Proverbs 31: 10 Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies.
11 The heart of her husband doth safely trust in her, so that he shall have no need of spoil.
12 She will do him good and not evil all the days of her life.
13 She seeketh wool, and flax, and worketh willingly with her hands.
14 She is like the merchants’ ships; she bringeth her food from afar.
15 She riseth also while it is yet night, and giveth meat to her household, and a portion to her maidens.
16 She considereth a field, and buyeth it: with the fruit of her hands she planteth a vineyard.
17 She girdeth her loins with strength, and strengtheneth her arms.
18 She perceiveth that her merchandise is good: her candle goeth not out by night.
19 She layeth her hands to the spindle, and her hands hold the distaff.
20 She stretcheth out her hand to the poor; yea, she reacheth forth her hands to the needy.
21 She is not afraid of the snow for her household: for all her household are clothed with scarlet.
22 She maketh herself coverings of tapestry; her clothing is silk and purple.
23 Her husband is known in the gates, when he sitteth among the elders of the land.
24 She maketh fine linen, and selleth it; and delivereth girdles unto the merchant.
25 Strength and honour are her clothing; and she shall rejoice in time to come.
26 She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness.
27 She looketh well to the ways of her household, and eateth not the bread of idleness.
28 Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth her.
29 Many daughters have done virtuously, but thou excellest them all.
30 Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth the Lord, she shall be praised.
31 Give her of the fruit of her hands; and let her own works praise her in the gates.
Society puts an enormous amount of pressure on women. We also inflict great expectations on ourselves as well. How do we get to the point of balance in our lives?
The world says that we should be the ideal woman, wife, mother, grandmother, aunt, sister and friend while having a pristine home and perfect figure! What if we are not “career” oriented? Well, according to some, the stay-at-home wife and mom days are antiquated, going out with “Leave It To Beaver”.
I stayed at home when my children were young and started working outside the home a little when they reached high school, so I’ve experienced both sides. The decisions each family makes is with them. Circumstances and situations are different for everyone. When it comes to your opinion as to whether someone should work inside or outside the home, please keep that to yourself, as it can come across as judgmental from either direction.
In conjunction with all of the above, according to the bombardment of media, today’s female, to truly be a “success”, in addition to all the above, manage to carve out time for bubble baths, massages, mani-pedis and a work-out regime!
As always, we as Christian women need to look to the Word for the guidelines of what a godly woman should be. Yes, the Proverbs 31 woman is an “ideal”, but she is a standard, a more worthy goal than what the world has to offer.
This woman works inside and outside the home. To benefit her family, she engages her talent, intellect, strength and time management skills. Nowhere does it mention her need or longing for “personal time'”. When I read this passage, my imagination finds her stunning, possibly because the description of her is so vivid and warm.
The focus is so extremely different from the world’s view of success, yet she is far from failing in anything she pursues. Take courage, Daughters of the Most High! This woman had a clear grasp on her priorities and that is a great starting point.
According to the word, would this woman be a “success”? Maybe, maybe not! Who cares! She has her priorities in order! She is certainly detail-oriented, but does not concern herself with the insignificant matters of fitting in, nor does she overwhelm her days with measuring herself against others.
Notice there is no notice of her attitude being either sub-standard nor prideful of what she is able to accomplish.
When we put Christ at the Center of our lives, all else falls into place. Yes, hinges will fall off, buttons will pop, food will burn, but there is absolutely nothing we cannot handle with the Lord!
Our children are watching. Let our sons see in us what one day they want in a wife. May our daughters understand that in good times and in trials, we turn to the Lord for strength to get back up and continue. We don’t want them to learn that we work until we are too stressed to enjoy one another, nor do we sit around until the laundry and dishes pile up in the kitchen. BALANCE!
By the way we treat our husbands, we are showing our sons about how a woman honors a spouse; likewise, we are an example to our daughters.
Not only our children, but other children, younger women, Christians and non-Believers are taking note of our actions and attitudes as women of God.
Let’s pray for one another as we take this fantastic journey our Creator set forth for us by making us ladies!
Prayer
Abba, Father
Thank You, Creator
For the blessing of being Your daughter
What an honor it is to be a woman of God
Please keep Jesus as our focus
We know whatever we are called to do
You will equip us
We ask for Your wisdom
Boldness to be who You created us to be
We may not be where we thought we would at this point in our lives
But God, You have put us right here, right now
For such a time as this
You have allowed us to go through happiness and trial
Never leaving us
To conform us to who we are
We have come a long way
We have more to go
We are trusting You
Going forward
Because You love us
As Jeremiah 29:11S says “For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.”
Until Your work and will is accomplished
In our lives
Please find us faithful!
Let us be satisfied and honored by the identity You give us
As Daughters of the Most High!
We love You, Father
In the Name of Jesus
AMEN
Songs
FOR SUCH A TIME AS THIS (Kim Hill) I have not been able to find this song online and able to share it until tonight! I’ve looked many times before but never able to attach it! Thank You, God!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bmwIp6kHaZM
I Will Worship
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UNdJmHjxQVM
As The Deer
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-gaT4q9eJ1U
