}.

Pride and Selfishness are the characteristic of the Wicked, as the Wicked Person comes, he is apt to cast contempt (shame), ignominy (humiliation) and reproach (scandal) on every man’s face (Bishop Hall). His neighbour’s circumstances or illnesses provides him with an opportunity to ridicule (mock) his (Wicked) neighbour; and God’s Word finds no favour in his (Wicked Person’s) sight. God’s people are the object of his (Wicked) contempt.

When the Wicked Person comes, he is accompanied by “contempt” (buz). The attitude of contempt characterizes the Wicked Person, we may say that “contempt” is with him wherever he goes. “Ignominy” (qalon – humiliation) parallels “wicked,” indicating that the Wicked Person is the Person without grace, thus, bringing humiliation to himself. He is accompanied by “reproach” (herep – scandal), the lack of honour that he directs toward those who are around him.

The Wise Man

Proverbs 18:4 (KJV) “The words of a man’s mouth are like deep waters, and the wellspring of wisdom like a flowing brook.” (NIV) “The words of a man’s mouth are deep waters, but the fountain of wisdom is a bubbling brook.” –  The description of the Wise-man of Proverbs 18:4 expresses the depth, the abundance, the clearness, and the force of the thoughts of the Wise-man, which is “the spring of life,” honest and revealing truth:

  • The “wellspring of wisdom” is parallel to the “deep waters.” – that is, there is “depth” in the Wise-Person thoughts and attitude, and the things he does
  • The Wise Person is full of useful things and is always able to contribute profitably on many matters. His deep insight (“deep waters”) is drawn from “the Fountain of Living Water” – John 7:38-39 “He who believes in Me, as the Scripture has said, out of his heart will flow rivers of Living Waters……of the Holy Spirit”
  • The Wise-Person’s Word flows like a spring brook, clear, clean, and cleansing that edify, exhort, and comfort, and encourage and refresh the Hearers.  
  • When the Person has immersed himself in God’s Wisdom, his words in themselves deep waters, and as he speaks, he become a fruitful as “a bubbling brook.”   This is a picturesque description of the value of wisdom.

The parallelism requires that the “words of a man’s mouth” be wise words. These are “deep-waters” (Proverbs 20:5), profound and providing an inexhaustible supply of counsel and blessing. Verse 4b explains verse 4a, the “Well-spring” (or “Fountain”) of Wisdom “being an emblematic (symbolic) portrayed of wise speech. This is “a bubbling brook,” a limitless source of God’s Wisdom. 

Four Types of People (Proverbs 18:1-4) (Part 1)

The Statement

Proverbs Chapter 18 has no single theme, but underlying it is the whole subject of the Character and Conduct of the Wise. No Person can get far in life before coming up against the issues touched on in Proverbs Chapter 18: Companionship, Depravity, Words, Fairness, Security. There are some profound observations on these points:

The Conceited Person –

Proverbs 18:1 (KJV) “Through desire a man, having separated himself, seeketh and intermeddleth with all wisdom.” (NIV) “An unfriendly man pursues selfish ends; he defiles all sound judgement.” The Phrase: “one who separates himself?” (KJV) refers to dividing people. Thus, Proverbs 18:1 has been taken both in a negative sense and in a positive sense (Matthew Henry) – The negative sense, however, fits the text of Proverbs 18:1, better (Matthew Henry).

  • Conceited – Proverbs 18:1, taken in the right context, speaks of the Person who is conceited and a lone-Ranger, the anti-social Individualist, who will not listen to others. The Conceited Person finds his identity in his non-conformity and obstinately sets himself apart, independently, from those around him. In simple term, the Conceited Person is a Selfish-Person, all this thoughts and actions lead to himself. He measures everything by his thoughts and his wishes, his comfort, his perspective.
  • Quarrelsome – The word “intermeddleth” (KJV, “Gala” {Proverbs 17:14}) is better translated “quarrel.” Conceited Person “quarrels” against all sound wisdom. The word “intermeddleth” comes from a root meaning: “To show one’s teeth” or “to break forth in hostilities.” – This root “quarrel {intermeddleth}” is found three times in the Book of Proverbs (Proverbs 17:14 {starting quarrel, NIV}; Proverbs 18:1 {intermeddleth = quarrel, KJV}; Proverbs 20:3 {quick to quarrel, NIV}). Fierce independence snarls and growls at all attempts from others to counsel or guide him. In the end, the doggedly self-willed Conceited Person may get “his desire,” but lose “sound wisdom.” Conceited Person forfeited God’s treasure of Wisdom.  
  • Sound-Wisdom – Conceited Person lacks sound wisdom. The term “sound-wisdom” has the idea of “sound-judgement” and that which flows from it, that is, abiding success in the practical affairs of life – Proverbs 2:7a “He (God) stores up sound wisdom for the upright.”
  • Isolationist – The Conceited Person is “a quarrelsome Isolationist.” (Perowne) opts for the RV rendering where “desire” is taken to mean “his own self-indulgent” desire.
  • Versions we consulted have followed this lead. The Conceited Person is “a boorish {rude} irresponsibility” (Perowne).

