Proverbs 31 Extra

Many months have passed since I last posted. Life can easily get too busy, and sometimes cause us to put God 'on the back burner'. My husband, who is also my pastor, often reminds us about having balance in our lives. He has used the example before of our bodies being compared to dogs. We have a physical body that is likened to a black dog, and a spiritual body likened to a white one. If we feed, nourish, and love only the black dog (our flesh), without feeding the white dog (our spirit), over time, the black one will be strengthened and the white one will weaken, and eventually die. We must spend time each day 'feeding' our bodies from the Word of God, to get strength and grow spiritually. Then, as we face problems, struggles, and difficulties in our lives, that strength from the Lord is what will help us endure.

The next verse in our devotion is Proverbs 31:24, "She maketh fine linen, and selleth it; and delivereth girdles unto the merchant."  We've already discussed several verses about the Virtuous Woman and how she was diligent, hard-working, not lazy, somewhat of a business woman, etc. Although having these qualities is a part of the life of such a woman, there is a much greater side of her that is much more necessary.

In thinking about the Proverbs 31 woman, and how BUSY she was, always working diligently and productively, we can learn more than only the physical labor side of this.  We must remember that she is in Old Testament times, under the Law, and of course, without the modern technology we have today.  In those days, the people had to work hard to obtain their necessities, and they also had a ‘works’ mentality. They were used to ‘serving God continually’, as the priests were required to do, making sacrifices for their sins. Hebrews 7:27 says “Who needeth not daily, as those high priests, to offer up sacrifice, first for his own sins, and then for the people’s:”

The Old Testament people did not have Christ as of yet. They could not ‘rest’ in the finished work of the Lord Jesus Christ, which He did for us by shedding His blood and dying on the cross, enabling us to have the gift of salvation and eternal life with Him. Hebrews 10:10 By the which will we are sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ ONCE for all.

If ALL we are is BUSY, BUSY, BUSY, then what have we accomplished?
Isaiah 29:13 "Wherefore the Lord said, Forasmuch as this people draw near me with their mouth, and with their lips do honour me, but have removed their heart far from me, and their fear toward me is taught by the precept of men:"                              
Of course, we can be a good testimony and have an impact on others’ lives. But we must:

*rest in His finished work (Colossians 2:10)
*read His Word and pray to Him.
*grow in the Lord (Ephesians 4:15)
*grow close to Him (James 4:8)

He wants our heart. Proverbs 23:26 "My son, give me thine heart, and let thine eyes observe my ways."
He wants us to rest in Him. Matthew 11:28 "Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest."

He wants us to abide in Him. John 15:4-5  "Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me. I am the vine, ye are the branches. He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit:  for without me ye can do nothing."

By doing these things, then we will naturally serve Him. But more importantly, we will naturally produce fruit (bring others to Christ), and have the fruits of the Spirit. Isn’t this what the Christian life is about? Not only serving God, but after salvation, learning more about Him so we can bring others to know Him too? Otherwise, we are living in the flesh and ‘serving God’ in the flesh. We are not “saved to serve”.

Galatians 4:7  "Wherefore thou art no more a servant, but a son; and if a son, then an heir of God through Christ." 


In the story of Mary and Martha, Martha perhaps didn’t realize that cooking food and serving a meal were spiritual things. Someone had to cook the food. They couldn’t just order a pizza or run and get a bucket of chicken! If she had the right heart about it, she could have been prayerful, joyous, and worshipful while preparing food. But she got jealous of Mary, and bitter toward her, because she was having to do all the work herself.

Someone has to clean toilets. Someone has to change dirty diapers. Someone has to wash the dishes. Someone has to buy the groceries.  Someone has to do all of the laundry. Someone needs to educate the children. All of these things are necessary things, and we choose whether or not to do them with the right heart. Why do we feel like these things aren't the things that make us spiritual? They ARE spiritual things!! As wives and mothers accomplishing these tasks, we ARE fulfilling God's plan for us when we submit to His Word. Our home is our first ministry. 1 Timothy 5:14 "I will therefore that the younger women marry, bear children, guide the house, give none occasion to the adversary to speak reproachfully."  The greatest impact we women can have on eternity is to be the wives and mothers that God expects us to be.

