Welcome to the blog on this mid-May morning! We’ve done a switcheroo at our house this week – our older daughter is now home from college while our younger daughter is off on her Senior trip for eight days. One thing’s for certain about this season of life; things are always changing!
As part of my morning Bible time, I review passages of Scripture that I’ve memorized in the past. I’ve recently started using the Verses app to do this and I’m really enjoying it. This week I’m working on Proverbs 31, which leads me to the topic of today’s post.
I’m always inspired and yet convicted by this chapter. The virtuous woman described here seems to have it all together in every area of her life. And yet I know myself and, let’s just say that I don’t. But I want to become more like her if that means I’ll be a blessing to my family and a better testimony for my Savior.
I’ve done a deeper dive into this passage in the past, but today I just wanted to choose five very practical things each of us can do today that can help us become more like this virtuous woman.
1. Be dependable.
“The heart of her husband doth safely trust in her, so that he shall have no need of spoil.” ~Verse 11
It doesn’t take any special skill or particular talent to be dependable. Anyone can do it. It’s just a matter of ensuring that other people can trust you because you do what you say you will do.
In this particular verse, it’s referring to her husband being able to rely on her. He knows his wife is responsible. He doesn’t have to worry about how she’s running their home. Could our husbands say this about us – that we are trustworthy and faithful when it comes to managing the resources we have?
2. Take care of your body.
“She girdeth her loins with strength, and strengtheneth her arms.” ~Verse 17
In the New Testament, we’re told that our body is the temple of the Holy Ghost. [1 Corinthians 6:19-20] We only get one body. In order to accomplish all that’s on this woman’s list, she has to be strong. There’s no way a woman could do all these things if she’s not in good health mentally, physically, and emotionally.
We all know what to do. Sleep. Drink water. Eat well. Move our bodies in some way. But let this be our encouragement to set aside time to take care of ourselves on a regular basis.
3. Look for someone you can help.
“She stretcheth out her hand to the poor; yea, she reacheth forth her hands to the needy.” ~Verse 20
This doesn’t have to be a big, noteworthy deed. Just keep your eyes open as you go through your day. Notice people. More than money, someone may just need a smile or a word of encouragement. Seek to bless others.
4. Think before you speak.
“She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness.” ~Verse 26
This may be the one I most aspire to – consistently speaking with wisdom and kindness. Too often that’s not how my words would be described. I think especially of how I want my children to remember the ways in which I spoke to them. We certainly need the Holy Spirit’s help to control our tongue.
5. Use your time wisely.
“She looketh well to the ways of her household, and eateth not the bread of idleness.” ~Verse 27
There are lots of things that can take up our time. Mine tends to be Instagram scrolling (which is why I try to limit how many people I follow there). Maybe you get wrapped up in Facebook or Netflix. It’s okay to take some time to relax and recharge, but let’s be purposeful about it. This woman knew what was going on in her home and with her people because she stayed engaged and wasn’t lazy.
Can you focus on one or more of these as you go throughout your day? Are there other ways the virtuous woman is described that inspire you? While we may not feel like we can check off many of her traits in our own lives, may God help us to continue growing in each of these areas.
Related posts:
- 10 Traits of a Wise Woman
- 5 Daily Practices for the Christian Woman
- For the Woman Who Feels Like She’s Never Enough
I just did a study on Proverbs, and it was suggested that the Proverbs 31 woman was actually an embodiment of wisdom. I thought that was interesting. 🙂
Oh, that is interesting! I hadn’t thought of it that way, but I can see how it fits the passage.
I’m getting better at thinking before I speak, but again, I have a ways to go! 😛 I do think it’s interesting when given a list, we (or maybe just me?) tend to focus on where we’re lacking or falling short. I’m going to flip the script & give a praise report here that I’m thankful God has made dependability a very easy trait for me!
I love that, Sues!! I definitely tend to focus on the areas in which I don’t measure up, so thanks for the encouragement to notice where I’m doing well 🙂