Proverbs 31:31
Give her of the fruit of her hands,
and let her works praise her in the gates.
Truth: Good works are rewarded by God and allowed to impress man
It is important to know the order of good works as in relationship with faith. There are those who see good works as an avenue to God and believe by doing good works they will be rewarded by God. However, God's word doesn't teach such a truth. Good works are a result of faith toward God and God rewards faith that produces good works. Good works are the evidence of a life of faith. (See Ephesians 2:8-10; Hebrews 11:6; and Romans 5-7). In the above passage we have the final verse from Proverbs 31, which is a "resume" of the virtuous women. From the beginning of her descriptions to this point we have read about her amazing "works." However, the previous verse tells us that her works are a result of her being a women who "fears the Lord." That is a testimony of her faith. And, as a result of her faith, we see that she is therefore producing works that God then rewards with the praise of men. It should be noted that a person who does good works should not be ignored. This verse is evidence that God approves of honoring those who do good works. The final aspect of her good works, after being glorifying to God, is that man will praise her. However, remember what our Lord said of such works:
Matthew 5:16
In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.
We are to praise those who do good works, but we are also to make sure when we are praised that God is the one who is glorified for the works. We can't think that we are doing good works to receive merit toward our salvation. We can't think we are doing good works to seek the praise of men. But, if we do works by faith, for God's glory, we will receive the honor of God and men.
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