Proverbs 31 woman

We took a little break from our normal studies last night to look at the Prov. 31 woman.  I can't even begin to guess how many times I've read this chapter, but this is probably the most indepth study that I've ever made on it.  I really enjoyed the study and thought I'd share a few of the highlights with you.

I want to begin by sharing a passage from a commentary I read (Family Bible Notes):  "In the closing passage of the book of Proverbs, the pen of inspiration has given, for the instruction of all ages, the character of a "virtuous woman," such as every wise man will choose for his companion in life.  It consists not in the fascination of outward accomplishments, which are too often united with idleness, prodigality, and a selfish, contentious spirit; but rather in industry, good management, authority over her household, and the spirit of love and kindness.  Such a woman will confer honor upon her husband, and make him prosperous and happy, however she may be undervalued by those who are too ignorant to understand in what female worth consists."  (This was well received last night!)

In verse 15:   She riseth also while it is yet night, and giveth meat to her household, and a portion to her maidens.
We discussed the physical applications of this verse - making sure that we send our family out each day with a good breakfast under their belts.  Then Debbie made a spiritual application - that we should provide spiritual meat for our children.  This lead Sheila to: De 6:6 And these words, which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart: 7 And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up. 8 And thou shalt bind them for a sign upon thine hand, and they shall be as frontlets between thine eyes. 9 And thou shalt write them upon the posts of thy house, and on thy gates.

Verse 17:  She girdeth her loins with strength, and strengtheneth her arms.
This verse can be taken both literally and metaphorically.  We should work to keep our physical bodies healthy and fit enough to take care of all of our responsibilities.  We all agreed last night, tho, that the metaphor was probably the best application.  When men in ancient times had a difficult job to do, they gathered up the hem of their robe and tucked it into their "girdle" or belt.  This kept their clothing from hindering the job they had to do.  We should also set aside the things that hinder our work and work with vigor on the task at hand.  Ec 9:10 Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might; for there is no work, nor device, nor knowledge, nor wisdom, in the grave, whither thou goest.
 Heb 12:1 Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us,
Verse 18:  She perceiveth that her merchandise is good: her candle goeth not out by night.
Not only does this teach us to be industrious, working into the night if need be, but it also infers that we should do quality work.  We should be known for "turning out a good product."  In the parable of the talents, we are instructed to use our talents and grow them.  Col 3:23 And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men;

Verse 19:  She layeth her hands to the spindle, and her hands hold the distaff.
I thought the commentaries on this verse were very informative.  The spindle and distaff are implements of spinning thread.  This was considered to be a very menial task, usually done by servants.  This verse indicates that a woman doesn't assign any job to others that she isn't willing to do herself.  No task or chore should be beneath us.  This reminds me of the passage in John 13, where Jesus washed the feet of His disciples.  We should be humble in all of our doings.

Verse 25:  Strength and honour are her clothing; and she shall rejoice in time to come.
Although verse 22 indicates that we should take care with our appearance, to dress appropriately and not bring disgrace to our husband, this verse shows us that our primary focus should be on our character.  1Pe 3:3 Whose adorning let it not be that outward adorning of plaiting the hair, and of wearing of gold, or of putting on of apparel; 4 But let it be the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible, even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price.
1Ti 2:9  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; 10 But (which becometh women professing godliness) with good works.

I will finish up this summary with verse 30, because it ties in so well with verse 25:  Pr 31:30 Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth the LORD, she shall be praised.
I want to share another passage from one of the commentaries I read:  "A handsome shape and graceful behaviour are very taking; and so are a good complexion and lovely features: but, alas! as the greatest beauty soon fades and vanishes, so many ill qualities may lie concealed under goodly looks (which will utterly spoil all the happiness that a man promised himself in such a choice); and therefore a truly religious woman, who dares not any way offend the Lord, is that amiable person, and she alone, who will please a man always, and deserves perpetual praises."
This verse also came to my mind.  I know I've shared it before, but I just love the imagery that it suggests!  Pr 11:22  As a jewel of gold in a swine's snout, so is a fair woman which is without discretion.

I hope you have enjoyed this limited review of this ever-popular passage.  This accounting of the characteristics of a virtuous woman sets a VERY high bar for us to attempt to reach.  I know that I need a constant refresher course to keep my eyes focused on the goal!

Dare to Surrender to the Process of Change

Our study group got together at the girls' house last night.  We covered a couple of chapters in our book, which pretty much dealt with the same topic.  It turned out to be a very good study and generated a lot of discussion.

(I'm switching to a different translation for the purpose of these studies - unless it contradicts the KJV.)

