A Virtuous Woman - A Mother's Day Message
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A Virtuous Woman - A Mother's Day Message
A good woman is hard to find,
and worth far more than diamonds.
Her husband trusts her without reserve,
and never has reason to regret it.
Never spiteful, she treats him generously
all her life long.
She shops around for the best yarns and cottons,
and enjoys knitting and sewing.
She’s like a trading ship that sails to faraway places
and brings back exotic surprises.
She’s up before dawn, preparing breakfast
for her family and organizing her day.
She looks over a field and buys it,
then, with money she’s put aside, plants a garden.
First thing in the morning, she dresses for work,
rolls up her sleeves, eager to get started.
She senses the worth of her work,
is in no hurry to call it quits for the day.
She’s skilled in the crafts of home and hearth,
diligent in homemaking.
She’s quick to assist anyone in need,
reaches out to help the poor.
She doesn’t worry about her family when it snows;
their winter clothes are all mended and ready to wear.
She makes her own clothing,
and dresses in colorful linens and silks.
Her husband is greatly respected
when he deliberates with the city fathers.
She designs gowns and sells them,
brings the sweaters she knits to the dress shops.
Her clothes are well-made and elegant,
and she always faces tomorrow with a smile.
When she speaks she has something worthwhile to say,
and she always says it kindly.
She keeps an eye on everyone in her household,
and keeps them all busy and productive.
Her children respect and bless her;
her husband joins in with words of praise:
“Many women have done wonderful things,
but you’ve outclassed them all!”
Charm can mislead and beauty soon fades.
The woman to be admired and praised
is the woman who lives in the Fear-of-God.
Give her everything she deserves!
Festoon her life with praises!
proverbs 31:1-31’
The words of King Lemuel, the utterance which his mother taught him:
What, my son?
And what, son of my womb?
And what, son of my vows?
Do not give your strength to women,
Nor your ways to that which destroys kings.
It is not for kings, O Lemuel,
It is not for kings to drink wine,
Nor for princes intoxicating drink;
Lest they drink and forget the law,
And pervert the justice of all the afflicted.
Give strong drink to him who is perishing,
And wine to those who are bitter of heart.
Let him drink and forget his poverty,
And remember his misery no more.
Open your mouth for the speechless,
In the cause of all who are appointed to die.
Open your mouth, judge righteously,
And plead the cause of the poor and needy.
Who can find a virtuous wife?
For her worth is far above rubies.
The heart of her husband safely trusts her;
So he will have no lack of gain.
She does him good and not evil
All the days of her life.
She seeks wool and flax,
And willingly works with her hands.
She is like the merchant ships,
She brings her food from afar.
She also rises while it is yet night,
And provides food for her household,
And a portion for her maidservants.
She considers a field and buys it;
From her profits she plants a vineyard.
She girds herself with strength,
And strengthens her arms.
She perceives that her merchandise is good,
And her lamp does not go out by night.
She stretches out her hands to the distaff,
And her hand holds the spindle.
She extends her hand to the poor,
Yes, she reaches out her hands to the needy.
She is not afraid of snow for her household,
For all her household is clothed with scarlet.
She makes tapestry for herself;
Her clothing is fine linen and purple.
Her husband is known in the gates,
When he sits among the elders of the land.
She makes linen garments and sells them,
And supplies sashes for the merchants.
Strength and honor are her clothing;
She shall rejoice in time to come.
She opens her mouth with wisdom,
And on her tongue is the law of kindness.
She watches over the ways of her household,
And does not eat the bread of idleness.
Her children rise up and call her blessed;
Her husband also, and he praises her:
“Many daughters have done well,
But you excel them all.”
Charm is deceitful and beauty is passing,
But a woman who fears the Lord, she shall be praised.
Give her of the fruit of her hands,
And let her own works praise her in the gates.
