Becoming a Proverbs 31 Woman Part 2
Day 4 was about maintaining your mindset.
Proverbs 31:16-18 “She considers a field and buys it, out of her earnings she plants a vineyard. She sets about her world vigorously; her arms are strong for her tasks. She sees that her trading is profitable, and he lamp does not go out at night”
Proverbs 31:24 “She makes linen garments and sells them, and supplies the merchants with sashes.”
1 Peter 4:10 “Each of you should use whatever gifts you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.”
She worked inside and outside of her home and ran her own business. Her family is well looked after. Anyone else tired yet? She did not spend time scrolling on her phone. Although that too has its time and place too. The idea/ principle has also been suggested to me over the years that God gives us each enough grace to complete the tasks that He has give us to do. Meaning that some people can handle more than others and that there is no need to compare. I suspect the same can be applied in this case as well.
The author reminds us that we are all different and should not compare our gifts and talents with those around us. This is becoming increasingly hard with social media, if you ask me.
Proverbs 31:10 suggests that it is hard to find a woman like her. She is different in a good way. Not every woman can be her.
Our identity should not be wrapped up in what we do or the gifts we have been given. Rather, in what Jesus says about us. We have been given these gifts in order to bless those around us, but they are not who we are. Yes, they can add to our identity, but they are not the most important part of our identity. For example. When someone asks us who we are, our first response should be that we are children of God. Then we can mention our athletic abilities, or the paintings we have painted, cakes we have baked, dresses we have sewn, books we have written, etc. Or the titles we hold. We are first a child of God before we are a wife, sister, friend, employee, etc. Because all those earthly titles can be taken away, but the title of Child of God can’t be taken away.
She sees the value in her work. Not only is it helping others, but it is also producing income for her family. I have a tendency to not only undervalue myself, but my work as well. My excuse is often that “it's not my main income source,” so therefore I shouldn’t charge more. And because I love the task that I am doing or the service I am providing, it is wrong to charge for it. But both are false. If God allows it, we should be charging for the goods and services we provide that are outside of our main source of employment. Heck, maybe they will become our main source of income. I’m looking forward to building a business around sewing down that road, and maybe I need to charge more for my services. We shall see what God says when the time comes.
Today’s challenge asks us to look at our lives and ask ourselves if there are areas where we are holding back because we do not value our gifts or are second-guessing our work? Where are my overthinkers today?
Day 5 is about strength and dignity in action.
Proverbs 31:17 “She sets about her work vigorously; her arms are strong for her tasks.”
Proverbs 31:25 “She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come.”
Proverbs 31:30 “Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.”
2 Corinthians 12:9 “But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weakness, so that Christ’s power may rest on me” I’ve never quite understood boasting in our weakness. I guess we could say it like this, “I can’t, but God can.”
As present-day Proverbs 31 women, we need to manage our time well. It's not about squeezing in every task. It's about prioritizing both the tasks and time. And if you are able, multitasking. It's also not about doing more and burning out. It's about sitting down with God and asking Him what He wants us to do in this season and every season to come. He will give you the strength to do all the things He has called you to do.
She is also not focused on her outward appearance. She is dressed well and likely takes pride in her appearance, but she is more focused on the Lord and her relationship with Him and the tasks that He has given her.
Today’s challenge asks us this: What does walking in strength look like for you practically today?
There are a handful of verses that the Bible study leaves out, but I think are equally important.
Proverbs 31:15 “She gets up while it is still dark; she provides food for her family and portions for her servant girls.”
She is up at the crack of dawn preparing for the day and takes care of not only her family but also her servant girls. She could task her servant to prepare breakfast for her family, but that's not who she is. She serves others first. Also, it's okay if you are not a morning person. I’m sure that there are some Proverbs 31 women out there who are night owls.
Proverbs 31:19 “In her hands she holds the distaff and grasps the spindle with her fingers.”
We modern women have the advantage of going to the store and buying the fabric; we don’t have to make it first. Can you imagine how much longer it would take to make a pretty sundress? Oh, my goodness. And here I thought cutting out or creating a pattern was time-consuming.
Proverbs 31:20 “She opens her arms to the poor and extends her hands to the needy.”
Proverbs 31:21 “When it snows, she has no fear for her household; for all of them are clothed in scarlet.” She is always prepared for the season ahead.
Proverbs 31:22 “She makes coverings for her bed; she is clothed in fine linen and purple.” Again, she is well dressed but not consumed by her outward appearance.
Proverbs 31:23 “Her husband is respected at the city gate, where he takes his seat among the elders of the land.”
Proverbs 31:26 “She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue.” She doesn’t say the first thing that comes to her mind; she thinks through what she wants to say and decides if it is helpful or necessary. Something I know I struggle with, and I imagine many others do as well.
Proverbs 31:28 “Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her.”
Proverbs 31:29 “Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all.”
Proverbs 31:31 “Give her the reward she has earned, and let her works bring her praise at the city gate.”
At the end of the day, the Proverbs 31 woman is a blessed woman who knows her worth, works hard and loves her family. The list of things that she does may seem daunting to some, but I imagine that there are many of us who love and fear the Lord and are born-again believers who could have a similar list written about us.
I pray that this encourages, blesses, challenges and teaches you today, friend. If you find yourself feeling condemned while reading this section of Scripture, don’t let the enemy get the best of you. Pray and ask the Holy Spirit what you should be working on to become a Proverbs 31 woman.
God Bless
~Hannah
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