Proverbs 31 Woman — Part 17

Posted on 2020-11-27 by Mirjam Fels

She opens her mouth with wisdom,
And on her tongue is the law of kindness.

Proverbs 31:26

LORD Jesus, we praise You for You are the Word. You are Wisdom. You are Kindness. You are Love. You are all the things we run out of so quickly. Forgive us that we so often look unto other people and things instead of looking to the One who is above all. Enable us to grow in Your Love. Make us wise, O God we pray, that we may learn to use our words seasoned with love and kindness. In Jesus’ precious name we pray. Amen.

The virtuous woman’s speech is filled with wisdom. Her words are kind — reminding herself and encouraging others to do what is right. Are we able to do the same?

READ — Let’s read it again

She opens her mouth with wisdom,
And on her tongue is the law of kindness.

ENGAGE — What does the verse say?

How does the virtuous woman open her mouth?
(with) _____

What law is on her tongue?
(the law of) _____

Matthew Henry comments on this verse:

Her wisdom and kindness together put a commanding power into all she says; they command respect, they command compliance. How forcible are right words!

Yes, words are powerful. They can build us and others up, and they can tear us and others down. That is why it is so important that we watch out and stay in control of them.

We are in such a powerful position. Our role is very important. Within the safety of our homes we can guide our husband and our children the most.

APPLY — Think: How does this apply to you?

What is your attitude while communicating? Do you submit to authorities and correction? Are your conversations seasoned with kindness? Where lies your strength when you happen to correct others? What is your weakness in doing so?

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

Speech begins within yourself. Watch over things that occupy your mind. Be careful what things you are giving access to your heart. (John Flavel wrote a great piece called “Keeping the Heart” which thoroughly covers that)

Use the Word. Listen to what Hebrew 4:12 says:

For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.

You cannot use what you do not know. So make it your top priority to study God’s Word.

Watch your mouth — outside and inside your home. Your words are powerful especially inside your home. Where do you see opportunities for yourself to build up another person? What kind of words are we using in prayer?

Written words are powerful. You are not able to reach your husband and/or your children (and grandchildren) because you cannot talk with each other? How about writing a little note, email, or even a letter to them?

Wisdom and kindness are found in God’s Word. Read your Bible today!

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Proverbs 31 Woman — Part 16

Posted on 2020-11-26 by Mirjam Fels

Strength and honor are her clothing;
She shall rejoice in time to come.

Proverbs 31:25

LORD Jesus, we praise You for You have said that You will never leave us nor forsake us. Be our Strength and enable us to give all glory to You. Let us rejoice in the time to come because we are found in You. Remind us that without You we can do nothing, but with You all things are possible. Hallelujah! In Jesus’ precious name we pray. Amen.

Who does not seek strength to face hardships? Which one of us does not like to receive honor? We all rejoice whenever we know that the future is bright and without burdens. All easier said than done. What can we learn from today’s verse?

READ — Let read it again.

Strength and honor are her clothing;
She shall rejoice in time to come.

ENGAGE — What does the verse say?

What are the two things the virtuous woman is clothed with?
_____ (and) _____

When shall she rejoice?
_____ _____ _____ _____

The virtuous woman is clothed with strength. She acknowledges that the LORD is her Strength. God is her Support. She trusts Him and obeys His Word. Only then, she knows, will she be able to face each small and huge task that lies in front of her that day.

The virtuous woman is clothed with honor. She knows the Word. She loves the LORD her God. She keeps her eyes fixed on Him — no matter what the circumstances.

APPLY — Think: How does this apply to you?

Where is your strength? From whom do you seek honor? Do you rejoice in the days to come?

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

First, build on the right foundation. Put off the old woman, be renewed in the spirit of your mind, and put on the new woman. (Ephesians 4:24) Meaning, God needs to come first. It matters what He says. That is the way to go!

When trouble comes, when you are feeling weak, when people turn their back on you, when you are facing the corner, then human strength will reveal how much it is really worth. Contrary to us, Christ Jesus is:

far above all principality and power and might and dominion,
and every name that is named,
not only in this age but also in that which is to come.

Ephesians 1:21

Seek His Strength!

True, some people might praise you for what you have accomplished. And it does feel good, doesn’t it? And, I’m not saying that this is (always) wrong. We need to encourage one another and give honor to whom honor is due. But let me ask you this: When was the last time that you seeked honor coming from God?

Matthew Henry explains that well in his commentary:

… those are truly honourable whom God puts honour upon by taking them into covenant and communion with himself and designing them for his kingdom and glory, Joh 12:26.

This is what John 12:26 says:

If anyone serves Me, let him follow Me;
and where I am, there My servant will be also.
If anyone serves Me, him My Father will honor.

Seek His Honor!

Seek Him first and rejoice in time to come.

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Proverbs 31 Woman — Part 15

Posted on 2020-11-25 by Mirjam Fels

She makes linen garments and sells them,
And supplies sashes for the merchants.

Proverbs 31:24

LORD Jesus, we praise You for Your Word. Forgive us whenever we are doing things our own way. Enable us to love You more each day, and guide us to tell others about this amazing Love You have for us. Let us reach out to others, not only in words, not only through our business with them, but especially to praise You — for You are mighty to save. Hallelujah! In Jesus’ precious name we pray. Amen.

The next four blog posts will be about verses 24 to 27. God’s Word tells us that the virtuous woman is tireless in creating things — some for her family and some to sell — and how she diligently watches over her household.

READ — Let us read today’s verse again.

She makes linen garments and sells them,
And supplies sashes for the merchants.

ENGAGE — What does the verse say?

What does she make?
_____ _____

What does she do with these garments?
(she) _____ (them)

What does she supply for the merchants?
_____

The virtuous woman is tireless. She not only looks well after her own household but here she is also running a business out of her own home. She makes garments which she can sell, and also trades with “sashes” (belts) with the merchants.

APPLY — Think: How does this apply to you?

Have you been gifted with a certain talent which you could use in the comfort of your own home? Is there a lack of a certain supply or kind of service within your area which you could provide for?

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

Obviously the virtuous woman made garments and belts. Not every woman is the born seamstress, though. Do you prefer crocheting or knitting items?

For some of us it might be making clothing or products for the home, for others the business could mean a specific service. What talent/s has God gifted you with? Babysitting? Cleaning? One or more foreign languages? Extraordinary knowledge in Math? Could you tutor somebody? Imagine, you could use your talents to bless people and at the same time to earn a little extra money.

Do all things as unto the LORD.

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