A Mother's Day Message
Confession Of Faith: I am not moved by what I see or by what I feel.I am moved by what I believe. I believe the WORD of God The victory is mine! - I have it Now!I can see it through the eyes of my faith
Confession Of Faith: I am not moved by what I see or by what I feel.I am moved by what I believe. I believe the WORD of God The victory is mine! - I have it Now!I can see it through the eyes of my faith
Peggy Lee - I'm A Woman
Peggy Lee - I'm A Woman
I can wash out 44 pairs of socks and have 'em hangin out on the line I can starch & iron 2 dozens shirts 'fore you can count from 1 to 9
I can scoop up a great big dipper full of lard from the drippins can Throw it in the skillet, go out & do my shopping, be back before it melts in the pan 'Cause I'm a woman! W-O-M-A-N, I'll say it again
Throw it in the skillet, go out & do my shopping, be back before it melts in the pan 'Cause I'm a woman! W-O-M-A-N, I'll say it again
I can rub & scrub this old house til it's shinin like a dime Feed the baby, grease the car, & powder my face at the same time Get all dressed up, go out and swing til 4 a.m. and then Lay down at 5, jump up at 6, and start all over again 'Cause I'm a woman! W-O-M-A-N, I'll say it again
Feed the baby, grease the car, & powder my face at the same time Get all dressed up, go out and swing til 4 a.m. and then
Lay down at 5, jump up at 6, and start all over again 'Cause I'm a woman! W-O-M-A-N, I'll say it again
If you come to me sickly you know I'm gonna make you well If you come to me all hexed up you know I'm gonna break the spell If you come to me hungry you know I'm gonna fill you full of grits If it's lovin you're likin, I'll kiss you and give you the shiverin' fits 'Cause I'm a woman! W-O-M-A-N, I'll say it again
If you come to me all hexed up you know I'm gonna break the spell If you come to me hungry you know I'm gonna fill you full of grits If it's lovin you're likin, I'll kiss you and give you the shiverin' fits 'Cause I'm a woman! W-O-M-A-N, I'll say it again
I can stretch! a green back dollar bill from here to kindom come! I can play the numbers pay the bills and still end up with some!I got a twenty-dollar gold piece says there ain't nothing I can't do I can make a dress out of a feed bag and I can make a man out of you
I got a twenty-dollar gold piece says there ain't nothing I can't do
I can make a dress out of a feed bag and I can make a man out of you
'Cause I'm a woman! W-O-M-A-N, I'll say it again 'Cause I'm a woman! W-O-M-A-N, and that's all.
'Cause I'm a woman! W-O-M-A-N, and that's all.
INTRODUCTION
(31:10-31) Chapter 31 of the Book of Proverbs is presented as advice which King Lemuel's mother gave to him, about how a virtuous king should reign, and also detailing the attributes of a virtuous wife or ideal woman. The second section of text of this chapter directs women to be industrious and fear the Lord.
The 10th to 31st verses of the chapter are a praise of the good wife, woman mother, a definition of an "ideal woman". This is a summary of the good woman's character. This depicts how a woman of wisdom conducts herself both in and outside the home!
1. (31:10-12) She has an excellent, noble character.
The first and foremost quality of a treasured wife is not outer beauty but inner character. The subject of this lesson is introduced in the first verse of this passage: it is the virtuous woman—an excellent and capable woman of noble character.
a. She is very rare (v. 10).
a. She is very rare (v. 10).
Like wisdom itself, the noble woman is a rare and precious treasure. She is more valuable than rubies Scripture is saying, then, that the value of a virtuous woman is far greater than rubies, and greatly to be desired. Indeed, she is a gift from the Lord (19:14).
Houses and riches are an inheritance from fathers,
But a prudent wife is from the Lord.
b. She is trustworthy: Her husband can rely on her (vv. 11-12).
b. She is trustworthy: Her husband can rely on her (vv. 11-12).
The excellent wife’s husband has complete confidence in her. He knows that her heart is completely devoted to him. This virtue alone is priceless. Her blessed husband never has to worry about her fidelity. He never questions her motives and he never doubts her word. He understands the nature of men, that his wife will sometimes catch the eye of other men, but it does not bother him. In his heart he knows that she would never betray him, never do anything to hurt him or cause him shame. She will always act in his best interests. His heart is secure in her lifelong faithfulness: all the days of her life she will be good for him and do good for him.
A trustworthy wife satisfies him and makes him content (v. 11b). Indeed, she enriches his life, enhances his esteem, and meets his needs. She completely fulfills him. He is settled, stable, and most satisfied with her.
1. (31:13-16) She manages her household well.
This capable woman is exclusively dedicated to her husband and entirely devoted to her home. These are her top priorities, given to us by inspiration of the Holy Spirit in this order. The home is founded upon the lifelong love commitment between a husband and a wife. Together they comprise the core of the home, and together they build a household—a family—upon their love. This family is the focus and the fruit of the godly woman’s life, next to her personal devotion to her husband.
a. She provides clothing (selects and sews wool…) (v. 13).
a. She provides clothing (selects and sews wool…) (v. 13).
The worthy wife’s family is well-clothed by her hand. It expresses that her work is not a duty, it is the desire of her heart; it is not drudgery, it is the delight of her life; it is not a punishment, it is a pleasure. All that she does for her family is truly a labor of love.
By preparing clothing for your family, you also teach your children what is appropriate to wear
b. She purchases food (v. 14).
b. She purchases food (v. 14).
