Wednesday, January 30, 2013

Virtuous Woman, Part 2

            In continuation from yesterday, Proverbs 31:13-24 talks about all the things the virtuous woman does inside her home for her husband and family as well as has extending her hand outside the home to others. 

            It talks about how she takes care of house and home; making their clothing, working and inspecting the vineyard.  I think most of us are saying: I am not making their clothes nor growing all the food for my family…and I would have to say that I would be in the front of that line.  What these scriptures say to me is that she takes pride in her home and family and how well she takes care of them even if it require her to get up early and work well into the night.  Now, she does this not just because this is what her husband and children demand of her, but instead because it is what our Lord requires of her. God holds us up highly; therefore we must walk according to His way.

            She is strong and energetic, not because she finds this within herself but because she rests in the Lord and in Him she finds her strength.   Extending her hand to the poor and needy…now this doesn't just mean the poor and less fortunate, but it means that she lends her spirit and belief in God to those who are struggling or may not even know Him at all.  She walks in the light of the Lord and because of that others are blessed; they see this light and want the same.  She is humble and not boastful, therefore her light is genuine to others and she is always ready to be there for others by putting others ahead of herself.  This is a lot to strive for but, I pray daily that God will bless me with these humble qualities!

            Proverbs 31:25-27 25 She is clothed with strength and dignity, and she laughs without fear of the future.  26 When she speaks, her words are wise, and she gives instructions with kindness.  27 She carefully watches everything in her household and suffers nothing from laziness.

            According to these verses she walks with dignity, meaning she carries herself in a way that is respectable.  She is careful in her dress, her walk and talk because not only does she represent her husband but more importantly God her Father.  She thinks before she speaks and does not let her emotions influence her actions or say the first thing that comes to her mind.  When correcting or speaking to others she does it with kindness and love, careful not to seem too harsh or judgmental.  She is very watchful to the things that go on in her home and makes sure everything is in order.  She does not allow laziness to catch her and is always busy with her families work. 

            Now, I must be very honest, sometimes my appearance can leave a bit to be desired and I can speak too harshly.  I am also not always busy with my families' housework. I'm not saying we live in a pig sty, but knowing my mother and grandmother some may say the apple fell a few feet from the tree in that department and from experience, not living off my emotions is very hard to do and I have to catch myself sometimes, regroup and ask for God's guidance.  But, Praise God I am changing because He is growing within me!

Proverbs 31: 28-31 28 Her children stand and bless her. Her husband praises her:  29 “There are many virtuous and capable women in the world, but you surpass them all!” 30 Charm is deceptive, and beauty does not last; but a woman who fears the Lord will be greatly praised. 31 Reward her for all she has done. Let her deeds publicly declare her praise.

            Reading these verses it says that her children and husband hold her with high regard, this in itself is such a wonderful blessing.  They do this not only because she is taking care of them but, because she loves them with the love of Christ…which is pure and unconditional.  To me verse 29 means that there are many virtuous woman in this world, but only one that is created for each individual man so to him she surpasses all the others.  While she may be beautiful on the outside, those features are fading and a virtuous woman's beauty is within because she fears the Lord and His light shines brightly through her walk.  Her life is her testimony.

You're blessed because Jesus loves you!

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