We CAN be busy for the Lord, and be able to rest at the same time. It’s all about our heart attitude, and accepting what Christ did for us. We serve Him because of what He did for us. Let us not be caught up in the things we do FOR God, but rather focus more on getting to know Him more and resting in His finished work. The other things will fall into place as we grow closer to Him.

GOD'S WORD WORKS!!!

Proverbs 31:23

Her husband is known in the gates, when he sitteth among the elders of the land.

At the time I had first prepared to write this devotion after reading this verse, I had no idea what I would be able to get out of it. So, I asked myself some questions. Why is her husband known in the gates? How is he known? Did his wife do things that helped him have a good reputation? His wife obviously did have an effect on his reputation, because he was spoken of by others in the gates of the city. Proverbs 22:1 A good name is rather to be chosen than great riches, and loving favour than silver and gold.

I thought, how do OUR actions affect our HUSBAND'S reputation? It can be good, or it can also be bad. We, as women, can possibly make, or break, our husband’s reputation. Proverbs 12:4 A virtuous woman is a crown to her husband: but she that maketh ashamed is as rottenness in his bones.

Let’s look at a few examples of women in the Bible that had detrimental effects on their husbands:

Eve-she was deceived, and as a result her husband sinned against God causing the Fall of Man.

Jezebel-was very wicked, and had someone killed just to satisfy her wimpy husband’s desire for a vineyard.

Sarah-She laughed when she was told she would conceive in her old age, doubting God. Prior to that, she didn’t obey and wait on God, but instead orchestrated the conception of the Ishmaelite nation, whom today are the Muslims.  

Job’s wife-discouraging. She told Job just to “curse God, and die.” (Job 2:9)

Delilah-tricked her husband into telling her the truth, and she gave him over to the Philistines.

Sapphira-conspired with her husband to hold back money that they said they were giving, instead of saying it wasn’t right. She may have convinced him to do right, and they both may have lived. Instead, they both died.

Proverbs 7 woman-Read about her. Need I say more?

Good examples:

Abigail-saved her husband’s life. (1 Samuel 25) The Bible says she was of a good understanding.

Ruth-was a good example of a humble, meek, and clean woman. Her actions were honoring to Boaz and would not hurt his good reputation among the people, as a harlot would have. (Book of Ruth, and specifically  Chapter 3 verses 10-11)

Priscilla, Acts 18:26-She, and her husband, instructed Apollos in the Scriptures. This means that she obviously knew the Scriptures.

Proverbs 14:1 Every wise woman buildeth her house, but the foolish plucketh it down with her hands.

Are we helping or hurting our husband's reputation? We must think about our actions and how they may affect our testimony, and also his. In Titus Chapter 2, God's commands to us women include: being in behaviour as becometh holiness, not false accusers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things, that we (as older women) may teach the younger to be sober, to love our own husbands, to love our children, to be discreet, chaste, keepers at home, good, obedient to their own husbands. All this is said to us, that the word of God be not blasphemed. (TItus 2: 3-5) What is our heart's desire as a wife? Are we trying to abide by the Word of God, and be a blessing and encouragement to our husbands? If we are slanderers, bad influences, liars, gossips, indiscreet, busybodies, and rebellious to our husbands, then we are not what God wants us to be. 

Also, if we are the wife of a pastor (bishop), or deacon, the Bible mentions qualities for us as well. In 1 Timothy 3, a pastor must "ruleth well his own house, having his children in subjection with all gravity; (For if a man know not how to rule his own house, how shall he take care of the church of God?) If we as wives are rebellious and not submitted to him, then we are guilty of disqualifying him as a pastor. And as for the wife of a deacon, the Word of God says, "Even so must their wives be grave, not slanderers, sober, faithful in all things." 1 Timothy 3:11 

Then I thought, as the saved body of Christ, we are considered the Bride of Christ. As His ‘wife’, what testimony are we for Him? What example are we to the lost? Are we giving Him a good, or a bad, reputation? 

