Proverbs 31:10 who can find a virtuous woman? For her worth is far more precious than rubies.
More precious than rubies? Wow LORD, that's amazing.
I have read this passage plenty of times, prayed it over my life, and even had it spoken over me by others. And yet still I know I have fallen short.
Vs 11 says- her husband can trust her, and she will greatly enrich his life.
When is the last time you thought about the man you would marry? What was the first thing that came to mind?
Was it the ring he would give you?
What about the wedding?
Being able to have sex?
Or did you honestly think, "man I cant wait to get married so that I can enrich my husbands life, be his good thing".
And by enrich I don't just mean making him a sandwich for lunch at work the next day, although feeding your man is an important role of a wife. But do you long to stand beside him in the ministry GOD has called him to, and enrich that? Submit to him and respect him? Call him into greatness by playing the role of a woman GOD designed you for? I mean biblically enrich his life.
Vs 13-24 talks about her behavior. She does things like getting up before dawn just to prepare breakfast. Her dealings are profitable, and she works late into the night.
Basically she is a hard worker, even a business woman it seems. Her drive and her hustle bring live and profit to her family!
20- she extends a helping hand to the poor and opens her arms to the needy.
JESUS
Her work is not just inward or for her family, she looks outward. She takes care of those in need. What a Christ like characteristic.
In verse 23 it talks about her husband being known in the city gates, where he sits with other civic leaders. The MacArthur bible commentary says
"Women like these made significant contribution to their husbands position in the community and his success. His domestic comforts ( brought by her) promoted his advancement and public honor. A mans good reputation begins with his home, and thus the virtue of his wife".
Wow
The end of the passage says things like she is clothed with strength and dignity, and she laughs without fear of the future. She is wise, and kind, and not lazy.
29 there are many virtuous and capable women in the world, but you surpass them all!30 charm is deceptive and beauty does not last, but a woman who fears the LORD will be greatly praised.31 reward her for all she has done. Let her deeds publicly declare her praise.
Amen
Is that you woman of GOD?
That is the question I was faced with, and honestly I knew I had a long way to go. But as I seek the face of GOD on it He has given me these little nuggets of revelation and opportunity to be her. To stand on the truth of His word. Last month GOD spoke to me about setting myself apart as a woman, causing me to understand that flirting, and attention seeking habits get you no where. I have given JESUS my heart, allowing Him alone to prepare it for my husband and family, my inheritance.
It is in the moments I choose to work hard for others, choose morals over pleasure, and choose to value myself and my womanhood that I am more like her. The proverbs 31 woman.
To my ladies. If your desire is to be married, then know that you already belong to someone. JESUS first, but also your seasons of singleness are preparation. Don't waste them! There is so much need in this world, so put your hands to something to glorify the living GOD. Volunteer at homeless shelters, visit 3rd world countries, pray for the sick, serve at your church.
And learn to sacrifice! I always tell people this when they ask for advice on hitting the missions field. Learning to sacrifice, the true core of being unselfish, thats what Love is, and Its a requirement to show GODs love in this hurt and fallen world! Don't be afraid to give it all up, give it all up for JESUS and trust Him to restore things unto you, trust him to bless your sacrifice. Because He will.
And wait. Wait to be found, valued, loved and chosen. Seek the face of GOD in that time, not his hand.
I Repeat…why would we as believers seek the hand of GOD when we could seek His face?
Heart check
This is a beautiful standard set in place in the Word of GOD, I fall short every day, I have a long way to go, but my hearts desire is to be in this world a woman of GOD. One that is pleasing in the eyes if the LORD.
I pray the same thing for all of you.
Be strong my fellow warriors in the faith.
