Who can find a virtuous woman?
For her worth is far above rubies.
Proverbs 31:10
This is referring to the Proverbs 31 lady, but before you get completely discouraged already and say, "C'mon, it's Monday, why'd you have to bring HER up?" read on, and you'll find that you--as a woman, wife, mother, grandma--are far more virtious than you might think.
The Hebrew word for virtuous is 'Chayil' which means strength, might, efficiency, wealth, army. If you were to go back and read Proverbs 31:10-31 you'd discover each of these definitions interwoven throughout this passage in one form or another. And by the way, I didn't see the word perfection anywhere in there, did you?
So don't beat yourself up because you didn't get up 'while it is yet dark' or because SHE doesn't yell at her kids (excuse me, raise her voice) or because you don't 'make linen garments...and sell them'--on Ebay to boot! (by the way, my first and last sewing experience was in 7th grade when I sewed a pair of cheesy cotton pants in which the zipper ripped out the first day I wore them!)
As one commentary states, "The cultural details of her specific tasks are different in our era, but the principles are timeless".
My favorite scripture in this passage is in vs. 30 which says 'Charm is deceitful [I can handle that] and beauty is passing [still coming to grips with that one] but a woman who fears the Lord, she shall be praised!' Be encouraged, women who fear the Lord!
It's All Good!
Love, love your take on this Woman!!! Brenda, you have to understand it was past midnight when I was lost!!! Instant friends you guys were....but.....!!
ReplyDeleteI hope there is no "next time" but if there is, be assured I would call :o)
Susan
Yay for that Brenda. I think we are in such desperate need for virtuous women. Some people don't even know what that means anymore.
ReplyDeleteI am going to talk about a woman that I encountered that is exactly what you are not talking about tomorrow. It just floors me how our values and standards have lowered in this country. Stand tall and let the light shine bright.
Thanks Brenda.
Amen! The fear of the Lord.
ReplyDeleteI really liked this..and I never thought of it this way.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the soul food...always find encouragement here!
Love you dear friend and have a blessed wonderful week!
"The cultural details of her specific tasks are different in our era, but the principles are timeless".
ReplyDeleteOh what a neat post Brenda(:)
thanks..and glad you came by..
Have fun framing up your moms pictures too(:) those things are such precious treasures~!!
hugs, Patty
You are a woman after my own heart! Brenda, I love this and love your humor while being Biblical. Thanks for the refreshment for my day.
ReplyDeletebrenda, i know it is a lot of work to ttake on all the attributes of our savior, bless you for doing just that
ReplyDeleteI've heard this scripture in sermons, classes and have read it in the Bible many times, but I enjoyed the "spin" you gave it. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteCharlotte
I just passed on an award to you, dear one!!! Come and see.
ReplyDeleteSusan
That was encouraging....and timely...thank you, Brenda!
ReplyDeleteI stand in awe of the Proverbs 31 woman!!!She used to "wear me out" until I realized that if she kept my schedule she would wear out also. And just think, God loves this Princess as much as He loved her. Glory!!!!
ReplyDeleteThanks for visiting "Tuesdays with Tiz" on Prayerfully yours, Jen.
Be Blessed today and always, Tiz
This was such a great description of that passage. It really does make a chick feel less than great, but this explanation was very uplifting.
ReplyDeleteI always took the verse about selling things to mean that I SHOULD be having yard sales instead of giving it to the thrift store. Then I realized that it was the Salvation Army that I was donating to, so... I felt better!
Have a great weekend Brenda.