Not exactly sure how I stumbled upon ‘The Proverbs 31 Woman – Part 1’ YouTube video below. It is by Courtney from the blog WomenLivingWell.org. Her blog has all of the videos for the series. I find the videos and her blog helpful, they point out ar
eas I am able to improve in and encourage me to stay the course and do better when able. They are like iron sharpening iron, many of the points would not have settled with me if I did not hear them from another source. They spur me on to good deeds. I like how Courtney is down to earth and real such as how she mentions her home is not exactly perfect and like Better Homes & Gardens magazine all the time. It was just comforting listening to Proverbs 31 and her commentary. It gave comfort how she mentions the Proverbs 31 woman did not accomplish all of this in one day and how children may not come across as thankful in their teen years. I agree with Courtney, even though my family is far from perfect, the older I get the more thankful I am for what my parents have done for me and the family I have.
On the topic of Proverbs 31 there is also a Proverbs 31 Ministries (proverbs31.org) and ReviveOurHearts.com and the radio program Midday Connection with Moody Radio also have good resources on Proverbs 31. This chapter from the book of Proverbs is pretty much describing the perfect woman from a Biblical perspective and never mentions her outer appearance. The Bible focuses more on the heart whereas man tends to focus on the outer appearance. There is too much focus on the outer appearance. Outer beauty fades, but inward beauty improves and lasts a lifetime. To have true beauty you have to work on the inside also. When you try to be someone else you can run into issues and it can be overly difficult. Work with what you have and focus on on a spirit of contentment and thankfulness. This proverb was also rare for its’ time as it praised a woman and women had relatively low status thousands of years ago. Also, liked the suggestion from Courtney that this Proverb is not just for women and could be read to sons for what to look for in a woman. A Proverbs 31 woman is rare but not nonexistent and is from the Lord. Many of her character traits are issues of the heart. Thanks for the nice video and blog Courtney! I thought I would mention the blog and videos here so I don’t forget them and can easily re-watch and reference them in the future. Of course, Proverbs 31 is also a great message and anyone can be blessed by listening to it and it shows a thankfulness and importance and respect for women. It praises and finds the good in women.
The rest of the Bible handles more detailed and complex issues and issues of reconciliation and forgiveness and helping without enabling and grace and how to handle being wounded by someone else. It is probably possible to find something to appreciate in anyone. With God anything is possible and no one is beyond redemption, even though at first glance many people come across as unchangeable and beyond redemption and even hopeless. There is always hope and we are promised we are not to be given more than we can bear (1 Corinthians 10:13). There is always a way out to avoid making a bad situation worse. What I am getting at is there is no reason to despair if currently this is the exact opposite of what you have. God is able to work all things for good and redeem and restore and rebuild brokenness. This is highlighting the very best of a godly woman’s accomplishments over her lifetime. We are all imperfect and have our moments. It is ultimately about the heart. Don’t let your past get in the way for your future. We have all made mistakes. This highlights being thankful and appreciative toward a godly woman. Proverbs 31 is one of my favorite passages in the Bible. I find it motivating and inspiring and encouraging even though I do not seem to have accomplished half of what the Proverbs 31 woman has. Being a Proverbs 31 woman is something to strive for and a lifelong journey. It does take study and discipline and knowledge to have the Proverbs 31 woman’s character traits.
1 Corinthians 1:27-29
But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong. God chose the lowly things of this world and the despised things—and the things that are not—to nullify the things that are, so that no one may boast before him.
1 Corinthians 1:27-29
New International Version (NIV) via BibleHub.com accessed November 29, 2014, Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.®
Proverbs 31:26-31
She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue. She watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness. Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her: “Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all.” Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised. Honor her for all that her hands have done, and let her works bring her praise at the city gate.
Proverbs 31:26-31
New International Version (NIV) via BibleGateway.com accessed November 29, 2014, Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.®