Marriage, Home, and Family Traits of a Foolish Wife

1. Infidelity Proverbs 2.16-19 Proverbs 5.1-13 Proverbs 7.1-23

Observations Solomon identifies a common type of woman: the stranger This word can define a foreigner: Deuteronomy 15.3 Or it can refer to alienation: Psalm 69.8 uses two words that convey this idea: stranger and alien Or it can—as used in Proverbs—refer to a “forbidden” woman—one outside the relationship of the marriage covenant

Observations Solomon identifies a common “tactic:” flattery (2.16; 5.3; 7.21) It’s a word that means “divisive by smoothness” Solomon is really rather enlightened He recognizes the potential for foolishness in men And the potential for evilness in women

2. Disloyalty Proverbs 2.17: She is disloyal to her husband The word “guide” means companion, or best friend. Proverbs 16.28 Notice, too, her disloyalty in Pro. 7.18-20 Proverbs 2.17: She is disloyal to her God

3. Destructive Proverbs 14.1 Biblically, “folly” is a moral issue, not an intellectual one A fool is dense; hard headed; unwilling to be instructed; wise in their own conceit (eyes) In this case, she is tearing down her household with her own hands What is her household? Her husband Her children

The desire to rule her husband is every woman’s legacy: Genesis 3.16 Failure to be a wise parent will destroy her children. Proverbs 29.15 Rod (physical discipline) Reproof (verbal instruction and correction) Neglect ( of the important things) brings shame. A mother can fill her children’s lives with activities that make her feel like a good parent, but never be a Biblical parent.

4. Argumentative and quarrelsome Proverbs 19.13 Proverbs 27.15-16 So sharply does Solomon believe this, that he gives us two “better-than” proverbs about it Proverbs 21.9 Proverbs 21.19 The entire subject of conflict is worth further consideration