Reflection:
The woman described in Proverbs 31:10-31 is often upheld as an example of an exceptional wife. In these verses we read that ‘her children arise and call her blessed’, so we can see that her qualities also make her an exceptional mother. With a positive outlook and approach, this passage can give anyone – whether a mother or not – admirable characteristics to focus on and prayerfully seek to acquire.
This lady is full of diligence in providing for her household, and has a servant heart; she is motivated and busy in providing food for her family (verse 15). She has vigour in her daily tasks, and keeps busy and purposeful. She is compassionate to those in need, and acts to help them (verse 20). She is described as being ‘clothed with strength and dignity’ (verse 25). She ‘speaks with wisdom’ and gives ‘faithful instruction’ (verse 26). She is not idle. Most importantly, in all that she does, this woman ‘fears the Lord’, and by her life shows that this is the most important thing, because charm is deceptive, and beauty is a fleeting thing.Â
How does the example of this ‘woman of noble character’ inspire you? Are there any character traits in particular that challenge you, or that you would like to prayerfully cultivate in your own life?Â
Prayer:
Dear Father, we pray that in all things, we would put you first, just as this woman did. Please grant us wisdom, so that we may speak it to others and offer faithful instruction to those around us. Please give us diligence in our daily tasks, a servant heart towards those in our lives, and compassion towards those in need. Please give us your perspective, so that we can recognise those things which are passing away, and are not worth seeking, and those things which honour you and last for eternity. Amen.