She is like the merchants' ships; she bringeth her food from afar.
She riseth also while it is yet night, and
giveth meat to her household, and a portion to her maidens.
She considereth a field, and buyeth it: with the fruit of her hands she planteth a vineyard.�
�She perceiveth that her merchandise is good: her candle goeth not out by night.
She layeth her hands to the spindle, and her hands hold the distaff.�
�She is not afraid of the snow for her household: for all her household are clothed with scarlet.
�She maketh fine linen, and selleth it; and delivereth girdles unto the merchant.�
�Give her of the fruit of her hands; and let her own works praise her in the gates.�
I believe there are valuable principles for us here in these phrases. This woman was frugal.
She was industrious. She took the responsibility to care for those around her.
She was diligent in her work. She made sure they didn�t lack anything.
She was self-disciplined and self-motivated to do the necessary things of day-to-day living.
She ran her household well. She was dependable. Her work was rewarded, because it was well done.
Now is time for us to learn these things too.
�She girdeth her loins with strength, and strengtheneth her arms.�
Often this verse is passed over when we think about the Proverbs 31 woman.
Now, I�m not going to suggest we all become body builders. But our bodies do belong to God,
and as His children, it�s important we learn to take care of them. This woman was strong from
the hard work she did in caring for her family, exercising her body, and strengthening it.
I believe it�s important to keep our bodies conditioned through exercise and work.
Keeping ourselves as healthy as we can aids in our service as Proverbs 31 women.
�She stretcheth out her hand to the poor; yea, she reacheth forth her hands to the needy.�
�She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness.�
There is an attitude very prevalent in our society that says �Me first�. This is the exact opposite of the attitude God says we are to have as Christians. The Bible says the world will know we are Christians
by our love. This woman was kind. This woman was compassionate. She reached out to help those
in need. Are we reaching out to those around us? There is always something needing to be done.
There is always someone needing a kind touch or smile. Let�s learn to become kind, compassionate Christians, whom the world will know by our love for God and others.
�She maketh herself coverings of tapestry; her clothing is silk and purple.�
This woman was well dressed and groomed. She took care with how she looked. Now, this doesn�t mean we need to become obsessed with our appearance. Modesty is the key.
But it is important that we take the time to look neat and clean. The world today may not always
think much of dressing up, but we as Christians, should take the time to maximize our appearance
by joyfully doing the best we can with what God has given us.
�She looketh well to the ways of her household, and eateth not the bread of idleness.�
Serving others should be a priority with us. We are called to be the servants of everyone around us.
Are we seeking ways to learn serving, which we will be doing with our future husbands and children? Are we diligent in our service? Are we joyful in our service? Jesus said that the people who will be
the greatest in God�s kingdom are those who serve. Looking for ways to bless others is important,
as we strive to be Proverbs 31 women.
�Strength and honour are her clothing; and she shall rejoice in time to come.�
�Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth her.
Many daughters have done virtuously, but thou excellest them all.
Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain:
but a woman that feareth the LORD,
she shall be praised.�
The way we live our lives now will affect our futures. Will we be able to rejoice in time to come, because of our diligence in preparing for our future? Will our children rise and bless us, because
of what we are doing now to become the women of God we should be? Are we seeking to draw
closer to God and fear Him, as we should? In the end, it�s not about the looks, or the praise of man.
It�s about knowing God, loving and fearing Him, and showing it through our actions.
May we strive to know God more and more, as we seek to become Proverbs 31 women!
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