Job was a very religious man. He did everything by the book, careful to observe every tradition and ordinance practiced by righteousness men. He even offered sacrifices on behalf on his children in case they had sinned.
In God’s view he was ”blameless and upright and one who feared God and shunned evil”.
(Job 1:1)
Yet it wasn’t enough!!
Often when Job is discussed the focus is on his troubles and pain and suffering, and we shake our head with wonder over what he had to endure.
Rarely does the discussion go far enough to look at Job’s evaluation of his experience.
We are relieved to see the 'happily ever after' ending to Job's story but we miss the fact that the restoration of monetary wealth and a quiver full of children are not the riches that Job valued for the rest of his life.
He gained something much more valuable through his trial of suffering.
In his own words in the last chapter of his story, Job says “I have heard of You by the hearing of the ear, BUT NOW my eye sees You...”
Before his suffering, Job believed in God but what he knew about God had come ‘second hand’ or by ‘word of mouth’ from other people – Job knew only what he had heard about God.
After his suffering he knew God from personal experience –‘first hand’. He had come to know God intimately, had heard His voice, had felt His presence, had seen His heart and wisdom and love!
When we are first introduced to Job we see that he lived in fear! (Job 3; 25)
When we leave Job his fears are gone… his faith in God had reached a higher plateau. He had discovered the truth expressed in I John 4:18 “There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear…”.
None of us seek for or embrace the times of pain and suffering that come to all of us , but the richness those times bring to our relationship with God make them all worth while!
It is at those times when you have no where to turn but God that the before-thought-important things of this life are overshadowed by our suffering and we suddenly see the clarity of God in our life.
It is then that we experience the sweetness of His love and presence in a way we could never have imagined.
I used to be strong and healthy and had no thought that that would ever change. But it did.
There was a period of time for about a year where I thought my life as I had always known it was gone for good.
I had not yet been diagnosed with Rheumatoid Arthritis or Lupus and my body was in full attack. I found the simple, take-for-granted activities of life difficult or impossible. The joints in my neck, shoulders, wrists, hands, knees, ankles, feet were so inflamed and swollen they pulled the collagen from my muscles and made getting up from a sitting position, turning over in bed, opening the fridge door , brushing my hair literally impossible to do.
And the pain was excruciating.
Yet, there was the sweetness of God’s reassuring presence that kept me in a quiet place of peace! It cannot be described!
That kind of peace does not come from ‘hearing’ about God. It comes only from experiencing Him.
My life was reduced to survival-mode – everything I wanted to do had to be first evaluated in terms of possibility and pain level.
I could only find a few minutes of relative pain-relief if I lay very still - except for the pain in my shoulders - no position alleviated the pain there.
One night before snatching a few minutes sleep ( the pain did not allow more than a few minutes at a time because any involuntary twitching would jar me awake from the jolt of pain) I realized that my shoulder pain was somewhat less. I remember thinking, 'I wonder what I did to make it hurt less?'
Falling sleep with that thought, I had a dream.
The next morning I laughingly told my husband that I knew why my shoulder was somewhat better. It was because I had cut off my wings!!
He looked at me with a quizzical look and waited for the explanation.
I told him my dream. I dreamt that I had cut off my wings and in my dream I had run my hand across the places where they had been and realized that I had done a good job of cutting them off right at the root!! I could barely feel where they had once been.
I was used to having ‘silly’ dreams and thought this one was just one more.
Later that morning Vic’s nephew called and said he had been praying for me and had a verse for me. The verse was in Malachi 4:2. “But to you who fear My name the Son of Righteousness shall arise with healing in His wings.”
Immediately I thought of my dream and realized that it was not ‘silly’ but had a message in it from God.
I saw the meaning.
As long as I trusted in my ‘own wings’ to bear the pain, to try to cope with the changed circumstances of my life, trusting in my own strength to bear it – it would be difficult to impossible, but if I cut off my own wings and trusted in the Wings of God to carry me I could trust in His strength to see me through!
I loved the picture.
And the theme of God’s wings continued. The next Sunday we sang a chorus where a line jumped out at me about ‘trusting under His wings’.
I began to see reference to God’s wings, the comfort we find there, the safety, the strength, the love – Everywhere! It became a secret code between God and me – His little surprise love notes to remind me that He was with me and would carry me through.
And of course God did!! He is always enough!!
