What Is A Proverbs 31 Woman?

I just realized that some of you may not know what a Proverbs 31 woman is. As I was scrolling through Tumblr, I found some really good explanations, so I thought I'd post them here. Also, you can just open your bibles to Proverbs 31 for a complete rundown of who she is. This first one I found is a really great breakdown of what it is we strive to become according to God's great plan for us.

10 Virtues of the Proverbs 31 Woman

1. Faith - A Virtuous Woman serves God with all of her heart, mind, and soul. She seeks His will for her life and follows His ways. (Proverbs 31: 26, Proverbs 31: 29 – 31, Matthew 22: 37, John 14: 15, Psalm 119: 15

2. Marriage – A Virtuous Woman respects her husband. She does him good all the days of her life. She is trustworthy and a helpmeet. (Proverbs 31: 11- 12, Proverbs 31: 23, Proverbs 31: 28, 1 Peter 3, Ephesians 5, Genesis2: 18)

3. Mothering - A Virtuous Woman teaches her children the ways of her Father in heaven. She nurtures her children with the love of Christ, disciplines them with care and wisdom, and trains them in the way they should go. (Proverbs 31: 28, Proverbs 31: 26, Proverbs 22: 6, Deuteronomy 6, Luke 18: 16)

4. Health – A Virtuous Woman cares for her body. She prepares healthy food for her family. (Proverbs 31: 14 – 15, Proverbs 31: 17, 1 Corinthians 6: 19, Genesis 1: 29, Daniel 1, Leviticus 11)

5. Service - A Virtuous Woman serves her husband, her family, her friends, and her neighbors with a gentle and loving spirit. She is charitable. (Proverbs 31: 12, Proverbs 31: 15, Proverbs 31: 20, 1 Corinthians 13: 13)

6. Finances - A Virtuous Woman seeks her husband’s approval before making purchases and spends money wisely. She is careful to purchase quality items which her family needs. (Proverbs 31: 14, Proverbs 31: 16, Proverbs 31: 18, 1 Timothy 6: 10, Ephesians 5: 23, Deuteronomy 14: 22, Numbers 18: 26)

7. Industry – A Virtuous Woman works willingly with her hands. She sings praises to God and does not grumble while completing her tasks. (Proverbs 31: 13, Proverbs 31: 16, Proverbs 31: 24, Proverbs 31: 31, Philippians 2: 14)

8. Homemaking – A Virtuous Woman is a homemaker. She creates an inviting atmosphere of warmth and love for her family and guests. She uses hospitality to minister to those around her. (Proverbs 31: 15, Proverbs 31: 20 – 22, Proverbs 31: 27, Titus 2: 5, 1 Peter 4: 9, Hebrews 13: 2)

9. Time - A Virtuous Woman uses her time wisely. She works diligently to complete her daily tasks. She does not spend time dwelling on those things that do not please the Lord. (Proverbs 31: 13, Proverbs 31: 19, Proverbs 31: 27, Ecclesiastes 3, Proverbs 16: 9, Philippians 4:8 )

10. Beauty – A Virtuous Woman is a woman of worth and beauty. She has the inner beauty that only comes from Christ. She uses her creativity and sense of style to create beauty in her life and the lives of her loved ones. (Proverbs 31: 10Proverbs 31: 21 – 22, Proverbs 31: 24 -25, Isaiah 61: 10, 1 Timothy 2: 9, 1 Peter 3: 1 – 6)

I am also going to include my little rant. So please bear with me.

Why is it that a woman who fears God, wants to serve her family and basically be the woman that God designed us to be is looked upon as such a bad thing? Have you looked at the complete description of what a Proverbs 31 woman is!?!?!?!! She is called to be strong, resourceful, a wage earner, provider for her family to name just a few. 

If we actually completed HALF of what's on that list in one day, we'd be exhausted!! She is basically the one running the show for her family! It takes a strong woman to be all that!!

If I can even become one-tenth of what a Proverbs 31 woman is I'd be happy. Sure does give a gal something to strive for.

