Life Walk Lesson 30 — The Bride of Christ
Revelation 19 — The Marriage of the Lamb and the Bride
Cross references for these verses:
2. Deuteronomy 32:43
3. Isaiah 34:10
5. Psalm 115:13
7. Psalm 118:24
11. Ezekiel 1:1 — heaven’s opened and saw visions of God
12. Daniel 10:6
15. Psalm 2:9
16. Deuteronomy 10:17
16. Daniel 2:47
17. Ezekiel 39:4, 17-20
Revelation 21:9b-27 — The Wife of the Lamb
Cross references for these verses:
10. Ezekiel 40:2
12. Exodus 28:21
12. Ezekiel 48:30-35
15. Ezekiel 40:5
19. Isaiah 54:11-12
23. Isaiah 24:23; Isaiah 60:1, 19
25. Isaiah 60:11
Revelation 22:1-7 — The Lamb of God
Cross references for these verse:
2. Genesis 2:9
3. Zechariah 14:21
4. Psalm 17:15
Ruth 3:11 (KJV)
“And now, my daughter, fear not; I will do to thee all that thou requirest: for all the city of my people doth know that thou art a virtuous woman.”
Definitions: The Hebrew word for virtuous: chayil, khah'-yil; from H2342; probably a force, whether of men, means or other resources; an army, wealth, virtue, valor, strength:—able, activity; army, band of men (soldiers), company, (great) forces, goods, host, might, power, riches, strength, strong, substance, train valiant(-ly), valour, virtuous(-ly), war, worthy(-ily).
strength, might, ability, efficiency, wealth, army,
English Definitions: Virtue
behavior showing high moral standards
a quality or useful quality of a thing
goodness, virtuousness, righteousness, morality, integrity, dignity, rectitude, honor, decency, respectability, nobility, worthiness, purity, principles, ethics
English Definitions: Virtuous
having or showing high moral standards, chaste
righteous, good, pure, whiter than white, saintly, angelic, moral, ethical, upright, upstanding, high-minded, principled, exemplary, law-abiding, irreproachable, blameless, guiltless, unimpeachable, immaculate, honest, honorable, reputable, laudable, decent, respectable, noble, worthy, meritorious
Scripture Reading: Luke 8:1-15 The Parable of the Soils
Luke 8:15
“But as for the seed in good soil, these are the people who, hearing the Word, hold it fast in a just (noble, virtuous) and worthy heart, and steadfastly bring forth fruit with patience.” (AMPC)
2Timothy 2:22
“Shun youthful lusts and flee from them, and aim at and pursue righteousness (all that is virtuous and good, right living, conformity to the will of God in thought, word, and deed); [and aim at and pursue] faith, love, [and] peace (harmony and concord with others) in fellowship with all [Christians], who call upon the Lord out of a pure heart.”
1John 3:12
“And not be like Cain who [took his nature and got his motivation] from the evil one and slew his brother. And why did he slay him? Because his deeds (activities, works) were wicked and malicious and his brother’s were righteous (virtuous).”
God is Looking for Godly Men
Proverbs 31:1-27 [LXX]
1 “A reprover is better than a stiff-necked man: for when the latter is suddenly set on fire, there shall be no remedy.
2 When the righteous are praised, the people will rejoice: but when the ungodly rule, men mourn.
3 When a man loves wisdom, his father rejoices: but he that keeps harlots will waste wealth.
4 A righteous king establishes a country: but a transgressor destroys it.
5 He that prepares a net in the way of his own friend, entangles his own feet in it.
6 A great snare is spread for a sinner: but the righteous shall be in joy and gladness.
7 A righteous man knows how to judge for the poor: but the ungodly understands not knowledge; and the poor man has not an understanding mind.
8 Lawless men burn down a city: but wise men turn away wrath.
9 A wise man shall judge nations: but a worthless man being angry laughs and fears not.
10 Bloody men hate a holy person, but the upright will seek his soul.
11 A fool utters all is mind: but the wise reserves his in part.
12 When a king hearkens to unjust language, all his subjects are transgressors.
13 When the creditor and debtor meet together, the Lord oversees them both.
14 When a king judges the poor in truth, his throne shall be established for a testimony.
15 Stripes and reproofs give wisdom: but an erring child disgraces his parents.
16 When the ungodly abound, sins abound: but when they fall, the righteous are warned.
17 Chasten thy son, and he shall give thee rest; and he shall give honour to thy soul.
18 There shall be no interpreter to a sinful nation: but he that observes the law is blessed.
19 A stubborn servant will not be reproved by words: for even if he understands, still he will not obey.
20 If thou see a man hasty in his words, know that the fool has hope rather than he.
21 He that lives wantonly from a child, shall be a servant, and in the end shall grieve over himself.
22 A furious man stirs up strife, and a passionate man digs up sin.
23 Pride brings a man low, but the Lord upholds the humble-minded with honour.
24 He that shares with a thief, hates his own soul: and if any having heard an oath uttered tell not of it,
25 they fearing and reverencing men unreasonably have been overthrown, but he that trusts in the Lord shall rejoice. Ungodliness causes a man to stumble: but he that trusts in his master shall be safe.