Versions give “rages against quarrels with, or shows contempt,” and say it is about “the evil of isolation,” showing forth “a self-conceited, hair-brained Person seeking to satisfy his fancy” (Schultens). The Conceited Person who separates himself from conventional wisdom, following his own self desires, puts himself in the position of warring against sound wisdom. Proverbs 18:1 warns against headstrong, self-centred decision (“Zockler, pg.166). As Proverbs 15:22 says, “a multitude of Counsellors” help to establish the Individual’s Plan.

The Foolish Person

Proverbs 18:2 (KJV) “A Fool hath no delight in understanding, but that his heart may discover itself.” (NIV) “A Fool finds no pleasure in understanding but delights in airing his own opinion.” This antithetical (adversative) Proverbs (Proverbs 18:2), The Fool is not intellectual deficient but attitudinal deficient. Thus, a Fool lays bare the unteachable, and arrogant Person (Fool).

  • The first line Proverbs 18:2a, makes its point by stating the opposite – “A Fool hath no delight in understanding” (Proverbs 18:2a) – that is, he despises understanding – that is, the Fool has no interest in listening or learning.
  • The second line, Proverbs 18:2b reveals, the Fool only interest is to expose what is on his mind – “But delights in airing his own opinion.” (NIV). The root of the verb “revealing” (discover) mean to uncover, to reveal, to be away or to go away. The form shown here is found only one other time in the O.T. in Genesis 9:21, where Noah got drunk and uncovered himself, sleeping naked in his tent.

Thus, it would not be a stretch to understand that the Fool of Proverbs 18:2, is descriptive of the Person (Fool) who has the tendency of an exhibitionist = show-off – the Fool, to his own shame, of his thoughts, opinions, musings, and vaunted (overhyped) insights. As a Fool, he lives in a delusional world of his own making.

The Book of Proverbs has often underscored the inability of the Fool to constrain his speech, and thus, his tendency to make public display of his Folly:

  • Proverbs 12:23b “The heart of the Fools proclaim s foolishness.”
  • Proverbs 13:16b “But a Fool lays open his folly.”
  • Proverbs 15:2b “But the mouth of the Fools pours forth foolishness.”   

Proverbs teaches that “He who restrains his words has knowledge…Even a Fool, when he keeps silent, is considered wise; when he closes his lips, he is counted prudent” (Proverbs 17:27a, 28). However, the Foolish Person has “a close mind but open mouth” in which he puts both feet, thus discovering, exposing his heart, pouring out his ignorance.

  • The disposition of the Fool is entirely opposite to that of the Wise-Person, for he has no pleasure in understanding – Proverbs 18:2a “A Fool hath no delight in understanding.”
  • The Foolish Person does not “delight” (hapes) in those matter that will give him greater understanding of life. The word “hapes” describes a deep emotional involvement, as his whole desire is to pour out his own frivolity {triviality}.

The Fool’s antipathy {opposition} toward understanding, then, comes from his emotional preoccupation with less important matters (trivialities). Fool has no concern for wisdom. In particular, he concerns himself “that his heart may discover itself.” = He wants to reveal his own opinions. His own thoughts are all more important to him that others’ views. – Proverbs 18:13 (KJV) “He that answereth a matter before he heareth it, it is folly and shame unto him.” (NIV) “He who answers before listening – that is folly and his shame.”  

Stay Tuned….. To be continued

The Virtuous Woman – Wife and Mother (Proverbs 31:10-31) (Part 4)

7. Her Attitude & Deeds

n. Supplement Family Income

Proverbs 31:24 (NIV) “She makes linen garments and sells them and supplies the merchants with sashes.” Proverbs reverts to describing the virtuous woman. She contributes to the household expenses by holding a job (“making garments and sell”). She is able to help her husband increase the family’s income through her extra sewing at home (in today’s context, “holding a paid job, whether part-time or full-time”). Her trading (earning the extra income) is not carried out at the expense of her household responsibility; it is important but not her top priority. Her trading is carried out without neglect to the needs of her household.   

o. Strength of Character

Proverbs 31:25 (NIV) “She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come.”

