We have reached the end of our Proverbs 31 study in which we were guided by Elizabeth George's workbook "Discovering the Treasures of a Godly Women".
Today's lesson had 4 points to consider that are a nice wrap up to this study...
1. Proverbs 31 is "an example of feminine excellence".
2. The Proverbs 31 example is "God's ideal for you".
3. Thank God for those virtues that you can claim you have.
4. Acknowledge the virtues that you need to improve on and ask God for help.
Showing posts with label Proverbs 31. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Proverbs 31. Show all posts
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
Monday, January 24, 2011
Proverbs 31:31
Proverbs 31:31 Give her the reward she has earned, and let her works bring her praise at the city gate.
Now at the end we see that she is to be praised and that the merit of her works will bring praise.
The lesson had a great summary of how she works and it is this work ethic that brings her praise.
Verse 13 - she works with eager hands
Verse 19 - her hands are busy
Verse 20 - she extends a helping hand
Who is to do the praising?
Verse 28 - her children
Verse 28-29 - her husband
Verse 30 - The Lord
Verse 31 - the community
Notice she is not praising herself! Proverbs 27:2 in the NLT is nice and blunt and to the point. The easiest lesson in humility you will ever have HA!
Proverbs 27:2 Don't praise yourself; let others do it!
The end of today's lesson had an interesting quote, part of which said "showing contentedness and happiness in the domestic circle depend upon the foresight and oversight of this queen of the hearth." In other words, a happy home is dependant on how we prepare and manage our lives and most importantly how we pursue a relationship with Jesus.
Now at the end we see that she is to be praised and that the merit of her works will bring praise.
The lesson had a great summary of how she works and it is this work ethic that brings her praise.
Verse 13 - she works with eager hands
Verse 19 - her hands are busy
Verse 20 - she extends a helping hand
Who is to do the praising?
Verse 28 - her children
Verse 28-29 - her husband
Verse 30 - The Lord
Verse 31 - the community
Notice she is not praising herself! Proverbs 27:2 in the NLT is nice and blunt and to the point. The easiest lesson in humility you will ever have HA!
Proverbs 27:2 Don't praise yourself; let others do it!
The end of today's lesson had an interesting quote, part of which said "showing contentedness and happiness in the domestic circle depend upon the foresight and oversight of this queen of the hearth." In other words, a happy home is dependant on how we prepare and manage our lives and most importantly how we pursue a relationship with Jesus.
Sunday, January 23, 2011
Proverbs 31:30
Proverbs 31:30 Charm is deceptive, and beauty does not last; but a woman who fears the LORD will be greatly praised.
Have you ever thought that having a fear of the Lord was to be afraid of Him? It is one of those unfortunate English translations. The word used here actually means to stand in awe of, be awed, as well as to fear, reverence, honour, respect.
So if we fear the Lord, we are in reverence. Yeah, I had to look that up too... reverence is a feeling or attitude of deep respect tinged with awe.
What else can we learn about a fear of the Lord. Best place to look of course is scripture...
Proverbs 1:7 Fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge.
Proverbs 8:13 All who fear the LORD will hate evil. That is why I hate pride, arrogance, corruption, and perverted speech.
Proverbs 9:10 Fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom. Knowledge of the Holy One results in understanding.
Proverbs 22:4 True humility and fear of the LORD lead to riches, honor, and long life.
Doing this lesson today adds to the message we had at church which was about the difference between knowing about God and knowing God. Truly knowing God comes with having a relationship with Jesus Christ. In developing and growing that relationship we gain knowledge and wisdom and learn to live in true humility.
If you claim to be a Christian and maybe even practice 'religion' but you do not know the joys and peace of a relationship with God, you can change and start to "know God". You can change all that by praying this prayer and believing it in your heart that you can come to know God through Jesus.
Jesus, I know I am a sinner, but I want to repent of my sins and turn to follow You. I believe that You died for my sins and rose again victorious over the power of sin and death, and I want to accept you as my personal Savior. Come into my life, Lord Jesus, and help me obey You from this day forward.
It all begins with asking Jesus into your life. Now grow in knowledge and wisdom through the study of the Word of God.
Have you ever thought that having a fear of the Lord was to be afraid of Him? It is one of those unfortunate English translations. The word used here actually means to stand in awe of, be awed, as well as to fear, reverence, honour, respect.
So if we fear the Lord, we are in reverence. Yeah, I had to look that up too... reverence is a feeling or attitude of deep respect tinged with awe.
What else can we learn about a fear of the Lord. Best place to look of course is scripture...
Proverbs 1:7 Fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge.
Proverbs 8:13 All who fear the LORD will hate evil. That is why I hate pride, arrogance, corruption, and perverted speech.
Proverbs 9:10 Fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom. Knowledge of the Holy One results in understanding.
Proverbs 22:4 True humility and fear of the LORD lead to riches, honor, and long life.
Doing this lesson today adds to the message we had at church which was about the difference between knowing about God and knowing God. Truly knowing God comes with having a relationship with Jesus Christ. In developing and growing that relationship we gain knowledge and wisdom and learn to live in true humility.
If you claim to be a Christian and maybe even practice 'religion' but you do not know the joys and peace of a relationship with God, you can change and start to "know God". You can change all that by praying this prayer and believing it in your heart that you can come to know God through Jesus.
