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The Attributes Found in a Proverbs 31 Woman

(Adapted from a lesson and outline passed on to me by my sister-in-law Jennifer and dedicated to my sister Rena for her baby shower.  Thanks Jen, this stuff is soo great!  Click her name to visit her brand new blog!)

“The heart of her husband safely trust her so he will have no lack of gain.“ Her husband trust her in all areas financially, physically, and spiritually.  He knows she has his best interest at heart and will uphold her family with wisdom.  (So, yes that means sacrifice!  …Even in the shoe dept!)

“She does him good and not evil all the days of her life.” She honors him as head of her home and loves him as the heart.  She will follow him as the soldier into battle and stand beside him in times of war. She goes out before him on her knees. (She knows her place and finds favor in submission.  She resists the urge to lash out in contention…even if she thinks he deserves it!…ha!)

“She seeks wool and flax and willingly works with her hands.” Ok, so she doesn’t have to sow, but she can go shopping!

“She is like the merchant ships and brings him food from afar.” Here she simply find the way to his heart through his stomach.  Hey, she does go grocery shopping!  Sometimes she can make him his favorite meals when she’s too tired to stand.  (He just better make sure he loads that dishwasher correctly…j/j)

“She also rises while it is yet night and provides food for her household, and a portion for her maidservants.” This woman had help!  Today she does well to get her husband off to work with a cup of coffee and breakfast.  Or, maybe, he usually stops along the way.  Either way, she does what she can to prepare him for his day. (This includes finding time to iron his clothes, maybe when she’s not seeking wool or flax…ha!)

“She considers a field and buys it, from her profits, she plants a vineyard!” Hmm…she oversees the needs of her household.  When she makes purchases, she does so wisely being mindful of their finances.  When she is profitable, she plants further seed and shows herself to be a good steward.  (When she does so, she works to aid her husband in whatever way they choose, whether she is to handle the finances or not….)

“She girds herself with strength and strengthens her arms.” Here she exercises and eats right!  (What about comfort food?!…Ok in moderation, please…ha!)

“She perceives that her merchandise is good, and her light doesn’t go out by night.” She is a righteous woman of God!  She does the right thing at the right time and follows His ways.  She is ever watchful over all of her families’ needs keeping His light in sowing His word and in prayer.  She knows her adversary and will not allow the thief to enter her household of faith.  Oh! Yes, even in the midnight hour!

“She stretches out her hands to the distaff, and her hand holds the spindle.” She may not make her own clothes today, but she dresses like a lady and is tasteful in what she purchases.  She is careful to buy those items she knows her husband prefers and enjoys.  (Yes, I said enjoys, this is her husband remember…?! )  When she dresses she also imparts this to her children weaving them in His likeness.

“She extends her hand to the poor, Yes she reaches out to the needy.” She sees there are many areas out there where others have need and she is mindful to do what she  can.  Maybe she cleans out her closet and those of her family and makes sure to give out of her excess.  Or, she simply provides a meal.  She lends her hand in service where needed.  Yes, God has blessed this woman and she is sure to bless others.

“She is not afraid of snow for her household for all her family is clothed in scarlet.” Her family is prepared spiritually and financially for the tough winters that may come.  Spiritually they can make it through any storm as they are covered in the blood of the spotless lamb.  Financially they are also covered in His wisdom and wool following His principles.

“She makes tapestry for herself, her clothing is fine linen and purple.” She is beautiful on the inside out while this also reminds us that she dresses well in the eyes of those who see her, as she dresses to please her husband.  Though she is blessed, she is moderate and walks in the conviction of His love with confidence in whose she is.

“Her husband is known in the gates when he sits among the elders in the land.” Because she upholds her man as the heart of his home, others see a good reflection of him as the head.  She is wise and covers her family without tearing down her household.  Thus, when she is upright so is he bringing him both respect and favor.

“She makes linen garments and sells them and makes sashes for the merchants.” She does whatever work is necessary aid her household financially or otherwise.

“Strength and honor are her clothing, she will regain strength in time to come.” This woman of true beauty  stands in strength as she upholds her place so her husband can maintain his.  She walks in a reputation of honor and integrity as his helpmate.  Without this woman there is much that would tear down their home.
She is joyous as her praise comes in due season as she sees the work of her hands.

“She opens her mouth with wisdom and her tongue is the law of kindness.” She is a wise woman who keeps to her own business.  She is not given to gossip or idle communication.  She is also meek, exercising self control.  She keeps her mouth shut and is careful to not speak in her anger!  She doesn’t walk around telling off all the other rude people in the world!  (…Ouch!)

“She watches over the ways of her household, and does not eat of the bread of idleness.” She is more than aware, she is involved in the condition of her family.  She has a strong relationship with her children and knows where they are.  She is concerned, not controlled and is “Busy about the Father’s business”!

“Her children rise up and call her blessed; her husband also praises her.  Many daughters have done well, but YOU excel them all.” Her husband and children appreciate, respect, and honor her.  Even when it doesn’t seem they are aware of all that she has done, her husband is proud of her and notes this among friends. While her children do the same.  Retreat is found in the home she has kept for her family, as well as others she may serve with gladness.

“Charm is deceitful and beauty is passing, but a woman who fears the Lord shall be praised.” Give her of the fruit of her hands and let her on works praise in her gates.”  As outward beauty fades, the inward shines bright as the deep well of His word within produces substance without.  As faith without work is dead so is that without fruit.  The fruit of her labor is found in the eyes of her husband and children.  It is behold in their walk as others may taste the seeds she’s planted.

Wow!  This is one busy mamma!  Ok…with all of this work it may seem overwhelming, but as she gives her all to the Lord and likewise her family, the intent of her heart is seen among many.  In truth it may seem that she is doing all the work, but she does not speak of her man’s labor!  She knows her husband works hard and she too, is proud of him!  The husband and wife uphold one another in the household of faith.  This woman knows he is the head and finds peace in that, as she fulfills her destiny as the heart!

So, what can we say then of this, Proverbs 31 woman…?

…We can simply say, “Nanny, this woman is YOU!”

Love, your family and friends

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