Saturday, October 19, 2013

Her Family Call Her Blessed



As we saw last time, Solomon describes in Proverbs 31 the ideal woman he prayed for his son to marry. The Proverbs 31 woman is generous and charitable (v. 20), trusting that God will allow her to be a channel through whom blessings flow (2 Corinthians 9:6), and knowing that you can’t outgive God (Luke 6:38), Who is the source of all good gifts (James 1:17). She is a blessing to her family (Proverbs 31:12), has a realistic opinion about herself (v. 18), provides for her family through her hard work and planning (v. 21, 24), and enhances the reputation of her husband (v. 23).

God’s plan for marriage is for the wife to submit herself to her husband’s authority, who in turn loves her self-sacrificingly (Colossians 3:17-24; Ephesians 5:20-33). This is a beautiful picture of the relationship between Christ and His bride, the church (Revelation 19:7-9). He loves us so much that He died to redeem us (Romans 5:8), and we follow His authority because we trust that His infinite love and power enables Him to work all things together for our good and His glory (Romans 8:28).

Although the hard work, thrift and prior planning of the Proverbs 31 woman allow her to be well dressed (v. 22), her true beauty comes from being clothed in good character traits. People admire her not for the clothes she wears, but for her spiritual and moral strength in following God’s Word, and for the honor she brings to her family. God has clothed her in magnificent garments of salvation and righteousness (Isaiah 61:10; 1 Peter 3:3-10).

Because she is a woman of character, she finds joy in following the Lord, no matter what the external circumstances (Nehemiah 8:10; Philippians 4:4). She knows that she can be patient and wait upon the Lord to bring her through trials and to bless her (v. 25; Psalm 23:4-6).

The Proverbs 31 woman is kind, speaking the truth in love (v. 26), but knowing when to be silent (v. 26). She can control her tongue, refraining from gossip (Matthew 12:35-37), criticism or anger that could ruin her testimony (James 3:2-13). Her restraint in speech reflects the Word of God that she has hidden in her heart to avoid sinning (Psalm 119:11) and the subjection of her actions to the Holy Spirit (Romans 8:1).

This type of woman, although rare, is a tremendous asset to her family and all those around her, and they respect and praise her, recognizing that the blessings she gives them are priceless (v.10, 28, 29). We should strive to be praiseworthy in setting a good example and teaching our children how to behave and fear the Lord (Proverbs 10:1; Titus 2:3-5), in our generosity (Luke 6:38, Philippians 4:16-18; Mark 9:41; Matthew 6:20-21), and in our faith and prayer life (Philippians 4:13; Colossians 1:27; 1 Thessalonians 5:17; Psalm 119:10-11).

We can become this kind of woman not by relying on our social skills or our physical charms, but by fearing the Lord – by putting His will for our life ahead of all else (v.30). In doing this, we can live in a way that will reflect our position in Christ to those around us (Ephesians 4:1)

As important as it is to love and provide for our family, even this can become an idol in our lives if we put it ahead of our obedience to God and our desire to please Him. Rather, if we put God first in our lives, He will provide for our physical needs (Matthew 6:33), let us be a blessing to others (Proverbs 31:30), enlarge our sphere of influence in this world and give us eternal life in the next (Mark 10: 29-30).

Until Christ comes again, may we honor Him by giving to all we encounter our example of faith in Christ, in His death, burial and resurrection as the only Way to Heaven (1 Corinthians 15:1-4; John 14:6) that they too may accept and follow Him (2 Timothy 1: 5; Acts 16:31).


© 2013 Laurie Collett
  

Proverbs 31: 20 She stretcheth out her hand to the poor; yea, she reacheth forth her hands to the needy.
21 She is not afraid of the snow for her household: for all her household are clothed with scarlet.
22 She maketh herself coverings of tapestry; her clothing is silk and purple.
23 Her husband is known in the gates, when he sitteth among the elders of the land.
24 She maketh fine linen, and selleth it; and delivereth girdles unto the merchant.
25 Strength and honour are her clothing; and she shall rejoice in time to come.
26 She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness.
27 She looketh well to the ways of her household, and eateth not the bread of idleness.
28 Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth her.
29 Many daughters have done virtuously, but thou excellest them all.
30 Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth the Lord, she shall be praised.
31 Give her of the fruit of her hands; and let her own works praise her in the gates.



children's ministry blogs



Bible
Top 1000
Adorned From Above
No Ordinary Blog Hop

 

28 comments:

Unknown said...

Dear Laurie
Oh, what an honor to be the mother of children and the wife of a godly husband! And what joy when they can see Jesus through us and bring glory to our God!
Blessings XX
Mia

Laurie Collett said...

Amen, Mia! God's plan for marriage is a great blessing and a most high calling! Thanks so much for your comment, and may you have a blessed week in Him,
Laurie

Frank E. Blasi said...

Dear Laurie,
As this unbelieving world draws further into wickedness, what an opportunity it is for true believers to be filled with the Holy Spirit, and for both Christian men and women to shine as lights as King Solomon depicted in his book of Proverbs.
An excellent post.

Brenda said...

