What a Woman!

This past week in my girls' bible study we discussed the Proverbs 31 woman. What an example! What a challenge to each of us! 

As we read, I had the girls choose one quality of the Proverbs 31 woman that came easiest to them, one that was hardest for them, and one that was most important to them. It was an awesome reminder that God made us all different, yet we can all work together to accomplish some pretty awesome things. 

Before we begin, I must say that I know, as women, we try to do it all. I know I do. We try to be everything below. But we can't do it without God working through us. And we can't do it without taking time to take care of ourselves. Know what your priorities are. Know what God is calling you to do. And be okay saying "No" to some things that don't fit those lists. It's better to give 100% to the five priorities God is calling you to focus on then 60% to everything. (I'm still struggling with this myself.)

I hope you will be encourage, inspired, and challenged by the passage below and my application of it.

A wife of noble character who can find? She is worth far more than rubies.
Her husband has full confidence in her and lacks nothing of value.
She brings him good, not harm, all the days of her life. 

I love the words above and try to live up to them in my marriage. Too often today wives belittle and discourage their husbands - but it's our job to be a wife our husband can trust, a wife that takes care of our husband and builds him up with our words and actions. 

She selects wool and flax and works with eager hands.
She is like the merchant ships, bringing her food from afar.

She gets up while it is still night; she provides for her family and her servants.

  This woman works hard to see that her family is taken care of and has the best of provisions. She is not lazy, but is willing to give up her time to watch over and provide for her home.  She not only takes the care of her family, but also takes care of those who work for her... 

She considers a field and buys it; out of her earnings she plants a vineyard.
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

Not only is she wise with her time, but she is also wise with her money. She is active in the family budget, making wise investments, and her husband can trust her with the family finances.

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.

When it snows, she has no fear for her house;all of them are clothed in scarlet.

She makes coverings for her bed; she is clothed in fine linen and purple. 

This woman isn't lazy, but uses her talents and resources for her family and others. Not only does she give her time and heart for her own family, but she takes the time to give back to those who may not be as blessed as she is. While her first priority is taking care of her family and making sure they have all they need, she also makes sure that she presents herself well and represents her family beautifully.

Her husband is respected at the city gate, where he takes his seat among the elders.
She makes linen garments and sells them, supplies the merchants with sashes.

 She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come. 

Her husband is respected by others and able to be successful,  in part because he has a wife he can trust, a wife others admire, a wife who is his partner and help-meet. While her husband is working hard, this woman uses her talents to bring income to the family and provide for others. Because of her hard work and kind spirit, she can look forward to what's ahead with joy, knowing that she is prepared for whatever God has for her.

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.

This woman inspires others and speaks carefully, sharing her experiences and wisdom. She does not let things get past her in her home, but actively prays for, watches out for, and takes care of her home. 

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, let her works bring her praise at the city gate.

What a life to live and legacy to leave! She is admired and appreciated by her husband - who has confidence in her as his partner through life - and her children, who have been taken care of and have had the godly influence of their hardworking, kind mother. She will be honored and her legacy will be great.