Key Scripture: Proverbs 31:10-31
SHE – THE “ICONIC” VIRTUOUS WOMAN - PROVERBS 31
One of my favorite verses in Proverbs 31 is verse 15: “She gets up while it is still dark; she provides food for her family and portions for her servant girls.” Ladies, let me just tell you that this verse is such an inspiration to me, because I am not the one to get up early! However, the verse gives me the motivation to get up early each day, as to prepare myself to face the world with good intentions and strong efforts to live each day unto the Lord. When you awaken and start your day while it is still dark or while everyone else is still asleep, this gives you a heads start on your day. It gives you time to yourself, time to pray, and time to meditate on your thoughts and God's word. Thus, you get a new start each and every day and an oppportunity to become more and more like SHE.Each verse in Proverbs 31 from 10-31 colorfully illustrates the characteristics and habits that manifests in this woman’s life. One of my favorite books, in addition to the Bible, is entitled Beautiful in God’s Eyes by Elizabeth George. I religiously refer to this book as I strive to become like this woman of God. This “manual” on this virtuous woman breaks down each verse into individual chapters. If you would like further study on a particular meaning from the verses, I highly recommended this book.
SHE is the woman that we all aspire to be like. SHE is a Virtuous Woman of God. SHE is the original virtuous woman…who can only by imitated, but never duplicated. Therefore, ladies, you should not beat yourself up if you cannot live up to every detail of this woman’s life. Just be motivated to be the best woman that you can be for yourself and your family and let this woman’s legacy live within each and every one of You. Lastly, in the words of the late Michael Jackson, “Who’s Bad?” SHE’S bad! God Bless!
1. Describe the relationship between this woman and her husband.
2. List some of the task that keep this woman busy. Now list how she goes about her work.
3. Why can the woman of Proverbs 31 "laugh at the days to come"?
4. Does verse 28 of Proverbs 31 seem out of touch with reality to you? Why? What would you have to do or how would you have to change for this verse to be more of a reality in your life?
7 comments:
Sister this is an amazing take on Proverbs 31. SHE! That is Powerful! I have a few verses that I have outlined as favorites as I have read this passage again more in depth. Verse 10: SHE IS FOUND, SOUGHT AFTER, LOOKED FOR—this can apply to us single ladies…we don’t have to spend our times looking for a worthy man, he will find you because you are an expensive treasure (v.11). Verse 13: SHE IS NOT AFRAID TO WORK (with her hands)—I can personally say this is an area that I would like to grow in. Verse 17: SHE EXERCISES—sisters this worthy woman still found time to strengthen her arms so that she could work. Verse 18: SHE IS ALWAYS AVAILABLE—her candle doesn’t go out…This makes me wonder if I am available when it’s time to teach, be engaged in Bible Studies, pray, give time to encourage others, etc. Verse 25: SHE IS CLOTHED WITH STRENGTH & SELF-RESPECT & CAN FACE THE FUTURE WITH A SMILE—she can smile/rejoice because all of her hard work will pay off and she knows it. Verse 27: SHE DOESN’T WASTE TIME—that would just keep her from doing the work of the Lord and caring for her family. Verse 28: HER HUSBAND CAN SAY “SHE GOT IT GOING ON” (for lack of better terminology)—which is going to make other men look for a woman just like her! Verse 31: SHE DESERVES CREDIT FOR ALL OF HER HARD WORK & THIS IS WHAT WILL MAKE HER WELL-KNOWN—there are many women I have never seen, yet I have heard that they are dynamic speakers and teachers in the Lord’s Church; basically there works preceded them!
I truly like the part about the rising early in the morning before everybody else to start her day. I believe if I personally spent this ALONE/QUALITY Time with God more wisely, my days would fare much better. All it takes is a moment to reflect and talk to God… See what it is He has in store for our day. Many days I have awakened by the grace of God and I might skip out on my prayer, just so that I can busy myself with the things of the world. She did not rise up and immediately call her girlfriends or spend her time idly (on the computer, watching TV, etc...) She was not easily distracted by the cares of the world. There are only two verses out of 21 that show how she spent time on herself; Vss. 17 & 22, and still it was done in order to be able to work more and to show that she was utilizing her talents to make God look good!
