Pr 31

A Virtuous Woman

Jer 9:23 Thus saith the Lord, Let not the wise man glory in his wisdom, neither let the mighty man glory in his might, let not the rich man glory in his riches:
:24 but let him that glorieth glory in this, that he understandeth and knoweth Me, that I am the Lord which exerciseth lovingkindness, judgement and righteousness in the earth: for in these things I delight, saith the Lord.

Heb 4:12 For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents (attitude) of the heart.

2 Tim 3:16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness.

James 1:22 But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.

Pr 31:1 The kings mother taught him- these are her words to him- all the other chapters were written by Solomon. This is the only chapter that God says exactly what a godly woman should be.

This is what God wanted him to look for in a wife. Inspired by God, but told from a mother's heart.

Pr 31:10 Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies.

virtuous is translated in some versions as noble character. You can't find a virtuous woman easily.

Virtuous means strength, able (ability), might and power.

Same hebrew word used to describe valant men of war.

Not power of our own strength and power but of His in us.

He placed that in us to help us work through whatever comes our way even when we think it is to much for us.

We must show the younger women that they have that strength from God also. We must teach them because today there is an attitude among young women that they don't have it in them.

3 Characteristics of a Virtuous Woman. (There are more in other verses)

1. She is a woman of character.

There are no real descriptions of her outward appearance. It is all about her inner beauty. Her beauty comes from her character in her heart.

Character means features and traits that form the individual nature of a person. Its her moral or ethical quality.

Qualities of honesty and integrity. Its who you are really on the inside, when no one else is around.

2. She is a woman of resolve.

Resolve means determined, to clean away or dispell fears and doubts, to make up one's mind, a firmness of purpose or intent.

She recognizes the lies the devil brings to her to cause fear.

She is not indecisive.
She knows what she believes and why.

3. She is a woman of determination.

There is a difference between stubbornness and determination.

Stubbornness means unreasonably obstinate, unyielding, unsubmissive, resistant, difficult to handle.

Determination means to settle or resolve, to have a purpose or firm intention.

Be honest with yourself about if you are stubborn or determined. The difference is the attitude of your heart. And God always sees the truth.

You can be determined and still be submissive to God, but you can't be stubborn and submit to Him.

You can be all these things and still have a submitted heart.

Submitted to God first, then our husbands if we have one, and then to others in authority over us.

Some theologians think Proverbs 31 is a picture of the perfect woman and that no one can live up to it. But God wouldn't have set that standard for us if we were not able to achieve it with His help.

More to come...

What I have been doing

I was finishing up the bible study I started back in March. Tomorrow I hope to revisit Proverbs 31. I do this once a year, usually around my birthday. Since that was this past Wednesday, this seems like a good time to do it again.

This year while studying it I have 4 cds from my pastors wife I will be listening to. I will share a little from them I am sure.

Pr 24, Ps 53, 2 Sam 23 and 24

Today I finished 2 Samuel.

Pr 24
:8 He that deviseth to do evil shall be called a mischieveous person.

Ps 53
:1 The fool hath said in his heart, There is no God. Corrupt are they, and have done abominable iniquity: there is none that doeth good.

2 Sam 23

:1-39 This chapter gives the names of the men highest in David's men and their deeds.

2 Sam 24

:1-9 The anger of the Lord was kindled against Israel and he had David number Israel and Judah. Joab didn't agree but did it cause the king ordered it.

:10-11 When they return David realizes he sinned by doing it.

:12-15 The Lord gives David 3 choices. 7 years of famine, 3 months fleeing before his enemies, or 3 days of pestilence.

:16-25 David buys the threshing floor where the pestilence stopped to build an altar to the Lord.

July 17

I never got around to typing in on the 17th so here it is.

Pr 17:20 He tha hath a froward heart findeth no good: and he that hat a perverse tongue falleth into mischief.

Ps 52
:8 But I am like a green olive tree in the house of God: I trust in the mercy of God for ever and ever.

2 Sam 22
:1-50 David sang a song to the Lord the day He delivered him from Saul.

Quote I read

Tim Hansel in "You've Gotta Keep Dancing" said that perhaps one of the most commonly used sentences in the English language is: If I can just get through this problem then everything will be all right.

He goes on to say the birth of maturity is when we realize tthat once we get through our present problem, there will be another one slightly larger and a little more intense waiting to take its place. If we are to grow up and grow in Christ, the time must come when we make this realization.