This morning I feel like God put Proverbs 31 on my heart, specifically the passage that describes a worthy woman. This is something I want so badly to mirror with my own life, so I'm letting Jesus walk me through it.
10 An excellent wife, who can find? For her worth is far above jewels.
Proverbs 21:4 says, "An excellent wife is the crown of her husband, but she who shames him is like rottenness in his bones." The word 'excellent' here also translates to 'virtuous.' This is a little nerve-racking, to be honest. Obviously it's so important for a woman to be virtuous and therefore considered excellent, but to fail at this means bringing other people down.
Proverbs 19:14 says, "...but a prudent wife is from the Lord." This one actually makes me feel a little better. If I lose myself in Jesus I really don't have anything to worry about :)
11 The heart of her husband trusts in her, and he will have no lack of gain.
Obviously, being trustworthy is a really important quality, but for some reason I was a little surprised to notice it listed first. But I guess when you think about it, trust is the foundation of all good, healthy relationships. But this goes so much deeper than simply not telling lies. The word 'trustworthy' is defined as 'able to be relied on as honest or truthful.' This also means being dependable. It means being vulnerable with people so that they're comfortable being vulnerable with you. It's being approachable, receptive, and easy to talk to. It's being the type of woman people know will always listen.
12 She does him good and not evil all the days of her life.
This one is kind of a no-brainer. Except the words 'all the days of her life.' Nobody can honestly say that they've been sweet and kind to everybody every single day of her life. Nobody's perfect. But as a worthy woman of God, I'm called to be sweet and kind to everybody always, not just when it's easy or when I feel like it. So even (and especially) when I'm having a bad day, or I'm frustrated, or I'm not feeling well, I'm to be sweet and gentle and loving. Galatians 5:22 says, "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control." That's the secret of doing good ALL the days of my life: being filled with the Holy Spirit.
13 She looks for wool and flax and works with her hands in delight.
"In delight" here means willingly. As a woman of God, I'm to work and serve others joyfully and willingly, "as for the Lord, not for men" (Colossians 3:23). Complaining is easy. Taking short cuts is easy. Giving up is easy. But if being a worthy woman of God was easy, everyone would be doing it. I really think that's how we develop qualities like the fruit of the Spirit--by submitting to the Lord and to others with a happy heart, and by serving others without expecting to be immediately gratified.
14 She is like merchant ships; she brings her food from afar.
The only cross reference for this verse is Ezekiel 27:25, which says, "The ships of Tarshish were carriers for your merchandise. And you were filled and were very glorious in the heart of the seas." If I am to be like a merchant ship, I am to be dependable and know my role. I am to provide, and provide enough; and therefore bring contentment and satisfaction to those around me.
15 She rises also while it is still night and gives food to her household and portions to her maidens.
I am called to be diligent and never lazy. I am to maintain a fervent spirit as I serve others and ultimately, Jesus. This involves being faithful and sensible, and reliable in performing tasks.
16 She considers a field and buys it; from her earnings she plants a vineyard.
I believe this verse speaks strongly of discernment and making wise choices, along with being frugal and efficient. Wisdom and discernment only come from a strong relationship with the Lord and connection to the Holy Spirit.
Proverbs 31:10-16
More to come!
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