This chapter of the book of Proverbs starts with words of caution from a mother to her son. Words of caution concerning his relationships with women and finding a mate, that he choose wisely and carefully. The Proverbs in general speak much of friendships, and how one should choose friends carefully, based more on character rather than appearance or personality. How much more are these wise words applicable to marriage, which should be one of the closest, and long lasting, human relationships. To this end, verse 10 starts with

A wife of noble character who can find? She is worth far more than rubies. Pr 31:10

Wise men and women are hard to find, for whilst wisdom begins with the fear of the Lord, it doesn’t end there. This doesn’t mean men should hold out for the perfect woman, for if one ever turns up, she’ll be looking for the perfect man.

A husband and wife are to complement each other, such that the union between them can glorify God more than they can as individuals. The biblical view of men and women is that they are created equal, but with different strengths and weaknesses. This is not to say that the traditional view of the roles of a husband and wife are necessarily the same as the biblical view. Only a cursory glance through the chapter reveals a woman who is business orientated, buying and selling not just food and clothing, but invests in property without the interference of her husband. Her husband has full confidence in her abilities. Of course, such a woman has married a man who is respected for his counsel and wisdom.

This husband is not boorish, but praises his wife. He considers her abilities. He encourages her in her strengths and, as mentioned previously, has full confidence in her abilities.

Finally, they are committed to each other, for life. Elsewhere, the Proverbs exhorts men to remain faithful to the wife of their youth. The apostle Paul reminds men they are to love their wives, as Christ loves the church. The church made up of sinful men and women who don’t deserve their Saviour. Yet Christ gave up his life for the church.

The fifth chapter of Romans mentions five kings.

When we are born, we are sinners, under the dominion of king sin. This is not how it was in the beginning, for we were designed to have fellowship with God, but Adam brought sin into the world and upon all his descendants, separating us from God. Whilst we are under this dominion, we are bound to sin. We may think we have free will, but in reality, our will is enslaved.

To the Jews who had believed him, Jesus said, “If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”
They answered him, “We are Abraham’s descendants and have never been slaves of anyone. How can you say that we shall be set free?”
Jesus replied, “I tell you the truth, everyone who sins is a slave to sin. Jn 8:31-34

Due to our sinful state, we will surely die

For the wages of sin is death… Ro 6:23

Death is king over us if we are sinners, not just physical death, but spiritual death. In the beginning we were created with an immortal soul. Mortality is a consequence of sin, and even now we are uncomfortable with it. We may try not to think about it, but it happens to all of us eventually.

…but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. Ro 6:23

By the grace of God, king grace, our sin can dealt with. It can be removed from us, as far as the east is from the west, and we can be made right with God.

Through king Jesus, the justice of God is satisfied. He bears the punishment due for sin. His righteousness is made ours, that we might be restored to fellowship with God. We are no longer slaves to sin, but set free by the truth.

For through the kingship of Christ, we are given a crown of glory. We become kings under the king of kings. As Jesus said, free to obey his will, to glorify God as we should, and in so doing, finding our true enjoyment.