Hi Laurie,
I love how you have emphasized throughout your post the need to put God first. I have always loved the scripture that tells us to first seek the kingdom of God, and His righteousness, and all things we need will be added to us ( or supplied ). This has been proved in my life. God bless you for presenting such a lovely post of encouragement to all.,

Laurie Collett said...

Dear Frank,
Amen! We can see signs of the times all around us, especially in the wickedness in high places and everywhere. May His light shine through us and dispel the darkness of those who are lost.
Thanks as always for your encouragement.
God bless,
Laurie

Laurie Collett said...

Hi Brenda,
I love that Scripture too (Matthew 6:33), and the preacher spoke of it just this morning! It is so true, and a promise we can count on! Thanks for your lovely words of encouragement, and may you have a blessed week in Him,
Laurie

mail4rosey said...

I often find myself praying for discernment to ensure I am 'hearing' right and doing things with the weight they should have instead of trying to do it on my own and creating imbalance.

Thank you for linking to Super Sunday Sync.

Heather Jones said...

Doing God's will is important and many people don't understand that marriage is being submissive to one another.

Laurie Collett said...

Great point, Rosey! May we discern His will and follow His perfect plan for our lives. Thanks for your comment & for hosting!

Laurie Collett said...

Thanks so much, Heather, for your visit & comment! So true -- as the apostle Paul explained, it is important in all relationships to submit our own desires to what is best for the other person, whether it be marriage, parents and children, etc.
May you have a blessed week in Him!
Laurie

Ceil said...

Hi Laurie! I have come to realize that being submissive and being a doormat are two different things. So many people are afraid to listen and value the input of their spouses...but the true relationship is mutual love. Just like Christ and his church, as you pointed out so beautifully.

Love that Proverbs woman. I will try to be like her, knowing that no one is perfect, but we can all keep trying!
Happy Monday :)
Ceil

Donald Fishgrab said...

In Romans 9:31-32, Paul says of the Jews missed real righteousness in their effort to prove themselves righteous."But Israel, which followed after the law of righteousness, hath not attained to the law of righteousness. Wherefore? Because they sought it not by faith, but as it were by the works of the law. For they stumbled at that stumblingstone; "

As you pointed out so well, becoming this type of woman is a result of allowing God to have control, Far too often peoples efforts to make themselves fit these descriptions actually prevents them from becoming such a person.

Great post

Unknown said...

Laurie, thanks for sharing. Your posts are amazing and so full of Scripture. They are such a resource of information ready for studying God's Word.

Laurie Collett said...

Amen, Ceil! We may not reach that Biblical ideal, but if we yield to the Holy Spirit, He will constantly lead us in the right direction. May we all submit one to another, just as Jesus had a servant's heart and died and rose to set us free.
May You have a blessed week in Him!
Laurie

Laurie Collett said...

So true, Donald -- in our own merits, we are at best cheap imitations, and at worst, filthy rags. None can keep the law, but His righteousness frees those who believe in Him from that law. May His light shine through us!
God bless,
Laurie

Laurie Collett said...

Thanks so much, Judith, for your lovely words of encouragement!
May you have a blessed week in Him,
Laurie

Nadwrażliwiec said...

I'm not married, but I think brave woman can be also single. I help my family in daily duties and I think that it also can give glory for God. Greetings from warm Cracow!

Laurie Collett said...

I agree, Zim! Single women can glorify God in all that they say and do, if they put His will first! Greetings & blessings, & hope you are enjoying the warm weather!
Laurie

Patricia said...

It's truly a privilege to be a wife and mother. Thank you for this encouragement from the Word. And thank you for linking to Still Saturday at Pollywog Creek (also in Florida) this past weekend.

Rosevine Cottage Girls said...

Beautiful post. Thank you. We are here from Raising Mighy Arrows link up.

We are twin sisters that have a blog called the RosevineCottageGirls.blogspot.com

Blessings, Cheyenne and Brianna

Unknown said...

I am printing this. Thank You. I need this! It's going in my Bible and maybe another by my bedroom mirror. I am too far away from being like this woman. This post and all the comments are sharper than any two edged edged sorwd and a Blessing at the same time.

Laurie Collett said...

Amen, Patricia -- being a wife & mother is a great blessing! Thanks for your lovely comment & for hosting!
God bless,
Laurie

Laurie Collett said...

Thanks, Cheyenne and Brianna, for your sweet comment! Checking out your blogs now!
God bless,
Laurie

Laurie Collett said...

Amanda, I am so blessed by your comment! It is always my prayer to encourage and uplift my readers.
God bless you and your family!
Laurie

Jen said...

Laurie - Always love a post crammed packed with scripture! Makes me know, we are standing on His truths...not mans! Thanks for UNITING! ~ Jen

Laurie Collett said...

Thank you, Jen, for your sweet comment! His Word alone can guide us, and His truth is unchanging!
Love in Him,
Laurie

Gina Poirier said...

Found you through Imperfect Prose linkup. Love what you have done and the insights provided here - especially that this is so rich in scripture. I need more time to really go through these and meditate on them! I'll definitely be back, thanks for writing!

Laurie Collett said...

Thanks, Gina, for your visit & lovely comment! Hope to see you again soon!
God bless,
Laurie