At the end of the book of Romans, I noticed that in Chapter 16 verse 10, Paul said, “Salute Appelles, approved in Christ.” I thought, what did this Appelles do that Paul considered him ‘approved in Christ’? How are we ‘approved’?           2 Timothy 2:15 says “Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” 

By reading, studying, learning, and hiding God’s Word in our hearts, that is how we are ‘approved’ in Christ. That doesn’t mean just memorizing the Bible. Psalm 119:105  “Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.” A lamp is of no use unless it is used, then it gives light for us to see.

Psalm 119:130  “The entrance of thy words giveth light; it giveth understanding unto the simple.”

Psalm 119:11  “Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee.”

When we buy someone a gift for Christmas, we like to hide it, and bring it out for them just at the appropriate moment. That is what God does with His Word. When we study, and hide His Word, and when the opportunity arises to witness to or encourage someone, God brings His Word to our mind just at the perfect moment.  Hebrews 4:12  “For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.”

It is HIS WORD that works in the hearts and minds of others. We don’t need to try to convince others that we are right, or that they need to get saved because we think they do. God’s Word is convicting all on its own. Isaiah 55:11  So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it.

We can comfort, encourage, and help as much as possible with our own soothing, comforting words, but ultimately it is God’s Word that helps more than anything. Several years ago, I was helping a lady friend who had a little girl. She had been deserted by her husband for another woman. All the advice and help that I tried to give may have been helpful, but together we turned to 2 Corinthians 12:9-10. She read the Scripture herself, and she just melted and began weeping. She knew the most comfort and help she could ever receive was from the Word of God.

It is our responsibility to study it, know it, and be prepared to answer every man with it.

Colossians 4:6  Let your speech be alway with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man. That doesn't mean we should preach at people or try to inform them of everything WE know, but to be ready when people ASK us "a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear:" 1 Peter 3:15.

Do you want to be ‘approved in Christ’? I DO!!!  :) 

GOD'S WORD WORKS!!!

Proverbs 31:21,22

Proverbs 31:21,22

She is not afraid of the snow for her household: for all her household is clothed with scarlet.  She maketh herself coverings of tapestry; her clothing 

is silk and purple.

The first thing I notice about these verses is that she planned ahead for her children’s clothing before the cold weather began. She probably had to sew their clothing, so she would have had to work hard to get their garments made during warmer months. Not only did she prepare in advance, but also clothed them with scarlet. This doesn’t mean she had to have the most expensive things, but quality items that would be the best for her money. There is nothing wrong with used clothing, if it’s in good shape when you spend your hard-earned money on it. Be sure they are a nice fit and good quality to last for more than one child, if possible. Many people shop clearance racks at the ends of the seasons, and have those clothes, in larger sizes of course, for the next year.

I also see that the verse mentions her children’s needs before hers. I believe she put their needs before her own, and was certainly an unselfish person. 

Notice the word ‘coverings’. No doubt in Bible days and in their culture they didn’t wear anything close to what we do as Americans. However, the word ‘covering’ still applies to anyone in any age. There’s a reason for that. This isn't about women wearing pants. In fact, sometimes pants are more modest than some skirts. More importantly, the subject is modesty.

1 Timothy 2:9-10 says, “In like manner also, that women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with shamefacedness and sobriety; not with broided hair, or gold, or pearls, or costly array; But (which becometh women professing godliness) with good works.

What is modest apparel? The word ‘modest’ in the dictionary means: 

1.  Properly restrained by a sense of propriety.

2.  Not bold or forward.

3.  Not loose; not lewd.

4.  Moderate; not excessive or extreme; not extravagant.

Our apparel must not give indication of boldness, forwardness, looseness, or lewdness. What does that mean? Well, what parts of a woman’s body are men and young men most attracted to????? To put it bluntly, those parts would be the breasts, legs, and rear. If we wear clothing that enhances or purposely attracts a guy’s eyes to these, or any parts, then WE are causing them to look, and possibly lust, after us. Men are aroused by sight; women by touch. Men naturally want to look. 

