Demystifying the Proverbs 31 Woman

Mrs. Ahlman gives understanding of the writing of Proverbs which was understood even by our middle school daughters as we studied this passage together. For a passage filled with inspiring, yet discouraging passages, Elizabeth’s treatment of the text is clearly defined and points most clearly to Christ, which transforms understanding into great comfort. While the text is completely attainable for those of the lay-set, she does not condescend providing the reader with the information necessary to discern the beautiful structure and meaning of the text. With hope, this poem is revealed eloquently as a means to see God’s attributes along with the history of how Proverbs 31 is a tribute to the Jewish woman. The author gently moves us toward understanding the Proverbs woman beyond just the obvious and into a deeper understanding of our loving God and His relationship with His beloved people. While tugging us away from the prideful thoughts of man, gives us a picture of our Savior. If you are looking for a woman’s Bible Study to preach law, this is not your study. This study eloquently shows Christ and the Gospel revealed in His Word. Hallelujah, it glorifies Christ and not man! Her writing continually brings us back to the example of Christ and His church and how the glory of Christ is reflected. Bottom Line: Mrs. Ahlman demystifies for the modern Church, the historical understanding of Proverbs 31 which clearly defines the purpose and description of a beautiful relationship of Christ and His Church allowing us to get beyond thinking so small as seeing it as a guide for the Christian women to follow. Mrs. Ahlman has given a great gift back to the Church.

Elizabeth Ahlman does an excellent job in this study of bringing clarity to an often misinterpreted passage of Scripture. Rather than looking at the passage as a how-to guide on being the perfect Christian woman, she takes it apart verse by verse, examining language, context, and literary technique, to show how it depicts Christ crucified, the Church, and who we are in Christ. She explains how the passage fits into and illuminates the rest of chapter 31, the book of Proverbs, and Scripture as a whole, and most importantly, she shines light on the Gospel message in this passage. It is deep and is the sort of study that one would learn something new from with each work-through. It would make a great weekly group study or an in-depth personal study, and I would recommend it to all Christian women.

Demystifying the Proverbs 31 Woman is a meaty Bible study that will point the reader to Christ and one's identity in Him. Generally we read Proverbs 31 through our own eyes and perspective, the perfect entrepreneur we could never become. This book places this poem in its context both in the book of Proverbs and the Bible as a whole to focus not on the guilt of what we can never achieve but the hope of what Christ has already accomplished. While suggested as a group study, this book fit perfectly in my solo morning bible study.