I have learned that in the difficult times of life, no matter how deep our pain or suffering is, if we allow God to walk with us, the experience leaves no lingering bitterness in our soul…. Only the sweetness and joy of His presence
I can say with Job…”Now I know you, because I have seen you”.
No matter what your trial or sorrow is, no matter how big or small, look to God, let Him in and your experience will become one that you treasure.
This earthly life may promise only pain… but God promises overcoming joy !
Tuesday, June 19, 2007
Monday, June 18, 2007
The 'Goodly Words' of a Deer
Jill challenged me to research the references and significance of ‘deer’ in the scriptures. I never turn down a challenge without at least giving it a try so here are my thoughts on the subject.
**********************
Who can watch a deer in the wild and not be moved by its gentle , graceful beauty ?!
The very first reference to deer in the bible is in Gen. 49:21 in Jacob’s prophecy to his sons. About Naphtali he says, “He is a deer let loose, he gives goodly words.” (Gen. 49:21)
Naphtali means ‘my wrestling’ signifying a struggle in Naphtali’s life yet the blessing bestowed on him promises a prevailing victory and freedom!
Obviously to be like a deer is a good thing, and if a deer could talk, its words would be gentle and kind and full of goodness!
What does it mean to be like a deer?
It means to be sure footed !!
In Psalm 18:33 it says “He makes my feet like the feet of deer, and sets me on my high places.”
A deer is so sure of foot, it fears not the high craigy places of its mountain home.
There is an interesting turn of phrase in Psalm 18:33 - “and sets me on my high places”.
A deer is so sure footed he does not look down when he runs ; his head is held high and he looks far ahead – as though he trusts something or someone else to ‘set’ his feet in secure places.
Is that not what God promises us?
Psalm 37:23 says “The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord and He delights in his way….”
Let us be like the deer --trusting that God is placing our feet in secure places…. Knowing that no matter what comes into our life, God is ordering our steps and we can keep our eyes lifted up – gazing into His face never fearing that our foot will slip!
Not only is the deer sure footed but it is a joy to watch it leap!
Isaiah 35:6 declares "the lame shall leap like a deer" in a time when God’s kingdom rules.
I love to watch a deer leap…..it seems to leap over gravity itself.
I have watched them bound up to a six foot fence , stop, look at it and then effortlessly elevate into the air over the fence and land ever so lightly on their feet on the other side!
Would that we could be like deer when obstacles block our life path. That we would stop, look, then trusting God to make a way through - simply allow His strength –in us- to lift us up and over the difficulty that threatens to overwhelm us or stop us in our tracks.
To be like a deer means to be loving.
To watch a mother doe with her fawns is a beautiful thing, and the bible uses the deer to speak of marital love.
In Prov. 5: 19 the words “as a loving deer and a graceful doe” refer to the satisfying love between a man and his wife.
Song of Solomon carries this theme in 2:9, comparing the woman’s lover to a stag. Has any king ever worn a crown as magnificent as the antlers of a buck? How regally he carries himself, every step proclaiming his royalty!
I smile when the young bucks walk across my back yard. Even when their antlers are barely showing they already hold their head with pride imitating the high stepping gait of a mature buck.
We are children of the most high….and proclaim our royalty best when we love one another – with respect and tenderness , recognizing that the love between a man and a woman is the picture God has chosen to picture His love for the body of Christ!
An important aspect of being a deer is its thirst and need of water.
In Psalm 42:1 David says, “As the deer pants for the water brook, so pants my soul for You, O God.”
Deer tend to feed near water and if they are sick they will lie near water, knowing it is the most important thing they need.
If forced to go without water for any length of time their thirst is intense and they will long for water, searching for it until they find it.
When we find ourselves in a dry place, do we know where to go? Do we seek the living water - the only thing that will quench our thirst? When we have not drunk deep enough of God’s life giving word, do we recognize our thirst and hurry to find fresh water like the deer? Or do we reach for other things to quench our thirst: the medicine cabinet, entertainment, the pursuit of financial gain, food, new toys, the remote control, sports, anything - except the One who alone has the ‘living water’ that will satisfy us?
The last verse in Song of Solomon speaks of the Shulamite woman’s longing for her love…. “Make haste my beloved and be like a gazelle or a young stag on the mountains of spices.”
Do we run like a deer, into the arms of God…ever seeking Him, longing for Him, thirsting for Him?
“Thank your, Lord, for your magnificent creation and especially for the deer that teaches us in such a beautiful way to trust You and seek You for all we need and desire!”
