Proverbs 31:30
Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth the Lord, she shall be praised.
Good morning, and a Marvelous Monday to all of you!
What a great Sunday I had, and I hope you can say the same! Thankful for a new day to serve the Lord, and to finalize our Perusing the Proverbs for the month of August 2015. Today finds us on Day 31, Chapter 31 in our journey through this book filled with wise instruction. Once again, let's go verse by verse and find nuggets of truth to apply to our lives.
1- Two commentaries that I read indicate that some theologians believe that Lemuel is actually Solomon, and that these words might be from Solomon's mother, Bathsheba. No one is sure, but they are God-ordained and prophetic.
2- What is it, my son; the son of my womb and the son of my vows? She might have been asking - what's on your mind??
3- Do not, my son, give your strength to women nor to the ways that destroy kings.
4-5 - It is not meant for kings and princes to drink wine nor strong drink. If these rulers drink strong drink, they will forget the law and pervert judgment with regard to the afflicted.
6-7 - This mother advises that strong drink should be given to those about to die or those with heavy hearts so they can drink and forget their poverty and misery. (Strange advice)
8-9 - Open your mouth and speak up for those who are about to be destroyed; speak up and judge righteously, as you plead the cause of the poor and needy.
10- A very important question is posed here - Who can find a virtuous (or excellent) woman? Her price is far above rubies.
Verses 11-31 give us a clear description of an excellent woman:
Her husband trusts in her, knowing she will do him no wrong.
She will do him good and not evil while she lives.
She works willingly with her hands.
She is careful to bring in good food.
While it is yet night (naturally and spiritually) she rises to make sure her family is fed; and she takes care of the household help.
She knows about fields and the planting of vineyards.
She is girdeth with strength; she strengthens her arms. She has on the whole armor of God!
She knows that what lies within her is good; her light in the Lord will never go out, no matter how dark the night.
She sews and weaves. She is industrious.
She stretches out her hand to the poor; she reaches out to the needy. She is a caring lady.
She is not afraid of the cold for she has made sure that her family is clothed with the best.
She weaves beautiful tapestries; her own clothing is silk and purple (once again, the best).
Her husband sits with the elders; he is well respected.
She makes things and sells them; she is a good business woman.
Her "real" clothes are strength and honor; she will have joy for a long, long time.
When she opens her mouth, out come wise words; she speaks kind words.
She takes care of her household; she is never idle.
Her children rise up and bless her; her husband does the same, while he praises her.
Many daughters have done excellently but this woman is above them all.
Favor is deceitful, outward beauty is vain. But, a woman who fears the Lord, SHE is the one who will be praised.
Let her enjoy the fruit of her hands; let her own words praise her in the gates.
What a beautiful description of a godly wife and mother. Many women have found this chapter of the Bible to be overwhelming, fearing that somehow they cannot measure up to all of these attributes. In summary, if a woman is born again of the water and of the Spirit, she prays and seeks after God daily, she will be blessed of the Lord. If she does her very best in caring for the things of her soul then her husband and children, the Lord smiles on her, as do all who know her.
May your Monday be Marvelous with the Master. Thanks for traveling with me, as we walked through Proverbs. I pray you have gained a new appreciation for this book of the Bible. We have much to apply to our lives, don't we? Always growing in God.
God bless you today and, if He is willing, I'll see you tomorrow for a new month and new topics!!!!
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