Proverbs 27:20 Hell and destruction are never full; so the eyes of man are never satisfied.

You might say, “Well, if that guy has to look, then he has a problem.” Being a born-again Christian does not take away a man’s desire to look at a woman. Men are created with certain desires toward the opposite sex. This is very much a part of God’s plan, and you will learn to thank God that your husband is “geared” this way.  Within the confines of marriage, a man’s drive and desire is a wonderful and fulfilling thing.  Hebrews 13:4  Marriage is honourable in all, and the bed undefiled:  but whoremongers and adulterers God will judge. A woman, wanting to be desired physically and sexually is natural, and clean, within the confines of marriage. Wanting to be desired of other men, however, is wicked.  If we dress in a way that makes men lust, then it is OUR fault.                   Matthew 5:28...That whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart. If we are the cause of this, then we are considered having committed adultery.

I have read an account of a young man when, in his teen years, his youth pastor's family sat in front of him in church. The youth pastor’s wife was wearing a very tight, clingy skirt, revealing every curve. It was inevitable that he saw her rear throughout the service, and had such a problem, that lust consumed him. After that, he became deeply involved in pornography. It was her dress that initiated it.

Read Proverbs 7, about the strange woman.

Here are some questions to ponder:  Why would we WANT to dress in such a way as to make men to look at us? What is our motive? Do we like the attention? Do we like the idea that other men might be attracted to us? Do we have to show off our attractive figure? Are we in competition with other women, trying to ‘outdo’ them? Do we have to keep up with the styles and fashions so we aren’t embarrassed or criticized because of the so-called ‘outdated’ clothing we wear to hide parts of our bodies? Why is cleavage so acceptable in today’s fashion? Cleavage is intriguing for a man, sparking his imagination. When our son, Garrett, was only four years old, he made a drawing of a girl with a low-cut top, and a line of cleavage. When I asked him who it was, he said it was a young girl from church. 

Perhaps you dress how your husband or boyfriend wants you to. But are parts of your body being revealed to other women’s husbands? You must realize that your husband/boyfriend is not the only guy seeing those parts of YOUR body. How do you feel when another attractive female causes your husband/boyfriend to look at her breasts, butt, or legs? Why do we want other men seeing parts of us that only our husbands should see behind closed doors? If we do everything possible to dress modestly and men STILL have a problem, then it is not our fault. But ARE we doing everything possible?

To turn the situation around, what are we attracted to about a man that might cause a problem for us? What if men came to church revealing those parts of their bodies that we like to look at? How would it affect you spiritually? Would you be distracted from the preaching?

As Christians, we should want to do everything possible NOT to cause a problem for another Christian. If we truly love the brethren, we would try to do whatever we could to HELP them be a better Christian, not cause them to stumble. Provocative dress is rampant in the world. However, when nakedness is brought into the church, it creates confusion, lust, jealousy, envy, and uncleanness. The church should be a safe place for our men to come and not have to struggle with it here as well. This is one way in which we, as women, can show brotherly kindness. We should all raise our levels of consciousness and awareness as to not be a problem for our brothers in Christ.

GOD'S WORD WORKS

Proverbs 31:20

She stretcheth out her hand to the poor; yea, she reacheth forth her hands to the needy.


Stretcheth- The Virtuous Woman had NO problem giving to the poor. Her heart had a willingness to give.
2 Corinthians 9:7 - “Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity; for God loveth a cheerful giver.”