**********************
Who can watch a deer in the wild and not be moved by its gentle , graceful beauty ?!
The very first reference to deer in the bible is in Gen. 49:21 in Jacob’s prophecy to his sons. About Naphtali he says, “He is a deer let loose, he gives goodly words.” (Gen. 49:21)
Naphtali means ‘my wrestling’ signifying a struggle in Naphtali’s life yet the blessing bestowed on him promises a prevailing victory and freedom!
Obviously to be like a deer is a good thing, and if a deer could talk, its words would be gentle and kind and full of goodness!
What does it mean to be like a deer?
It means to be sure footed !!
In Psalm 18:33 it says “He makes my feet like the feet of deer, and sets me on my high places.”
A deer is so sure of foot, it fears not the high craigy places of its mountain home.
There is an interesting turn of phrase in Psalm 18:33 - “and sets me on my high places”.
A deer is so sure footed he does not look down when he runs ; his head is held high and he looks far ahead – as though he trusts something or someone else to ‘set’ his feet in secure places.
Is that not what God promises us?
Psalm 37:23 says “The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord and He delights in his way….”
Let us be like the deer --trusting that God is placing our feet in secure places…. Knowing that no matter what comes into our life, God is ordering our steps and we can keep our eyes lifted up – gazing into His face never fearing that our foot will slip!
Not only is the deer sure footed but it is a joy to watch it leap!
Isaiah 35:6 declares "the lame shall leap like a deer" in a time when God’s kingdom rules.
I love to watch a deer leap…..it seems to leap over gravity itself.
I have watched them bound up to a six foot fence , stop, look at it and then effortlessly elevate into the air over the fence and land ever so lightly on their feet on the other side!
Would that we could be like deer when obstacles block our life path. That we would stop, look, then trusting God to make a way through - simply allow His strength –in us- to lift us up and over the difficulty that threatens to overwhelm us or stop us in our tracks.
To be like a deer means to be loving.
To watch a mother doe with her fawns is a beautiful thing, and the bible uses the deer to speak of marital love.
In Prov. 5: 19 the words “as a loving deer and a graceful doe” refer to the satisfying love between a man and his wife.
Song of Solomon carries this theme in 2:9, comparing the woman’s lover to a stag. Has any king ever worn a crown as magnificent as the antlers of a buck? How regally he carries himself, every step proclaiming his royalty!
I smile when the young bucks walk across my back yard. Even when their antlers are barely showing they already hold their head with pride imitating the high stepping gait of a mature buck.
We are children of the most high….and proclaim our royalty best when we love one another – with respect and tenderness , recognizing that the love between a man and a woman is the picture God has chosen to picture His love for the body of Christ!
An important aspect of being a deer is its thirst and need of water.
In Psalm 42:1 David says, “As the deer pants for the water brook, so pants my soul for You, O God.”
Deer tend to feed near water and if they are sick they will lie near water, knowing it is the most important thing they need.
If forced to go without water for any length of time their thirst is intense and they will long for water, searching for it until they find it.
When we find ourselves in a dry place, do we know where to go? Do we seek the living water - the only thing that will quench our thirst? When we have not drunk deep enough of God’s life giving word, do we recognize our thirst and hurry to find fresh water like the deer? Or do we reach for other things to quench our thirst: the medicine cabinet, entertainment, the pursuit of financial gain, food, new toys, the remote control, sports, anything - except the One who alone has the ‘living water’ that will satisfy us?
The last verse in Song of Solomon speaks of the Shulamite woman’s longing for her love…. “Make haste my beloved and be like a gazelle or a young stag on the mountains of spices.”
Do we run like a deer, into the arms of God…ever seeking Him, longing for Him, thirsting for Him?
“Thank your, Lord, for your magnificent creation and especially for the deer that teaches us in such a beautiful way to trust You and seek You for all we need and desire!”
Friday, June 15, 2007
Need Some Good Advice?
We live in a fast paced society where books are on the shelf one day and outdated the next. Opinions change as fast as we can click channels or change magazine covers on our news stands.
And yet the book of Proverbs, though it was written thousands of years ago, has advice as relevant and up to date as the day it was written.
Check out the wisdom of the advice given under the following samplings of current headings.
The Latest Diet
Are you listening to the current debate on the carb versus protein diets? Are you wondering which way to lean?
Well, it seems too many carbs are not soooo good!