This passage really speaks to me. It shows me that SHE is not one-dimensional…She can cook, clean, handle the finances, sew, plant, she can run her own business, she can buy wisely, make wise decisions, she can provide, she is giving, she is respected in her community, she is praised by her children & husband, she is inwardly and outwardly beautiful…Her Works speak for and praise her without her having to broadcast it, SHE FEARS THE LORD! No wonder she could laugh at the days to come...knowing that she has done what she could to please God and raise her family, she has so much joy, peace, and comfort to look forward to.
~Melanie Joyce Johnson~
To be a Virtuous woman you have to be Trustworthy, having all sufficiency, a role model, not idle, not a busy body, practical energetic, refrains from all forms of gossip and evil doing.
She is a faithful and supportive wife to her husband.
She is a businesswoman.
She is a teacher.
Her interests take her into the community, where her influence is felt for good.
The woman is the focus of the family, the strength of her household.
She is greatly admired and beloved by all.
She is who I strive to be!!
The Virtuous Woman in Proverbs 31 can laugh at the days to come, because she is prepared. She has a vision. Many passages in the Bible tells us of the importance of being prepared in not procrastinating. Below are a few of those passages to consider:
Matthew 25: 1-13 ( Parable of the Ten Virgins)
Proverbs 10:4 Lazy hands make a man poor, but diligent hands bring wealth.
It was refreshing to read Toya's comments. I do like to wake up early, but there are other areas that I definately need to focus on before I can say that I'm worthy of being called a virtuous woman. We must be grateful that we do have the word as our guide and that gives us hope to continue striving toward that end.
Pauline
She! is a very powerful passage in the Proverbs 31, for all women to see and study. When I grew up and became a woman and read 31 for the first time I saw one of my grandmother's, who exemplified some of these qualities that the virtuous woman had. I would like to think that some of those qualities had rubbed off on me.
Although, I don't prefer getting up early in the morning, she has taught me how to get up and take care of my family and put them first by cooking, cleaning and working outside of the home if need be. We know that working outside of the home these days is definetely relevant.
I don't remember attending a church every sunday with grandma but I do remember seeing her meditate at times in prayer and talking to God. and she told me that God should come first in our lives. And that He is a good God. I knew she wasn't perfect and I didn't understand a lot but she taught me how to take care of my husband (even if he's unworthy) and take care of my children making sure they are not without food, clothing, shelter and etc.
I could go on and on but to make a long story short... We need to get back to the roots of our ancestors and be the kind of women God would have us to be. Because, it all comes from the Glory of God and I'm striving always till the day I die to be the Virtuous Woman God called me to be....Amen Luv yaw!
Sheeeeeee. Wow Atoya, what a profound take on the virtuous woman. I am so proud of your spiritual growth and enthusiasm. You are truly evolving into such a woman as She. The apple does not fall far from the tree. You are truly blessed.
Proverbs 31 has always been one of my favorites. She was a wife, a mother, an entrepreneur, a visionary and a leader for all women to follow. I believe deep down inside we all aspire to be like She. Although, we may fall short in a lot of areas, we too can be virtuous in our own rights. The most important thing is to always put God first and know our role as women. We can do plenty of good works in nurturing our families, respecting and working towards the same goal as our husbands, being charitable to others, sharing whatever we have and using our talents wisely. A woman who works so hard may not always feel like doing such but She brings honor and joy to her family. She can reap the benefits of her labor and know that She is pleasing God at the same time.
I know I have a long journey to travel in this life, as far as growth towards being a "virtuous woman" is concerned, however, I do know that I'm striving to be more like She everday. I fall short at times but I'm thankful that I have this particular passage in the bible to get me back on track and to stay focused on my ultimate goal. I definitely want to be one that hears my Father in heaven say "Well done my good and faithful servant." Pray for me as I pray for all of you that we can become ALL that God will have us to be.
May God bless all of you and thank you guys so much for your wonderful comments. You don't know how much you guys help me in my daily walk. You help to keep me grounded and I am truly grateful.
The Woman of Proverbs 31
This woman is amazing! My beloved mother had lots of these qualities, and passed down to her girls. Mother was a morning person, I got that from her. I can get up early in the morning and move mountains; this is when I have all my energy. I have lots more work to do to become that virtuous woman of proverbs 31. I know it’s never too late. Pray for me sisters!
love,
mj
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