  • Strength of character is virtuous woman’s clothing, that is, she is not easily shattered, moved or tossed about by circumstances. This strength of character keeps her stable, and her household in good shape.
  • Dignity is also her clothing – she is composed in situations, even when provoked, as she is assured of her position and station in life, and she is contended with her lot.
  • Joyous – With strength and dignity in character, the virtuous woman could be joyous, even during the time of adversities – Proverbs 31:25b (NIV) “She can laugh at the days to come.” She knows the right thing to do this gives her a certain calmness and strength to bear with difficulties. Her joy remains with her “the days to come,” that is, her joy is not a fleeting emotion in her life that is dependent on her life situation or station. It is a stable constant part and throughout her life.  

p. Speech of Wisdom

Proverbs 31:26 (KJV) “She openeth her mouth (speak) with wisdom, and in her tongue is the law of kindness.” Verse 26 switches the focus from the deeds of the virtuous woman to her speech.

She is not only thrifty, industrious, forward-looking woman who looks well after her household but also her speech is filled with wisdom and kindness. Wisdom and kindness in her speech is not just an occasional flash but the hall mark of her life.

As the source of wisdom is God and His Word, her wise words show that she loves God’s Word, is knowledgeable of God’s Word and has allowed God’s Word to work in her life affecting her speech – Colossians 4:6 (KJV) “Let your speech be always with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man.” Her speech shows her spiritual maturity. She is not the person to engage in foolish talks. Her speech shows her godliness and a heart that is in tune with her God.

In all her communication, she regulates her tongue with the law or teaching of kindness as found in God’s Word. She does not allow herself to speak any evil or untruths about any person, by controlling her tongue. Kind words, loving words, encouraging words, words of comfort, words that heal the wounded and the hurting were dispensed from her mouth. She is not harsh with her words, gossipy or slanderous, causing disharmony in or outside the home. Even when she has to discipline, chide or rebuke, the law of kindness guides her words. The words of her mouth are testimonies of the law of kindness in her heart.  

Proverbs 31:26 implies that the virtuous woman is a woman of few words – Proverbs 10:19 (NIV) “When words are many, sin is not absent, but he (she) who holds his tongue is wise.”

q. Well-Organised Home

Proverbs 31:27 (NIV) “She watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness.” The virtuous woman manages over the affairs of her household with care, with their interests always before her, for example, she is aware of her husband’s needs and meets them because she “looks well” to his ways. She responds to her children with words and deeds of encouragement or correction as and when the occasion calls for it. She relates to her servants to ensure that work is done and at the same time that their needs are also met.

She is not the woman that “eats the bread of idleness” (Proverbs 31:27b). She is not a woman to while away her time by idle talks or idle activities. She spends her time serving her household members and ministering to their needs, with the best of her ability – “She watches over the affairs of her household” (Proverbs 31:27a) – The needs of her family are her priority and main concern of her life, not even her work to supplement the family income (Proverbs 31:24). She is single-minded in this aspect!  

r. Appreciative & Praise

Proverbs 31:28 (NIV) “Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her.” The result of her dedication to her family is seen in her family’s appreciation:

  • Children – Her children, called her “blessed” – They appreciated her tender care and discipline. This is a great testimony of godly motherhood. The children are appreciative of their mother’s labour of love. Children who are appreciative of mother’s love are usually also appreciative of God’s love. Her children turned out to be filial and godly ones. On the other hand, ungrateful always leads to unholy (2Timothy 3:2).
  • Husband – Her husband praises her is a demonstration of his pride of her as his wife and mother of his children. Speaking well of his wife indicates his love and appreciation as well as approval of all that she had done and is doing. Her husband has in his wife all that any man can desire in a wife!
  • The word “arise” carries with it the idea of reverence, respect or honour as one would arise from one’s seat when a person of honour enters. Her husband and children bless her in such a reverential or respectful manner, that her lifelong devotion to them bears fruit by the testimonies of her loved ones!!

s. Excel Above All

Proverbs 31:29 (NIV) “Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all.” The switch to the second personal pronoun indicates that Proverbs 31:29 is the continuation of appreciation and praise of the virtuous woman, she stands above many women in her godly character, deeds, family devotion and self-sacrifices that are described in Proverbs 31:10-28.