Many people have physical needs, but who are ‘the poor’? The poor are not people on welfare who WON’T get a job, but those who are truly struggling to feed their family and pay their bills. I personally do not suggest giving money to those who appear to be poor, but to give them food or other necessities such as shampoo, razors, bathroom tissue, etc., if you are able. These days it’s hard to tell who really needs money or if they just want money for drugs or alcohol, or even junk food. It is also difficult to discern between who is needy and who just simply takes advantage of others who seem to have more than they do. These days, many people tend to be people-users, unfortunately. But the Lord showed us one day, after spending several hours and quite a bit of gas helping someone, that if we were expecting something back from that person in return for what we had done for them, then it wasn't truly doing it out of a pure heart to please God. That was when He really showed us what 'being USED of God' truly means. If others do use us or take advantage of us, we must remember Who we are serving and Who gave us the money or abilities to help them in the first place. He owns it ALL! Giving to the ‘poor’ is not just an Old Testament teaching. Paul says in Galatians 2:10 -”Only they would that we should remember the poor; the same which I also was forward to do.” Sometimes, we may be aware we are being defrauded by helping someone who really doesn’t need help, but perhaps God will honor our heart for giving.

More importantly are a person’s spiritual needs. We should always be available to help others spiritually, as well as be concerned for their souls. A gospel tract is a great way to witness to others, especially if we’re too shy to talk, or if we don’t feel confident enough in the Scriptures to tell someone about how to be saved. But we should always listen for God to speak to us and lead us to those who are needy spiritually. 1 Thessalonians 5:19 - “Quench not the Spirit.” Sometimes people will be brought into your life unexpectedly, needing help, and God will use us just because we are willing. Again, being 'used of God'!

We can also give spiritual help by encouraging others that are already saved, but just need a friend sometimes:
-a lonely, single mom
-a divorced woman
-an elderly lady
-someone struggling with the cares of life
-someone whose spouse is in the hospital or nursing home
-a young child whose parents really don’t care about his/her well-being

I would not suggest to a young lady that you should prepare food for a single man. They may get the wrong idea, and it is simply a bad appearance. 1 Thessalonians 5:22 - “Abstain from all appearance of evil.” When we had the cooking class at the church we used to belong to, there was a single man, also a church member, living in the apartment next door to the church. Whenever we had leftover food, we would prepare containers to deliver to people. One particular evening, a young teenage girl in the class wanted to deliver a container to him. I explained to her that even though it may be perfectly innocent, it may happen that someone not knowing her purpose could see her going to or leaving his apartment and get the wrong idea, thus hurting his and her reputations and testimonies. It doesn't take much for rumors to start, whether it is among the public or within the church house. This is also similar to hugging men or communicating too much with them, even in church. I don't hug other men, and I do not like when other women hug my husband, unless we are related. It's just an all-around unclean thing. Call me possessive if you like....I am! :)

God will give us the strength and help we need to help others. We must be submitted and surrendered to Him, and just be willing. I have a friend whose husband left her for another woman, just shortly after their first child was born, which was over six years ago. They went through a divorce, etc., and she had many long, tear-filled, lonely nights. MY words could encourage a little, but it was God's Word that ultimately gave her the help and comfort she needed. She was concerned that she would be alone forever. Actually, to this day she is still single. But I helped her realize that by being in church, being faithful to God and serving Him with her life, if God saw fit to give her another husband, He would do so in His time. And of course, the best place to find a husband would be in church. 1 Thessalonians 5:24 - "Faithful is he that calleth you, who also will do it."

The words ‘stretcheth’ and ‘reacheth’ show us that The Virtuous Woman made extra effort in helping others. Generally, any time we do help others, it requires sacrifice of something, whether it be money or time. Giving money may be the easiest, but it may not be what the person needs from us. They need our attention and time, and to know that we care, which may be more difficult to give. It may never be easy, but God does expect us to sacrifice ourselves for the benefit of others.

GOD’S WORD WORKS!! And it is the answer for everything!

Proverbs 31:18-19

She perceiveth that her merchandise is good; her candle goeth not out by night.

She layeth her hands to the spindle, and her hands hold the distaff.

