Proverbs 31 Woman — Part 14

Posted on 2020-11-23 by Mirjam Fels

Her husband is known in the gates,
When he sits among the elders of the land.

Proverbs 31:23

LORD Jesus we praise You for You have made us male and female. We thank You for making us in Your own image. Thank You for loving us so much that You would step down from Your throne to come to this earth, to live the perfect life, to die for our sins, to rise again — to make the way for us to Heaven. Help us, O God we pray, to hold on tight to You, to read what the LORD says, and to trust and obey Your Word. In Jesus’ precious name we pray. Amen.

Verses 10-12 talk about the virtuous woman being a wife. This verse now refers to her husband’s reputation. I think that this one is one of the key verses for a good marriage.

READ — Let’s read the verse again:

Her husband is known in the gates,
When he sits among the elders of the land.

ENGAGE — Think: What does the verse say?

Who is known in the gates?
(her) _____
When and where is he being noticed?
while sitting _____ _____ _____ of the land.

Matthew Henry writes:

By his wise counsels, and prudent management of affairs, it appears that he has a discreet companion in his bosom, by conversation with whom he improves himself. By his cheerful countenance and pleasant humour it appears that he has an agreeable wife at home; for many that have not have their tempers strangely soured by it. Nay, by his appearing clean and neat in his dress, every thing about him decent and handsome, yet not gaudy, one may know he has a good wife at home, that takes care of his clothes.

APPLY — Think: How does this apply to you?

In what way/s can you add to your husband’s reputation? How can you be this “discreet companion” and “agreeable wife” for him at home? What does his clothing reveal to others?

DO — Think: What are some of the ways you could apply this verse?

“Has God indeed said?” Don’t fall for the old trick of that devil. Go to the Word to find the truth — about God, about male and female, and about marriage.

God has made you for your man. He has made you to be your man’s helper. You might doubt this, but you are playing a very important role in your husband’s life. There is so much you can do for him to support him.

No idea what this could be? Start small: think of some daily tasks you could do for him, e.g. shine his shoes, iron his shirt, put out his clothes for the next day — you know best what he needs! Or, how about encouraging him to take that extra course so he can get the promotion?

In Proverbs 31 Woman — Part 3  I quoted F.B. Meyer. This post is perfect to quote what he has said in his next sentence:

The woman in the home communicates the inspiration and strength which make him “known in the gates.”

You are of great importance in your man’s life. Support him today.

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Proverbs 31 Woman — Part 13

Posted on 2020-11-20 by Mirjam Fels

She makes tapestry for herself;
Her clothing is fine linen and purple.

Proverbs 31:22

LORD Jesus, we praise You for You are the One who has made us. You are the One who provides for us. Forgive us, O God we pray, whenever we seek our own power, our own wisdom, and our own way. Renew us day by day so that we will not look at the things which are seen, but at the things which are eternal. In Jesus’ mighty name we pray. Amen.

Even though the first sentence might sound a bit outdated for some of us, I like what Matthew Henry comments on this verse:

She makes herself coverings of tapestry to hang her rooms, and she may be allowed to use them when they are of her own making. Her own clothing is rich and fine: it is silk and purple, according to her place and rank. Though she is not so vain as to spend much time in dressing herself, nor makes the putting on of apparel her adorning, nor values herself upon it, yet she has rich clothes and puts them on well.

READ — Let’s read today’s verse again

She makes tapestry for herself;
Her clothing is fine linen and purple.

ENGAGE — Think: What does the verse say?

What does she make for herself?
_____

What type of clothing does she have?
fine _____ and _____

In modern terms, think of tapestry as in decoration for the home. Sure, it could be a tapestry hanging on the wall, but it could also be something else.

The virtuous woman’s clothing is fine linen and purple. This tells us that she is wealthy and that she has taste. She knows how to dress.

APPLY — Think: How does this apply to you?

What are some of the things you like to use to decorate your home? Do your guest notice that you are a woman of God?

If you are going through your wardrobe and looking at your clothing, what comes to your mind? Do you care what others think of you what type of clothes you are wearing?

DO — Think: What are some of the ways you could apply this verse?

To give your home a fresh start: declutter, reorganize, then decorate. A clean house makes a huge difference. It’s hard to keep a house clean, though, which is full of clutter. There are things that do not “belong” anywhere in the home and keep wandering from one place to another.

First, decide what is necessary and what needs to go; include all the decoration. Second reorganize. Each thing needs its own place where it is taken from and where it will go back to. Now it’s time to decorate your home (again).

This verse about the virtuous woman’s clothing might lead some of us to think that we are in need of an abundance of clothes. Not so! Yes, there are women out there who seem a lot richer than us — their shoes, handbag, scarf, and all match their dress.

Wearing the same shirt or sweater more often does not make you look poor. There are many ways you can enrich your wardrobe simply by wearing different accessories along with each clothing. Choose the colors wisely and stick to them when buying more clothes and shoes.

Beauty starts within. Seek the LORD who is your Strength and Beauty.

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Proverbs 31 Woman — Part 12

Posted on 2020-11-19 by Mirjam Fels

She is not afraid of snow for her household,
For all her household is clothed with scarlet.

Proverbs 31:21

LORD Jesus, we praise You. We do not have to be afraid for You are with us wherever we are and whatever we are facing. Forgive us whenever we do not make it a priority to listen to Your Word. Guide us in our reading, our learning and our understanding — what it is that You want us to do. In Jesus’ precious name we pray. Amen.

The virtuous woman’s household is prepared for winter. She started early in the year. Even throughout summer and fall she has brought in the resources that she would need to make warm blankets and clothing for her household. The days shorten and the temperature begins to fall, but she is not afraid of the snow for her household.

READ — Let’s read the verse again

She is not afraid of snow for her household,
For all her household is clothed with scarlet.

ENGAGE — Think: What does the verse say? (Fill in the blank)

She is not _____ of snow for her household.

What is her household clothed with?
_____

The first thing that comes to mind is that if we rise early enough and are well prepared for the coming days we will succeed. It is, of course, a good and needful thing to plan ahead and be ready. We can read that throughout the whole Bible. On the other side, however, if God is not for us then we will labor in vain. We can work as soon as possible, endless hours, and as hard as we want to, all no guaranties for success.

APPLY — Think: How does this apply to you?

What are some of the things your household is in need of (before) winter? Could you make some of them at home? Where would you get the materials from? Which is the place you are heading for first?

DO — Think: What are some of the ways you could apply this verse?

Are you a believer in Christ? If not, seek first the Kingdom of God. This is the most important thing. Make it a top priority. And, yes, you will find the King of this Kingdom — because God says so in His Word. Once a believer in Christ Jesus, you do not have to be afraid of the days ahead.

If you are a Christian, pray and ask for God to provide for you and your household. Philippians 4:6 says

Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God.

Know that God shall supply all of your needs
according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.
(Philippians 4:19)

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