Good afternoon everyone!
It's finally happening. Today I read Proverbs 30-31, and I finally get to talk about the Proverbs 31 woman.
Proverbs 31:10-31
An excellent wife, who can find? For her worth is far above jewels. The heart of her husband trusts in her, and he will have no lack of gain. She does him good and not evil all the days of her life.
A wife of excellent character is valued far above fine jewels. She gives her husband no reason to doubt her, and only does him good.
She looks for wool and flax and works with her hands in delight. She is like merchant ships; she brings her food from afar. She rises also while it is still night and gives food to her household and portions to her maidens.
She takes care of her household and is not afraid of hard work.
She considers a field and buys it; from her earnings she plants a vineyard. She girds herself with strength and makes her arms strong. She senses that her gain is good; her lamp does not go out at night. She stretches out her hands to the distaff, and her hands grasp the spindle.
She has her own money and invests it wisely. She knows when her investment is good. She has strength (physical and of character).
She extends her hand to the poor, and she stretches out her hands to the needy.
She helps those less fortunate than herself, with her time, money, and resources.
She is not afraid of the snow for her household, for all her household are clothed with scarlet. She makes coverings for herself; her clothing is fine linen and purple.
Her household is well prepared for hard times. They are clothed richly and do not wear rags.
Her husband is known in the gates, when he sits among the elders of the land.
Her husband is respected and well-known for his own deeds.
She makes linen garments and sells them, and supplies belts to the tradesmen.
She contributes to the necessities of her household by selling supplies to the tradesmen.
Strength and dignity are her clothing, and she smiles at the future. She opens her mouth in wisdom, and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue.
Despite her fine clothing, strength and dignity are finer garments for her. She is not afraid of the future. She is wise, and the speaks with wisdom and is kind to everyone, teaching those around her to be kind as well.
She looks well to the ways of her household, and does not eat the bread of idleness.
She works hard and is not lazy.
Her children rise up and bless her; her husband also, and he praises her, saying: "Many daughters have done nobly, but you excel them all."
Her husband praises her and her children bless her for her noble character.
Charm is deceitful and beauty is vain, but a woman who fears the LORD, she shall be praised.Give her the product of her hands, and let her works praise her in the gates.
A woman who fears the LORD, who respects His commandments, and serves Him is to be valued more than false charms or fake beauty. This woman's beauty is more than skin deep.
So, that's the Proverbs 31 woman. She doesn't seem so far away now, does she? An unattainable standard?
Because all of this is possible, for every one of us. When we put God first and obey His commandments, He will build this character in us. When we are mindful of our duties, and work hard (but don't exhaust ourselves) then we can provide well for our families and make sure they have everything they need. When we encourage our husbands and families, and even our friends, they can thrive and flourish. When we invest our money and our time wisely, we will always get a return on that investment.
So, my friends, do not look to the worldly standards of beauty, or focus on what the world says we should do. The perfect woman, according to God's standards, is outlined right here, and really, she's not so perfect as to be unattainable. She just works hard to do what is right.
I hope you'll join me tomorrow when I read Ecclesiastes 1-4!
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