Jesus, I know I am a sinner, but I want to repent of my sins and turn to follow You. I believe that You died for my sins and rose again victorious over the power of sin and death, and I want to accept you as my personal Savior. Come into my life, Lord Jesus, and help me obey You from this day forward.
It all begins with asking Jesus into your life. Now grow in knowledge and wisdom through the study of the Word of God.
Thursday, January 20, 2011
Proverbs 31:29
Proverbs 31:28b-29 Her husband praises her: "There are many virtuous and capable women in the world, but you surpass them all!"
What is it about the Proverbs 31 women that causes her husband to think she surpasses all other virtuous and capable women? Today's lesson had an exercise to scan each verse, and in a word or two pinpoint her traits that made her so excellent. You might choose other descriptions, but here are the words that first came to my mind...
verse 10 - valuable
verse 11 - trustworthy
verse 12 - helpful
verse 13 - busy
verse 14 - provider
verse 15 - organized
verse 16 - profitable
verse 17 - hard-working
verse 18 - thrifty
verse 19 - crafty
verse 20 - helps needy
verse 21 - prepared
verse 22 - talented
verse 23 - known in community
verse 24 - resourceful
verse 25 - no fear
verse 26 - wise & kind
verse 27 - aware
verse 30 - Godly
verse 31 - praised
As you look over your own list of words, where do you need to improve? This women in Proverbs 31 seems to be unattainable, but perhaps we can focus on improving one or two traits at a time. Any improvement towards living a more Godly life is improvement in the right direction.
And during all of that, if this woman is being praised by her husband it is logical to think that she is also praising her husband. Have you praised your husband today? I need to go do that right now - to thank him for giving me the day at the computer to complete some work, to check FB (shhh!), and to do my Bible study.
What is it about the Proverbs 31 women that causes her husband to think she surpasses all other virtuous and capable women? Today's lesson had an exercise to scan each verse, and in a word or two pinpoint her traits that made her so excellent. You might choose other descriptions, but here are the words that first came to my mind...
verse 10 - valuable
verse 11 - trustworthy
verse 12 - helpful
verse 13 - busy
verse 14 - provider
verse 15 - organized
verse 16 - profitable
verse 17 - hard-working
verse 18 - thrifty
verse 19 - crafty
verse 20 - helps needy
verse 21 - prepared
verse 22 - talented
verse 23 - known in community
verse 24 - resourceful
verse 25 - no fear
verse 26 - wise & kind
verse 27 - aware
verse 30 - Godly
verse 31 - praised
As you look over your own list of words, where do you need to improve? This women in Proverbs 31 seems to be unattainable, but perhaps we can focus on improving one or two traits at a time. Any improvement towards living a more Godly life is improvement in the right direction.
And during all of that, if this woman is being praised by her husband it is logical to think that she is also praising her husband. Have you praised your husband today? I need to go do that right now - to thank him for giving me the day at the computer to complete some work, to check FB (shhh!), and to do my Bible study.
Monday, January 17, 2011
Proverbs 31:28
Proverbs 31:28 Her children stand and bless her. Her husband praises her;
How can we get to the place where our children 'call her blessed' as the NIV states and we are praised by our husbands. Today's lesson is one of humility. It states "we should be much more concerned about the qualtity of our lives and our love for our children (and loving our husband) than we are about receiving praise.
Proverbs 22:6 Teach your children to choose the right path, and when they are older, they will remain upon it.
Titus 2:4 These older women must train the younger women to love their husbands and their children,
So forget about the praise for doing what you do, you probably aren't going to get it anyways - at least not in the moments when you think you need it! Instead focus on teaching your children biblical principles and values and learn how to love your husband and your children.
How can we get to the place where our children 'call her blessed' as the NIV states and we are praised by our husbands. Today's lesson is one of humility. It states "we should be much more concerned about the qualtity of our lives and our love for our children (and loving our husband) than we are about receiving praise.
Proverbs 22:6 Teach your children to choose the right path, and when they are older, they will remain upon it.
Titus 2:4 These older women must train the younger women to love their husbands and their children,
So forget about the praise for doing what you do, you probably aren't going to get it anyways - at least not in the moments when you think you need it! Instead focus on teaching your children biblical principles and values and learn how to love your husband and your children.
Sunday, January 16, 2011
Proverbs 31:27
Proverbs 31:27 She carefully watches all that goes on in her household and does not have to bear the consequences of laziness.
uggg "the consequences of laziness" I already don't like this lesson. I just know it is going to hit hard (maybe because I slept in this morning). hmmm maybe if I look at other translations it might not be so bad? (see this is me procrastinating so I can avoid learning the hard lesson).
Well the NIV uses the phrase "does not eat the bread of idleness". Is that any better? Not really it just tells me that the Proverbs 31 women is never idle...sigh...
I suppose this really is a simple lesson - one that we have already seen in the lessons of get up early & stay up late in order to get all the work done. It is a lesson in increasing diligence to make the most important duties and tasks a priority.
Here are a couple quotes from the lesson today:
"godly excellence can be lived out at home and in our home management."