Striving to be a Proverbs 31 Woman

I think this is something that every Godly woman should strive to be. A Proverbs 31 woman brings good not harm every day of her life, sets about her work vigorously, she opens her arms to the poor.
She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come.
(Posted by Madelyn-Eloise "Fearfully and Wonderfully Made" on Tumblr)

Rejected or Approved

"Remember: rejection from man doesn't mean rejection from God. He loves us unconditionally.” - Lysa TerKeurst

I was just thinking about this last night. I was telling my husband how I was reworking my blog and read him my first entry. I was so proud of myself. I wanted him to see that I've been paying attention and that I'm learning. But, as usual, it sparked a disagreement over my daughter. This had nothing to do with that. I wanted him to SEE that I'm trying to change myself. But, alas, it blew up in my face.

I sat there fuming, until I realized that wasn't getting me anywhere. Why was I so dependent on what he thought of my accomplishments? Yes, he's my husband. Yes, I value his opinion. But I'm putting the wrong emphasis on whose approval I am seeking. What SHOULD matter is that what I'm doing meets with the approval of Jesus Christ. Am I doing this for MY own glory or am I doing this for His glory?

So much of who we are seems to be rooted in what others think of us. It leads to such destruction and frustration. We forget who our Great Designer is. He made each and every one of us unique with all our own qualities. When we seek others opinion of us, we are, in essence, saying that perhaps God did something wrong with us. We don't meet the approval of others. There's something missing. God doesn't make mistakes. As my husband says "God don't like ugly". Which is why He sees each and every one of us as beautiful, unique creations.

If you have children,  you know that feeling that when your children were born how you looked at them and thought "wow, I created this!" That's how God looks at us! He made us! What a miraculous thing He did!

Try to remember that when you compare yourself with others, it is only going to lead to frustration and dissatisfaction. Remember that the only One you need to please is God. Think about the things you do and ask yourself, would this meet with God's approval? Am I doing this for God's glory or my own? If you are doing things for His approval then you will always be on the right track. Let your life and works glorify our Great Creator. At the end of the day don't forget to thank the Lord for who you are and for creating you. You are fearfully and wonderfully made.

God Bless.
Linda

Good Morning Girls Devotional "Why Easter Matters" Week 1

Reading for Tues, 4/1. 

Read: John 13:3-5; John 13:14-15 (The Message)

Jesus knew that the Father had put him in complete charge of everything, that He came from God and was on His way back to God. So He got up from the supper table, set aside His robe, and put on an apron. Then He poured water into a basin and began to wash the feet of the disciples, drying them with His apron....So if I, the Master and Teacher, washed your feet, you must now wash each other's feet. I've laid down a pattern for you. What I've done, you do.

S: "So if I, the Master and Teacher, washed your feet, you must now wash each other's feet. I've laid down a pattern for you. What I've done, you do."

O: Jesus never thought He was better than anyone else. He was humble in all He did. And He expects us to be the same way. Never think you are above anyone else or better than anyone else. Always be humble in your actions. Behave as Jesus expects you to. Follow His example. 

A: I am constantly after my husband about not complaining about things that he has to do. If you tell someone you're going to do something, then don't complain when it comes time to do it. He always comes back that he may have to do something, doesn't mean he has to be happy about it. Oh how that makes me want to pull my hair out sometimes!! 

But, at times, I am no better, especially when it comes to housework. Oh Lord, give me strength! Grumble, grumble, grumble. Oh how hard it is to be humble at times. Oh if I could have Jesus' humility.  

If Jesus, the Messiah of the World, the One who came to save us, can sit at the feet of His disciples and wash their feet, then I can get my lazy self up and do a couple hours of housework on my days off. My husband, however..well, that's like pulling teeth out of a mule! lol

The next time you have the urge to complain (myself included), let's stop and think...WWJD?!

