Visiting with Mrs. Proverbs 31: Expanding Prudently

God's Godly Lady

10 An excellent wife, who can find?
For her worth is far above jewels.
11 The heart of her husband trusts in her,
And he will have no lack of gain.
12 She does him good and not evil
All the days of her life.
13 She looks for wool and flax
And works with her hands in delight.
14 She is like merchant ships;
She brings her food from afar.
15 She rises also while it is still night
And gives food to her household
And portions to her maidens.
16 She considers a field and buys it;
From her earnings she plants a vineyard.
17 She girds herself with strength
And makes her arms strong.
18 She senses that her gain is good;
Her lamp does not go out at night.
19 She stretches out her hands to the distaff,
And her hands grasp the spindle.
20 She extends her hand to the poor,
And she stretches out her hands to the needy.
21 She is not afraid of the snow for her household,
For all her household are clothed with scarlet.
22 She makes coverings for herself;
Her clothing is fine linen and purple.
23 Her husband is known in the gates,
When he sits among the elders of the land.
24 She makes linen garments and sells them,
And supplies belts to the tradesmen.
25 Strength and dignity are her clothing,
And she smiles at the future.
26 She opens her mouth in wisdom,
And the teaching of kindness is on her tongue.
27 She looks well to the ways of her household,
And does not eat the bread of idleness.
28 Her children rise up and bless her;
Her husband also, and he praises her, saying:
29"Many daughters have done nobly,
But you excel them all."
30 Charm is deceitful and beauty is vain,
But a woman who fears the LORD, she shall be praised.
31 Give her the product of her hands,
And let her works praise her in the gates.

5/28/08

Expanding Prudently

Step into the field near Mrs. Proverbs 31's home, as we seek to learn from her spending habits and responsibilities.

Praise the Lord for this beautiful example of a godly woman in His Word! Remembering all she does is an outpouring of her fear, reverence and worship of her trustworthy God, let's dig in and see what we can glean from her field purchase.

"She considers a field and buys it; from her earnings she plants a vineyard." Proverbs 31:16

This verse (as all the others in this passage) have more to say about our character and relationship with Jesus, than with physically purchasing land. The Amplified Bible offers a beautiful depth of insight...

"She considers a (new) field before she buys or accepts it [expanding prudently and not courting neglect of her present duties by assuming other duties]; with her savings [of time and strength] she plants fruitful vines in her vineyards."

After reading the AMP version, the Holy Spirit made very clear to me what made this woman different. Though it was unusual for women of her time to buy land in the first place, I believe what set her apart (and what can set us apart) was the fact she 'expanded prudently and not courting neglect of her present duties by assuming other duties.'

She was wise in the responsibilities she took on...more than likely, being faithful to pray through each new opportunity before proceeding with it. Her number one priority was always her family, those within her home!

Taking the truth home:
As opportunities are placed before us...new bible studies, service opportunities, chances to make money for our family...are you and I being faithful to really spend time before the Lord and seek HIS direction and plan for us? Are you and I careful to give our first and best to those within our home? Are we expanding prudently and not courting neglect to our present duties (those God has shown us) by assuming other duties?

Father, make us women who represent Jesus by doing as He did...ministering through a heart of love for you. Give us hearts to love the gifts of family you have placed within our homes first and best to your glory!

Visiting with Mrs. Proverbs 31

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5/28/08

Expanding Prudently