God's Woman

StartFragmentRead Proverbs 31:10-31, the Bible's picture of an ideal Godly woman. Let's walk through each verse and examine what each means. 10 A wife of noble character who can find? She is worth far more than rubies. If you can be a young woman of noble character, you are worth more than rubies. But what is "noble character"? The rest of this passage explains what this kind of woman looks like. 11 Her husband has full confidence in her and lacks nothing of value. Although you are (probably) not married yet, this verse still applies to you. A woman of noble character is someone who is faithful and trustworthy. Her friends have full confidence in her and from "lacks nothing of value" means that she is someone who gives her full best. 12 She brings him good, not harm, all the days of her life. God's woman is kind and compassionate and brings good to those around her. She won't put them in danger, because she cares about others. This woman doesn't bring shame to anyone around her, instead she makes them look good. 13 She selects wool and flax and works with eager hands. 14 She is like the merchant ships, bringing her food from afar. 15 She gets up while it is still night; she provides food for her family and portions for her female servants. 16 She considers a field and buys it; out of her earnings she plants a vineyard. 17 She sets about her work vigorously; her arms are strong for her tasks. 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 makes good choices and works with carefully, honestly, and earnestly. She lives out Colossians 3:23- Work willingly at whatever you do, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people. A woman of noble character is a hard worker. 20 She opens her arms to the poor and extends her hands to the needy. 21 When it snows, she has no fear for her household; for all of them are clothed in scarlet. 22 She makes coverings for her bed; she is clothed in fine linen and purple. The Proverbs 31 woman cares not only for her family, but also for the poor and needy. Her household is well taken care of and those who are in need do not have to worry, because she will help them. We can be like this woman by helping in our household and reaching out to those who are needy. 23 Her husband is respected at the city gate, where he takes his seat among the elders of the land. This noble woman married a hardworking man with good standards and a good reputation. We can learn from this to be careful about who we decide to be around, or spend the rest of our life with. 24 She makes linen garments and sells them, and supplies the merchants with sashes. Again, this woman exemplifies the characteristics of a hard worker. 25 She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come. Because she takes care of her life and family and she trusts in God, she isn't worried about the future. As young women of God, we shouldn't worry about the days to come because God's got it all under control. 26 She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue. A woman of noble character is wise, not foolish. She is careful with what comes out of her mouth, and doesn't say things to hurt others. 27 She watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness. 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.” Because of her hard work and careful attention, her household is well taken care of. Her family honors her, blesses her, and appreciates her. Being young women of God, our attitude should make others appreciate and honor us. If others dread us or hate us because we are overbearing (or hateful, rude, crude, etc.), we are obviously not being the type of Christian God has called us to be. 30 Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised. Even if we are beautiful on the outside, all that truly matters is our heart, because beauty is fleeting. 1 Peter 3:3-4- Do not let your adorning be external—the braiding of hair and the putting on of gold jewelry, or the clothing you wear— but let your adorning be the hidden person of the heart with the imperishable beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which in God's sight is very precious. God thinks that a gentle spirit, fear of God, and kindness are precious qualities for a young woman of the Lord to have. So let us be gentle, kind, and God-fearing! 31 Honor her for all that her hands have done, and let her works bring her praise at the city gate. Again, a noble woman is praised because of her hard work. We find instructions in this verse to praise women who work hard and are honorable, so don't let others' hard work go unnoticed! All of this may seem like a lot to work on, so take one verse a day. Work on one thing a day. And ask for the Lord's help and He will show you how to be a girl after His heart. EndFragment