"your home (is) a great and privileged responsibility"
"you must..guard what has been entrusted to you. You must pursue excellence in these two vital areas of your life - the care of our household and the care of yourself."
So that makes sense right! The care of my household would be ensuring the needs of my kids and my husband are met. My priorities that I should be diligent to make a priority are first to love them, then to feed them(preferably healthy), and to educate them (the kids that is, hubby is beyond training haha). The care of myself includes spiritual growth and my health. Anything beyond that list is 'wants' and we all know that we should focus on needs vs wants anyways.
uggg "the consequences of laziness" I already don't like this lesson. I just know it is going to hit hard (maybe because I slept in this morning). hmmm maybe if I look at other translations it might not be so bad? (see this is me procrastinating so I can avoid learning the hard lesson).
Well the NIV uses the phrase "does not eat the bread of idleness". Is that any better? Not really it just tells me that the Proverbs 31 women is never idle...sigh...
I suppose this really is a simple lesson - one that we have already seen in the lessons of get up early & stay up late in order to get all the work done. It is a lesson in increasing diligence to make the most important duties and tasks a priority.
Here are a couple quotes from the lesson today:
"godly excellence can be lived out at home and in our home management."
"your home (is) a great and privileged responsibility"
"you must..guard what has been entrusted to you. You must pursue excellence in these two vital areas of your life - the care of our household and the care of yourself."
So that makes sense right! The care of my household would be ensuring the needs of my kids and my husband are met. My priorities that I should be diligent to make a priority are first to love them, then to feed them(preferably healthy), and to educate them (the kids that is, hubby is beyond training haha). The care of myself includes spiritual growth and my health. Anything beyond that list is 'wants' and we all know that we should focus on needs vs wants anyways.
Saturday, January 15, 2011
Proverbs 31:26
Proverbs 31:26 When she speaks her words are wise, and kindness is the rule when she gives instructions.
Here we learn about "the aim of her words", that when she speaks it is with wisdom and kindness. Today's lesson had many scripture references and as I went through them I felt like I was getting a great big kick in the butt. And after the morning we had around here I needed to hear these! Funny how the Holy Spirit can just pour on that conviction sometimes. Here are some of the verses that hit me especially hard today...
Proverbs 10:14 Wise people treasure knowledge, but the babbling of a fool invites trouble.
Proverbs 17:28 Even fools are thought to be wise when they keep silent; when they keep their mouths shut, they seem intelligent.
Proverbs 15:1 A gentle answer turns away wrath, but harsh words stir up anger.
Proverbs 16: 24 Kind words are like honey--sweet to the soul and healthy for the body.
Ephesians 4:29 Don't use foul or abusive language. Let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them.
Ephesians 4:31-32 Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of malicious behavior. Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you.
Titus 2:3 ...Instead, they should teach others what is good.
Titus 3:2 They must not speak evil of anyone, and they must avoid quarreling. Instead, they should be gentle and show true humility to everyone.
So if I take the key words from these verses as I can apply them to today, here is what I pulled from that...
Today as I was a babbling fool, I should have kept my big mouth shut. Or instead of yelling at my kids I could have given them a gentle answer, because as soon as I yell at them they also turn into raging lunitics! Ok, so instead of yelling I need to use kinder words, words that are sweet, good and helpful. Rather than losing my temper I need to be kind and tenderhearted so that in return I am teaching my children what is good. If I am gentle and show humility perhaps they will become more gentle as well and will also avoid fighting me and with each other.
Boy oh boy is this a tough one...easier said than done. I may have to review this lesson every day, several times a day...
Here we learn about "the aim of her words", that when she speaks it is with wisdom and kindness. Today's lesson had many scripture references and as I went through them I felt like I was getting a great big kick in the butt. And after the morning we had around here I needed to hear these! Funny how the Holy Spirit can just pour on that conviction sometimes. Here are some of the verses that hit me especially hard today...
Proverbs 10:14 Wise people treasure knowledge, but the babbling of a fool invites trouble.
Proverbs 17:28 Even fools are thought to be wise when they keep silent; when they keep their mouths shut, they seem intelligent.
Proverbs 15:1 A gentle answer turns away wrath, but harsh words stir up anger.
Proverbs 16: 24 Kind words are like honey--sweet to the soul and healthy for the body.
Ephesians 4:29 Don't use foul or abusive language. Let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them.
Ephesians 4:31-32 Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of malicious behavior. Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you.
Titus 2:3 ...Instead, they should teach others what is good.
Titus 3:2 They must not speak evil of anyone, and they must avoid quarreling. Instead, they should be gentle and show true humility to everyone.
So if I take the key words from these verses as I can apply them to today, here is what I pulled from that...
Today as I was a babbling fool, I should have kept my big mouth shut. Or instead of yelling at my kids I could have given them a gentle answer, because as soon as I yell at them they also turn into raging lunitics! Ok, so instead of yelling I need to use kinder words, words that are sweet, good and helpful. Rather than losing my temper I need to be kind and tenderhearted so that in return I am teaching my children what is good. If I am gentle and show humility perhaps they will become more gentle as well and will also avoid fighting me and with each other.
Boy oh boy is this a tough one...easier said than done. I may have to review this lesson every day, several times a day...