P: Jesus, my Lord, help me to be as humble as You were. If You could serve others with humility, then I certainly can. I need to be mindful of all that You have done for me. Help me to remain humble in times when I really don't want to do something. I ask this in Your Holy Name, Jesus. Amen. 

Good Morning Girls Devotional Week 7: Our Ministries

Reading for Wednesday 3/12
1st Timothy 5:1-10 (NLT)

Caring for God’s family

Don’t correct an older man, but encourage him like he’s your father; treat younger men like your brothers, treat older women like your mother, and treat younger women like your sisters with appropriate respect.

  

Take care of widows who are truly needy. But if a particular widow has children or grandchildren, they should first learn to respect their own family and repay their parents, because this pleases God. A widow who is truly needy and all alone puts her hope in God and keeps on going with requests and prayers, night and day. But a widow who tries to live a life of luxury is dead even while she is alive. Teach these things so that the families will be without fault. But if someone doesn’t provide for their own family, and especially for a member of their household, they have denied the faith. They are worse than those who have no faith.

Put a widow on the list who is older than 60 years old and who was faithful to her husband. She should have a reputation for doing good: raising children, providing hospitality to strangers, washing the feet of the saints, helping those in distress, and dedicating herself to every kind of good thing.

S: 1 Timothy 5:10
She should have a reputation for doing good: raising children, providing hospitality to strangers, washing the feet of the saints, helping those in distress, and dedicating herself to every kind of good thing. 

O: A godly woman should be known by her reputation. The kind that shows her faith in God. She should be upright in character. She should be known for her kindness, her good deeds. Much like is described in Proverbs 31:30-31 " Charm is deceptive and beauty fleeting, but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised. Let her share in the results of her work; let her deeds praise her in the city gates."

A woman's looks and charm can quickly evaporate. But it is her reputation will stay with her for a long time. Believe me, I should know. I have done some things I'm not proud of, and it had become known throughout the church that I used to attend. It was my own doing. It's not something I can change. It's not something I can make people forget. 

Our reputations are also a reflection of our families. People will gossip, even though God tells us it's a sin. It's human nature. Be a woman after God's own heart. Keep your eyes on the Lord. Let Him lead you. Your children and husband will follow in your example. And you will make your family and friends proud. 

A: There's not much I can do now to fix my reputation. It is what it is. But I have a chance to start over. As my husband has reminded me, I am a reflection of him. I want to do things that are pleasing to God and to my husband. I need to remember that everything I do I need to do it for God's glory. 

P: Lord, I ask You to guide my steps in my life. I need to be reminded that everything I do I should do for Your glory. I am to lead by Your example. I need to be of flawless character. I am Your child and the things I do should reflect that. Help me to keep my eyes on You and do things that bring You glory. In Your Holy Name I ask this. Amen.

 


 

Good Morning Girls Devotional Week 6 Our Children Psalms 78:1-8

Here is our reading for Tuesday, 2/25/14.

Read: Psalms 78:1-8 
A maskil* of Asaph.

My people, hear my teaching;
    listen to the words of my mouth.
I will open my mouth with a parable;
    I will utter hidden things, things from of old—
things we have heard and known,
    things our ancestors have told us.
We will not hide them from their descendants;
    we will tell the next generation
the praiseworthy deeds of the Lord,
    his power, and the wonders he has done.
He decreed statutes for Jacob
    and established the law in Israel,
which he commanded our ancestors
    to teach their children,
so the next generation would know them,
    even the children yet to be born,
    and they in turn would tell their children.
Then they would put their trust in God
    and would not forget his deeds
    but would keep his commands.
They would not be like their ancestors—
    a stubborn and rebellious generation,
whose hearts were not loyal to God,
    whose spirits were not faithful to him.

S: Psalms 78:3-4;6-7

things we have heard and known,
    things our ancestors have told us.
 We will not hide them from their descendants;
    we will tell the next generation
the praiseworthy deeds of the Lord,
    his power, and the wonders he has done. 

so the next generation would know them,
    even the children yet to be born,
    and they in turn would tell their children.
 Then they would put their trust in God
    and would not forget his deeds
    but would keep his commands. 