She perceiveth that her merchandise is good;

Have you ever said things like, "Oh, I don’t think this is very good,” or “I can’t do that as good as...”, when we really believe inside that it IS good or better than someone else's? This is false humility, a quality that the virtuous woman surely did not possess. She knows that what she makes or does is of great worth or value and good quality, because she isn’t a slacker who does things only half way. Sometimes we just want to get sympathy from someone or attention to make us feel better about ourselves. We shouldn’t look for man’s approval, but God’s. Colossians 3:23-24 "And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men; Knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ."

If our heart and actions are pure and right before God, our true humility will be evident. We just need to be real before God, and others.

1 Peter 5:5-6 Likewise, ye younger, submit yourselves unto the elder. Yea, all of you be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility: for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble. Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time: Do we want to be humble, or do we want God to humble us?

Her candle goeth not out by night...

Some days, our job seems to never end, even when it’s time for the lights to go out. We wear many different hats during the day, but we must always remember to save energy for our husband....he has needs, too. Put the children to bed early enough to spend quiet time with him.

Suggestions:

-Don’t put your children first whenever possible. Your husband was with you before your children were, and will be with you when your children are grown, married, and out of your home. Obviously, the smaller the children are, the more attention they demand. But don’t allow them to steal your attention away from your hubby for unnecessary reasons. Sometimes, just let the baby cry, as long as you know he doesn’t need anything. They need to see that you love each other. Children gain security knowing their parents want to be together.

-Don’t let the children come between you two and play one of you against the other. If daddy said no, don’t feel sorry for him and let him have his way, even if your husband is gone to work. Stick together on everything, even though you may think your husband is wrong about something. Dad is the law, Mom is the grace. We women are too soft, sometimes. Besides, Proverbs 23:13 says, “Withhold not correction from the child: for if thou beatest him with the rod, he shall not die.” He won’t be damaged for life, with proper correction. We should also not 'wait 'til dad gets home!!' Our children will eventually not look forward to daddy coming home, if he is their only disciplinarian. We moms MUST be consistent in correcting our children WHEN it is needed. It's unfortunate that correction is not a black and white matter. Sometimes it takes getting to the bottom of a situation to seek out the wrongdoing. But when a child directly disobeys a command the parent has given, he/she is in violation of Scripture, and it should be dealt with immediately.

Also, what are we telling our children when they do something wrong? Why is what they've done wrong? Is it wrong because Daddy says it is? Is it wrong because that's just what we've taught them? Why is it bad? What standard are we going by? Is it our opinion? We must have the Bible as our standard, because that is God's Word. What they have done is wrong because GOD's Word says it is wrong. We should be able to point these things out to them in the Bible. One verse that is very clear is Ephesians 6:1 "Children, obey your parents in the Lord: for this is right."

-NEVER argue about the children’s discipline in front of them, but discuss it privately. Don’t even ACT like you think your husband is wrong in front of the children. Kids pay very close attention to these things.

-Don’t let them criticize their daddy.

Her candle goeth not out by night...

This doesn’t mean she just stayed up late, especially watching TV, reading books, or being on the computer. If we aren’t careful, Satan can steal our time using these things, even when they all seem to be ‘harmless’ shows or books. If we haven’t read our Bible or prayed, we shouldn’t be doing these other time-consuming activities. Ephesians 5: 15-16 "See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, Redeeming the time, because the days are evil."

The virtuous woman, as we have already seen, is very productive. But productive doesn’t always have to mean cooking, cleaning, sewing, ironing, etc. We can also invest our time in others, as long as we are not forsaking the needs of our first ministry, which is our home, husband, and children. Get your children involved in serving the Lord, too. Some things we can do are:

-make cookies for someone

-help someone clean their house

-babysit for a couple so they can have a date

-take their kids to the park for a couple of hours

-write a note of encouragement to a missionary

-take a lady friend out to lunch

We are seeing a steady pattern with the virtuous woman: hard working, unselfish, humble, and godly. Our example will have a lasting, eternal effect on how our children turn out. What is our goal as a Christian woman? Don't we want to raise our children in an atmosphere that is Christ-centered, where they can enjoy life and serve God now and in the future?