Wednesday, January 5, 2011
Proverbs 31:25
Proverbs 31:25 She is clothed with strength and dignity, and she laughs with no fear of the future.
So how do you "laugh at the days to come" (NIV)? How do we get to that place where we are worry free about everything? Can it be as simple as turning to God? Let's see what He has to say...
Psalm 23:1 The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.
Psalm 37:3 Trust in the LORD and do good. Then you will live safely in the land and prosper.
Psalm 37:5 Commit everything you do to the LORD. Trust him, and he will help you.
Proverbs 3:5 Trust in the LORD with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding;
Proverbs 3:26 For the LORD will be your confidence, And will keep your foot from being caught.
Philippians 4:19 And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus.
At the end of todays lesson was a sentence that captured me: "...give your life afresh to God and proceed full-faith ahead into your beautiful day."
I like that - "full-faith ahead"!
So how do you "laugh at the days to come" (NIV)? How do we get to that place where we are worry free about everything? Can it be as simple as turning to God? Let's see what He has to say...
Psalm 23:1 The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.
Psalm 37:3 Trust in the LORD and do good. Then you will live safely in the land and prosper.
Psalm 37:5 Commit everything you do to the LORD. Trust him, and he will help you.
Proverbs 3:5 Trust in the LORD with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding;
Proverbs 3:26 For the LORD will be your confidence, And will keep your foot from being caught.
Philippians 4:19 And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus.
At the end of todays lesson was a sentence that captured me: "...give your life afresh to God and proceed full-faith ahead into your beautiful day."
I like that - "full-faith ahead"!
Monday, January 3, 2011
Proverbs 31:24
Proverbs 31:24 She makes belted linen garments and sashes to sell to the merchants.
So she finds wool, spins it, twists it into thread and makes her own fabric. Then she makes warm clothes for her family, quilts bedspreads, and gowns of the finest quality for herself. Now we see that she also makes linen garments and fancy sashes to sell.
Are you wondering the same thing I am? When does she have the time to get it all done? Well of course she gets up before dawn (verse 15) and stays up late into the night (verse 18). And of course I certainly could get up earlier and be a little less lazy in the early morning hours. And of course I could do more in the evenings, perhaps setting aside time specifically for working on projects.
Speaking of being a little less lazy, I apparently needed to have this point beat into my head because this study pulled several verses on this - ouch...
Proverbs 6:9-11 But you, lazybones, how long will you sleep? When will you wake up? I want you to learn this lesson: A little extra sleep, a little more slumber, a little folding of the hands to rest and poverty will pounce on you like a bandit; scarcity will attack you like an armed robber.
Proverbs 10:4 Lazy people are soon poor; hard workers get rich.
Proverbs 12:11 Hard work means prosperity; only fools idle away their time.
Proverbs 18:9 A lazy person is as bad as someone who destroys things.
Proverbs 28:19 Hard workers have plenty of food; playing around brings poverty.
Yeah, I think I need to get up earlier tomorrow morning. The end of today's lesson stated this:
"she shows us how to manage our time and our lives so that we can pursue our passions without neglecting our work and those at home. She used her time (every second of it), she planned and prepared, she followed a schedule, and she worked hard."
So she finds wool, spins it, twists it into thread and makes her own fabric. Then she makes warm clothes for her family, quilts bedspreads, and gowns of the finest quality for herself. Now we see that she also makes linen garments and fancy sashes to sell.
Are you wondering the same thing I am? When does she have the time to get it all done? Well of course she gets up before dawn (verse 15) and stays up late into the night (verse 18). And of course I certainly could get up earlier and be a little less lazy in the early morning hours. And of course I could do more in the evenings, perhaps setting aside time specifically for working on projects.
Speaking of being a little less lazy, I apparently needed to have this point beat into my head because this study pulled several verses on this - ouch...
Proverbs 6:9-11 But you, lazybones, how long will you sleep? When will you wake up? I want you to learn this lesson: A little extra sleep, a little more slumber, a little folding of the hands to rest and poverty will pounce on you like a bandit; scarcity will attack you like an armed robber.
Proverbs 10:4 Lazy people are soon poor; hard workers get rich.
Proverbs 12:11 Hard work means prosperity; only fools idle away their time.
Proverbs 18:9 A lazy person is as bad as someone who destroys things.
Proverbs 28:19 Hard workers have plenty of food; playing around brings poverty.
Yeah, I think I need to get up earlier tomorrow morning. The end of today's lesson stated this:
"she shows us how to manage our time and our lives so that we can pursue our passions without neglecting our work and those at home. She used her time (every second of it), she planned and prepared, she followed a schedule, and she worked hard."
Sunday, January 2, 2011
Proverbs 31:23
Proverbs 31:23 Her husband is well known, for he sits in the council meeting with the other civic leaders.
I always thought that this verse was somewhat out of place, it didn't seem to fit into the flow of the description of the woman. I didn't see that where it told me specifically what I can do to be a more godly woman. Well, that was until I did this study - we need to back up to verse 11 and verse 12.
v11 Her husband can trust her, and she will greatly enrich his life.
v12 She will not hinder him but help him all her life.
And then look at this verse:
Genesis 2:18 And the LORD God said, "It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a companion who will help him."
