The "Proverbs 31 Woman" shines as a bright beacon in this wonderful Old Testament book of precepts and warnings. Today as we see women of all ages following dubious role models, we are refreshed to find a timeless example of virtue, responsibility and good sense. Here, in this lovely picture of womanhood, is a woman who embodies the qualities which every believing woman should strive for in her personal life and appearance, in her family life, and in her daily duties.
Proverbs 31:10-31
10 Who can find a virtuous wife? For her worth is far above rubies. 11 The heart of her husband safely trusts her; So he will have no lack of gain. 12 She does him good and not evil. All the days of her life. 13 She seeks wool and flax, And willingly works with her hands. 14 She is like the merchant ships, She brings her food from afar. 15 She also rises while it is yet night, And provides food for her household, And a portion for her maidservants. 16 She considers a field and buys it; From her profits she plants a vineyard. 17 She girds herself with strength, And strengthens her arms. 18 She perceives that her merchandise is good, And her lamp does not go out by night. 19 She stretches out her hands to the distaff, And her hand holds the spindle. 20 She extends her hand to the poor, Yes, she reaches out her hands to the needy. 21 She is not afraid of snow for her household, For all her household is clothed with scarlet. 22 She makes tapestry for herself; Her clothing is fine linen and purple. 23 Her husband is known in the gates, When he sits among the elders of the land. 24 She makes linen garments and sells them, And supplies sashes for the merchants. 25 Strength and honor are her clothing; She shall rejoice in time to come. 26 She opens her mouth with wisdom, And on her tongue is the law of kindness. 27 She watches over the ways of her household, And does not eat the bread of idleness. 28 Her children rise up and call her blessed; Her husband also, and he praises her: 29 “ Many daughters have done well, But you excel them all.” 30 Charm is deceitful and beauty is passing, But a woman who 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.
WOW! People always say, they don’t give you a handbook to life. Well… for a woman and the wife this is a pretty good “handbook”. My great-grandmother who is 97, now failing in health, is probably one of a handful of woman that I see as a woman of God. She once told me that no matter what your problems are in life, the answers can be found within the bible.
In this proverbs, the woman is the backbone of the family. Not only is she trusted by her husband but he holds her heart, no other except God. She provides food for her family with great thought and consideration. That she is strong, and can handle life. She knows that all she does and all she has in merchandise is good, and therefore, the rest of her life will be in tow. She helps the poor and needy. She only speaks of things she knows. She never speaks falsely and always speaks with kind words, never harsh words. Her children know that she is a godly woman and in turn, know that she is blessed and that they are blessed to have her. Her husband praises her (does not speak harshly to her) and says, there are many woman and wives that have done well, but you are better than them all. (What a wonderful complement! Any woman should be privileged to hear that!)
Charm (Flirting) is deceitful and beauty is passing (it will one day leave us), But a woman who fears the lord shall be praised. Live as God asks, and you will praised at the Gates ! (live as God asks, and you will be praised when your day comes)
For me, I know that I am no prefect, I have not always lived as the virtuous wife. I have said things I shouldn’t, I have not always done everything I could, and I certainly have not always given everything to God, I do worry about things at times. But this gives me something to strive for and hope for.
This Week: Try to change one thing in your life that’s within this proverb. It may be as simple as helping someone less fortunate than yourself, or speak a kind word to your husband, let your children see you living for God in turn they will live for God. That’s my goal!
Blessings!
Holly :)
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