Prov. 25:16 “Have you found honey? Eat only as much as you need, lest you be filled with it and vomit!”
Prov. 25:27 - “It is not good to eat too much honey…”
Social Skills
Technology allows us more interaction with more people than ever before. Our social skills are important. Want some good advice?
Prov. 25:17 – “Withdraw your foot from your neighbour’s house, lest he be weary of you and so hate you.”
“He who has friends must show himself friendly…” Prov. 18:24
“He who passes by and meddles in a quarrel not his own is like one who takes a dog by the ears.”Prov. 26:17
“A man who isolates himself seeks his won desire, he rages against all wise judgment.” Prov. 18:1
“…where there is no talebearer, strife ceases.” Prov. 26:20
Animal Rights
Yes, the bible is on the side of the animal lovers!!
“A righteous man regards the life of his animal but the tender mercies of the wicked are cruel. “ Prov. 12:10
“Be diligent to know the state of your flocks and attend to your herds..” Prov. 27:23
Psychology
We are a society addicted to couch analogy. But Proverbs has some advice on the subject too.
“Hope deferred makes the heart sick…”Prov. 13:12
‘Modern’ researches have ‘discovered’ that the rise in teenage suicides is directly related to their lack of ‘hope’.
“Anxiety in the heart of man causes depression…” Prov. 12:25
Haven’t we heard a lot lately about the mental and physical health issues caused by worry and stress?
Diplomacy
We recognize the importance of diplomacy in business or personal relationships. Seminars on how to “Resolve Relational Conflicts” abound.
Yet Proverbs has some straight forward proven-to-be-successful answers.
”A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.” Prov. 15:1
“By long forbearance a ruler is persuaded, and a gentle tongue breaks a bone.” (of contention) Prov. 25:15
On Seeking Advice
We all need advice on a daily basis, but do we ask for it when we need it? Do we seek advice from a wise source? And do we listen when we are given advice?
“Without counsel, plans go awry, but in the multitude of counselors they are established.” Prov. 15:22
“Every purpose is established by counsel, by wise counsel wage war.” Prov. 20:18
“Where there is no counsel the people fall, but in the multitude of counsellors there is safety.” Prov. 11:14
"He who gets wisom loves his own soul." Prov. 19:8
Lending Money
How many family relationships and friendships are damaged because of money.
Apparently this is an age old problem for which Proverbs gives obvious advice!
“My son, if you become surety for your friend…. You are snared!” Prov. 6:1,2
“The borrower is servant to the lender…” Prov. 22:7
Honesty in Business Dealings
“Buyer Beware!” is the catch phrase of modern society. We are constantly on guard against being conned or cheated or caught in a dishonest business transaction. Too often people simply look out for their own best interests, even if it means being less than forthright. Proverbs points out that God demands honesty in all our financial dealings with each other.
“Wealth gained by dishonesty will be diminished and he who gathers by labour will increase”. Prov. 13:11
“Diverse weights and diverse measures, They are both alike, an abomination to the Lord.” Prov. 20:10
“A false balance is an abomination to the Lord, but a just weight is his delight.” Prov. 11:1
“He who is greedy for gain troubles his own house, but he who hates bribes will live.” Prov. 15:27
Work Ethics
Proverbs extols the value of a good day’s work, of an employee being faithful and diligent and honest.
“Go to the ant, you sluggard! And consider her ways.” Prov. 6:1
“The hand of the diligent will rule, but the slothful will be put to forced labor.” Prov. 12:24
Moral Ethics
One of the most serious deteriations in our society is the whole idea of right and wrong. Moral ethics are becoming more and more a personal thing and the standard is constantly being lowered. But not according to Proverbs wisdom.
“He who speaks truth declares righteousness, but a false witness deceit.” Prov. 12:12
“Better is the poor who walks in his integrity, than on perverse in his ways though he is rich.” Prov. 28:6
“Whoever commits adultery with a woman lacks understanding, - he who does so destroys his own soul” Prov. 6:32
“Wine is a mocker, intoxicating drink arouses brawling and whoever is led astray by is not wise.” Prov. 20:1
“A good name is to be chosen rather than great riches, loving favour rather than silver and gold.” Prov. 22:1
The Courts
More and more people are choosing to resolve their conflicts in the courts.
Yet Proverbs declares it is better to settle things privately.
