I have always been fascinated yet intimidated with trying to be a ”Proverbs 31″ woman. I have revisited this passage multiple times with an open mind and heart that I could be her, yet by the time I get to the end of the passage, I am left in awe of ”her” and thinking how far I have to go.
Recently I came up with an idea that I would go verse by verse and translate each verse in to language applicable to my day to day life. This was one of the most rewarding experiences and I want to share with you. Below you will find each verse Proverb 31:10-30 and in bold and italics below the verse you will find ways to apply to modern life. I realized that I am much closer to the Proverbs 31 woman than I thought I was. I also now know where I can focus my efforts toward completion.
Please feel free to comment, pick a verse or the whole passage and let me know what you agree with or how you would relate to it differently.
Modern day Proverbs 31 Woman
Proverbs 31:10-30
10 A wife of noble character who can find? She is worth far more than rubies
A noble wife with a good character is a rare find today,but not impossible. If you find her, love, honor,respect,protect and cherish her—she is a rare jewel.
11 Her husband has full confidence in her and lacks nothing of value
Her husband knows that she will take care of matters and he doesn’t have to worry. He has full confidence in her and tells others in need that his wife can help them.
12 She brings him good, not harm, all the days of her life
She knows the pressures that he faces in the world each day, so she is mindful to present him with peace at home .
13 She selects wool and flax and works with eager hands
She picks out nice clothes for her family and fixes up things that she is capable of as soon as they need attention.
14 She is like the merchant ships, bringing her food from afar
She shops around to bring her family the best foods She prepares food from different cultures.
15 She gets up while it is still night; she provides food for her family and portions for her female servants
She gets up early and makes sure her family has food for their day. If she knows there is someone that she will come in contact with at the office or otherwise that needs food she prepares for them too.
16 She considers a field and buys it; out of her earnings she plants a vineyard
She thinks of ways to bring in extra income to benefit her family.
17 She sets about her work vigorously; her arms are strong for her tasks
She is not lazy; she takes on as many tasks as she can handle. She makes it look effortless. People wonder how she does it all.
18 She sees that her trading is profitable, and her lamp does not go out at night She trades things, time and ideas with other noble women and their blessings multiply. Even while she is sleeping; she is still thinking of ways to guide her family and support her husband.
19 In her hand she holds the distaff and grasps the spindle with her fingers
She does everything with great skill and focus, she knows how to multi-task.
20She opens her arms to the poor and extends her hands to the needy
She doesn’t look down on those with less than her.She extends help to those in need and expects nothing in return .
21 When it snows, she has no fear for her household; for all of them are clothed in scarlet
She is not caught off guard by bad weather, she prepares her family and her household with the appropriate food, supplies and clothes.
22 She makes coverings for her bed; she is clothed in fine linen and purple
She makes sure there are appropriate blankets and pillows for the beds She wears clothes that make her feel regal.
23 Her husband is respected at the city gate, where he takes his seat among the elders of the land
She makes sure her husband feels just as respected at home as he does by his peers.
24 She makes linen garments and sells them, and supplies the merchants with sashes
She does community service and donates some of her earnings to charity.
25 She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come She exhibits strength and dignity at all times. Through wisdom, she has learned there may be some difficult days ahead, but she she will get through them.
26 She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue
She shares her testimony and she doesn’t give instruction on matters she is not familiar with. She doesn’t gossip.
27 She watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness
She makes sure the house is clean and the bills are paid. She does not get laxed or take things for granted. She does not waste time.
28 Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her
Her husband and children adore her, they realize the sacrifices she makes. Her husband brags about her every chance he gets.
29 “Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all ”
She doesn’t just talk the talk, she walks the walk. It’s not for show, it’s who she is.
30 Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised
She obeys the Lord and keeps Him in her heart daily— for that she has a beauty that won’t ever fade.
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I aspire to be a Proverbs 31 Woman.
Me too
This was well done J. It is important for women to understand how Proverbs 31 translates to their lives today. Keep writing!
Thank you, this was very rewarding for me.
Reblogged this on djunction and commented:
My fellow blogger made a comparison of Proverbs 31 to the modern woman. It’s a good read!
Excellent post! Continue to grow into the “Proverbs 31″ woman that the Lord has call you to be.
Thank you for the encouragement!