A practical guide
Read the whole of Proverbs 31 in one sitting
Start here
Start at verse 1 rather than skipping straight to the woman’s portrait. Notice the change at verse 10 and the themes that appear across the chapter.
Read verses 1–9
Notice the teaching addressed to Lemuel and the concern for judgment and people in need. Write who is speaking or being addressed, then summarize one responsibility described in the opening.
Sources: Proverbs 31, World English Bible
Read verses 10–31
Now read the woman’s portrait. Mark the change in subject and form. Notice one connection, such as concern for people in need, without assuming every instruction in the opening is addressed to the woman.
Sources: Proverbs 31, World English Bible
Write a two-part summary
Try two separate sentences beginning “The chapter opens with…” and “The final poem praises…” Keep each sentence close to the text. If you cannot summarize a part yet, write a question to explore next time.
Common questions
Where does the woman’s portrait start?
It begins at verse 10 and continues through verse 31.
Do I need to understand every line today?
No. A first reading can establish the structure and leave specific questions for later study.