In establishing why I've had such a problem in keeping up with this blog, I realized it's because I have lacked purpose and direction up until this point. And as I thought about where that direction would come from I realized that I need only draw inspiration from my title. How I stumbled upon Proverbs 31 in the Making? To be entirely honest, it was the first thing that popped into my head and I went with it. So in searching what that even means I decided to dig deep into what the scripture has to say and discover what makes a Proverbs 31 woman.
This is in no way meant to be an exegetical look at this passage of scripture, it is merely a brief overview, taking the descriptions of 'her" at face value.
"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 is a woman who can be trusted, who adds value to the lives of those most important to her.
"She selects wool and flax and works with eager hands."
She is a shopper who isn't afraid to work for what she wants.
"She is like the merchant ships, bringing her food from afar. She gets up while it is still dark; she provides food for her family and portions for her servant girls."
She is creative in the kitchen and makes more than enough for those in her home. Her hosting skills take effort, but she believes it is well worth it.
"She considers a field and buys it; out of her earnings she plants a vineyard."
When shopping she hunts for bargains and invests her money wisely.
"She sets about her work vigorously; her arms are strong for her tasks."
She enjoys being physical and keeps herself strong and active.
"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 is a diligent worker who doesn't play by the 9-5, but sees her work through to completion.
"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 takes care of all that are in her life, and ensures that those around her are looked after.
"She makes coverings for her bed; she is clothed in fine linen and purple."
She enjoys beauty in both her home and herself.
"Her husband is respected at the city gate, where he takes his seat among the elders of the land."
She understands she is worth the best and doesn't allow relationships in her life that will not be uplifting to her. She refuses to settle for anything less and surrounds herself with those who will remind her of such.
"She makes linen garments and sells them, and supplies the merchants with sashes."
She is crafty and creative.
"She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come."
She walks with confidence and lives life to the fullest.
"She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue."
She is intelligent and helps guide others through life's obstacles.
"She watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness."
She budgets and is a good steward never wasting a moment.
"Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her."
She invests in relationships and understands their value and worth.
"Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all."
She doesn't seek to be like the rest, but lives to set the standard.
"Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised."
She seeks not the approval of man, for she understands where her worth truly lies.
With that being said, I know that there are many days I will not measure up to everything on this list, but I don't believe any of us truly do. It is more about discovering what personality traits you do possess, and choosing to grow in the areas that may be weaker.
What am I choosing to highlight/grow in, you may ask?
She is intelligent.
She is crafty, creative and decorative.
She is fashionable.
She is a hostess who enjoys spending time in the kitchen.
She invests in her relationships with both God and others.
She loves and lives life to the fullest.
Let's begin this journey again, I'm excited to see where it leads.
