Devotional  11-17-2002 - The Woman of Proverbs 31

Part 11 - Passages about Inspirational Women

Many of us have heard about this woman for years. She has been both inspirational and intimidating to some women who feel they can never live up to her example. But we can learn much from the woman of Proverbs 31 11-31, about:

Being a devoted wife

An excellent wife, who can find?
For her worth is far above jewels.

The heart of her husband trusts in her,
And he will have no lack of gain.

She does him good and not evil
All the days of her life.

Working diligently in her home

She looks for wool and flax
And works with her hands in delight.

She is like merchant ships;
She brings her food from afar.

She rises also while it is still night
And gives food to her household
And portions to her maidens.

Spending money wisely

She considers a field and buys it;
From her earnings she plants a vineyard.

Being physically fit

She girds herself with strength
And makes her arms strong.

She senses that her gain is good;
Her lamp does not go out at night.

She stretches out her hands to the distaff,
And her hands grasp the spindle.

Helping the poor

She extends her hand to the poor,
And she stretches out her hands to the needy.

Planning wisely for her family

She is not afraid of the snow for her household,
For all her household are clothed with scarlet.

Using the talents God has given her

She makes coverings for herself;
Her clothing is fine linen and purple.

Her husband is known in the gates,
When he sits among the elders of the land.

Being a productive working woman

She makes linen garments and sells them,
And supplies belts to the tradesmen.

Living a dignified and courageous life

Strength and dignity are her clothing,
And she smiles at the future.

Being careful with her words

She opens her mouth in wisdom,

Being kind

And the teaching of kindness is on her tongue.

She looks well to the ways of her household,
And does not eat the bread of idleness.

Her children rise up and bless her;
Her husband also, and he praises her, saying:

"Many daughters have done nobly,
But you excel them all."   

Having wise priorities

Charm is deceitful and beauty is vain,
But a woman who fears the LORD, she shall be praised.

Give her the product of her hands,
And let her works praise her in the gates.

Jan

 jan@cfdevotionals.org
http://www.cfdevotionals.org