“Do not go hastily to court for what will you do in the end when your neighbour has put you to shame? Debate your case with your neighbour himself ….” Prov. 25:8, 9
“It is not good to show partiality to the wicked or to overthrow the righteous in judgement.” Prov. 18:5
And On Overall Health
The advice on health issues today is endless, but Proverbs puts the finger of wisdom on the central things that contribute to our overall health. Listen to what it says….
"A merry heart does good like a medicene but a broken spirit dries the bones." Prov. 17:22
“My son, give attention to my words…. For they are life to those who find them and health to all their flesh.” Prov. 4:20,22
“…The tongue of the wise promotes health……” also “Pleasant words are like a honeycomb, sweetness to the soul and health to the bones.” Prov. 13:17, 16:24
And the final word that sums up all the wisdom of Proverbs….
“Fear the Lord and depart from evil, it will be health to your flesh and strength to your bones.” Prov. 3:8
And yet the book of Proverbs, though it was written thousands of years ago, has advice as relevant and up to date as the day it was written.
Check out the wisdom of the advice given under the following samplings of current headings.
The Latest Diet
Are you listening to the current debate on the carb versus protein diets? Are you wondering which way to lean?
Well, it seems too many carbs are not soooo good!
Prov. 25:16 “Have you found honey? Eat only as much as you need, lest you be filled with it and vomit!”
Prov. 25:27 - “It is not good to eat too much honey…”
Social Skills
Technology allows us more interaction with more people than ever before. Our social skills are important. Want some good advice?
Prov. 25:17 – “Withdraw your foot from your neighbour’s house, lest he be weary of you and so hate you.”
“He who has friends must show himself friendly…” Prov. 18:24
“He who passes by and meddles in a quarrel not his own is like one who takes a dog by the ears.”Prov. 26:17
“A man who isolates himself seeks his won desire, he rages against all wise judgment.” Prov. 18:1
“…where there is no talebearer, strife ceases.” Prov. 26:20
Animal Rights
Yes, the bible is on the side of the animal lovers!!
“A righteous man regards the life of his animal but the tender mercies of the wicked are cruel. “ Prov. 12:10
“Be diligent to know the state of your flocks and attend to your herds..” Prov. 27:23
Psychology
We are a society addicted to couch analogy. But Proverbs has some advice on the subject too.
“Hope deferred makes the heart sick…”Prov. 13:12
‘Modern’ researches have ‘discovered’ that the rise in teenage suicides is directly related to their lack of ‘hope’.
“Anxiety in the heart of man causes depression…” Prov. 12:25
Haven’t we heard a lot lately about the mental and physical health issues caused by worry and stress?
Diplomacy
We recognize the importance of diplomacy in business or personal relationships. Seminars on how to “Resolve Relational Conflicts” abound.
Yet Proverbs has some straight forward proven-to-be-successful answers.
”A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.” Prov. 15:1
“By long forbearance a ruler is persuaded, and a gentle tongue breaks a bone.” (of contention) Prov. 25:15
On Seeking Advice
We all need advice on a daily basis, but do we ask for it when we need it? Do we seek advice from a wise source? And do we listen when we are given advice?
“Without counsel, plans go awry, but in the multitude of counselors they are established.” Prov. 15:22
“Every purpose is established by counsel, by wise counsel wage war.” Prov. 20:18
“Where there is no counsel the people fall, but in the multitude of counsellors there is safety.” Prov. 11:14
"He who gets wisom loves his own soul." Prov. 19:8
Lending Money
How many family relationships and friendships are damaged because of money.
Apparently this is an age old problem for which Proverbs gives obvious advice!
“My son, if you become surety for your friend…. You are snared!” Prov. 6:1,2
“The borrower is servant to the lender…” Prov. 22:7
Honesty in Business Dealings
“Buyer Beware!” is the catch phrase of modern society. We are constantly on guard against being conned or cheated or caught in a dishonest business transaction. Too often people simply look out for their own best interests, even if it means being less than forthright. Proverbs points out that God demands honesty in all our financial dealings with each other.
“Wealth gained by dishonesty will be diminished and he who gathers by labour will increase”. Prov. 13:11
“Diverse weights and diverse measures, They are both alike, an abomination to the Lord.” Prov. 20:10
“A false balance is an abomination to the Lord, but a just weight is his delight.” Prov. 11:1
“He who is greedy for gain troubles his own house, but he who hates bribes will live.” Prov. 15:27
Work Ethics
Proverbs extols the value of a good day’s work, of an employee being faithful and diligent and honest.
