Proverbs 31…women…

Proverbs 31….women

Finishing the book of Proverbs again…

Every time I read through the last chapter of Proverbs, I can’t help but think of women I have known who exemplify these traits and the longer I live, the more I meet…

My grandmothers, my mother, my aunts, cousins, friends from childhood, friends down through my lifetime, Bible study leaders, Sunday school teachers all through the years, women who have touched my life near and far, professors, missionaries, my daughters and my daughters-in-laws…and now my granddaughters….each adding a glorious piece to my tapestry of life…

They are all have learned or are learning that noble character….

As I was canning apricots this week, a neighbor commented, “ I wish I knew how to do that “…it made me think about my lifetime and things I took for granted…I can’t remember a time when we didn’t put aside food for the winter…my grandmothers did it, my mother, my mother-in-law did it and then I did it for my family…I grew up doing it…and that is just one trait…

Each woman I have met through life has had different talents, abilities, giftings manifesting a multitude of encouragements and ministries in the lives of others…some have been for a short season while others a lifetime…some have challenged, torn apart, criticized, or built up…while others have come along side…each a gift…some,  the conversation never ends, while others offer a single comment…

Thank YOU for the people You filter through our lives…each adding depth to our souls….love and encouragement to our lives….

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. 

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 food for her family and portions for her female servants. 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. 

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 household; for all of them are clothed in scarlet. 

She makes coverings for her bed; she is clothed in fine linen and purple. Her husband is respected at the city gate, where he takes his seat among the elders of the land. 

She makes linen garments and sells them, and supplies the merchants with sashes. 

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

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 31:10-31