Since the time I wrote most of this devotion sometime in 2010, we've experienced having one of our sons, his wife, and our grandson, move out of state with the intention of serving God in a Spanish ministry. It was very heart-wrenching seeing them leave, and especially sad knowing I won't have our grandson close as` he grows up. But it's very comforting to know that they are serving the Lord with their lives. THAT is what we raise them for...FOR GOD'S GLORY. We certainly made mistakes over the years, but God's grace has helped us through thus far, and following His Word is the most important thing we can do as Christian parents.

GOD'S WORD WORKS!!!!

Proverbs 31:17

I've enjoyed looking back over these devotions we had done last year. Sometimes they have been more of a help to me now than they were when I first wrote them. My prayer is that whoever reads them will also find some help from the Word of God.

She girdeth her loins with strength, and strengtheneth her arms.

Again, we see the virtuous woman as one that is not afraid to work hard, and involved in doing much physical labor. God does not want us to have strength as a man, but at least work hard so that we have strength in our arms.

1 Timothy 4:8 For bodily exercise profiteth little:...

The Bible points out that exercise does profit something, but we should not be obsessed with our physical body-building. Some good examples of things that would help her strengthen her arms, while being in the position God wants her to be, are:

-lifting, carrying, and holding babies

-unloading groceries

-carrying heavy laundry baskets

-scrubbing floors

-vacuuming

-kneading dough

-stirring things

-carrying in wood for your husband

-if you're like me, moving furniture :)

This does not mean we should not allow our husbands/sons to carry things for us when they are around. (Hopefully they will offer to.) It is not that we are weak, but it shows respect for us as the weaker vessel.

1 Peter 3:7 “Likewise, ye husbands, dwell with them according to knowledge, giving honour unto the wife, as unto the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the grace of life.”

Solomon, the wisest person that ever lived, said in Ecclesiastes 9:16 “Then said I, Wisdom is better than strength:”

“Spiritual strength” is more important than physical strength. God wants us to have HIS strength. Phillippians 4:13 “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.”

In looking through my Bible's concordance for verses with the word ‘strength’, almost all of the verses referred to God’s strength. We find His strength in His Word. Jesus Christ says in 2 Corinthians 12:9 “My grace is sufficient for thee; for my strength is made perfect in weakness.” And Paul in verse 10“...for when I am weak, then am I strong.”

There were times when Paul felt alone: 2 Timothy 4:16-17 “At my first answer no man stood with me, but all men forsook me: I pray God that it may not be laid to their charge. Notwithstanding the Lord stood with me, and strengthened me; that by me the preaching might be fully known, and that all the Gentiles might hear: and I was delivered out to the mouth of the lion.”

At times we also may feel alone:

-in the world

-in our family

-in the church

-from a lack of appreciation, maybe even from our husband

The Apostle Paul encouraged himself in the Lord...sometimes it may not come from anywhere else.

David also encouraged himself in the Lord: 1 Samuel 30:6 “And David was greatly distressed; for the people spake of stoning him, because the soul of all the people was grieved, every man for his sons and for his daughters: but David encouraged himself in the Lord his God.”

By faith we must trust in God’s Word; that is where our strength must come from. Think of people that must feel so alone sometimes, like those who have lost their spouse, or who have been abandoned and left with children to raise by themselves. They may get encouragement from family or church members, but ultimately, their comfort, help, and strength must come from the Lord. I don't understand how someone who hasn't trusted the Lord can make it through difficult times without Him.

Who else was girded?

David: Psalm 18:32 “It is God that girdeth me with strength, and maketh my way perfect.”

Psalm 18:39 “For thou hast girded me with strength unto the battle: thou hast subdued under me those that rose up against me.” His strength came from God, who allowed him to defeat his enemies.

Jesus Christ: John 13:4 “He riseth from supper, and laid aside his garments; and took a towel, and girded himself. After that he poureth water into a bason, and began to wash the disciples’ feet, and to wipe them with the towel wherewith he was girded.”

