Tuesday, April 06, 2010

She Intimidates Me a Little

The Proverbs 31 woman, what a gal. You may have heard her referenced in your church or bible study and come to realize that she is a super-chick. She is sort of the biblical ideal of a strong wife who watches over her family.

But unlike today's soccer mom standard, I think the Proverbs 31 woman has something different going for her. She is not stressed out or taking anti-depressants. It says instead that she is 'clothed in strength and dignity' and relying on the Lord to get her through the tough times.

When I get caught up in the minutia of daily life around the house...the laundry, the diapers, the purchasing prepping cooking and cleaning up of food and more food....I try to think of the Proverbs 31 woman. She is busy busy too but takes JOY in her lifestyle, because it serves the Lord.

Those seemingly unimportant tasks are more important than I estimate and if I do them with strength and confidence that God is working in my household, I can only assume that they make Him happy.

So I will continue to strive to be like her in my own way. I wonder if she likes to watch TV as much as I do?

Epilogue: The Wife of Noble Character

10 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 women 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.

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