The Proverbs 31 Woman

Proverbs 31:10-31 ---

A wife of noble character who can find? She is worth far more than rubies.

Her husband has full confidence in her and lacks nothing of value.

She brings him good, not harm, all the days of her life.

She selects wool and flax and works with eager hands.

She is like the merchant ships, bringing her food from afar.

She gets up while it is still dark; she provides food for her family and portions for her servant girls.

She considers a field and buys it; out of her earnings she plants a vineyard.

She sets about her work vigorously; her arms are strong for her tasks.

She sees that her trading is profitable, and her lamp does not go out at night.

In her hand she holds the distaff and grasps the spindle with her fingers.

She opens her arms to the poor and extends her hands to the needy.

When it snows, she has no fear for her household; for all of them are clothed in scarlet.

She makes coverings for her bed; she is clothed in fine linen and purple.

Her husband is respected at the city gate, where he takes his seat among the elders of the land.

She makes linen garments and sells them, and supplies the merchants with sashes.

She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come.

She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue.

She watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness.

Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her: "Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all."

Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.

Give her the reward she has earned, and let her works bring her praise at the city gate.

So who is the Proverbs 31 woman, really? She is what all Christian women strive to be like--talk about a role model! But some women read this passage in discouragement, thinking of being like this woman as unattainable, unrealistic in today's society. Or they think, I don't spin my own yarn, what does this have to do with me today? Well, this Bible passage is timeless - as pertinent for this generation as it was 50 years ago or will be 50 years from today. It talks of a woman who one could think of as old-fashioned and modern at the same time!

The Proverbs 31 woman is an excellent role model for modern women. Her husband has total confidence and trust in her, and she gives him no reason to think otherwise. She is a strong and eager worker, not giving in to pure lazyness. She thinks of her families needs before her own, providing for them food and clothing with loving care. She will make a purchase thoughtfully, and uses her resources to purchase something that will also provide a need and income for her family (vineyard). This woman makes sure the household is cared for and clean, she is responsible. She opens her arms to those in need, loving those who need love. When trouble comes, she has no fears but places her trust in the Lord. She takes care of the appearance of her house, and takes care of her body and personal appearance. Her husband is not worried about the house or the family, knowing they are well cared for, and he is free to do his work. She makes extra money when needed to help with the family income (a working mom!). She doesn't worry about the future, but does plan for future needs--the Lord will provide. The words that come out of her mouth are kind and thoughtful, she instructs her children faithfully, and gives wise encouragement not speaking of gossip. Her children and husband think the world of her. Though there are many things the world thinks of as important in a woman such as figure size and charm, what truly matters to a family is a mother and wife who loves Jesus.

It is faith in Jesus that gives us the desire to do the above things, the desire to be a better wife, mom, family member & neighbor. And Jesus can also give us the ability to do said things when we pray to Him about this.

Nobody is perfect, but loving the Lord gives us the heart desire to do what is pleasing to Him. Goodness knows that I have issues to work on, and areas to improve upon. But God is leading my heart to follow the above example He gave us in the Bible so that I can be the woman He wants me to be. I believe that the Proverbs 31 woman, and Christian women like her, have a legacy that LASTS, one that impacts generations to come for Christ. There is NO greater legacy we could have in this life than to lead our children to Jesus, to serve where He calls, and do it with a joyful, humble heart!

May God bless you & yours today!

Stacey

ps--The quilt in the pic above was hand-pieced and hand-quilted by my husband's grandmother. She just recently passed away, but I believe she lovingly lived out the life of a Prov. 31 woman.