We will take the verses from 10 – 31 of Proverbs 31 in particular. Most of us know well about these verses. These act like a mirror for the women to look at and know where are they standing in the eyes of God. When I first came across these verses I used to wonder saying, “God, that is a lot of work and how can I fulfil all of that?” Then I went through and found out there are 16 tasks that have to be done by a wise married woman. I dared to point down what I was doing so far and found only 9 of them. That is only half of that requirement. Some of them are so big tasks like knitting, planting vineyard and trading. I almost gave up. But when I arrived at the last of that chapter 31, my attention was turned on to these verses.
“Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting, but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised. Give her the reward she has earned, and let her works bring her praise at the city gate.” Proverbs 31:30-31(NIV)
I was so happy. So what is the key? FEAR OF THE LORD is the key. If I have that reverential fear of God, I can get all the rewards and praises. I thanked God for making that so simple. What does Fear of God do? Makes you hate evil or shun evil (Proverbs 8: 13). Another verse in Proverbs 9: 10 says, “Fear of the Lord is the beginning of Wisdom”(NIV). When we are wise we can do all things right and the Lord will help us in our weaknesses. Praise the Lord.
I want to summarise the passage of Proverbs 31: 10-31 into 7 main characters, which a wise woman should have.
- She Serves: (Verses 11,12,15)
She should have a serving mentality and should serve her husband, children and even the servants. It is her responsibility to see that they are given food and other requirements. This includes spiritual food and prayers. Jesus did not come to be served but to serve.
2) She saves: (Verses 16, 18)
A woman is the one who should be careful to see that she is making some savings. But she should also see whether she is misusing the money and collecting too much stuff in other items. A very good way to save is investing in gold! She should allow her husband to invest in shares and real estates. See that the family members are saved and come to know the Lord.
3) She exercises: (Verses 17, 27)
It is the woman’s job to keep herself fit and healthy. Should eat right and do exercises because the whole household depends on her. Exercise faith by putting promises of God into action. Faith without work is dead.
4) She manages: (Most verses)
A woman should be the balancing factor in the house. She should stay steady and know how to manage all. Being too much spiritual or too much physical or worldly will not help much. Strike a balance.
5) She ministers: (Verse 20)
A woman should see she ministers to the poor by keeping an extra provision for that. Because the blessing one receives are to be extended to others who are deprived of that. Jesus said sell what you have and give it to the poor. Store up your treasure in heaven.
6) She provides: (Verses 21, 22, 25)
She sees that her house hold is provided of all things and she herself is very well taken care of. She is strengthened spiritually. She gives spiritual advice too by God’s Words, which provides solutions to all lives problems.
7) She blesses : (Verse 26)
A woman should be a blessing to others. When she opens her mouth let her words be filled with wisdom that would edify or encourage someone. Be well versed with God’s promises in the Bible and know that our God is faithful. Bless, never curse.
A spiritual life of ours should be shown in disciplined physical life to the glory of God. Make a resolution.