The noble woman’s family is not only well-clothed but also well-fed. Scripture likens her food- shopping expedition to that of merchants’ ships that sail in from afar, suggesting that she fills her bags with an assortment of interesting items like spices from far away lands. No doubt, she delights in preparing menus filled with variety, so she uses a mixture of seasonings to flavor the foods she prepares. Like weaving and sewing her family’s clothing, making meals for them is a joy for her and gives her great satisfaction.
c. She gets up early and prepares breakfast (v. 15a).
c. She gets up early and prepares breakfast (v. 15a).
This noble woman has a family and a house to run and therefore cannot afford the luxury of sleeping late. She is up before daylight to prepare breakfast for her family.
d. She plans the day’s work for her servants (v. 15b).
d. She plans the day’s work for her servants (v. 15b).
As a busy wife and mother—or perhaps just one or the other—it is usually impossible for you to sleep late. You have to discipline yourself to arise early so you can complete all that is required of you. Furthermore, in most cultures today, few women have the privilege being stay-at-home wives and mothers. It is necessary for most women to work outside the home to help support their families. In these cases, an excellent wife and mother makes the sacrifice of rising early to see that her families’ needs are still met. If your work schedule makes this impossible, sit down and discuss your schedule with your family. Together, come up with a plan to ensure that things continue to run smoothly in your absence. Explain that part of your duty before you go to bed is to make sure they are prepared for the next day with appropriate clothing and a healthy breakfast.
e. She takes care of household affairs (finances, purchases, gardens, vineyards…) (v. 16).
e. She takes care of household affairs (finances, purchases, gardens, vineyards…) (v. 16).
The exceptional woman is enterprising: through her labor and investments she contributes to her family’s income.
1. (31:17-19) She is diligent and hard-working.
Interestingly, lazyness is one of the most ridiculed and despised vices in Proverbs. But the noble woman will never be accused of being lazy. Her industriousness is emphasized throughout this passage. She does not merely labor from light to light: her work begins before the sun rises and continues after it has set.
a. She is energetic and strong (v. 17).
a. She is energetic and strong (v. 17).
The praiseworthy wife is not afraid of hard work. While she is lovely and feminine, she is not delicate and pampered. She works tirelessly and vigorously.
b. She searches for bargains, plans ahead, and works late at night (v. 18).
b. She searches for bargains, plans ahead, and works late at night (v. 18).
The noble woman is wise in her dealings and sees to it that she receives a satisfactory return for her investment of time and labor.
c. She stays busy weaving fabric and sewing clothes for the family and to sell to others (vv. 18-19).
c. She stays busy weaving fabric and sewing clothes for the family and to sell to others (vv. 18-19).
While others sleep, she is weaving fabric on the spindle and sewing clothes, producing more and more garments. There is a demand for the fabric and clothes she makes. Long hours are necessary to meet the public’s requests as well as the needs of her family. The point is that she willingly and thankfully stays busy.
2. (31:20) She is compassionate and caring.
2. (31:20) She is compassionate and caring.
Note the hands of the godly woman: they are eager and energetic and are extended to the poor (vv. 13, 19, 20). She labors long and late into the night, not only to clothe her family but also to help others who are disabled, unemployed, or poor (). One of the most outstanding qualities of the wise and the righteous in Proverbs is their care for the poor (14:21, 31; 19:17; 22:9; 28:27; 29:7).
3. (31:21) She has keen foresight: She provides for the future welfare of her household.
3. (31:21) She has keen foresight: She provides for the future welfare of her household.
The diligent wife and mother prepares the warm garments her family will need when the snow comes. she does not procrastinate. She is not scrambling to adequately clothe her family when cold weather strikes
4. (31:22) She makes herself attractive.
The noble wife takes great pride in her appearance and in making herself attractive and appealing to her husband. “For all her strength and business acumen, she is still elegant.” She crafts beautiful clothing for herself and attractive coverings for their bedroom.
5. (31:23) She honors and respects her husband’s ability.
5. (31:23) She honors and respects her husband’s ability.
The excellent woman’s husband is a leader in the community. The city gates were the center of major activity for the area. Everything important that happened in a city occurred at the gates.
This is where business, political, and
legal affairs were transacted. Land may refer to the city within the gates, or it could mean that his influence extends beyond the gates to the region or nation.
The virtuous woman’s husband is successful outside the home because of her diligence and support in the home. She complements her husband’s talents and gifts. As a result, he considers her skills equally important and he fully supports her. They help and lift each other up. She and her husband are a team that cannot be divided or defeated.
6. (31:24) She helps earn the family’s income when needed.
6. (31:24) She helps earn the family’s income when needed.
The noble woman’s financial contribution to the family is mentioned. She makes clothing for her family, herself, and to sell to others (vv. 13,21,24). Her products are made of fine linen and are of excellent quality.
