Discover His heart: His love shines through women who reverence Him
Well, I knew the day would come when I would have to address Proverbs 31 and the perfect woman, I mean virtuous woman. Reading her amazing attributes reminds me of the old perfume commercial with the gorgeous woman singing, “I can bring home the bacon, fry it up in a pan and never let him forget he’s…” and so on. In defense of all women, everywhere, let’s remember that this woman in Proverbs 31 had help! She “planned the day’s work for her servant girls.” (15) I dream of what I could accomplish in a day with help!
“Who can find a virtuous and capable wife? She is more precious than rubies.” (10) And that really is the question, isn’t it? Who can find a woman like this? Most scholars believe that Proverbs 31 is a composite of the ideal characteristics that a Godly woman may possess. I’ve known many women in my lifetime who exhibit a great many of these attributes – industrious business women, great homemakers, crafty and generous, but nobody does it all by herself and lives to tell about it. “There are many virtuous and capable women in the world, but you surpass them all!” (29) She is our model to examine, to study and to emulate. Bottom Line – Because of her great respect for the Lord, all that she does is selflessly done to bless and help others
We have no idea if the Proverbs 31 woman is always faultless and perfect in all that she does because, after all, everyone needs to rip out a seam or throw out the burnt toast on occasion. But we understand that in her very busy life, she manages to plan well, give generously and treat others with kindness. If we try, we all can accomplish that!
“Charm is deceptive, and beauty does not last; but a woman who fears the Lord will be greatly praised.” (30) With surgery and cosmetics, beauty seems to be lasting longer than it did in the past, but physical beauty isn’t really how we want to be remembered. Beautiful women entertain us today and significantly influence the world with their style, but when their beauty fades, we hardly remember them. One of the most beautiful women I’ve ever known worked in my church when I was very young. She had a birthmark that covered a third of her face, but when she smiled and taught me about Jesus, she lit up my world, and I will never forget her.
“Her children stand and bless her. Her husband praises her.” (28) I’ve carried in my Bible a Mother’s Day note I received from my husband several years ago. On the days when I’m a little discouraged, when my day isn’t so faultless and perfect, I pull it out and read his kind words of admiration, respect, and encouragement. Let me tell you, it is like a shot of adrenaline to my spirit. I also cherish the kind notes and words from my children that I’ve received through the years that let me know every effort I made was well worth it. Their words challenge me to live a life worthy of their praise.
May verse 28 encourage us to give our praises and blessings to the wonderful women who have enriched our lives through their respect for the Lord, their careful planning, generous hearts and kindness. We should speak our accolades and write our notes of praise today because I would imagine that now is when they are most needed.
Moving Forward: I’m thankful today for my precious mom and all the women through the years who have shown me the wonderful graces of the Proverbs 31 woman.
Tomorrow @ Nahum
Phyllis Benigas 