Proverbs 31 Woman

1 The sayings of King Lemuel--an oracle [1] his mother taught him: 2 "O my son, O son of my womb, O son of my vows, [2] 3 do not spend your strength on women, your vigor on those who ruin kings. 4 "It is not for kings, O Lemuel-- not for kings to drink wine, not for rulers to crave beer, 5 lest they drink and forget what the law decrees, and deprive all the oppressed of their rights. ————> What drinking causes, a “cope” method to forget what God wants us to work on. 6 Give beer to those who are perishing, wine to those who are in anguish; 7 let them drink and forget their poverty and remember their misery no more. 8 "Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute. ————> Speak up! Always stand up for what YOU believe in. Speak for those who can not. 9 Speak up and judge fairly; defend the rights of the poor and needy.” ————> We are no one to judge. If you must, judge righteously. 10 [3] A wife of noble character who can find? She is worth far more than rubies. ————> Our worth is FAR more valuable than anything someone can give you. 11 Her husband has full confidence in her and lacks nothing of value. ————> Build a relationship on trust. 12 She brings him good, not harm, all the days of her life. ————> She is loyal on husbands name. 13 She selects wool and flax and works with eager hands. ————> She is enthusiastic and finds enjoyment from working and trying new things. 14 She is like the merchant ships, bringing her food from afar. ————> She goes the extra mile. 15 She gets up while it is still dark; she provides food for her family and portions for her servant girls. ————> She has a schedule and is a caretaker. 16 She considers a field and buys it; out of her earnings she plants a vineyard. ————> She saves money. 17 She sets about her work vigorously; her arms are strong for her tasks. ————> She is organized. Be a woman of faith and believe in yourself. 18 She sees that her trading is profitable, and her lamp does not go out at night. 19 In her hand she holds the distaff and grasps the spindle with her fingers. ————> She is a hard worker. 20 She opens her arms to the poor and extends her hands to the needy. ————> She is generous. 21 When it snows, she has no fear for her household; for all of them are clothed in scarlet. ————> She is a caregiver. 22 She makes coverings for her bed; she is clothed in fine linen and purple. ————> She is clean and proper. 23 Her husband is respected at the city gate, where he takes his seat among the elders of the land. ————> Makes sure she holds up the image of the household. 24 She makes linen garments and sells them, and supplies the merchants with sashes. ————> She is a hard worker. 25 She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come. ————> She is optimistic and positive. 26 She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue. ————> She has wisdom, speaks in high power of her faith. 27 She watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness. ————> She is not lazy. 28 Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her: 29 "Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all.” ————> She holds up the home and stands side by side, no matter what. 30 Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised. ————> Age happens but your heart remains. She full-heartedly believes in the LORD. 31 Give her the reward she has earned, and let her works bring her praise at the city gate. ————> She is welcomed into heavens gates.

Proverbs 31 gives us ladies a cheat sheet on how to be an excellent wife and mother in God's eyes. In reality, God knows the enemy attacks. He knows we have insecurities, fear, doubt, anger... need I say more? In the perfect world being a Proverbs 31 woman would be ideal. However, it is possible. My favorite verse was verse 30; " Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised." God does not expect us to be picture perfect wives or moms. If you believe in the Lord being a Proverbs 31 woman is possible. There is work to do but if we strive for the Lord in our everyday lives we ARE proverbs, 31 women. Sis, you got this!

xx,

Diana