I've been thinking for some time that I want to do a study of Proverbs 31. Rephrase. I need to do a study of Proverbs 31. I want with all my heart to be considered to be like the woman described in those verses.
I thought of starting it in the new year. A project to start off a new season of my life. But if I feel called to do this, why am I waiting until January? This is the bold obedience that I am learning about and trying to apply. Delayed obedience is immediate disobedience in God's eyes - one of the girls in our small church group quoted that today. It stuck.
So here we go - a study of the Proverbs 31 woman. What am I hoping to get from this? A deeper understanding of what God expects of me. A knowledge of how to be a God honoring wife and mom one day. Ways to apply it to my life now.
Here's my study text in it's entirety, let's get started...
The Wife of Noble Character
10 [b]A wife of noble character who can find?
She is worth far more than rubies.
11 Her husband has full confidence in her
and lacks nothing of value.
12 She brings him good, not harm,
all the days of her life.
13 She selects wool and flax
and works with eager hands.
14 She is like the merchant ships,
bringing her food from afar.
15 She gets up while it is still night;
she provides food for her family
and portions for her female servants.
16 She considers a field and buys it;
out of her earnings she plants a vineyard.
17 She sets about her work vigorously;
her arms are strong for her tasks.
18 She sees that her trading is profitable,
and her lamp does not go out at night.
19 In her hand she holds the distaff
and grasps the spindle with her fingers.
20 She opens her arms to the poor
and extends her hands to the needy.
21 When it snows, she has no fear for her household;
for all of them are clothed in scarlet.
22 She makes coverings for her bed;
she is clothed in fine linen and purple.
23 Her husband is respected at the city gate,
where he takes his seat among the elders of the land.
24 She makes linen garments and sells them,
and supplies the merchants with sashes.
25 She is clothed with strength and dignity;
she can laugh at the days to come.
26 She speaks with wisdom,
and faithful instruction is on her tongue.
27 She watches over the affairs of her household
and does not eat the bread of idleness.
28 Her children arise and call her blessed;
her husband also, and he praises her:
29 “Many women do noble things,
but you surpass them all.”
30 Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting;
but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised.
31 Honor her for all that her hands have done,
and let her works bring her praise at the city gate.
