First let me say once again, THANK YOU for celebrating the past 4 years with Pretty Proverbs. We have loved serving alongside you, praying with you and simply growing with you! This blog is intended to help us reclaim what is rightfully ours! Our Virtue!
Scripture reads,
“An excellent woman [one who is spiritual, capable, intelligent, and virtuous], who is he who can find her? Her value is more precious than jewels and her worth is far above rubies or pearls.” (Proverbs 31:10).
The ideals set forth in Proverbs 31 are a challenge to any woman. It gives us the perfect example of woman at her best.
•The one thing I would like for you to first think about is the wording of verse 10. It is a question…” Who can find a virtuous woman?”
•Now, we like to run v. 10 and 11 all together and we simply stick to the part where it proclaims our value and worth being compared to precious rubies. But, the message is in the question.
•You and I and most of those who have read the rest of Proverbs 31 knows that the requirements to being a virtuous woman is intense. She’s priceless. Her influence is immeasurable.
So, what does it take to be that kind of woman?
1. She’s trustworthy.
v. 11 says that, “The heart of her husband doth safely trust in her....” Notice that word “safely.” Not only does her husband trust her, but he feels safe in doing so! In other words, he is justified in trusting her, because what she appears to be, she is. When you align your life with this word, can those around you feel SAFE in trusting your character? Can a sister confide and you and you go to God in prayer with her instead of to the nearest person to tear her down? Can your sister depend on you to follow through on your word? Can your leaders trust that you will fulfill your duties diligently?
2. She is enterprising, and prosperous.
The next few versus specifically those that talk about her work ethic within 13-19.
13 She looks for wool and flax and works with willing hands in delight.
14 She is like the merchant ships [abounding with treasure]; She brings her [household’s] food from far away. 15 She rises also while it is still night
And gives food to her household. And assigns tasks to her maids.
16 She considers a field before she buys or accepts it [expanding her business prudently]; With her profits she plants fruitful vines in her vineyard.
17 She equips herself with strength [spiritual, mental, and physical fitness for her God-given task] And makes her arms strong. 18 She sees that her gain is good; Her lamp does not go out, but it burns continually through the night [she is prepared for whatever lies ahead].19 She stretches out her hands to the I.e. the staff that holds the textile fibers for spinning. distaff, and her hands hold the spindle [as she spins wool into thread for clothing].
Wow! The virtuous woman has it going on! Her gifts make room for her. She takes initiative and is diligent in her thoroughness. Are you allowing God’s gifts to remain idle within you? Are you diligent about the work of God? Let’s look within even further. Are you taking initiative with the vision He has given you? Is fear holding you in bondage concerning the prosperity He has already promised you or is it pure laziness? The virtuous woman is NOT afraid to work nor is she afraid to go after what she is worth. We have to be willing to put in the work and then go and claim what is ours!
3. She is compassionate and giving.
v. 20 says, “She stretcheth out her hand to the poor; yea, she reacheth forth her hands to the needy.” We always think along the lines of giving financially when we think of being compassionate with the poor and needy. However, there is so much more to being compassionate. The definition of compassion is a feeling of deep sympathy and sorrow for another who is hurting, in pain, or has misfortune and is accompanied by a strong desire to help the suffering. How are you showing compassion amongst your sisters and brothers in Christ? Are you interceding on their behalf? Are you listening to their heart when they confide in you or are you simply listening judgmentally? Do you communicate out of love or with a harsh tongue? Do you show unconditional love or does your love have conditions and restraints based on your perspective of them? How are we caring for those who are in need of the Father’s love? Can you say that you are being a great depiction of this?
4. She is strong, honorable and wise!
v.26-27 She looketh well to the ways of her household, and eateth not the bread of idleness. Strength and honour are her clothing; and she shall rejoice in time to come. She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness. '
A virtuous woman realizes the authoritative influence that words can have, and she endeavors to be wise in choosing her words. She doesn’t engage in gossip, and she doesn’t go around saying things that would best be left unsaid. What does your speech say about you? Do you constantly find yourself sharing the goodness of God or the ruins of your neighbor? Are you speaking in truth and love?
Man! Even with me discussing
this, I recognize that I have some work to do! We all do! There is no shame in admitting that there are areas where we can grow. But it is shameful to continue to realize our weaknesses and still continue wallow in them with an unrepentant heart. You can’t claim to be priced above rubies but live a life at the cost of rhinestones.
So, how do we begin to reclaim our virtue? Go to the word! It’s all there for us! This word is a life tool that we have daily access to in order to help become our best selves in Christ. The secret of this virtuous, noble woman is in verse 30.
The Amplified Bible reads:
“Charm and grace are deceptive, and beauty is vain (because it is not lasting), but a woman who reverently and worshipfully fears the Lord, she shall be praised!”
What is it to fear the Lord? To love the Lord (Psalm 116:1); to desire in all things to please Him (Hebrews 11:5); to endeavor to obey Him (Acts 5:29); to serve Him faithfully (Mark 14:8); and to give yourself and all to Him (Romans 12:1-2)
We got this, Sis!
Peace,
Moe