No matter what job a husband has, the wife is his helper. She needs to do whatever she can to help him be successful at his job, in the community, and in the home. When she does this, his life is enriched - and so is hers!!
I always thought that this verse was somewhat out of place, it didn't seem to fit into the flow of the description of the woman. I didn't see that where it told me specifically what I can do to be a more godly woman. Well, that was until I did this study - we need to back up to verse 11 and verse 12.
v11 Her husband can trust her, and she will greatly enrich his life.
v12 She will not hinder him but help him all her life.
And then look at this verse:
Genesis 2:18 And the LORD God said, "It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a companion who will help him."
No matter what job a husband has, the wife is his helper. She needs to do whatever she can to help him be successful at his job, in the community, and in the home. When she does this, his life is enriched - and so is hers!!
Proverbs 31:22
Proverbs 31:22 She quilts her own bedspreads. She dresses like royalty in gowns of finest cloth.
Hooray! We finally get to the verse that gives us biblical backing to support our quilting habits. Okay, not really, but it was fun for a moment. What really is fun is the time we are spending working on quilts after our time of Bible study. What a great way to spend time with friends - studying the Word of God and making quilts together. LOVE IT!!
So, here we get a picture of a woman who not only finds the wool, but she also spins it and twists it into fabric, then uses that fabric to make clothes for herself, her family, and to sell. Now we learn that she makes all the coverings for the beds and that the clothes she makes are of the finest cloth. Is this an unattainable perfection we are seeing? Can we live up to this level too?
Obviously I am not going to go out and spin my own wool and make my own fabric - although that would be fun, I don't think I am going to give up the convenience of shopping at the quilt shop for fabric. And most definately I am not going to make my own clothes, just too convenient to get them at the store. However, what do we do with the items we purchase and the items we make. What care and effort do we put into the appearance of our homes and ourselves?
Ohh this one is kicking me in the butt...perhaps I should quit typing and go make my bed or something......There that's better! Perhaps I can make a bigger effort to make my bed everyday, to teach my kids to make their beds everyday, to make a beautiful quilt for my bed (now that sounds like fun!).
A question in the study guide was to descibe the first impressions your physical place may be sending out. The first impressions of our home is probably - cluttered and messy with pawprints, fingerprints, sticky floors, baskets of laundry, and toys everywhere - first impression: lived in! No show home here... and not that I would want it to be, but geez could I at least have the satisfaction of a clean room before it gets trashed five minutes later.
What can we do to improve the appearance of our homes? Well, even before this lesson I have really been trying to put in the extra effort to wake up to a clean (well cleanish) house every morning. The idea being that if it starts clean every day, then it should be relatively easy to keep clean throughout the day and be clean-ish when we go to bed. I will let you know how it works out - we are still trying to get to that clean-ish starting place. The point is that we are trying, we are putting in the effort to make a change.
But what of this women who "dresses like royalty in gowns of finest cloth". Are we to dress the same? I remember my high school grad gown and my wedding gown and how on those two days I did indeed feel like I was dressed like royalty. But I also was incredibly grateful to get out of those gowns and back into something much more comfortable. No, I don't think we are to dress like royalty, let's leave that to the royals and the celebrities. So where does that leave us? The Bible gives us the answers we need...
1 Timothy 2:9-10 And I want women to be modest in their appearance. They should wear decent and appropriate clothing and not draw attention to themselves by the way they fix their hair or by wearing gold or pearls or expensive clothes. For women who claim to be devoted to God should make themselves attractive by the good things they do.
1 Peter 3:3-4 Don't be concerned about the outward beauty that depends on fancy hairstyles, expensive jewelry, or beautiful clothes. You should be known for the beauty that comes from within, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is so precious to God.
Hooray! We finally get to the verse that gives us biblical backing to support our quilting habits. Okay, not really, but it was fun for a moment. What really is fun is the time we are spending working on quilts after our time of Bible study. What a great way to spend time with friends - studying the Word of God and making quilts together. LOVE IT!!
So, here we get a picture of a woman who not only finds the wool, but she also spins it and twists it into fabric, then uses that fabric to make clothes for herself, her family, and to sell. Now we learn that she makes all the coverings for the beds and that the clothes she makes are of the finest cloth. Is this an unattainable perfection we are seeing? Can we live up to this level too?
Obviously I am not going to go out and spin my own wool and make my own fabric - although that would be fun, I don't think I am going to give up the convenience of shopping at the quilt shop for fabric. And most definately I am not going to make my own clothes, just too convenient to get them at the store. However, what do we do with the items we purchase and the items we make. What care and effort do we put into the appearance of our homes and ourselves?
Ohh this one is kicking me in the butt...perhaps I should quit typing and go make my bed or something......There that's better! Perhaps I can make a bigger effort to make my bed everyday, to teach my kids to make their beds everyday, to make a beautiful quilt for my bed (now that sounds like fun!).
A question in the study guide was to descibe the first impressions your physical place may be sending out. The first impressions of our home is probably - cluttered and messy with pawprints, fingerprints, sticky floors, baskets of laundry, and toys everywhere - first impression: lived in! No show home here... and not that I would want it to be, but geez could I at least have the satisfaction of a clean room before it gets trashed five minutes later.
