This week, I’m continuing my series on the principles of the Proverbs 31 wife. The first meditation was written on Proverbs 31:10-12.
“She selects wool and flax and works with eager hands.” Proverbs 31:13
Did you know that in Latin, flax means “most useful”? This is what our hands are to be, useful and not idle. Flax was woven into linen, a very time-consuming task. But when it was done with diligence and great care, the end result was one of beauty.
Matthew Henry’s commentary on Proverbs 31 says this: “She is one that takes pains in her duties, and takes pleasure in them. She is careful to fill up time, that none be lost. She rises early. She applies herself to the business proper for her. She does what she does, with all her power, and trifles not.”
Have you ever fallen prey to idleness? There are moments when I know there are plenty of things to be done, but instead of putting myself to task, I sit lazily on the couch, watching TV or browsing the internet. Granted, the Proverbs 31 wife had no “little black box”, but the same principle applies to us today. If I find that at the end of the day I have accomplished nothing, it is mostly likely due to the fact that I did not work “in delight”. I am not speaking of having a sparkling clean house (the last time that happened for me was in 2005 before I had children), but rather of a work ethic that benefits not only ourselves but our families.
At the beginning of February, I set some personal goals for myself in different areas of my life. They included a “spring cleaning” plan for my entire house (let’s see that one happen), a weight loss goal, a project goal and, most importantly, a healthy eating plan. Whether or not every single item on these lists is accomplished, the overall idea of challenging myself to work with eager hands and work with a plan is a motivating tool.
Have you set goals for 2010? Although we are already in March, it’s not too late! I’d love for you to share your goals in the comment box so we can all motivate and encourage each other in our desire to apply the principles of a Proverbs 31 wife.
Lord, thank you for the blessing of my family. Help me to work with eager hands as I serve them out of love. Give me grace and strength for each day. Give me the desire to be the woman you want me to be, because I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Give me the motivation to do the tasks you have entrusted me with today. Amen.
WANT TO SPEAK WITH GRACE TO YOUR KIDS INSTEAD OF YELLING?
