11The heart of her husband doth safely trust in her, so that he shall have no need of spoil.
12She will do him good and not evil all the days of her life.
13She seeketh wool, and flax, and worketh willingly with her hands.
14She is like the merchants' ships; she bringeth her food from afar.
15She riseth also while it is yet night, and giveth meat to her household, and a portion to her maidens.
16She considereth a field, and buyeth it: with the fruit of her hands she planteth a vineyard.
17She girdeth her loins with strength, and strengtheneth her arms.
18She perceiveth that her merchandise is good: her candle goeth not out by night.
19She layeth her hands to the spindle, and her hands hold the distaff.
20She stretcheth out her hand to the poor; yea, she reacheth forth her hands to the needy.
21She is not afraid of the snow for her household: for all her household are clothed with scarlet.
22She maketh herself coverings of tapestry; her clothing is silk and purple.
23Her husband is known in the gates, when he sitteth among the elders of the land.
24She maketh fine linen, and selleth it; and delivereth girdles unto the merchant.
25Strength and honour are her clothing; and she shall rejoice in time to come.
26She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness.
27She looketh well to the ways of her household, and eateth not the bread of idleness.
28Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth her.
29Many daughters have done virtuously, but thou excellest them all.
30Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth the LORD, she shall be praised.
31Give her of the fruit of her hands; and let her own works praise her in the gates.
My mom and I were having a really interesting conversation the other day before deciding to go shopping at the mall that afternoon. We somehow got on to Pastor's preaching on Mother's Day about the Virtuous Woman. I didnt get to hear his message because I was doing the music for Spanish church but mom mentioned to me some of the things he said. Of course this sparked my attention because although I had read Proverbs 31 many times I dont think the details of this passage really stuck to me. When I read this passage again I realized a few things. I think I had some misconceptions about what a woman's role was. There are so many people who feel like the Only place for a woman of God is at home but in reading this passage again I understand that isnt completely correct.
The virtuous woman is not "barefoot, pregnant, and in the kitchen" she is smart and educated. Verse 16 implies that she is a business woman who knows a thing or two about real estate. She didnt stay in the house all day long but she went out on her own to consider the field before she purchased it. Verse 24 says she sells things made by her hand so this tells me she is also an entrepreneur who manages employees. The Virtuous woman has her own money and no doubt helps along side her husband to support her family financially.
This part I never really hit me but Verse 22 talks about her clothing. She cares about her appearance and clothes herself with Fine lines. That doesnt mean that she is vain about her physical appearance just tells me she always want to put her best foot forward. She takes pride in herself.
Verse 14 talks about the domestic duties she has in feeding her family and being concerned enough about their diet to bring different foods from afar. Nutrition is important and she gives detail to how she cooks for her family. She sews and tends to a garden proving she isnt afraid of manual labor.
Verse 11 says her husband knows she is faithful and when she is out and about doing her business has no need or worrying. The Virtuous woman is trust worthy and only has eyes for her husband.
Well also know the Virtuous woman speaks wisdom and fears God. She is generous loving, and kind. These verses let me know that a woman Can do it all. She can tend to her home and family while still being educated and business oriented. This all kind of reminds me of someone I know. My Mom!
No comments:
Post a Comment