What can we do to improve the appearance of our homes? Well, even before this lesson I have really been trying to put in the extra effort to wake up to a clean (well cleanish) house every morning. The idea being that if it starts clean every day, then it should be relatively easy to keep clean throughout the day and be clean-ish when we go to bed. I will let you know how it works out - we are still trying to get to that clean-ish starting place. The point is that we are trying, we are putting in the effort to make a change.
But what of this women who "dresses like royalty in gowns of finest cloth". Are we to dress the same? I remember my high school grad gown and my wedding gown and how on those two days I did indeed feel like I was dressed like royalty. But I also was incredibly grateful to get out of those gowns and back into something much more comfortable. No, I don't think we are to dress like royalty, let's leave that to the royals and the celebrities. So where does that leave us? The Bible gives us the answers we need...
1 Timothy 2:9-10 And I want women to be modest in their appearance. They should wear decent and appropriate clothing and not draw attention to themselves by the way they fix their hair or by wearing gold or pearls or expensive clothes. For women who claim to be devoted to God should make themselves attractive by the good things they do.
1 Peter 3:3-4 Don't be concerned about the outward beauty that depends on fancy hairstyles, expensive jewelry, or beautiful clothes. You should be known for the beauty that comes from within, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is so precious to God.
Proverbs 31:21
Proverbs 31: 21 When it snows, she has no fear for her household; for all of them are clothed in scarlet.
Most of the translations I looked at used the term "scarlet". The NLT used the term "warm clothes", but I wondered what was the importance of scarlet. Well, according to the concordance the word occurs many times and after a very quick scan of the verses it seems to be a color of yarn or fabric associated with wealth and riches. I have no idea why the NLT would change the term to warm, but it makes more sense to not be afraid of snow if you have warm clothes than if you simply had scarlet clothes. Anyway, someday in my spare time I will do a more in depth study of that...
I think that the point here is that no matter what the circumstances the Proverbs 31 women is prepared. Here, her family is appropriately dressed for a cold winter. Just as in verse 15 she arises early and plans out the day.
haha maybe I should write the blog post after reading the entire lesson! In the lesson we are told that scarlet "indicates warmth, quality, and cost". So there you go, the Proverbs 31 women is not only prepared but she is well prepared by providing top quality clothes for her family - clothes that she made herself from cloth she spun herself! Fascinating isn't it!? God provides so that we may be prepared!!!
We recently had a huge snowfall - over a foot of snow! That is alot even for me!!! I was prepared with my totes packed full of winter clothes for the kids - parkas, snowpants, boots, hats & mitts. Maybe by next year I will add pants, boots, hats & mitts for myself!!! And looking ahead I really should be more prepared for hurricane season...
But what if I am not prepared and a hurricane (or some other disaster) comes, what then? Be afraid? of course not...
Psalms 46:1-2 God is our refuge and strength, always ready to help in times of trouble. So we will not fear, even if earthquakes come and the mountains crumble into the sea.
Most of the translations I looked at used the term "scarlet". The NLT used the term "warm clothes", but I wondered what was the importance of scarlet. Well, according to the concordance the word occurs many times and after a very quick scan of the verses it seems to be a color of yarn or fabric associated with wealth and riches. I have no idea why the NLT would change the term to warm, but it makes more sense to not be afraid of snow if you have warm clothes than if you simply had scarlet clothes. Anyway, someday in my spare time I will do a more in depth study of that...
I think that the point here is that no matter what the circumstances the Proverbs 31 women is prepared. Here, her family is appropriately dressed for a cold winter. Just as in verse 15 she arises early and plans out the day.
haha maybe I should write the blog post after reading the entire lesson! In the lesson we are told that scarlet "indicates warmth, quality, and cost". So there you go, the Proverbs 31 women is not only prepared but she is well prepared by providing top quality clothes for her family - clothes that she made herself from cloth she spun herself! Fascinating isn't it!? God provides so that we may be prepared!!!
We recently had a huge snowfall - over a foot of snow! That is alot even for me!!! I was prepared with my totes packed full of winter clothes for the kids - parkas, snowpants, boots, hats & mitts. Maybe by next year I will add pants, boots, hats & mitts for myself!!! And looking ahead I really should be more prepared for hurricane season...
But what if I am not prepared and a hurricane (or some other disaster) comes, what then? Be afraid? of course not...
Psalms 46:1-2 God is our refuge and strength, always ready to help in times of trouble. So we will not fear, even if earthquakes come and the mountains crumble into the sea.
Boo to New Year's Resolutions!
So if I were to be serious about making any New Year's resolutions I would probably include "more consistent blogging". Well, it is a good thing that I am not serious about making new years resolutions because it is already the 2nd and I would have blown it.
Anyway, what I can do is try to be better. Afterall, I did not finish blogging my way through the Daniel study, completely missed blogging through the Ruth study, and now we are half way through the Proverbs 31 study and I have not blogged about that either. So rather than back track and try to update you on what I have missed, I will just simply start where I am and try to get back to blogging while I do my Bible study.
