A Post Mother's Day Message
Proverbs 31: 10-30 The Wife of Noble Character
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 night; she provides food for her family and portions for her female servants.
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.
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 night; she provides food for her family and portions for her female servants.
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.
Can I admit something? I've always let Proverbs 31 intimidate me. Its the example of what a mother and wife should be to her family. I've never thought I quite lived up to all that she represents.
I thank God for steering me back here again just in time for the celebration of Mother's Day.
I'm a working mom with an endless to do list and a house that never stays clean. But for the first Mother's Day ever, I celebrated being a Proverbs 31 mother guilt free with the best example I could have of one, my own mom. I can see her exemplified in every one of the verses here. Reading through them again I was finally able see myself there too.
A Proverbs 31 Woman
- Her husband puts his trust in her and her decision making ability
- She seeks to do good for her husband and family
- She rises early plans her day, and does not remain idle
- She provides food for her family
- She provides clothing for her family
- She instructs her children with wisdom
- She works diligently and tackles projects with the benefit of her family in mind
- She assists the needy
- Her family is proud of her
- SHE FEARS THE LORD
That's Me! I haven't changed, and I haven't miraculously become the perfect wife and mother. I have finally realized that its about the effort we put forth and not the perfection we achieve.
All you other great moms and wives out there, let go of the guilt of not being a perfect wife and mother and celebrate the role we have been given. I bet the woman in Proverbs 31 probably served bologna sandwiches occasionally and slept in on Saturday too.
Happy Mother's Day!
Comments
Post a Comment