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.

Proverbs 31:13

Proverbs 31:13 She finds wool and flax and busily spins it. (NLT)

Proverbs 31:13 She selects wool and flax and works with eager hands. (NIV)

I chose two translations because it can show two entirely different virtues.  First she is busy, implying that there is always something on the go, she is always busy at something.  But second, and perhaps more importantly, she works eagerly.  She is happy and joyful while she works...still thinking about that nagging, complaining, crabby wife?  yeah me too...sigh...

Proverbs 31:12

Proverbs 31:12 She will not hinder him but help him all her life.

How can you help your husband?  By being aware of what he is doing, what he needs and wants, and providing for him. Showing your love by being observant and thoughtful.

We can learn from Jesus' actions in Acts 10:38 Then Jesus went around doing good

Perhaps we need to shift our focus and put it on what you can do for your family and husband rather than what they are not doing for you.  Shift your focus from being nagging and complaining and instead meet the needs of your family.  (notice that I wrote this point in the second person - this was/is a really big ouch point!)

Proverbs 31:11

Proverbs 31:11 Her husband can trust her, and she will greatly enrich his life.

Let's first have a look at the opposite of enriching his life - these are actually quite funny, probably because we know they are so true...

Proverbs 19:13 a nagging wife annoys like a constant dripping.

Proverbs 21:9  Better to live on a corner of the roof than share a house with a quarrelsome wife. 

Proverbs 21:19 It is better to live alone in the desert than with a crabby, complaining wife.

Proverbs 27:15 A nagging wife is as annoying as the constant dripping on a rainy day.

Okay, pretty clear that we should watch ourselves and be careful not to nag, complain, argue, or be crabby. Yikes!  Probably need to work on this a bit more!

Our husbands can trust us when they can count on us, trust us with information, when we are responsible, reliable, dependable, and they are able to place their confidence in us - no matter what.  That is what we should strive for - that and biting our tongues when we are crabby and wanting to complain!

Proverbs 31:10

I got back into blogging in the middle of this study, but hated to leave it unfinished here on the blog.  So I am backdated some entries so that in case anyone wanted to follow the complete study here you could.

The study is based on Proverbs 31 and guided with this workbook:
We are currently studying Proverbs 31 using this study guide. It is a great workbook and I recommend it for a great study of Proverbs 31. 



Proverbs 31:10 Who can find a virtuous and capable wife? She is worth more than precious rubies.

The term virtuous also means trustworthy, dependable, faithful, strength, noble character.


Proverbs 12:4 A wife of noble character is her husband's crown, but a disgraceful wife is like decay in his bones.

A worthy wife makes him happy, a shameful wife exhausts him.  Which are you, or which would you rather be?  I would prefer to be precious to my husband - to be considered by him as the heart of the family.

A Time to Embrace by Karen Kingsbury

A Time to Embrace by Karen Kingsbury

If you are reading reviews then you already know the storyline and you know this is Christian fiction, with characters that pray and read scripture.  I won't repeat all that..

I have never read a Karen Kingsbury book before, so this review is for all of you who also have not experienced this talented Christian author. In a few words, this is a book that you can fall into and let the world go by until you are done. And when you are done, you will be looking for more tissues and more Karen Kingsbury novels because in one book she has become one of your favorite authors.


Disclosure: Thomas Nelson Publishers provided me with a complimentary copy of this book as part of their BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program.

Then Sings My Soul by Robert J. Morgan

Then Sings My Soul by Robert J. Morgan Special Edition

150 Christmas, Easter, and All-Time Favorite Hymn Stories

The concept of this book is so simple, yet so engaging. Print the hymn, words and music, then tell the story of how the author came to write the hymn. Brilliant!!

It is fascinating and enlightening. First of all, I love that the music is included, and is the biggest reason why I chose this book. However, the pleasant surprise was that every hymn also includes a scripture reference.

The stories are truly inspiring and certainly put a new light on the hymn. For example, the author of The Old Rugged Cross spoke of when he was writing the hymn “It was like seeing John 3:16 leave the printed page, take form, and act out the meaning of redemption.” I will now always look at this hymn with a deeper understanding of its intent.  And for me that is the common theme of the book.  Each hymn I study from this book increases the beauty of the words to hymns I already love!

I was also fascinated by the story of The Star Spangled Banner. First I was shocked to see it included in a book about hymns. Then to read the last stanza, including this line: Then conquer we must when our cause is just. And this be our motto: “In God is our trust.” It is unfortunate that this is not a common part of the national anthem to a country that was founded on Christian values.

If I had one complaint, it would be that I am not overly fond of the torn page edges. I cannot thumb through the book easily which is slightly annoying. Other than that little issue, it has blessed my worship time tremendously so I have to give it top rating!


Disclosure: Thomas Nelson Publishers provided me with a complimentary copy of this book as part of their BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program.