Classic KJV - Proverbs 31:31

The City Gates

In the cities of the Orient the gates were the public place (or places if the city had more than one set of gates) for commerce, legal matters and the announcement of important news. That’s where people met to hear important announcements (2 Chronicles 32:6, Nehemiah 8:1) and elders transacted legal business (Deuteronomy 16:18, Joshua 20:4, Ruth 4:1-2). The current day equivalent is city/town hall, the civic centre or possibly, depending upon it’s size and structure, the airport. It’s a place where the key citizens meet.

Public Recognition

With respect to public recognition the point is this: Praise for excellent work should be given in a place of prominence. It’s not just for the market place or sports field, but wherever important news is announced and where law and order are administered. If public media such as TV or newspapers are used then proper recognition calls for a major broadcasting station and a respectable paper, not a tabloid.

Women Working in the Home

Moms who work hard at home and are dedicated to the success of their families make an extremely valuable contribution to society. Unfortunately most men have stopped praising the dedicated homemaker. I believe this lack of public praise and recognition has led to the increase in feminism and a feeling that unless women are active outside the home, their work is of little significance. But not all stay-at-home moms are also work-at-home moms. It’s the ones who diligently work to make their family members successful, those are the ones who deserve medals.

Translation: Product, Works

The Hebrew word for “product” can also be translated as “fruit, reward, price, earnings, result.” The Hebrew word for “works” can also be translated as “achievements, accomplishments workmanship.” I don’t really know why two words are used that mean essentially the same thing, but the message is clear. Whatever the successful woman has achieved, let her enjoy it. Let her possess it. It’s all about recognizing the individual for her unique accomplishments by ensuring that she is able to enjoy her achievements, and then recognizing her efforts publicly. Personal responsibility and personal reward and recognition—not pooled consequences, but individually specific should be tailor made to fit the individual. It’s private property, not a collective.

Rewards and Recognition

Rewards are primarily financial and tangible. Pay for performance includes: More money, higher pay, bonuses, profit sharing, stock options, prizes, vacations. Recognition starts with a simple “Thank you.” Additional recognition includes: Public announcements, newspaper ads, radio or TV notices, billboards, government bills/citations.

Our Maker, Saviour, and Friend

Rewarding people based upon their performance is not bribery.

Bribery is the abuse of justice whereas the distribution of rewards is the administration of justice, namely giving people what they deserve. When the Master, the Lord Jesus Christ, returns physically to planet earth He will recognize and reward everyone appropriately.

That’s His promise (Revelation 22:12). Maranatha!