O: Again, we are being reminded that what we know of God we are to pass down to all the generations in the hopes that they, too, will keep the commands that God gave us. They are to always remember what God has done, what He will do and what He wants us to do.

A: It is our responsibility as parents to pass down the wisdom of God to our children. I have tried to reinforce this with my children. Unfortunately, once they are grown and have lives of their own it is up to them to pass these things on to their kids. I say unfortunately because with my kids, I don't know if this will happen. But as a soon-to-be grandmother, I hope I may influence my grandsons to keep their faith in God as they grow. And I hope I can keep this up with my children and encourage them to instill this in their children.

P: Lord, I ask Your help to be able to show my children and their children how important it is to keep Your word and for them to teach it to their children. May I have the influence over my grandsons to help them grow up with You in their lives. Amen.  

** Maskil:   (Hebrew: מַשְׂכִּיל‎, plural maskilim) is an identifier for individuals and ideas of the Haskalah movement, the European Jewish enlightenment between the 1770s and 1880s, who sought to reeducate Jews so that they could fit into modern society; they established schools and published works of cultural importance.

Good Morning Girls Devotional: Week 5 Our Friendships

Read: Ephesians 4: 29-32
Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear. And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you. 

S: Ephesians 4:29,31-32
 Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear. Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.

O: We need to be vigilant in what comes out of our mouths. Words can lift up, but they can also break down. And once a negative word comes out of your mouth you can't take it back. In today's society no one seems to give a second thought to what comes out of our mouths. And I'm just as guilty. As I was typing this up, my hacker came back. Oh how I wanted to just let loose a string of expletives! And, unfortunately, the "F bomb" flew out. I looked down at my open bible. Had I not just read the words that said "Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouth"? In my bible, which is The New Living Translation, verse 29 says "Do not use foul or abusive language..." Whoops! 

We're all guilty of it. How many times have we lost our temper and let words fly that we wouldn't normally say? I got irritated with my husband the last couple of days. He can be trying at best. We all have someone or someones in this life that get to us. Even our children can try our patience.

Verse 31 in my bible says "Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words and slander as well as all types of malicious behavior." MMmm hhmm... We're human. Easier said than done. But in order to follow Jesus' will, we HAVE to do these things. If we don't, doesn't that make us hypocrites? You may go to church every Sunday, listen to nothing but worship music, do your bible studies, but you still gossip, swear, say things you don't mean. We can talk the talk, but not walk the walk. 

It's so easy in the heat of the moment to not think. Just go with the moment. But, would you act that way in front of Jesus? Would those words come out of your mouth? I bet not. I know it's not easy, but stop and think. Is what you are saying and what you are doing pleasing to God? 

A: I need to really work on this one. I have a short fuse. My mouth just runs. I'm guilty as charged. I need to reign in both my temper and my mouth. Anyone who knows me knows this will be no easy feat for me. But I need to try. I'm trying to make positive changes in my life. I want to please Jesus. I want to be the woman He designed me to be. It was never promised that it would be easy. My friend Remesh posted this on my wall today "Suffer for God my sister!" No truer words were ever written.

P: Jesus, I know I try Your patience. I know I am a work in progress. Help me to remain strong as You do Your work in me. Help me to not want to give in to the physical world. Help me to guard my tongue whenever I speak. Let my words build up, not tear down. Let any words I hear that are not of You and Your love to not settle into my soul. Help me to forgive and be the better person. I know it is what You desire of me, Your child.  I ask this in Your Holy Name. Amen.

"Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O Lord, my strength, and my redeemer." 
~~Psalm 19:14 (KJV)

 

Good Morning Girls Week 4: Titus 2:3-5

Titus 2:3-5: "Similarly, teach the older women to live in a way that honors God. They must not slander others or be heavy drinkers. Instead, they should teach others what is good. These older women must train the younger women to love their husbands and their children, to live wisely and be pure, to work in their homes, to do good, and to be submissive to their husbands. Then they will not bring shame on the word of God."