26 Many wait on the favour of rulers; but justice comes to a man from the Lord.
27 A righteous man is an abomination to an unrighteous man, and the direct way is an abomination to the sinner.”
Proverbs 31:1-9 (AMPC)
1 “The words of Lemuel king of Massa, which his mother taught him:
2 What, my son? What, son of my womb? What [shall I advise you], son of my vows and dedication to God?
3 Give not your strength to [loose] women, nor your ways to those who and that which ruin and destroy kings.
4 It is not for kings, O Lemuel, it is not for kings to drink wine, or for rulers to desire strong drink,
5 Lest they drink and forget the law and what it decrees, and pervert the justice due any of the afflicted.
6 Give strong drink [as medicine] to him who is ready to pass away, and wine to him in bitter distress of heart.
7 Let him drink and forget his poverty and [seriously] remember his want and misery no more.
8 Open your mouth for the dumb [those unable to speak for themselves], for the rights of all who are left desolate and defenseless;
9 Open your mouth, judge righteously, and administer justice for the poor and needy.
God is Looking for Godly Women
Proverbs 31:10-31 [LXX]
10 Who shall find a virtuous woman? for such a one is more valuable than precious stones.
11 The heart of her husband trusts in her: such a one shall stand in no need of fine spoils.
12 For she employs all her living for her husband’s good.
13 Gathering wool and flax, she makes it serviceable with her hands.
14 She is like a ship trading from a distance: so she procures her livelihood.
15 And she rises by night, and gives food to her household, and appointed tasks to her maidens.
16 She views a farm, and buys it: and with the fruit of her hands she plants and a possession.
17 She strongly girds her loins, and strengthens her arms for work.
18 And she finds by experience that working is good; and her candle goes not out all night.
19 She reaches forth her arms to needful works, and applies her hands to the spindle.
20 And she opens her hands to the needy, and reaches out fruit to the poor.
21 Her husband is not anxious about those at home when he tarries anywhere abroad: for all her household are clothed.
22 She makes for her husband clothes of double texture, and garments for herself of fine linen and scarlet.
23 And her husband becomes a distinguished person in the gates, when he sits in council with the old inhabitants of the land.
24 She makes fine linens, and sells girdles to the Chananites: she opens her mouth heedfully and with propriety, and controls her tongue.
25 She puts on strength and honour; and rejoices in the last days.
26 But she opens her mouth wisely, and according to law.
27 The ways of her household are careful, and she eats not the bread of idleness.
28 And her kindness to them sets up her children for them, and they grow rich, and her husband praises her.
29 Many daughters have obtained wealth, many have wrought valiantly; but thou hast exceeded, thou hast surpassed all.
30 Charms are false, and woman’s beauty is vain: for it is a wise woman that is blessed, and let her praise the fear of the Lord.
31 Give her of the fruit of her lips; and let her husband be praised in the gates.”
Proverbs 31:10 (AMPC)
“A capable, intelligent, and virtuous woman — who is he who can find her? She is far more precious than jewels and her value is far above rubies or pearls.”
Proverbs 12:4
“A virtuous and worthy wife [earnest and strong in character] is a crowning joy to her husband, but she who makes him ashamed is as rottenness in his bones.”
Proverbs 18:22
“He who finds a [true] wife finds a good thing and obtained favor from the Lord.”
Proverbs 19:14
“House and riches are the inheritance from fathers, but a wise, understanding, and prudent wife is from the Lord.”
Proverbs 31:11-15
11 The heart of her husband trusts in her confidently and relies on and believes in her securely, so that he has no lack of [honest] gain or need of [dishonest] spoil.
12 She comforts, encourages, and does him only good as long as there is life within her.
13 She seeks out wool and flax and works with willing hands [to develop it].
14 She is like the merchant ships loaded with foodstuffs; she brings her household’s food from a far [country].
15 She rises while it is yet night and gets [spiritual] food for her household and assigns her maids their tasks.”
Job 23:12
“I have not gone back from the commandment of His lips; I have esteemed and treasured the words of His mouth more than my necessary food.”
By Contrast: Revelation 17 — the opposite of what God is looking for in a human being, “folly” mentioned in the Book of Proverbs, by King Solomon, the opposite of wisdom. [See also Proverbs 1-9]
Proverbs 31:16
“She considers a [new] field before she buys or accepts it [expanding prudently and not courting neglect of her present duties by assuming other duties]; with her savings [of time and strength] she plants fruitful vines in her vineyard.”
Song of Solomon 8:12
“You, O Solomon, can have your thousand [pieces of silver], and those who tend the fruit of it two hundred; but my vineyard, which is mine [with all its radiant joy], is before me!]
Proverbs 31:17-21
17 “She girds herself with strength [spiritual, mental, and physical fitness for her God-given task] and makes her arms strong and firm.