We are currently studying Proverbs 31 using this study guide:
Anyway, what I can do is try to be better. Afterall, I did not finish blogging my way through the Daniel study, completely missed blogging through the Ruth study, and now we are half way through the Proverbs 31 study and I have not blogged about that either. So rather than back track and try to update you on what I have missed, I will just simply start where I am and try to get back to blogging while I do my Bible study.
We are currently studying Proverbs 31 using this study guide:
Tuesday, December 28, 2010
Proverbs 31:20
Proverbs 31:20 She extends a helping hand to the poor and opens her arms to the needy.
Extending a helping hand is not only the right thing to do, we as Christians are called to help. And when we do help we are blessed.
Micah 6:8 No, O people, the LORD has already told you what is good, and this is what he requires: to do what is right, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God.
Deuteronomy 15:7-8 But if there are any poor people in your towns when you arrive in the land the LORD your God is giving you, do not be hard-hearted or tightfisted toward them. Instead, be generous and lend them whatever they need.
Proverbs 11:25 The generous prosper and are satisfied; those who refresh others will themselves be refreshed.
Proverbs 19:17 If you help the poor, you are lending to the LORD--and he will repay you!
From today's lesson, here are some ways to help:
- the giving of money
- the giving of food
- the giving of assistance
- the giving of help to the elderly or the ill
and how we can begin to pursue a heart of kindness:
- begin at home
- keep your eyes and ears open (Proverbs 20:12)
- pray for a heart of love
- err of the side of generosity
Extending a helping hand is not only the right thing to do, we as Christians are called to help. And when we do help we are blessed.
Micah 6:8 No, O people, the LORD has already told you what is good, and this is what he requires: to do what is right, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God.
Deuteronomy 15:7-8 But if there are any poor people in your towns when you arrive in the land the LORD your God is giving you, do not be hard-hearted or tightfisted toward them. Instead, be generous and lend them whatever they need.
Proverbs 11:25 The generous prosper and are satisfied; those who refresh others will themselves be refreshed.
Proverbs 19:17 If you help the poor, you are lending to the LORD--and he will repay you!
From today's lesson, here are some ways to help:
- the giving of money
- the giving of food
- the giving of assistance
- the giving of help to the elderly or the ill
and how we can begin to pursue a heart of kindness:
- begin at home
- keep your eyes and ears open (Proverbs 20:12)
- pray for a heart of love
- err of the side of generosity
Sunday, December 26, 2010
Proverbs 31:19
Proverbs 31:19 Her hands are busy spinning thread, her fingers twisting fiber.
When I read this I immediately thought of my Grandma. As long as I can remember she was never without her 'hookin' as my Dad called it. She was always working on what I now think of as magnificent projects. There are so many quilts, bedspreads, tablecloths, doillies, and afghans - I think we all have something that she made just for us. At least those of us that were here when she left us - 6 children and their spouses, 16 grandchildren - most were married, and I think there were about 32 great-grandchildren at that time.
But as I was saying, she was always working on something, and it was always for somebody else. The only photo I have on my computer of something she made is of this bedspread. She made for my room when I was young. It is still on the bed in my old room and I tried to take it home with me a couple years ago, but turns out that me and my mom have quite a dispute about who it actually belongs to haha!
My Grandma spent hundreds of hours creating gifts and thinking of others. And knowing her, I am sure she put many, many prayers into every project!
When I read this I immediately thought of my Grandma. As long as I can remember she was never without her 'hookin' as my Dad called it. She was always working on what I now think of as magnificent projects. There are so many quilts, bedspreads, tablecloths, doillies, and afghans - I think we all have something that she made just for us. At least those of us that were here when she left us - 6 children and their spouses, 16 grandchildren - most were married, and I think there were about 32 great-grandchildren at that time.
But as I was saying, she was always working on something, and it was always for somebody else. The only photo I have on my computer of something she made is of this bedspread. She made for my room when I was young. It is still on the bed in my old room and I tried to take it home with me a couple years ago, but turns out that me and my mom have quite a dispute about who it actually belongs to haha!
My Grandma spent hundreds of hours creating gifts and thinking of others. And knowing her, I am sure she put many, many prayers into every project!
Thursday, December 23, 2010
Proverbs 31:18
Proverbs 31:18 She sees that her trading is profitable, and her lamp does not go out at night.
Because of her hardwork she is profitable. She works hard because of her caring heart and her creativity increases. Her continuous hard work builds her confidence which helps to improve her skills, further increasing her creativity. Her desire to do more increases and so does her caring heart. This continuous cycle revolves around the virtue of caring for others.
Because of her hardwork she is profitable. She works hard because of her caring heart and her creativity increases. Her continuous hard work builds her confidence which helps to improve her skills, further increasing her creativity. Her desire to do more increases and so does her caring heart. This continuous cycle revolves around the virtue of caring for others.
Wednesday, December 22, 2010
Proverbs 31:17
Proverbs 31:17 She is energetic and strong, a hard worker.
She is strong because she is diligent (verse 13), disciplined (verse 15), and energetic (verse 17).
Our level of energy can be directly affected by our attitude. These verses can help us increase our energy or improve our attitude...
Nehemiah 8:10 Don't be dejected and sad, for the joy of the LORD is your strength!"
Psalm 118:24 This is the day the LORD has made. We will rejoice and be glad in it.
