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Proverbs 31 (ESV)

1 The words of King Lemuel. An oracle that his mother taught him:…

 

10 An excellent wife who can find?
She is far more precious than jewels.
¹¹ The heart of her husband trusts in her,
and he will have no lack of gain.
¹² She does him good, and not harm,
all the days of her life.
¹³ She seeks wool and flax,
and works with willing hands.
¹⁴ She is like the ships of the merchant;
she brings her food from afar.
¹⁵ She rises while it is yet night
and provides food for her household
and portions for her maidens.
¹⁶ She considers a field and buys it;
with the fruit of her hands she plants a vineyard.
¹⁷ She dresses herself with strength
and makes her arms strong.
¹⁸ She perceives that her merchandise is profitable.
Her lamp does not go out at night.
¹⁹ She puts her hands to the distaff,
and her hands hold the spindle.
²⁰ She opens her hand to the poor
and reaches out her hands to the needy.
²¹ She is not afraid of snow for her household,
for all her household are clothed in scarlet.
²² She makes bed coverings for herself;
her clothing is fine linen and purple.
²³ Her husband is known in the gates
when he sits among the elders of the land.
²⁴ She makes linen garments and sells them;
she delivers sashes to the merchant.
²⁵ Strength and dignity are her clothing,
and she laughs at the time to come.
²⁶ She opens her mouth with wisdom,
and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue.
²⁷ She looks well to the ways of her household
and does not eat the bread of idleness.
²⁸ Her children rise up and call her blessed;
her husband also, and he praises her:
²⁹ “Many women have done excellently,
but you surpass them all.”
³⁰ Charm is deceitful, and beauty is vain,
but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.
³¹ Give her of the fruit of her hands,
and let her works praise her in the gates.

 

REFLECTION:

1. There are many passages in Proverbs mentioning women, and it is extremely appropriate to end with a portrayal of a talented woman. She has a strong character, a high degree of wisdom, versatile skills, and a heart of sympathy and compassion. Some people have a misconception that the ideal woman in the Bible is a person who hides behind a man and takes care of housework. This is not the case. This virtuous woman is not only a good wife and mother, but also a manufacturer, importer, manager, real estate agent, farmer, tailor, interior designer and businessman. It can be said that she is a talented woman who is proficient in everything. However, her strength and honour do not come from her wonderful achievements, but from her fear of God. In modern society, people attach great importance to appearance. However, to our surprise, Proverbs never mention the appearance of this woman. Her charm is based on her virtue. This virtuous woman has amazing abilities. In fact, she may not be a specific woman, but the incarnation of an ideal woman with many virtues. Sisters do not have to imitate everything she does, because your environment is not the same as hers. But might as well use her to inspire you to pursue your ideals. Although we cannot be exactly the same as her, we can learn from her virtues of diligence, integrity, and wisdom.
2. Proverbs begins with a command to fear the Lord (1:7) and ends with a description of a woman who fulfills this command. Her characteristics are also throughout the book: diligence, fear of God, respect for spouse, foresight, encouragement, caring for others, caring for the poor, and good financial management. These qualities, in conjunction with the fear of God, make life joyful, fulfilling, honourable, and valuable. The teachings of Proverbs are still very applicable in our time, because it tells us how to be wise and use wisdom to make useful decisions to live a life that conforms to God’s will.

 

PRAYER:

Pray for God to guide your life so that you can become a person who fears God and has the wisdom given by God in everything; whether you are a brother or a sister, ask God to give you faith and strength so that you can imitate this virtuous woman, work hard, make good use of your gifts and wealth, and do not deviate from God’s way. May you be blessed throughout your life and live a wise, valuable life after God’s own heart.

 

HYMN:

 

Way Maker – https://youtu.be/29IxnsqOkmQ