The term “surpass them all” indicates that her courage, energy, and the ability that goes beyond the mere ability to do or accomplish things. It is the ability that includes soundness of her moral judgement, which is reflected in her daily decision-making, devotion to her family in all aspects of her life. 

t. Reverence (Fear) God

Proverbs 31:30 (NIV) “Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting, but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised.” The switch back to the third personal pronoun as seen in “she shall be praised” (KJV) indicates that her virtuous character, deeds, family devotion and self-sacrifices are seen and praised by those outside her household. Thus, not only her family recognises her virtues but others as well.

  • Proverbs 31:30 does not denounce personal charm and physical beauty but rather points out that personal charm and physical beauty are great to have in a woman, but they are insufficient to make a woman virtuous.
  • By her personal charm, a woman is able to set forth an impression of herself, but it will not hold up over time and under pressure of real life. Thus, charm is “deceptive” = “Without foundation in fact or reality.”
  • Physical beauty is good, but it will not last because a woman grows old. Thus, physical beauty is “vain” (KJV), literally means “breath,” “vapour,” or “fleeting” (NIV), it is here today and gone tomorrow.
  • It is the Reverence (Fear) of God that motivates the character, life, and work of the virtuous (excellent, noble) woman. She lives in accordance to God’s Word. The emphasis on the Reverential Fear of the LORD (Proverbs 1:7) at the beginning of the Book of Proverbs, and here, at the end.
  • Matthew Henry describes it as “the Fear of God reigning in the heart is the beauty of the soul” (Matthew Henry, “Commentary of the Whole Bible”). The truly God-Fearing Heart behind the woman’s exterior is the true measure of her worth. It is her spiritual attributes which give her strength and beauty in her personality.
  • The Book of Proverbs begins with “the Fear of the LORD” (Proverbs 1:7) and ends with the “Fear of the LORD” (Proverbs 31:30).

u. Rewards

Proverbs 31:31 (NIV) “Give her the reward she has earned, and let her works bring her praise at the city gate.”  Her virtuous life and works not only bring total confidence from her husband (Proverbs 31:11), respect of the Elders of the land for her husband (Proverbs 31:23), but also praises from her family (Proverbs 31:28) and those outside her household (Proverbs 31:30b – “she shall be praised,” KJV).

Her life and works also bear fruits. Good comes out of her virtuous life, benefitting her family and others. She also enjoys “the fruit of her life and labour” (“the reward she has earned”):   

  • In the O.T., it would be unusual in Jewish culture for a woman to be praised “at the city gate” for her works (Proverbs 31:31b), but she is no ordinary woman but a virtuous woman of substance – “A kind-hearted woman gains respect” (Proverbs 11:16a, NIV). In Proverbs 31:23 we are reminded of her husband at the city gate. 
  • Her life itself is a testimony of her godliness and she does not have to exalt herself of her virtues. She receives public recognition and acknowledgement for her character and deeds.
  • The Book of Proverbs opens with “Woman Wisdom” raising her voice “At the head of the noisy streets…….At the entrance of the gates in the city” (Proverbs 1:21). As the Book of Proverbs closes, she has found a hearing, has been embraced, and is now being “praised at the city gate” (Proverbs 31:31b).
  • Ruth reflects the qualities of the virtuous woman of Proverbs 31:10-31, as Boaz says: “And now, my daughter, do not fear, I will do for you whatever you ask, for all my people in the city know that you are a woman of excellence” (Ruth 3:11).
  • The wise person was introduced to the “Woman Wisdom” in Proverbs chapters 1-9, and now, he has wedded her (Proverbs 31:10-31). He has rejected the adulteress and harlot (Proverbs 2:16-19; 5:1-6; 7:1-23) and has found delight in a woman of true integrity and substance, the virtuous wife of Proverbs 31:10-31!

SUMMARY

From the above Principles, we can see that the virtuous woman does not only accept her husband’s leadership, but also affirms his leadership through her attitudes and deeds. Her submission to her husband is a heart attitude rather than the mere following of a list of dos and don’ts. Her right heart attitude leads her to decide as to what actions or responses are considered appropriate in different situations and in different cultural context – Proverbs 31:10 (NIV) “A wife of noble (virtuous, excellent) character who can find? She is worth far more than rubies!”