S: "Similarly, teach the older women to live in a way that honors God. They must not slander others or be heavy drinkers. Instead, they should teach others what is good."



O: I'm having difficulty with this one tonight. Perhaps it is because I have no experience in this. It would be my understanding that perhaps the elderwomen of the time, the ones who had been married and maybe now are widowed would teach the younger women how to be a good wife and mother. 

Obviously gossiping about others is a big no-no. How easy is it to fall into that trap, though. I'm just as guilty as the next person of that. It's probably just easier to steer clear of gossiping people. And live by the rule "If you don't have anything nice to say about someone, then be quiet". Something I need to learn as well.

Heavy drinkers. Hmmm.... Alcohol can be evil. I know, you're probably wondering how.  There's nothing wrong with having a glass of wine with dinner or in a social setting. BUT... start knocking back a few tequilas, Long Island Iced Teas, etc. and look out. We all turn into someone else. Me, I get giggly. But I've also been known to cry hysterically. That's because alcohol can be a depressant. And when you're already depressed, it's not a good mix.

My husband, on the other hand, ohhh..his mouth starts running. And it's not pretty. The sarcasm. The derogatory jokes usually aimed at me. I can't tell you the number of knock-down drag-out fights that had resulted from that. He's not a chronic drunk and it wouldn't be often. But when it he did drink, I really didn't want to be around him.

I believe that's why God tells us it's not a good idea to be heavy drinkers. No good ever came from getting drunk or even just having a "few too many". Look at the number of DWI's that occur as well. How can we expect to be godly people if we are stumbling around filled with alcohol? 

My husband has since quit drinking. And you can't imagine what a relief it is to me to not have to worry about what I'm going to come home to on a Friday after I've been working all day. I would go to work with dread in my heart knowing what I would be coming home to. Was he going to get all mouthy and get in another fight with me? I know each day is a struggle for him when it comes to drinking. Life has not been easy. And for someone who is a recovering alcoholic it would be so easy to drown yourself in a ton of booze to forget about life's problems. Lord knows there were days I wished I could've had a few too many glasses of wine to forget about things. 

But I digress here. The whole point of this passage is that we should do what would be pleasing to God. We should learn from our elders about love and marriage. Look at couples who have been married 50,60 years or more. What could we learn from them? How did they make it work for so long? It's because they learned from THEIR parents and families. Something we don't really have these days. BUT we have our bible and our faith. If we don't have role models, we can find the BEST role model in the bible--Jesus Christ. Or browse through the Old Testament. There are plenty of good role models there. 

If you are fortunate enough to still have your parents or grandparents around and they are still married, talk to them. Find out how they made it work. Learn from them. And spend time in the Word. If you follow that then you're already ahead of the game.

A: I don't have role models for me to follow. My mom has been remarried three times. My grandparents are both deceased. Besides, my grandmothers' advice to me on marriage was that all men cheat. Get a hobby and look the other way. Yup. That was her advice. smh

I have a second chance at getting marriage right. I have to learn from the mistakes that I made in my first marriage. I need to learn from the bible what a good marriage is and how to keep it alive. I read blogs. I pray... A LOT. I know Jesus will help me along the way. I have friends in church. Our pastor and his wife have been married for over 20 years. Obviously they've been doing something right.  I just need to take things a step at a time and learn from my mistakes, learn from Jesus and rely on Him to get us through the tough times. 

P: Father, You have given us the most wonderful examples of how to be good wives and husbands. Your son, our Savior taught us about pure love. How fortunate we are to have those resources at our fingertips. We have to remember that we are an example for our children. It's so easy to just throw in the towel when things get too hard. But it during those times that we need You most. Rather than turning to alcohol or to divorce or any other evil thing that will break down a marriage, we need to run to You. We need to read through Your words to learn, to be guided in the right direction. We trust in You and know You will show us the right thing to do. Amen.