Tuesday, July 17, 2012

Proverbs 31

Recently I have started an online bible study that dives deep into the Proverbs 31 chapter that gives the characteristics of a noble wife.


A wife of noble character who can find?
    She is worth far more than rubies.
Her husband has full confidence in her
    and lacks nothing of value.
She brings him good, not harm,
    all the days of her life.
She selects wool and flax
    and works with eager hands.
She is like the merchant ships,
    bringing her food from afar.
She gets up while it is still night;
    she provides food for her family
    and portions for her female servants.
She considers a field and buys it;
    out of her earnings she plants a vineyard.
She sets about her work vigorously;
    her arms are strong for her tasks.
She sees that her trading is profitable,
    and her lamp does not go out at night.
In her hand she holds the distaff
    and grasps the spindle with her fingers.
She opens her arms to the poor
    and extends her hands to the needy.
When it snows, she has no fear for her household;
    for all of them are clothed in scarlet.
She makes coverings for her bed;
    she is clothed in fine linen and purple.
Her husband is respected at the city gate,
    where he takes his seat among the elders of the land.
She makes linen garments and sells them,
    and supplies the merchants with sashes.
She is clothed with strength and dignity;
    she can laugh at the days to come.
She speaks with wisdom,
    and faithful instruction is on her tongue.
She watches over the affairs of her household
    and does not eat the bread of idleness.
Her children arise and call her blessed;
    her husband also, and he praises her:
 “Many women do noble things,
    but you surpass them all.”
 Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting;
    but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.
Honor her for all that her hands have done,
    and let her works bring her praise at the city gate.
Proverbs 31:10-31

This woman is the ultimate christian wife who embodies all that God has wanted. There are many times I know I do not resemble her at all! I am sometimes lazy, grumpy, and selfish. But I am also a sinner. And a strong follower of God. I know through him I can find the strength to really try and live life like the Proverbs 31 woman. This week the focus is on verse 13 She selects wool and flax and works with eager hands. Oh boy being eager to clean? Sounds tough I know, but let's look at it in a different light. My dishes are dirty because the Lord has blessed me with food to put on those dishes. The laundry needs to be done because we have clothes on our back to wear and a full life to make them dirty. My house is a hurricane of baby toys and man tools because I have a passionate boyfriend and growing baby. I have groceries in my fridge because the Lord has provided my family with the means to eat. When I cleaned my house this morning I kept these things in mind and cleaning did not feel as much of a chore as normal. I was thankful that God has provided me with such a rich life. Yesterday when I went to the store, I said a prayer of thanks as I loaded the groceries in the trunk. The Proverbs 31 woman is a woman to emulate and embody. With the Lords help I can do it. I will falter, and at times feel as though I am failing. But then I will say a deep prayer to give me the eager attitude I need to make sure my family and household is running smoothly. 

Since I have started this bible study and dove deep into Proverbs 31 I have noticed myself really trying to apply these attributes to my life and my heart has felt 10x lighter. It is amazing how the Lords word and constant prayer can change your life. I strongly suggest checking out the woman who started it all here. She has so much passion for the Lord and is such a role model!



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