The Virtuous Woman – Wife and Mother (Proverbs 31:10-31) (Part 3)

7. Her Attitude & Deeds

….Continued….

e. Industrious

Proverbs 31:17a (NIV) “She sets about her work vigorously.” This reinforces that the virtuous woman is an extremely hardworking and committed person. The term “she has girded her loins with strength” (KJV) is the physical act of gathering up the loose, flowing robes of her tunic and tucking them into her belt. This is done to grant freedom of movement for physical labour.

This is an expression typically used of men and women and warriors (1Kings 18:46; 2Kings 4:29). It means she literally and physically, “roll up her sleeves and gets dirt under her fingernails” by helping her servants to plant the vineyard (Proverbs 31:16), or “she sets about her work vigorously” (NIV).

Though she had servants at her bidding (Proverbs 31:15b), she is not above working alongside of them. She ensures her physical fitness and hardiness in order to take on the many tasks ahead of her. She knows how to work hard but yet looks after her health.

f. Health Conscious

Proverbs 31:17 (KJV) “She girdeth her loins with strength, and strengtheneth her arms.”  She does not take her health for granted. Her dedication and preparedness indicate a woman of foresight and balance. She does not work so hard that she neglects her health and allows her own body to run down. While she is industrious, she sees to it that her “loins” and “arms” (KJV) are kept strong so that she can continue to be productive and useful to her family, thereby able to fulfil her responsibilities.

The term “she makes her arms strong” (Proverbs 31:17b), the same word for strength is used to describe the military power of the soldier to stand his ground (Nahum 2:1) and of the political might to secure the Kingdom under Rehoboam (2Chronicles 11:17). Here, it means not that she is a body builder, but that she applies herself to her work and is thereby fit and capable for it.

g. Business Acumen

Proverbs 31:18 (NIV) “She sees (senses) that her trading is profitable, and her lamp does not go out at night.” Here we gain an understanding of that which motivates such an excellent woman. The verb translated “she senses (sees)” means, basically, to taste or sample food or beverage. It is used of discerning or sensing something (c/f “O taste and see that the Lord is good” – Psalm 34:8a).   The virtuous woman has business acumen and has been making profit out of her investment (trading).

She has ensured that her buys are all good buys, that she obtains value for money or that she makes a profit from it. This further reinforces her frugal and careful character (Proverbs 31:14 & 15).

Her success, however, does not lead her to rest on her laurels.  Instead, it spurs her on to work even harder by working into the night – “Her lamp does not go out at night” (Proverbs 31:18, NIV). It does not mean that she literally forgoes sleep, as it would be unrealistic and to miss the point, because “Wisdom” realises that “it is vain for you to rise up early, to retire late, to eat the bread of painful labour; for He gives to His beloved even in his sleep” (Psalm 127:2). It means that she is able to adjust her times and priorities, wisely!

h. Family’s Priority

Proverbs 31:19 (NIV) “In her hand she holds the distaff and grasps the spindle with her fingers.” This describes her reaching out to take a piece of work and the instrument of work, a description of the distaff spinning technique that was used during biblical times before the spinning-wheel was invented in Germany in the 16th century. The woman of biblical times would “attach wool or flax to the distaff (a rod or stick), and then use a spindle to twist the fibres into threads.” She is skilful and successful, is implies, in whatever she does, with the term “in her hands.”

She does not only purchase wool and flax (Proverbs 31:13), she personally works on them, even late into the night, to produce what her family needs. She does this herself despite the fact that she has servants. It is an indication that she does not find it a chore but rather a joy to be able to spin and weave clothing for her loved ones. It is no wonder that her husband safely trusts in her (Proverbs 31:11), as caring for her loved ones is a joy to her. He knows that they will be well looked after by her, that she will not neglect the family needs.

i. Compassionate

Proverbs 31:20 (NIV) “She opens her arms to the poor and extends her hands to the needy.” Beyond her immediate family, the virtuous woman is equally caring and kind to those outside of her household, in particular, the poor and the needy. Her hands laboured to provide for her loved ones but extended to the poor and needy:

  • She “opens her hands” to the poor and needy. This speaks of her compassion and generosity. She reaches out to these people.
  • She “extends her arms” to the poor and needy. The words “extends her hands” indicates that she takes the initiative with the earnest intent to care for these people. 

Her compassionate spirit calls her to take initiative to reach out to these people willingly and cheerfully. She does not only serve those who are around and close by, perhaps her neighbours, she also extends her hands of help to those who may not be nearby. She will stretch and reach out to them. Distance is no barrier to her good works. The love of God is expressed through her!

