What can we learn from the Proverbs 31 woman as we see her in verse sixteen?
“She considereth a field, and buyeth it: with the fruit of her hands she planteth a vineyard.”
The Virtuous Woman is Discerning.
She is not impetuous, heedlessly making a purchase without researching and considering the options. Once the field is hers, she puts her skills to good use by making it productive.
Discernment is defined as having keen insight or good judgement. As I seek to emulate this woman, I see three questions she may have considered as she exercised discernment in her decisions.
- Is the field worth the price that is being asked? In the same manner, as I make decisions in life, I must decide if the cost I am being asked to pay (be it monetarily or time wise) is worth what I will receive in return.
- Will it be right for my purpose? Obviously she sought to plant a vineyard, so she had to determine if it was even possible to grow grapes in this location. As for me, I should ensure that the activities I pursue lead me to my ultimate purpose – to know and love God more.
- Can I use this to improve myself and my family? I also must seek to use any abilities God has given me to help me reach the goals I have set personally as well as for my family.
What tips do you have for practicing discernment?
Read previous posts in this series about the virtuous woman here.
Photo courtesy public domain pictures.
Funny you should ask. I was tallying my talents last week and realized that I don't have the gift of discernment. Sure, I hear promptings of the Holy Ghost concerning decisions in my life but I have just begun to cultivate a listening ear. So your question is well timed.
What tip do I have for practicing discernment? I'll be taking cue from my husband. He most surely has the gift of discernment. I'll begin by becoming more reliant on praying with him for the answers I need to discern. I'll rely on him to teach me to hear the answers when they come.
Sharon,
Thanks for your comment. Surely seeking wisdom and guidance from the Holy Spirit through prayer is the cornerstone of discernment.
Have a wonderful afternoon!
This is so interesting to me… you know, I'd always considered this verse in terms of literal meaning… And from the literal meaning, I decided I would probably never have an opportunity to practise this virtue because I would never be able to buy or sell land (we rent, and land is horribly expensive here)!! I really like the view you've taken, and it has given me a lot to think about.
I think there are a few things regarding discernment that we need to keep in mind –
Firstly, never be in a hurry – she spends time considering before making the decision ("The thoughts of the diligent tend only to plenteousness; but of every one that is hasty only to want." Proverbs 21:5)
Secondly, seek counsel before making a decision ("Where no counsel is, the people fall: but in the multitude of counsellors there is safety." Proverbs 11:14)
Blessings! 🙂
I've always taken this verse literally as well. You are right we need to have Biblical discernment in all we do. I can't count the many times I probably would have made better decisions, if I had used that.