Thursday, January 24, 2013

A Proverbs 31 Woman

"A woman who fears the Lord is to be praised." Proverbs 31:36

For Girls of God's Heart, Proverbs 31 is one of the most influential parts of the Bible as women. It challenges us on how to live, how to love, how to work, how to respect and be respected, and how to fear God. Have you read this entire chapter about the wife of noble character? Proverbs 31 has really been on my heart lately as I have transitioned from the working world to a stay-at-home and work-from-home mom of my almost 6 month old son. There are so many things I want to be disciplined in as a girl seeking God's heart. As a wife, I want to respect my husband in the ways that he needs it. I want to raise our son in God's ways and help him reach important milestones. I also want to keep up on cleaning, learn to cook more, and have a happy home. Since I'm working from home, I want to work hard and have discipline in this area to help my family financially.  But I haven't actually sat down to read Proverbs 31 in a while.

So here we go. Read Proverbs 31:10-31 in The Message Version. Open your heart. Seek out the phrases and verses that you KNOW God is speaking to you about. Then pray about it. And work with all your heart to become a wife of noble character.


A good woman is hard to find,
    and worth far more than diamonds.
Her husband trusts her without reserve,    and never has reason to regret it.
Never spiteful, she treats him generously
    all her life long.

She shops around for the best yarns and cottons,
    and enjoys knitting and sewing.
She’s like a trading ship that sails to faraway places
    and brings back exotic surprises.
She’s up before dawn, preparing breakfast    for her family and organizing her day.
She looks over a field and buys it,
    then, with money she’s put aside, plants a garden.
First thing in the morning, she dresses for work,
    rolls up her sleeves, eager to get started.
She senses the worth of her work,
    is in no hurry to call it quits for the day.

She’s skilled in the crafts of home and hearth,
    diligent in homemaking.
She’s quick to assist anyone in need,
    reaches out to help the poor.

She doesn’t worry about her family when it snows;
    their winter clothes are all mended and ready to wear.
She makes her own clothing,
    and dresses in colorful linens and silks.
Her husband is greatly respected    when he deliberates with the city fathers.
She designs gowns and sells them,
    brings the sweaters she knits to the dress shops.
Her clothes are well-made and elegant,
    and she always faces tomorrow with a smile.
When she speaks she has something worthwhile to say,
    and she always says it kindly.

She keeps an eye on everyone in her household,
    and keeps them all busy and productive.

Her children respect and bless her;
    her husband joins in with words of praise:
“Many women have done wonderful things,
    but you’ve outclassed them all!”
Charm can mislead and beauty soon fades.    The woman to be admired and praised    is the woman who lives in the Fear-of-God.
Give her everything she deserves!
    Festoon her life with praises!


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