Delitzsch (“Proverbs”) points out that the use of “her palm (hand)” is not to be taken to merely mean the giving of gifts or alms. Rather, it means the offer of “sympathy and readiness to help…..as if saying: place confidence in me, I shall do whatever I can…..there thou has my hand!” 

The use of plural: “her hands” points to virtuous woman reaching out with both her hands to the poor and needy, getting herself physically near enough to the poor and needy that they will be able to take hold of her outstretched hands in theirs to experience her warmth and sympathy. This kind of giving goes beyond the giving of gifts or money but the warm and personal touch, as portrayed by the outstretched hands. 

j. Well-Prepared

Proverbs 31:21 (NIV) “When it snows, she has no fear for her household; for all of them are clothed in scarlet.” Her love and care for her household makes her think ahead and plan for the family’s need during the time of winter (“when it snows”). She always has the welfare of the whole family in her heart. Such thoughtfulness on her part leads her husband to safely trust her (Proverbs 31:11).    

The clothing is described as “scarlet,” a colour that is supposed to absorb and retain heat during winter. Such clothing is functional and appropriate for winter. The physical needs of her household are well looked into. Scarlet clothing is not only functional for use in winter the clothing is attractively coloured, making her family beautiful and smart looking.

In the Old Testament, the colour scarlet is often mentioned together with fine linen or gold. It is a colour that signifies richness and good taste. Therefore, the virtuous woman is a woman of good sense and taste. She ensures that her household is smartly attired and looks presentable in public.

k. Woman of Purpose

Proverbs 31:22a (NIV) “She makes coverings for her bed.”  Coverings (bed sheets) or coverlets have the dual function of making the bed soft as well as to add to their aesthetics. The virtuous woman’s home is not only functional but also tastefully done up and decorated, making it an attractive, restful and comfortable place for everyone in her family. The bed’s coverings (bed sheets) could be purchased or made by herself, because that is not the major emphasis but on her taste. 

l. Well-Dressed

Proverbs 31:22b (NIV) “She is clothed in fine linen and purple.” In her care for others, she does not neglect herself – she is well-dressed because her clothing is “fine linen and purple” which are both of quality and expensive fabrics.

  • Linen fabrics made from flax are quality material.
  • Purple coloured fabrics shows forth good taste of colour.

In the times of the Old Testament, Tyre, the Phoenician City, was known to export these expensive purple fabrics. The virtuous woman takes care of her own physical appearance and does not bring shame or embarrassment to her husband and her children by being properly dressed and in appearance. Her physical appearance must have been neat and pleasant, but not ostentatious (showy) nor unduly over-dressed (“over-killed”). 

Despite her thrifty nature (Proverbs 31:13 &14), she is not a miser nor is she a penny-pincher. She has good sense and taste and is willing to pay for things of good quality, beauty or aesthetical valued. Her husband must be proud to be seen with her in public.Despite her thrifty nature (Proverbs 31:13 &14), she is not a miser nor is she a penny-pincher. She has good sense and taste and is willing to pay for things of good quality, beauty or aesthetical valued. Her husband must be proud to be seen with her in public.

m. Husband’s Reputation

Proverbs 31:23 (NIV) “Her husband is respected at the city gate, where he takes his seat among the elders of the land.” The virtuous woman’s good character, deeds, management of her household and her being personally well- groomed (Proverbs 31:12-22) has contributed to her husband’s good reputation among the leaders (elders) of the land.  

  • Her husband has a Seat of Leadership “at the gate.” The city gates were centres for conversations and commerce…….because the Elders often transacted business at the gate, so “sit at the gate” meant to attain a certain social eminence.” (Parker and Tenney, “Illustrated Manners,” 412).
  • The virtuous woman’s role in the home has great influenced and impacted on her husband’s career and reputation outside the home. The way she managed her household has resulted in her husband having full confidence in her (Proverbs 31:11) and therefore he is able to fully concentrate on his work without any worries as to household matters.
  • The way she takes care of his physical needs in the home (which includes dressing him decently, appropriately and tastefully) is reflected in his physical appearance outside the home.
  • Her husband trusts in her gives him a relaxed and peaceful demeanour. His whole outlook and appearance indicated to others that he has a caring, loving and supportive wife at home.
  • In helping to promote her husband’s good standing outside the home, the virtuous woman does not strive to obtain that seat of reputation outside the home for herself. It is satisfying for her just to know that her husband has that respect and position outside.

Stay Tuned….. To be continued