Tonight our discussion for small group is on Proverbs 31:10-31. So I thought I'd also use this for my verse this week. I'm just going to break down each statement and add some application questions.
10 An excellent wife who can find?
She is far more precious than jewels.
An excellent wife > precious jewels to her husband. Am I living in a way that makes me more desirable to my husband than a great treasure?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.
Does my husband trust in me, and can he trust in me always, even when he's not around? Even when I'm upset with him? Does he trust in my conduct? Do I ever bring him shame or disrespect from my words or actions to others?13 She seeks wool and flax,
and works with willing hands.
Wool is used to make woollen items and flax is used to make linen. Am I industrious with what I have? Do I make use of common things? Am I working willingly without grumbling or complaining?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.
Am I providing strength for my household through nutrious meals? Am I putting effort into cooking for my family and those that visit my home? Am I planning ahead? Am I trying new things?16 She considers a field and buys it;
with the fruit of her hands she plants a vineyard.
Am I hasty in making purchases? Buying on a whim? Putting us into debt? Or am I using our money wisely? Am I being resourceful with what we have and investing what we have?17 She dresses herself with strength
and makes her arms strong.
Do I keep myself in shape? Do I push myself to do hard work?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.
Am I a hard worker? Am I a diligent worker? Am I being thrifty? Am I using my talents?20 She opens her hand to the poor and reaches out her hands to the needy.
Am I generous to others? To those less fortunate? Am I loving them?21 She is not afraid of snow for her household, for all her household are clothed in scarlet.
Am I planning ahead? Snatching up good deals on winter clothing for my family?22 She makes bed coverings for herself; her clothing is fine linen and purple.
Am I taking care of myself? Do I look frumpy? Not dressing nice to be vain, but knowing that noble character is also something first seen by others, just like style of clothing.23 Her husband is known in the gates when he sits among the elders of the land.
Can others tell that he has a good wife at home? Taking care of his needs-clothing, food, love, friendship?24 She makes linen garments and sells them; she delivers sashes to the merchant.
Am I providing for my family by doing what I can?25 Strength and dignity are her clothing, and she laughs at the time to come.
Do I realize that noble character is also something first seen by others, just like style of clothing. Do I portray dignity? Am I confident in God's plan for my life that I don't fear what the future may bring?26 She opens her mouth with wisdom, and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue.
Do I speak to my kids, husband, others, with kindness and wisdom? Do I think before I speak? Are my words going to build up or tear down? Am I an example to follow or an example to avoid?27 She looks well to the ways of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness.
Am I being lazy? Am I using my time wisely? My husband's time wisely? My kid's time wisely? If I'm not filling my day with productive, good things, satan will tempt me with destructive things.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.”
Our we doing our job as wife and mother in such a way that would point our husbands and children back to God?30 Charm is deceitful, and beauty is vain, but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.
The fear of the Lord is the fear of being out of His fellowship and into the way of sin. A woman who fears the Lord will not run away from God to satisfy her longings. She will wait for the Lord. She will hope in God. She will rest in God.31 Give her of the fruit of her hands, and let her works praise her in the gates.
A tree is known by it's fruit. If my husband is happy and respected and loved, and my kids are well behaved and respectful and do as they ought, then I can reap the benefits of the time and love and care I put into them.
Lord, this Proverbs 31 woman sets the standard high, but would You work in me these qualities at Your timing. Help me not to feel overwhelmed, but do my best each day as You set before me choices and tests of my character as a wife and mother. May I find my strength and satisfaction in You each day.
Thank you Heidi for this post. The Proverbs 31 woman is at the forefront of my life these days. And it shows by the joy and love that Brad and I share in our marriage. What a blessing it is for God to even bless me with a desire to be a better wife, mother, grandmother, sister, friend and aunt. I pray those who know the old Nancy; can see the new creation I have and am becomming. Love you!
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