Galatians 5:22-23 But when the Holy Spirit controls our lives, he will produce this kind of fruit in us: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Here there is no conflict with the law.
Philippians 4:13 For I can do everything with the help of Christ who gives me the strength I need.
She is strong because she is diligent (verse 13), disciplined (verse 15), and energetic (verse 17).
Our level of energy can be directly affected by our attitude. These verses can help us increase our energy or improve our attitude...
Nehemiah 8:10 Don't be dejected and sad, for the joy of the LORD is your strength!"
Psalm 118:24 This is the day the LORD has made. We will rejoice and be glad in it.
Galatians 5:22-23 But when the Holy Spirit controls our lives, he will produce this kind of fruit in us: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Here there is no conflict with the law.
Philippians 4:13 For I can do everything with the help of Christ who gives me the strength I need.
Monday, December 20, 2010
Proverbs 31:16
Proverbs 31:16 She goes out to inspect a field and buys it; with her earnings she plants a vineyard.
Here we see this women buying property. She is putting her money to good use and enabling her to earn more money which helps her to better provide for her family.
The lesson put it like this:
"Her virtue (verse 10) led to
her willing heart (verse 13) which led to
her industry (verse13) which led to
her savings (verse 11) which led to
her investments (verse 16) which led to
her prosperity (verse 25).
Or put another way...
Here we see this women buying property. She is putting her money to good use and enabling her to earn more money which helps her to better provide for her family.
The lesson put it like this:
"Her virtue (verse 10) led to
her willing heart (verse 13) which led to
her industry (verse13) which led to
her savings (verse 11) which led to
her investments (verse 16) which led to
her prosperity (verse 25).
Or put another way...
Hard work and a love for others
leads to
A heart in pursuit of excellence
resulting in
God's gracious blessings
Sunday, December 19, 2010
Proverbs 31:15
Proverbs 31:15 She gets up before dawn to prepare breakfast for her household and plan the day's work for her servant girls.
uggg...do we really have to go here! Please can we not sleep in? What about those of us that are not morning people? Are you still thinking about the nagging, complaining, crabby wife? Yeah, me too - because I got up too early!
...sigh... are you also thinking that I need to spend some extra time on this lesson? yeah me too...sigh...
It is actually a very simply lesson really- it is in 3D - diligence, discipline, determination. hmmm perhaps I should look up the definitions of the 3D's...
Diligence: constant and earnest effort to accomplish what is undertaken; persistent exertion of body or mind.
Discipline: punishment inflicted by way of correction and training
- well maybe that's not the right definition.
- How about this instead: activity, exercise, or a regimen that develops or improves a skill; training
- although I may need some sort of punishment inflicted to get my butt out of bed earlier in the morning!
Determination - the act of coming to a decision or a fixed purpose or intention
The end of today's lesson hit pretty hard, I'll quote it:
"Just pursue the excellent pattern of the godly woman of Proverbs 31. She heartily sought and developed the disciplines in the...
- practice of early rising
- provision of daily food, and
- planning of the day's work
Who knows what we could accomplish for God, give to others, and realize for ourselves if only we would follow in this godly women's disciplined footsteps!"
uggg...do we really have to go here! Please can we not sleep in? What about those of us that are not morning people? Are you still thinking about the nagging, complaining, crabby wife? Yeah, me too - because I got up too early!
...sigh... are you also thinking that I need to spend some extra time on this lesson? yeah me too...sigh...
It is actually a very simply lesson really- it is in 3D - diligence, discipline, determination. hmmm perhaps I should look up the definitions of the 3D's...
Diligence: constant and earnest effort to accomplish what is undertaken; persistent exertion of body or mind.
Discipline: punishment inflicted by way of correction and training
- well maybe that's not the right definition.
- How about this instead: activity, exercise, or a regimen that develops or improves a skill; training
- although I may need some sort of punishment inflicted to get my butt out of bed earlier in the morning!
Determination - the act of coming to a decision or a fixed purpose or intention
The end of today's lesson hit pretty hard, I'll quote it:
"Just pursue the excellent pattern of the godly woman of Proverbs 31. She heartily sought and developed the disciplines in the...
- practice of early rising
- provision of daily food, and
- planning of the day's work
Who knows what we could accomplish for God, give to others, and realize for ourselves if only we would follow in this godly women's disciplined footsteps!"
Saturday, December 18, 2010
Proverbs 31:14
Proverbs 31:14 She is like a merchant's ship; she brings her food from afar.
Today's lesson had a great analogy and question that I will quote:
"Think about the image of a sailing ship and of a 'sailing' woman as she runs her daily errands. What do you think 'puts the wind in her sails' as she runs to and from to gather up goods?"
The 'wind in her sails' comes from a joyful spirit. She goes beyond just accomplishing the tasks, she does it out of love for her family. Her joy comes from providing for her family.
Today's lesson had a great analogy and question that I will quote:
"Think about the image of a sailing ship and of a 'sailing' woman as she runs her daily errands. What do you think 'puts the wind in her sails' as she runs to and from to gather up goods?"
The 'wind in her sails' comes from a joyful spirit. She goes beyond just accomplishing the tasks, she does it out of love for her family. Her joy comes from providing for her family.
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