“Go to the ant, you sluggard! And consider her ways.” Prov. 6:1
“The hand of the diligent will rule, but the slothful will be put to forced labor.” Prov. 12:24
Moral Ethics
One of the most serious deteriations in our society is the whole idea of right and wrong. Moral ethics are becoming more and more a personal thing and the standard is constantly being lowered. But not according to Proverbs wisdom.
“He who speaks truth declares righteousness, but a false witness deceit.” Prov. 12:12
“Better is the poor who walks in his integrity, than on perverse in his ways though he is rich.” Prov. 28:6
“Whoever commits adultery with a woman lacks understanding, - he who does so destroys his own soul” Prov. 6:32
“Wine is a mocker, intoxicating drink arouses brawling and whoever is led astray by is not wise.” Prov. 20:1
“A good name is to be chosen rather than great riches, loving favour rather than silver and gold.” Prov. 22:1
The Courts
More and more people are choosing to resolve their conflicts in the courts.
Yet Proverbs declares it is better to settle things privately.
“Do not go hastily to court for what will you do in the end when your neighbour has put you to shame? Debate your case with your neighbour himself ….” Prov. 25:8, 9
“It is not good to show partiality to the wicked or to overthrow the righteous in judgement.” Prov. 18:5
And On Overall Health
The advice on health issues today is endless, but Proverbs puts the finger of wisdom on the central things that contribute to our overall health. Listen to what it says….
"A merry heart does good like a medicene but a broken spirit dries the bones." Prov. 17:22
“My son, give attention to my words…. For they are life to those who find them and health to all their flesh.” Prov. 4:20,22
“…The tongue of the wise promotes health……” also “Pleasant words are like a honeycomb, sweetness to the soul and health to the bones.” Prov. 13:17, 16:24
And the final word that sums up all the wisdom of Proverbs….
“Fear the Lord and depart from evil, it will be health to your flesh and strength to your bones.” Prov. 3:8
Thursday, June 14, 2007
Profile of a Virtuous Woman
Proverbs 31 contains the oft quoted description of the virtuous wife.
The chapter credits are given to King Lemuel’s mother.
Who is King Lemuel?
The name is most probably one of Solomon’s aliases since this is the only time in scripture this name is mentioned and history records no king by that name. Lemuel means ‘belonging to God’. When Solomon was born, it is the only time we are told that “God loved” a baby and he was consequently named Jedidiah (loved of the Lord). This name is also never mentioned again. Chapter 30 of Proverbs is credited to Agur, son of Jekah - which would translate to “words of the wise from the son of obedience”.
The most reasonable consensus is that both Agur and Lemuel are fanciful names for Solomon along with ‘The Preacher'. Solomon never refers to himself as Solomon.
Accepting that, we would have to conclude that ‘King Lemuel’s’ mother is Bathsheba. Interesting, is it not?
I would think that the first 9 verses of chapter 31 are the words Bathsheba taught Solomon, but then I think the last part of the chapter describing the virtuous woman are once again reverting back to being Solomon’s words.
When it came to women Solomon put more stress on quantity than on quality so I doubt this description would be his observation from a marital position. So to me it seems most likely that Solomon was describing his mother – through the eyes of a loving and adoring son!
When I read the description of the virtuous woman it focuses on the things that she does. But I like to read between the lines and envision the kind of person she was.
The first thing observed about her is that “the heart of her husband safely trusts her”. I think that is the highest praise a wife can receive.
What is it that makes a husband feel secure? It is his wife’s respect for him. It has been said that a man will choose respect over love….while a woman will choose love over respect. Obviously, this virtuous wife respects her husband enabling him to excel in all he does. She continually has his well being in mind, yet she is an independent woman who thinks for herself.
The list of all the virtuous woman accomplishes is tiring even to think about but the sense given is that she does it all out of the joyful exuberance of boundless energy rather than out of drudgery or duty. Never once is there any hint of her complaining or feeling unappreciated.
The virtuous wife is a woman in control of her world and loving it!
She is the inventer of the word 'multitasking'. She juggles her business ventures with her other duties and it seems none of them suffer. She is well organized.
She is not one to waste her time…. She is not given to idle window shopping; when she goes to town she knows what she wants and gets it – be it wool or flax or real estate.
She manages her finances well and invests her profits wisely.
She is talented and creative, working with her hands and finding pleasure in the finished projects. She weaves fine linen and makes belts which she sells to the merchants.
