Proverbs 31
Bible Passage: Proverbs 31
In the world today we see girls/women emulating the likes of Miley Cyrus and other dubious role models, that it is refreshing to find a woman of good virtue, responsibility and good strength of character.
Proverbs 31 embodies qualities which every woman should strive for in personal life, family life and daily duties.
Sisters can use this chapter as a checklist…
Who can find a virtuous wife? For her worth is far above rubies
(Verse 10)
A virtuous woman is like a ruby, a rare gem. Rare stones are very beautiful, brilliant and lustrous. Like the ruby, this woman has an inner beauty and a strength of character which is lacking in society. She is hard to find and is worth so much.
Today there is a great emphasis on external beauty.
Television programs are devoted to show how plain unattractive housewives can be transformed into gorgeous and alluring women with the help of cosmetics and hair products. Makeup tutorials are readily available on the internet, health supplements and cosmetic surgeries are offered to deter ageing and help people look young and attractive.
Of course there is nothing wrong with adorning ourselves with pretty clothes and accessories, but it is important to always remember that real beauty in the sight of God is not the product of cosmetics, but the beauty shining from within.
Although it may sound cliché but true beauty radiates from within.
When I read today’s chapter, a sister came to my mind immediately. In my opinion, I feel that she can be the “spokeswoman” of Proverbs 31.
In fact, there was a handful of church members who commented on her good virtue…she is a good wife to her husband and an exemplary worker of God. She works silently without complaints and is selfless towards the children in church.
With her kind-heartedness and gentle nature she is a very good example to our church sisters J I do aspire to be like her. Truly, her good nature makes her beautiful outwardly.
Peter speaks of the inner beauty that every woman ought to have:
…when they observe your chaste conduct accompanied by fear. 3 Do not let your adornment be merely outward-arranging the hair, wearing gold, or putting on fine apparel- 4 rather let it be the hidden person of the heart, with the incorruptible beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is very precious in the sight of God.
1 Peter 3:2-5
Rather than obsessing over outward appearance, women who want to beautify themselves should develop a godly character and behavior that results in good works.
The fear of the Lord is essential to cultivate inner beauty. If we are not God-fearing, it is impossible to radiate the beauty of the Lord.
If we fear God, we will be afraid to do anything that displeases Him..in fact God is so great that to sin against Him is unthinkable!
But a woman who fears the LORD, she shall be praised
(Verse 30)
A godly, virtuous life will be rewarded. May we fervently seek to please God in all that we do.
One Comment
PS
Is Prov 31:10-31 a guide to search for a wife only?
Do Prov 31:10-31 apply to sisters only?
Both bro and sis are members of the body (church) which Christ is the head. (Eph 5:23, 29-30)
Hope i m not stretching it a bit too far to suggest that Prov 31:10-31 apply to brothers too bec they are also the bride/wise virgin of Lord Jesus Christ.
Marriage is instituted by God in the beginning. What is His purpose?
God instituted marriage to let His people learn faithfulness and belongingness.
We are very blessed now bec we are in the period of grace for Lord Jesus has come.
In Baptism and footwashing, we belong to Lord Jesus and we have a part in Him. In Holy Communion, we partake His flesh and blood spiritually into our body. He abides in us through His Holy Spirit. He instructs us to keep Sabbath as our dedication to Him.
However are we always faithful to Lord Jesus? Do we really feel that we belong to Him?
In our body of flesh, frequently we are no better than the Israelites of old whom God called harlots.
Marriage is good for it gives us a practical platform to learn the meaning of faithful (Song of Solomon 8:6-7, Gal 5:19, 21) and to belong (Eph 5:31).
All of us need to be ready (Rev 19:7-8).