Proverbs 29-31 marks the end of this Godly book of wisdom.
Yesterday in our reading, quarrelsome wives were being compared to leaky roofs. Today, good and faithful wives are "worth far more than rubies (Proverbs 31)." Now, that is more like it. That's the kind of woman I want to be...
In Proverbs 31, we get to read through this beautiful reflection on "The Wife of Noble Character."
And here's the thing, even if you aren't a wife or a woman, this scripture is full of inspiration for Godly character and living a life full of God's grace.
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.
I started thinking about what these NOBLE CHARACTERISTICS look like for a woman today. They certainly transcend time.
A woman of noble and Godly character today may or may not be wife, but she...
...is still worth far more than rubies
...brings good, not harm
...works with eager hands and strong arms
...plants seeds of faith wherever she goes
...vigorously sets about God's purpose for her life
...opens her arms to the poor and extends her hands to the needy
...is clothed with strength and dignity
...can laugh at the days to come
...speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue
...watches over the affairs of her household
...does not eat the bread of idleness
...is called blessed
...is a woman who knows the LORD
A prayer for today-
Dear God,
Thank You for Your love, Your mercy, and Your grace that transforms my character.
Forgive me when I fall short of the person You have made me to be.
I pray that You will strengthen my heart, my mind, my soul, and my hands to live for You. Guide me by Your Holy Spirit and use me to love, encourage, and support others.
Make me a person of noble character in Christ.
Fill me with Your hope and laughter in the days to come.
I pray also for ______________ today. I pray You will pour out your presence and power into the lives of these people and situations.
Our souls cling to You, Lord. Your right hand upholds us.
In Jesus' name I pray,
Amen
Grace and peace of Christ,
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