In Galatians 5:16–25, Paul contrasts the works of the flesh and the fruit of the Spirit. He does so in order to encourage the churches in Galatia to “walk in the Spirit.” The basis of his appeal is the new life they have in Christ by the Spirit (v. 25). They are freed from the law and are now led by the Spirit (v. 18). The flesh, its “passions and desires,” died with Christ on the cross (v. 24). Let’s contrast these two ways of living with some help from the Believer’s Bible Commentary by William MacDonald.

The Works of the Flesh

Adultery is unfaithfulness in the marriage relationship.
Fornication is unlawful sexual intercourse.
Uncleanness is moral evil, sensuality.
Lewdness is shameless conduct involving absence of restraint.
Idolatry is not only the worship of idols, but also the immorality that accompanies demon worship.
Sorcery is witchcraft, the Greek word being related to drugs (pharmakeia). Since sorcery included the use of drugs, the word came to mean intercourse with evil spirits, or the use of magic spells. It may also include superstitions, “bad luck,” and so on.
Hatred means strong feelings of malice directed toward individuals.
Contentions are discord, variance, quarrels.
Jealousies are distrust, suspicions.
Wrath is outbursts of hot anger or passions.
Selfish ambition is the self-centered strivings to be “number one,” even at others’ expense.
Dissensions are separations over disagreements.
Heresies are sects men form with self-willed opinions.
Envy is displeasure at the success or prosperity of others.
Murders are unlawful killing of others.
Drunkenness refers to intoxication caused by strong drink.
Revelries are riotous gatherings for entertainment, accompanied by drunkenness.
Paul follows up this list with the solemn warning that “those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God” (v. 21). The life characterized by the works of the flesh is contrary to the Christian and incompatible with God’s kingdom.

The Fruit of the Spirit

Love is what God is, and what we ought to be. It is beautifully described in 1 Corinthians 13, and told out in all its fullness at the cross of Calvary.
Joy is contentment and satisfaction with God and with His dealings. Christ displayed it in John 4:34.
Peace could include the peace of God as well as harmonious relations among Christians. For peace in the life of the Redeemer, see Luke 8:22–25.
Longsuffering is patience in afflictions, annoyances, and persecutions. Its supreme example is found in Luke 23:34.
Kindness is gentleness, perhaps best explained in the attitude of the Lord toward little children (Mark 10:14).
Goodness is kindness shown to others. To see goodness in action, we have but to read Luke 10:30–35.
Faithfulness may mean trust in God, confidence in our fellow Christians, fidelity, or reliability. This latter is probably the meaning here.
Gentleness is taking the lowly place as Jesus did when He washed His disciples’ feet (John 13:1–17).
Self-control means literally holding oneself in, especially regarding sex. Our lives should be disciplined. Lust, passions, appetites, and temper should be ruled. We should practice moderation.
The items of this list are all of the same kind, the fruit produced by the Spirit in the life of the one in Christ. When this fruit grows in a believer’s life, a truly magnificent picture begins to develop.

One Final Thought

“In newspaper English the passage reads something like this: the fruit of the Spirit is an affectionate, lovable disposition. It is a radiant spirit and a cheerful temper; a tranquil mind and a quiet manner. The fruit of the Spirit creates a forbearing patience in provoking circumstances and with trying people. It also instills a sympathetic insight and tactful helpfulness; generous judgment and a big-souled charity. Where the Spirit is active, loyalty and reliableness are present under all circumstances. The Spirit produces humility that forgets self in the joy of others. In all things the Christian is self-mastered and self-controlled, which is the final mark of perfection. How striking this is in relation to 1 Cor. 13!” – Samuel Chadwick

Get More Great Information!

We hope this post from the Believer’s Bible Commentary encourages you. This whole-Bible commentary helps you understand the basics of biblical passages. It also presents alternative views for the more difficult passages.

Get a copy by clicking here!

When I was in youth group, the boys were told to find themselves a Proverbs 31 woman and the girls were told to be a Proverbs 31 woman, and that was the end of it. This reading of the end of Proverbs isn’t necessarily wrong. In fact, I ended up finding my own Proverbs 31 woman. However, by limiting our understanding of Proverbs 31 to the character of women in human relationships, we can miss out on personal growth, the real point of the passage, and of the entire book of Proverbs.

The following is an excerpt from the New Interpreter’s One Volume Commentary.

Woman Wisdom as Wife

An acrostic in Hebrew, starting with ‘aleph each verse begins with the next consonant of the alphabet; the poem describes either an ideal woman or wife or returns the reader to the concept of Woman Wisdom from chapters 1-9 (or perhaps has both meanings in mind).

As an ideal wife, this woman is

a hard worker (vv. 15, 18, 19, 27)
an expert in domestic management (vv. 13-15, 21-22, 27) and commercial enterprise (vv. 16, 24)
of great monetary and social benefit to her husband (vv. 11, 23)
a wise woman who has a proper relationship to the Lord (vv. 26, 30).
Her husband should acknowledge her value and is ordered to give her a share of her own profits (vv. 10, 31).
The lack of advice to women in chapters 10-31 and the rather unrealistic portrait of this woman (e.g., when does she sleep?) has led a number of commentators to identify this figure as Woman Wisdom. Many similarities exist: both Woman Wisdom and the woman of Proverbs 31 are more precious than jewels (3:14-15; 8:11, 19: cf. 31:10b); both provide security (1:33; cf. 31:21, 25), riches, and honor (3:16; 8:18, 21; cf. 31:11b, 13-14, 16, 23-24); and both open their mouths with wisdom (1:20; 8:1; cf. 31:26). Woman Wisdom promises that those who keep her ways will be happy (8:32) and in Proverbs 31 the sons of the woman call her happy (31:28). Finally, wisdom is the fear of the Lord (1:7; 9:10) and the woman of Proverbs 31 fears the Lord (v. 10).

In Prov 1-9, Wisdom appeared as a young woman seeking relationship with young men, even marriage (4:5-6). In Prov 10-31, the sages explored what life with wisdom would look like. Now, Proverbs concludes with a description of the immense benefits that derive from having an intimate marital relationship with Woman Wisdom. Such a person “will have no lack of gain” (31:11b).

Wisdom for All

This Proverbs 31 woman is the final depiction of wisdom personified. While it’s true that finding a partner who fulfills the entire passage would be nice, this description is more likely the result of becoming intimately close with godly wisdom. When you follow the way of wisdom, regardless of your gender, marital status, or parental status, you will find these things.

In some ways, this takes the pressure off. You don’t have to follow this chapter to the letter to be worthy of love or marriage (although it’s good to have a model to aspire toward). Overall, this raises the standard. Instead of expecting your partner to measure up, each person must become a lover of wisdom themselves. As a parting thought, James 1:5 gives us instruction on how to get wisdom:

“If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.”

Continue Your Studies!

Did you enjoy this brief glance into Proverbs 31?

Get more like it with the discounted New Interpreter’s One Volume Commentary.