See I haven't explained it to you yet, although many people who know me are quite aware of this next fact...I am a God Fearing Woman...I wake every morning and spend some time flipping through my Bible until I come across something that stands out and then I read and reflect, this usually takes about fifteen minutes, but it sets my day.
At any rate I was sitting here on Good Friday trying to figure out what I should be reading and so the flipping continued until my mind settled on Proverbs...not the most exciting book in the Bible but full of wisdom none the less. Now I got all the way to the end of that book before something hit me, like a truck! It was the Proverbs 31 woman....
I have probably read this verse a hundred times before...but today it just hit! Maybe it because I felt failure due to the marriage thing, or maybe it's because I have felt less than adequate in many facets of my life.....but this verse pointed out some interesting things about me, I think....
"A wife (woman) of noble character who can find? She is far more precious than rubies. (she is rare and precious...hmmm interesting) Her Husband (or other people) has full confidence in her and lacks nothing of value ( she is trustworthy) She bring him good, not harm, all the days of her life (she is respectful and kind) She selects wool and flax and works with eager hands (she works joyfully) she is like the merchant ships bringing her food from afar (she goes the extra mile to get the choicest goods) She gets up while it is still dark; she provides food for her family and portions for her servant girls (she is disciplined) She considers a field and buys it; out of her earnings she plants a vineyard (she is prudent with her money) She sets about her work vigorously; her arms are strong for her tasks ( she is energetic) She sees that her trading is profitable, and her lamp does not go out at night (she is a good steward) In her hand she holds the distaff and grasps the spindle with her fingers ( she is diligent) She opens her arms to the poor and extends her hands to the needy ( she is compassionate and generous) When it snows, she has no fear for her household, for all of them are clothed in scarlet (she is provident) She makes covering for her bed; she is clothed in fine linen and purple ( she is elegant) Her husband is respected at the city gate, where he takes seat among the elders of the land. (Influential) She makes linen garments and sells them and supplies the merchants sashes; (she is industrious) She is clothed in strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come (she is poised) She speaks with wisdom and faithful instruction is on her tongue (she is wise) She watches over the affairs of her household and does eat the bread of idleness ( she manages her home) Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and praises her (she is praiseworthy) many women do noble things but you surpass them all (distinguished) Charm is deceptive, and beauty if fleeting; but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised ( God fearing) Give her the reward she has earned, and let her works bring her praise at the city gate ( honored)" Proverbs 31
So after I had read this and inserted my interpretations (the parentheses) I felt like I have alot to work on...i mean sure I do alot already, but it's not the full monty. If I am to live the life and walk the entire walk of a God fearing woman, then I need to shape up! I need to do some spiritual exercising..... this verse is the outline of a the ideal woman...it says nothing about physical looks, it says nothing about how much money she has to make..it says she is elegant and prudent with her money. It says nothing about her "status" in the community, just in her home, with her family. She needs to take care of her home and all of those in it. I would love to become this woman who is elegant, poised, praiseworthy, rare, precious, and honored, in any ones eyes. But hopefully, I can achieve this so that someday, if it is in God's plan, i can be the Wife of noble character as well.....I am going to go sip my tea and reflect some more....until next time.....
