In keeping with the theme of strong women that we started yesterday, I figured that it's only natural that I follow it up by talking about the Proverbs 31 woman. The woman described in Proverbs 31 is often looked upon with dread by many Christian women - how could they possibly measure up to it??
But my Father told me something almost 10 years ago, on my 13th birthday, about this chapter that I have never forgotten. "Proverbs 31 sets a pretty high standard, which overwhelms many women," he said. "They see it as an impossibly long laundry list of things that they couldn't possibly accomplish in 10 lifetimes. They fail to recognize it as a result of a reverent and intimate relationship with God. I believe it can be read as a blessing, and that the results can then pour forth as a greater reward."
I too, like many women, grew up in the shadow of these verses, feeling intimidated and overwhelmed by a laundry list that I would never be able to complete. But those words of my father carried freedom with them. What if this chapter truly is, not a laundry list, but a blessing, an image of what your life could be like if you live it under the direction of the Lord. Just imagine the freedom that knowledge could give. And don't just imagine it. Believe it. Live it.
11 Her husband has full confidence in her and lacks nothing of value.
12 She brings him good, not harm, all the days of her life.
13 She selects wool and flax and works with eager hands.
14 She is like the merchant ships, bringing her food from afar.
15 She gets up while it is still night; she provides food for her family
and portions for her female servants. 16 She considers a field and buys it;
out of her earnings she plants a vineyard. 17 She sets about her work vigorously;
her arms are strong for her tasks. 18 She sees that her trading is profitable,
and her lamp does not go out at night. 19 In her hand she holds the distaff
and grasps the spindle with her fingers. 20 She opens her arms to the poor
and extends her hands to the needy. 21 When it snows, she has no fear for her household;
for all of them are clothed in scarlet. 22 She makes coverings for her bed;
she is clothed in fine linen and purple. 23 Her husband is respected at the city gate,
where he takes his seat among the elders of the land. 24 She makes linen garments and sells them,
and supplies the merchants with sashes. 25 She is clothed with strength and dignity;
she can laugh at the days to come. 26 She speaks with wisdom,
and faithful instruction is on her tongue. 27 She watches over the affairs of her household
and does not eat the bread of idleness. 28 Her children arise and call her blessed;
her husband also, and he praises her: 29 “Many women do noble things,
but you surpass them all.” 30 Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting;
but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised. 31 Honor her for all that her hands have done,
and let her works bring her praise at the city gate.
But my Father told me something almost 10 years ago, on my 13th birthday, about this chapter that I have never forgotten. "Proverbs 31 sets a pretty high standard, which overwhelms many women," he said. "They see it as an impossibly long laundry list of things that they couldn't possibly accomplish in 10 lifetimes. They fail to recognize it as a result of a reverent and intimate relationship with God. I believe it can be read as a blessing, and that the results can then pour forth as a greater reward."
I too, like many women, grew up in the shadow of these verses, feeling intimidated and overwhelmed by a laundry list that I would never be able to complete. But those words of my father carried freedom with them. What if this chapter truly is, not a laundry list, but a blessing, an image of what your life could be like if you live it under the direction of the Lord. Just imagine the freedom that knowledge could give. And don't just imagine it. Believe it. Live it.
Proverbs 31:10-31
10 A wife of noble character who can find? She is worth far more than rubies. 11 Her husband has full confidence in her and lacks nothing of value.
12 She brings him good, not harm, all the days of her life.
13 She selects wool and flax and works with eager hands.
14 She is like the merchant ships, bringing her food from afar.
15 She gets up while it is still night; she provides food for her family
and portions for her female servants. 16 She considers a field and buys it;
out of her earnings she plants a vineyard. 17 She sets about her work vigorously;
her arms are strong for her tasks. 18 She sees that her trading is profitable,
and her lamp does not go out at night. 19 In her hand she holds the distaff
and grasps the spindle with her fingers. 20 She opens her arms to the poor
and extends her hands to the needy. 21 When it snows, she has no fear for her household;
for all of them are clothed in scarlet. 22 She makes coverings for her bed;
she is clothed in fine linen and purple. 23 Her husband is respected at the city gate,
where he takes his seat among the elders of the land. 24 She makes linen garments and sells them,
and supplies the merchants with sashes. 25 She is clothed with strength and dignity;
she can laugh at the days to come. 26 She speaks with wisdom,
and faithful instruction is on her tongue. 27 She watches over the affairs of her household
and does not eat the bread of idleness. 28 Her children arise and call her blessed;
her husband also, and he praises her: 29 “Many women do noble things,
but you surpass them all.” 30 Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting;
but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised. 31 Honor her for all that her hands have done,
and let her works bring her praise at the city gate.
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