5 May 2008
| 10 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 14 She is like the merchant ships, 15 She gets up while it is still dark; 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. |
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 |
Recently, I am reminded of the Proverbs 31 woman, as she is commonly called. Every time I read these verses, I think to myself: WAH!!!! IF ONLY I can be like her. But she is SO PERFECT. I don’t think anyone like that can ever exist. Then I would close my Bible, convinced that this section is humanly not applicable.
In addition to providing for the basic needs of my family, there are tons of things I want to do, like looking into my little angels’ education, sewing clothes for my darlings, having my own garden and vegetable plots, looking for ways to reduce expenses, exploring investment opportunities, ministering to other ladies etc. Thanks to my capable and reliable my helper, many of my dreams are coming true!! Perhaps this seemingly saintly woman may not be so unreal after all. In fact, I realize she is very human – she loves her family (v4) and her neighbours (v20). This woman probably has her shortcomings and failures too. So what’s her secret? She is ‘a woman who fears the LORD’ (v30). Whether you are married or single, whether you have children or not, whether you are managing on your own or you have some form of help, your heart is the ONLY thing God wants from you. He is your Husband. He loves you. My dear, give your heart to the Lord. Do not despair. We are all noble wives in the making.
Delight yourself in the LORD and he will give you the desires of your heart. – Psalm 37:4
For nothing is impossible with God. – Luke 1:37
Anticipating divine possibilities,
Apple
I Can Do It! 