Isa 61:1 The spirit of the Lord is on me, because I am marked out by him to give good news to the poor; he has sent me to make the broken-hearted well, to say that the prisoners will be made free, and that those in chains will see the light again; 2 To give knowledge that the year of the Lord's good pleasure has come, and the day of punishment from our God; to give comfort to all who are sad;  3 To give them a fair head-dress in place of dust, the oil of joy in place of the clothing of grief, praise in place of sorrow; so that they may be named trees of righteousness, the planting of the Lord, and so that he may have glory. (BBE)

Jesus came to heal and give joy to His followers.  He tells us in Luke 4 that this passage in Isaiah was fulfilled in Him.  (Lu 4:21 Then he said to them, Today this word has come true in your hearing.)

When we become followers of Christ, we no longer live to ourselves...to decide how to live based on our own wants and think-sos. We allow Christ to direct us in everything...to allow our brokenness to be healed by Him.
Ga 2:20 I have been put to death on the cross with Christ; still I am living; no longer I, but Christ is living in me; and that life which I now am living in the flesh I am living by faith, the faith of the Son of God, who in love for me, gave himself up for me.

Heb 12:1  For this reason, as we are circled by so great a cloud of witnesses, putting off every weight, and the sin into which we come so readily, let us keep on running in the way which is marked out for us,  2 Having our eyes fixed on Jesus, the guide and end of our faith, who went through the pains of the cross, not caring for the shame, because of the joy which was before him, and who has now taken his place at the right hand of God's seat of power.

I liked this commentary from our book:  "Throw off all that hinders you (stop and think about what this is asking of you)...say no to the sin that has you tangled in knots...run the race that is marked out for you (don't run anyone else's marathon, only yours)...fix your eyes on one focus only:  Jesus"

Tit 2:13 Looking for the glad hope, the revelation of the glory of our great God and Saviour Jesus Christ; 14 Who gave himself for us, so that he might make us free from all wrongdoing, and make for himself a people clean in heart and on fire with good works.

Php 3:13 Brothers, it is clear to me that I have not come to that knowledge; but one thing I do, letting go those things which are past, and stretching out to the things which are before, 14 I go forward to the mark, even the reward of the high purpose of God in Christ Jesus.

We have a tendency to judge ourselves by others, and the standards that the world hold forth.  We need to turn from those tendencies and see ourselves as God sees us.  (1Sa 16:7 But the Lord said to Samuel, Do not take note of his face or how tall he is, because I will not have him: for the Lord's view is not man's; man takes note of the outer form, but the Lord sees the heart.)  Each of us have our own talents.  We should focus on using and growing these talents to God's glory and not bemoan the fact that someone else has other talents that we don't.  When we work as a body, the church grows and things get done!

Eph 4:7 But to every one of us has grace been given in the measure of the giving of Christ.
Eph 4:11 And he gave some as Apostles, and some, prophets; and some, preachers of the good news; and some to give care and teaching; 12 For the training of the saints as servants in the church, for the building up of the body of Christ:  13 Till we all come to the harmony of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to full growth, to the full measure of Christ: 14 So that we may be no longer children, sent this way and that, turned about by every wind of teaching, by the twisting and tricks of men, by the deceits of error; 15 But saying true words in love, may come to full growth in him, who is the head, even Christ; 16 Through whom all the body, being rightly formed and united together, by the full working of every part, is increased to the building up of itself in love.

Life deals with us in many ways, many of which are painful and difficult.  God uses those experiences to change us into His daughter...a thing of beauty.  Just as a pearl is formed over years from the irritation of sand in an oyster, our struggles and "irritants" create in us patience, maturity, compassion, and all of the traits that Our Fathers desires to be within us.  We need to train ourselves to view our trials as blessings...embracing the changes.

Ro 5:3 And not only so, but let us have joy in our troubles: in the knowledge that trouble gives us the power of waiting; 4 And waiting gives experience; and experience, hope: 5 And hope does not put to shame; because our hearts are full of the love of God through the Holy Spirit which is given to us.

Mt 13:45 Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a trader searching for beautiful jewels. 46 And having come across one jewel of great price, he went and gave all he had in exchange for it. 

Insecurities and fear keep us from being all that we can be in Christ.  We need to put away those negative thoughts and allow the Spirit to work in our lives.

2Co 3:2 You yourselves are our letter, whose writing is in our heart, open for every man's reading and knowledge; 3 For you are clearly a letter of Christ, the fruit of our work, recorded not with ink, but with the Spirit of the living God; not in stone, but in hearts of flesh. 4 And this is the certain faith which we have in God through Christ: 5 Not as if we were able by ourselves to do anything for which we might take the credit; but our power comes from God; 6 Who has made us able to be servants of a new agreement; not of the letter, but of the Spirit: for the letter gives death, but the Spirit gives life.

2Co 3:17 Now the Lord is the Spirit: and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there the heart is free. 18 But we all, with unveiled face giving back as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as from the Lord who is the Spirit.

"What makes us special is...the signature of God on our lives."  (Max Lucado)