7. (31:25-29) She has a strong testimony.
Although the noble woman is outwardly attractive and elegantly adorned, her true beauty is inner.
a. She has strength, dignity, and confidence in the future (v. 25).
a. She has strength, dignity, and confidence in the future (v. 25).
b. She is wise and kind: She gives helpful and reliable counsel (v. 26).
Throughout Proverbs, one of the chief attributes of wisdom is a gracious and controlled tongue. When the noble, virtuous woman opens her mouth, only wisdom comes out (10:31). She does not speak foolishly, wickedly, or with evil intent. Many women are known to be “tattlers and busybodies, speaking things which they ought not”
And besides they learn to be idle, wandering about from house to house, and not only idle but also gossips and busybodies, saying things which they ought not.
c. She stays alert to what goes on in her family: She is not idle—does not ignore any matter (v. 27).
c. She stays alert to what goes on in her family: She is not idle—does not ignore any matter (v. 27).
This capable woman is again praised, this time in regard to protecting her family. She is not passive in this area; she is watchful for anyone or anything that might threaten her family. Looketh well or watches (saphah) is used of the watchman who guards the city:
d. She is openly praised by her children (v. 28a).
d. She is openly praised by her children (v. 28a).
Rise up means to stand and make a public declaration or announcement (; ). The noble woman’s children want the world to know how precious she is to them. She is the force behind whatever success they achieve. They unashamedly stand and bless her dear, sweet name.
8. (31:30-31) She has strong faith in God.
What makes the excellent, noble woman such a cherished treasure? What is behind all that she is and does? Lemuel’s mother reveals the secret of her success:
a. She is not focused on deceptive and fleeting beauty (v. 30a).
a. She is not focused on deceptive and fleeting beauty (v. 30a).
The value of the noble woman is not based on her pleasing personality, nor is it determined by her physical beauty. The Hebrew word for grace is translated favor or charm. It is most often used in the Old Testament with the word find. Here it refers to a personality or demeanor that results in her finding favor with others: she is popular and well-liked. But grasp the point of this verse: personality and popularity do not necessarily reveal a person’s true character. A charming disposition is not necessarily genuine; it may be a sham. Many people are masters at deceitfully portraying themselves in order to get what they want from others. We should not judge a woman (or any person) by her (or his) personality. The most popular girls do not always make the best wives.
used in the Old Testament with the word find. Here it refers to a personality or demeanor that results in her finding favor with others: she is popular and well-liked. But grasp the point of this verse: personality and popularity do not necessarily reveal a person’s true character. A charming disposition is not necessarily genuine; it may be a sham. Many people are masters at deceitfully portraying themselves in order to get what they want from others. We should not judge a woman (or any person) by her (or his) personality. The most popular girls do not always make the best wives.
b. She fears the Lord (v. 30b).
b. She fears the Lord (v. 30b).
Here is the secret of the noble woman, what makes her priceless and incomparable: she is praiseworthy because of her fear of the Lord, that is, her reverent, submissive relationship with the Lord. This honorable woman embodies the attributes of wisdom found throughout Proverbs:
⇒She has an impeccable character and great integrity.
⇒She is loyal and trustworthy.
⇒She does good, not evil.
⇒She is diligent and industrious.
⇒She makes wise financial decisions.
⇒She is compassionate toward the needy.
⇒She is prepared for the future.
⇒She is strong and honored.
⇒She is confident and bold.
⇒She has great hope for the future.
⇒She controls her speech, which is always holy and gracious.
⇒She instructs others in truth.
⇒She is kind and fair with others.
All of this is a result of her relationship with the Lord. Her exceptional worth is based on her fear of Him (1:7). Men who are wise do not choose their wives because of their popularity or beauty. They select a woman who is characterized by her genuine reverence for and humble obedience to God, a woman who demonstrates the behavior and beautiful qualities spelled out in the list above.
c. She deserves to be rewarded: Her works are to be praised (v. 31).
c. She deserves to be rewarded: Her works are to be praised (v. 31).
The fruit of her hands refers to all that she has done throughout her life, both for her family and for the community-at-large. It includes …
· the garments and coverings she has sewn
· the house she has beautifully decorated
· the delicious meals she has prepared day by day
· the businesses she has started
· the maidens she has managed
· the needy she has helped
· the people she has counseled and instructed
Yet, this is not all she has done. It includes something much greater than these. She has put everything she has into raising and nurturing a family skilled in successful living, one that fears the Lord and adores her with all their hearts. They are her works. They all praise her at the gates of the city, where deals are sealed, judgments are rendered, and laws are passed…where work of far lesser importance than hers is done
A virtuous woman