Christ is our ultimate example of a servant. He(God), humbled himself to serve others. Philippians 2:7-8 But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. We must have His strength to humble ourselves to serve others.

Surely the virtuous woman of Proverbs 31 had others in mind when she girded her loins and strengthened her arms. She was probably putting forth much effort to provide things for her family, not for herself. (Food, clothing, etc.) We must put ourselves on the back burner, so to speak, and with our hearts and lives, serve God by serving others. And remember, we ARE serving God by taking care of our first ministry, which is our home, husband, and children.

GOD'S WORD WORKS!!!

Proverbs 31:16

Proverbs 31:16

She considereth a field, and buyeth it; with the fruit of her hands she planteth a vineyard.

The virtuous woman considered, or gave careful thought, before purchasing this field. A field is a very large purchase. The verse does not say that she consulted her husband first. His heart may have safely trusted in her, and allowed her to do such things. However, I believe a woman such as this, who was submitted to her husband, would have consulted him first.

In making a purchase without being able to check with our husbands first, there are a few things to consider:

*Is it something we really need?

*Do we really have extra money for it?

*Does it work well?

*Could we resell it or return it to the store if he decides we shouldn’t have gotten it?

I believe a wife should always consult her husband on purchases that are somewhat costly, if at all possible. It should not be “my money/his money” in a marriage, or the attitude “I can buy what I want.” It should be OUR money no matter who ‘earned’ it. In the institution of marriage, the couple is ONE. Matthew 19:5 ....For this cause shall a man leave father and mother, and shall cleave to his wife: and they twain shall be one flesh? Wherefore they are no more twain, but one flesh. What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder.

In the previous verses, we learned that she may have had her own business, but that does not mean it was HER money. He allowed her to work.

Having spending money is different. If your husband allows you to have your own money to spend however you like, you could buy whatever you want. However, I think the virtuous woman would still have been frugal and considered her purchase beforehand. I feel guilty when I spend money foolishly, except on eating out!

Consulting our husband first will help because he may see things from a different view. Men usually do. They are not emotional as we women are, or maybe not as impulsive. Would you want an emotional husband? Who would straighten us out when our hormones act up?!! God made us different. If there are 100 light bulbs on a wall, and 99 of them work and one does not, the man will look at that wall and say, “Oh well, 99 are working.” And he would be just fine with that. But the woman will look at the same wall and say, “I need that ONE light bulb fixed!!!” We think differently, and his thinking can save us from poor purchases.

Obviously, the virtuous woman worked ‘willingly with her hands’ and had fruit from her labors, and planted a vineyard, and also maintained it. Surely she had her children working with her (although the Bible does not say). It develops good character in them. I doubt that they were indoors watching TV or on the computer while their mother was working feverishly pulling weeds. We must train them to work.

It appears that she made a wise investment because later in the chapter, we see that she sells her merchandise(verse 24). What could it have been that she sold? Grape juice, jelly, jam? What if she began the lineage of the family who provided the grape juice(new wine) that Jesus Christ drank?? What an important task!

No matter how small or unimportant we may think our job is, it is GREAT in the sight of our Lord. Our ministry of our home, husband, and children is the most important job of all. We are to be encouragers, nurturers, spiritual guides to our children, teachers of good things, (Titus 2:3 The aged women likewise, that they be in behaviour as becometh holiness, not false accusers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things;....) and so much more. Homes are falling apart because the mom is not home to guide her children. Don’t allow the world to make you feel inferior because you aren’t a ‘successful’ person by their standards. We may not always be the perfect wife and mother, but I know in time our children will appreciate all we did for them while they lived with us. Someday, I hope to hear the words, "Well done, thou good and faithful servant" for the efforts I've put forth as a wife and mom. Earthly gain is not my priority, but that our children grow up to love God with their hearts, and that they will want to serve Him with their lives, wherever He may lead. (Yes, even if it means taking my grandson away and live in Texas!)

One day YOU will be the older teaching the younger, in one way or another. What will your example be?

GOD'S WORD WORKS!!!