It's been a while since I've written out some of my thoughts, so I think it's time.
Lately, I have really been focusing on my character and getting deeper into becoming the kind of woman God has called me to be. Over the years I have heard quite a bit about the Proverbs 31 Woman but there was a lot that didn't make sense to me or didn't seem relevant to today's life. Still, many people interpret the passage too literal and all they get out of it is that she isn't lazy. As I've been really studying this passage, I have gained several great insights about her, but there is really one I wanted to write about.
13 She seeks wool and flax, And willingly works with her hands.
15 She also rises while it is yet night, And provides food for her household,
And a portion for her maidservants.
17 She girds herself with strength, And strengthens her arms.
19 She stretches out her hands to the distaff, And her hand holds the spindle.
25 Strength and honor are her clothing; She shall rejoice in time to come.
27 She watches over the ways of her household, And does not eat the bread of idleness.
She is full of vitality and strength!!! She works hard; she's not lazy. But she is so much more! I love verse 27 "She watches over the ways of her household, and does not eat the bread of idleness." It's easy to say she's not lazy and then move on. But she is so busy with fullfilling her calling that she doesn't have the time to be lazy! She concerns herself with her household, not someone else's. I think today, many Christians, particularly women, have stepped out of God's will and gotten so far off track because they have failed at this verse. She doesn't care about what someone else is doing or not doing. She doesn't have time to be a gossip or critic of someone else's life. When you are doing what God has called you to do, and doing ALL that He has called you to do, there is a lack of comparison & competition. Hebrews 12:1 says, "Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us." She runs her race, she is not wishing she was running a different race. There's no jealousy or competition or envy or discontentment when you are doing God's will for your life.
Verse 13 says she works willingly. There is a lot of debate if the Bible is for or against women working out of the home. This passage isn't about that. This verse says alot about the condition of her heart. Many people go to work begrudgingly. Their hearts are full of resentment, anger, bitterness, etc. When you do something willingly, your motives are right, your heart's attitude is right and in turn, the way you respond and treat people will be godly.
Many people take verse 15 TOO literal! She rises while it is still dark- who wants to be up that early? I have a hard enough time getting up at 5:30 or 6:00! But she probably doesn't sleep until noon. "Dark" can mean more than just the lack of light outside. It can also represent times in our lives. It takes strength to rise up in tough circumstances. She also gives substance to her household and her staff. This was a HUGE release in my life! I have a tendency to try to be SuperWoman and do everything myself. But our Proverbs 31 Woman had a staff! Get help!!! It's OK to have a housekeeper, nanny, whomever you need in your life to free you to do the things God has called you to do. They are not a substitute you, they are your helpers. Successful people can't do everything by themselves. Prioritize & Delegate! What can only be handled by you? What can someone else do? Imagine how much more time you would have for the things of God if you didn't have to do all the little things that others could handle!
She has strength (vs 17). She may have physical strength, which is beneficial, but spiritually, emotionally, relationally she is strong. Great friends strengthen each other. She has strength in her arms- she can pull you up when you are down. She can push you when you need it. She can hold you, carry you, be a strength to lean on when you need it. She has the strength to stand for what is right, stand and walk with you when everything and everyone is against you. She is strong.
She is full of vitality and strength!!!
I have 10 "thoughts" on the Prov. 31 Woman and this is just one! I'll probably share more as the months go on.
