The Church

Proverbs 31:21-22
21She is not afraid of the snow for her household. For all her household are clothed with scarlet. 22 She makes coverings for herself; Her clothing is fine linen and purple.

Proverbs 31 is a beautiful example and tool for a Biblical wife. It speaks of her unfailing love for her husband, her support of the family, and her willingness to work. It speaks about her beauty, her love for her neighbors, and her ultimate goal of bringing honor to her husband. I think, however, that this passage wasn’t intended just for the woman in society. I think that Proverbs 31 was written for the church.

Revelation 19:7 says, “Let us be glad and rejoice and give Him glory, for the marriage of the Lamb has come, and His bride has made herself ready.” This bride is the church. There are lots of passages in the Bible that speak of the church as the bride of Christ. Jesus taught using parables and spoke of wedding feasts and banquets. The books of Ephesians and 2 Corinthians make reference to the church as a bride. Could it be that Proverbs 31 is making reference to how the church should look and act? I’ve copied Proverbs 31:10-31 below and substituted THE CHURCH for SHE. Give it a read and ask yourself, does this sound like church?


10 An excellent CHURCH, who can find? For her worth is far above jewels.
11 The heart of her husband trusts in her, And he will have no lack of gain.
12 THE CHURCH does him good and not evil All the days of her life.
13 THE CHURCH looks for wool and flax And works with her hands in delight.
14 THE CHURCH is like merchant ships; She brings her food from afar.
15 THE CHURCH rises also while it is still night; And gives food to her household And portions to her maidens.
16 THE CHURCH considers a field and buys it; From her earnings she plants a vineyard.
17 THE CHURCH girds herself with strength And makes her arms strong.
18 THE CHURCH senses that her gain is good; Her lamp does not go out at night.
19 THE CHURCH stretches out her hands to the distaff, And her hands grasp the spindle.
20 THE CHURCH extends her hand to the poor, And she stretches out her hands to the needy.
21 THE CHURCH is not afraid of the snow for her household, For all her household are clothed with scarlet.
22 THE CHURCH makes coverings for herself; Her clothing is fine linen and purple.
23 Her husband is known in the gates, When he sits among the elders of the land.
24 THE CHURCH makes linen garments and sells them, And supplies belts to the tradesmen.
25 Strength and dignity are her clothing, And THE CHURCH smiles at the future.
26 THE CHURCH opens her mouth in wisdom, And the teaching of kindness is on her tongue.
27 THE CHURCH looks well to the ways of her household, And does not eat the bread of idleness.
28 Her children rise up and bless her; Her husband also, and he praises her, saying:
29 "Many daughters have done nobly, But you excel them all."
30 Charm is deceitful and beauty is vain, But THE CHURCH who fears the LORD, she shall be praised.
31 Give her the product of her hands, And let her works praise her in the gates.


Church, we have no fear for our household because we are covered and cleansed by the atoning Blood of Jesus Christ. We have made a choice to follow Him, and in doing so, have put on the royalty of Christ the King.