Read Proverbs Chapter 31.
“Strength and honor are her clothing, and she can laugh at the time to come.” Proverbs 31:25 CSB
You did it. If you read along with us all month, you have now read the entire book of Proverbs. A book full of wisdom and insight into our daily lives. You also have finished the first quarter of our year of growing in faith. How’s it going? Has your faith grown? Comment below on how your faith has changed in the first three months of 2019, or even if it hasn’t.
We end Proverbs with one of the most talked about women in the Bible. Ministries are named after her, if you own a Thirty One bag or have heard of them, this is where the name came from; the Proverbs 31 Woman: A Wife of Noble Character. And she was noble. When I think of her, I think of many of you. Women who work hard for their husbands, for their children, for their church. Women who sacrifice daily so that others lives can flourish.
I have often heard women compare themselves to the Proverbs 31 woman, saying they can’t compete. It’s not a competition. It’s a daily giving of yourself for others. Her husband trusts her, as do yours. She gives him good, not evil, as do you. She cooks and cleans for her family, just like you, often getting up early before anyone else to do it. She is strong, she works hard. She helps others in need. She helps with the family finances. She speaks wisdom into her family from a heart that overflows with love. She loves the Lord with all her heart, she does her best to serve Him and her family well. Read Proverbs 10:10-31 again. Don’t compete with her, see yourself in her. I don’t know all of you, but I know this, you’re doing the best you can and that is all God asks.
I have loved the example this woman has set ever since I met her in the pages of Scripture. I framed these words when I was single and prayed daily to have the opportunity to follow her lead. And God has given me the opportunity to do so. I’m grateful I have a husband that trusts me, that I get to do good for all the days of my life. My fear of the Lord has given me the ability to laugh at the time to come, because I know, whatever it is, He is already there waiting for me. He’s already preparing the way for me. He’s doing the same for you. Let your laughter ring loudly, being confident not in what will come, but in the One who will be there with you.
