Right now, I’m working through the Good Morning Girls Proverbs 31 study. It’s not too late to start! Come on over and download your copy of the study today!
“She sets about her work vigorously; her arms are strong for her tasks. She sees that her trading is profitable, and her lamp does not go out at night. In her hand she holds the distaff and grasps the spindle with her fingers. She opens her arms to the poor and extends her hands to the needy.
Proverbs 31:17-20
Wow! Talk about ambitious! When we look at this list of talents that the Proverbs 31 wife was privileged to have, it can be easy to feel overwhelmed. These verses imply that she was constantly busy (in the morning AND late at night!) working tirelessly to improve the life of her family.
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| woman sewing – photo credit |
Wesley’s commentary on these verses explains that she “puts forth her utmost strength in her business”. The KJV translation for verse 17 is “she girdeth her loins with strength.” In Biblical times, men going into battle would “gird up their loins” or tuck their loose robes in around their waists in preparation for battle.
She is diligent, working until the work is done. She works for fair trade, wanting to give as well as receive for her labor. Caring for the disadvantaged is a priority in her life. She also has many practical talents like sewing and spinning (not leaving the work only to her servants but pitching in herself). With these talents, she makes high-quality, warm clothing and obtains goods for her household so that she, not just her husband, can take care of the family.
How does she have time to do all this? She didn’t have TV or the internet to keep her distracted, that’s for sure! She is diligent, dedicated and deliberate in running her home. In other words, she doesn’t sit around watching the Food Network and eating brownies (not that I’d know anything about that!)
I think it’s important for us ladies to remember that it is not without the Lord’s strength that she can do these things, and the same applies to us today.
Isaiah 49:28 says that God “gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak”. Are you overwhelmed with the tasks ahead of you, exhausted with morning sickness or lacking the support of your family? God will not leave you to accomplish these things on your own! Our tasks may not be the same and our talents are uniquely different. We shouldn’t strive for perfection!
“Lord, please give me the diligence and dedication to be deliberate in the way I care for my family and the people around me. Help me to use my talents for your glory and rely on you when I feel weak. Amen.”
“Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.” Isaiah 40:30-31
WANT TO SPEAK WITH GRACE TO YOUR KIDS INSTEAD OF YELLING?
4 Comments on How Does She Find the Time? Proverbs 31, Week 6
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This is great Jenn!
Thanks Ashley :)
I used the word “overwhelmed” this very morning. This weekend was packed with obligations, and so I accomplished nothing around the house and it’s all staring at me now lol! Thank you for the encouraging reminder, as I was slipping back into the “relying on self” trap. Time to pray! Have a good day.
Thanks so much for your encouragement :) Definitely good to rely on the Lord!