| Share |  |
 | |||
She Does Her Husband Good
The Proverbs 31 Woman- you’ve heard of her, right? She’s a woman who fears the Lord, weaves fabric, and makes clothing. This busy wife and mom prepares meals, sells her handiwork, plants a vineyard, gives to the poor, and does interior decorating! Are you exhausted yet?
Personally, I like her! The woman described as a wife of noble character is quite the go-getter! But, greater than her accomplishments in the home and community, in my opinion, are the words of commendation coming from her children and husband. If those who know her best find cause to speak well of her, then this woman is the real deal.
Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her (Proverbs 31:28).
Another noteworthy element of appeal is her ability to laugh at the days to come (v. 25). This seems to suggest that she is a woman without fear. Does that strike a chord within you? We all experience troubles accompanied by uncertainties. Turn on the news for just a few minutes, and we hear reports of wars, pending national bankruptcies, epidemics, and many other things that can cause us to be anxious. Such is the world we live in.
However, for the one who has a holy fear of God, she knows that the Prince of Peace is over all circumstances and has a plan to keep her and bring her through all difficulties. Because she knows the Author of each day, she can laugh at all of the future days to come. Could our family and friends characterize us with the same God-confidence?
Notice that our subject “watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness” (v. 27). How, then, is she able to oversee all her responsibilities yet not feel frazzled and out of control? Our answer is hidden within the sacred script. This woman of greater value than precious stones has a husband who is fully confident in her and lacks nothing of value. In fact, “she brings him good, not harm, all the days of her life” (vv. 11-12).
I’ll let you in on a secret: she prioritizes her relationship with her husband. This wife seems to be bent on him looking good and feeling good. Please do not misunderstand the incredible passage of scripture. She is not a woman bound to the home and subject to her husband’s demands. But, she obviously honors him and does all that she can to provide for his needs.
The Proverbs 31 Woman also prioritizes the care of her children and those who assist in the work of the home. She provides them with food (v. 15), clothing (v. 21), and she imparts wisdom (v. 26).
The key to being a Proverbs 31 woman is to keep the main thing, the main thing. As women, we have the incredible ability to nurture. God designed us to be this way. We have a womb that nurtures the life of a little one. We have deep feelings that enable us to identify with the plight of others and to bring consolation. We speak words that heal and build up, because as women, we understand the all-important role of safeguarding life. So, we do not deviate from the call of God to love our husbands and children. This takes priority.
Can I wrap up this pretty package of a God-fearing wife and mother and put a bow on it? Here’s the finishing touch: in the midst of the many descriptions of the woman’s work in and outside of the home is a statement regarding her husband’s position in the community.
Her husband is respected at the city gate, where he takes his seat among the elders of the land Proverbs 31:23
I asked the Lord if it was accidental to place this verse in between the descriptions of her making bed coverings for her family and linen sashes to sell to merchants. The inclusion of her husband at this point simply seems to be out of context. Yet, the Lord spoke and said, “Don’t you see? The husband is the man he is, because of the woman she is!”
It gets even better! The last verse states, “Give her the reward she has earned, and let her works bring her praise at the city gate.” Let us recall, her husband is seated among the elders there, and we can assume he is singing some praises. Is it any wonder that she is a woman “clothed with strength and dignity” (v.25)?
Can I encourage you wives and mothers today? The Father has not called you to live in a constant state of being overwhelmed. If you sense that something is out of order in your home, ask Him to reveal it to you.
The Father speaks peace over our lives and invites us to bring our burdens to Him. He graciously takes our heavy loads and gives us in exchange His design for living: abiding in Christ. Take Him up on His offer:
Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light (Matthew 11:28-30)
Copyright © 2008-2015 Renee Beamer
Post Your Comment...
|
|
||||||||||||
