Proverbs 31: Meant to inspire...not intimidate.

Easier said than done.



Proverbs 31:10-31 (New International Version)

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

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

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

13 She selects wool and flax
and works with eager hands.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

28 Her children arise and call her blessed;
her husband also, and he praises her:

29 "Many women do noble things,
but you surpass them all."

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

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

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When reading this passage, I have to remind myself that this is the woman God describes as the ideal wife. This is who we are called to be as women, wives and mothers.

These qualities were not made up by some man trying to make this perfect, unattainable woman.

These qualities are being described from a mother to her son in teaching him the kind of woman that he should be looking for in marriage.

In the next few weeks I will break down these verses and give a little and hopefully stir up some good conversation!

Ladies, we have a large, God-given role in our families, churches and communities. In our own power we will not come close to these attributes. Through God and His work, He can mold us into these women.

I need this refresher more than anyone, as I often find myself with these attributes: lazy, selfish, nagging, loud, opinionated and judgmental. I do not see any of those things as qualities that I should possess as a Christian woman.

I pray for any of you reading this that together we can all aspire to be the women we are called to be!