18 She tastes and sees that her gain from work [with and for God] is good; her lamp goes not out, but it burns on continually through the night [of trouble, privation, or sorrow, warning away fear, doubt, and distrust].
19 She lays her hands to the spindle, and her hands hold the distaff.
20 She opens her hand to the poor, yes, she reaches out her filled hands to the needy [whether in body, mind, or spirit].
21 She fears not the snow for her family, for all her household are doubly clothed in scarlet.”
Joshua 2:18-19
18 “Behold, when we come into the land, you shall bind this scarlet cord in the window through which you let us down, and you shall bring your father and mother, your brothers, and all your father’s household into your house.
19 And if anyone goes out of the doors of your house into the street, his blood shall be upon his head, and we will be guiltless; but if a hand is laid upon anyone who is with you in the house, his blood shall be on our head.”
Hebrews 9:19-22
19 “For when every command of the Law had been read out by Moses to all the people, he took the blood of slain calves and goats, together with water and scarlet wool and with a bunch of hyssop, and sprinkled both the Book (the roll of the Law and covenant) itself and all the people,
20 Saying these words: This is the blood that seals and ratifies the agreement (the testament, the covenant) which God commanded [me to deliver to] you.
21 And in the same way he sprinkled with the blood both the tabernacle and all the [sacred] vessels and appliances used in [divine] worship.
22 [In fact] under the Law almost everything is purified by means of blood, and without the shedding of blood there is neither release from sin and its guilt nor the remission of the due and merited punishment for sins.”
Proverbs 31:22
“She makes for herself coverlets, cushions, and rugs of tapestry. Her clothing is of linen, pure and fine, and of purple [such as that of which the clothing of the priests and the hallowed cloths of the temple were made].”
Isaiah 61:10
“I will greatly rejoice in the Lord my soul will exult in my God; for He has clothed me with garments of salvation, He has covered me with the robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom decks himself with a garland, and as a bride adorns herself with jewels.”
1Timothy 2:9
“Also [I desire] that women should adorn themselves modestly and appropriately and sensibly in seemly apparel, nor with [elaborate] hair arrangement, or gold or pearls or expensive clothing.”
1Peter 3:3-4
3 “Let not yours be the [merely] external adorning with [elaborate] interweaving and knotting of the hair, the wearing of jewelry, or changes of clothes;
4 But let it be the inward adorning and beauty of the hidden person of the heart, with the incorruptible and unfading charm of a gentle and peaceful spirit, which [is not anxious or wrought up, but] is very precious in the sight of God.”
Revelation 3:5
“Thus shall he who conquers ( is victorious) be clad in white garments, and I will not erase or blot out his name from the Book of Life; I will acknowledge him [as Mine] and I will confess his name openly before My Father and before His angels.”
Revelation 19:8
“She has been permitted to dress in fine (radiant) linen, dazzling and white — for the fine linen is (signifies, represents) the righteousness (the upright, just, and godly living, deeds and conduct, and right standing with God) of the saints (God’s holy people).”
Revelation 19:14
“And the troops of heaven, clothed in fine linen, dazzling and clean, followed Him on white horses.”
Proverbs 31:23
“Her husband is known in the [city’s] gates, when he sits among the elders of the land.”
Proverbs 12:4
“A virtuous and worthy wife [earnest and strong in character] is a crowning joy to her husband, but she who makes him ashamed is as rottenness in his bones.”
Proverbs 31:24-27
24 “She makes fine linen garments and leads others to buy them; she delivers to the merchants girdles [or sashes that free one up for service]. (See LXX above, for verse 24, for even more detailed clarity)
25 Strength and dignity are her clothing and her position is strong and secure; she rejoices over the future [the latter day or time to come, knowing that she and her family are in readiness for it]!
26 She opens her mouth in skillful and godly Wisdom, and on her tongue is the law of kindness [giving counsel and instruction].
27 She looks well to how things go in her household, and the bread of idleness (gossip, discontent, and self-pity) she will not eat.”
1Timothy 5:14
“So I would have younger [widows] marry, bear children, guide the household, [and] not give opponents of the faith occasion for slander or reproach.”
Titus 2:5
“To be self-controlled, chaste, homemakers, good-natured (kindhearted), adapting and subordinating themselves to their husbands, that the word of God may not be exposed to reproach (blasphemed or discredited).”
Proverbs 31:28-31
28 “Her children rise up and call her blessed (happy, fortunate, and to be envied); and her husband boasts of and praises her, [saying],
29 Many daughters have done virtuously, nobly, and well [with the strength of character that is steadfast in goodness], but you excel them all.
30 Charm and grace are deceptive, and beauty is vain [because it is not lasting], but a woman who reverently and worshipfully fears the Lord, she shall be praised!
31 Give her of the fruit of her hands, and let her own works praise her in the gates [of the city]!”
Philippians 4:8
“For the rest, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is worthy of reverence and is honorable and seemly, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely and lovable, whatever is kind and winsome and gracious, if there is any virtue and excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think on and weigh and take account of these things [fix your minds on them].”
Scripture Reading: Matthew 25