She sees to the needs of her family, her staff and the poor in her community.
Yet, though all her focus is outward with everyone else’s needs in mind, she does not neglect herself. She still finds time to present herself as a fashion plate.
She is sought out for her wisdom and advice and is known for her kind and gentle ways.
She never seems to suffer from fatigue or stress nor becomes disgruntled with her life or upset with her children. They all think she is the greatest mom and her husband cannot stop singing her praises in his influential circles.
It appears that all who know her admire her – not from afar but from within the intimate circle of her caring heart.
Her outward beauty is outshone by her inner beauty that is lit by her love for God. And there is her secret….
“A woman who fears the Lord, she shall be praised, Give her of the fruit of her hands and let her own words praise her in the gates.”
What a high example to follow!!
It seems impossible to attain even for us technologically advanced and enlightened women of our modern times. But her secret has not changed.
If we want what she had – an undeniably blessed life – it starts with our relationship with God.
“If we seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness then all these (other) things will be added unto us!!” (Matt. 6:33)
The chapter credits are given to King Lemuel’s mother.
Who is King Lemuel?
The name is most probably one of Solomon’s aliases since this is the only time in scripture this name is mentioned and history records no king by that name. Lemuel means ‘belonging to God’. When Solomon was born, it is the only time we are told that “God loved” a baby and he was consequently named Jedidiah (loved of the Lord). This name is also never mentioned again. Chapter 30 of Proverbs is credited to Agur, son of Jekah - which would translate to “words of the wise from the son of obedience”.
The most reasonable consensus is that both Agur and Lemuel are fanciful names for Solomon along with ‘The Preacher'. Solomon never refers to himself as Solomon.
Accepting that, we would have to conclude that ‘King Lemuel’s’ mother is Bathsheba. Interesting, is it not?
I would think that the first 9 verses of chapter 31 are the words Bathsheba taught Solomon, but then I think the last part of the chapter describing the virtuous woman are once again reverting back to being Solomon’s words.
When it came to women Solomon put more stress on quantity than on quality so I doubt this description would be his observation from a marital position. So to me it seems most likely that Solomon was describing his mother – through the eyes of a loving and adoring son!
When I read the description of the virtuous woman it focuses on the things that she does. But I like to read between the lines and envision the kind of person she was.
The first thing observed about her is that “the heart of her husband safely trusts her”. I think that is the highest praise a wife can receive.
What is it that makes a husband feel secure? It is his wife’s respect for him. It has been said that a man will choose respect over love….while a woman will choose love over respect. Obviously, this virtuous wife respects her husband enabling him to excel in all he does. She continually has his well being in mind, yet she is an independent woman who thinks for herself.
The list of all the virtuous woman accomplishes is tiring even to think about but the sense given is that she does it all out of the joyful exuberance of boundless energy rather than out of drudgery or duty. Never once is there any hint of her complaining or feeling unappreciated.
The virtuous wife is a woman in control of her world and loving it!
She is the inventer of the word 'multitasking'. She juggles her business ventures with her other duties and it seems none of them suffer. She is well organized.
She is not one to waste her time…. She is not given to idle window shopping; when she goes to town she knows what she wants and gets it – be it wool or flax or real estate.
She manages her finances well and invests her profits wisely.
She is talented and creative, working with her hands and finding pleasure in the finished projects. She weaves fine linen and makes belts which she sells to the merchants.
She sees to the needs of her family, her staff and the poor in her community.
Yet, though all her focus is outward with everyone else’s needs in mind, she does not neglect herself. She still finds time to present herself as a fashion plate.
She is sought out for her wisdom and advice and is known for her kind and gentle ways.
She never seems to suffer from fatigue or stress nor becomes disgruntled with her life or upset with her children. They all think she is the greatest mom and her husband cannot stop singing her praises in his influential circles.
It appears that all who know her admire her – not from afar but from within the intimate circle of her caring heart.
Her outward beauty is outshone by her inner beauty that is lit by her love for God. And there is her secret….
“A woman who fears the Lord, she shall be praised, Give her of the fruit of her hands and let her own words praise her in the gates.”
What a high example to follow!!
It seems impossible to attain even for us technologically advanced and enlightened women of our modern times. But her secret has not changed.
If we want what she had – an undeniably blessed life – it starts with our relationship with God.
“If we seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness then all these (other) things will be added unto us!!” (Matt. 6:33)
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