Just a Thought

I probably shouldn’t come right out and admit this on air, but I’ve never really studied the Proverbs 31 gal.  Don’t get me wrong: I can quote the 30th verse to you in my sleep.  Charm is deceptive and beauty is fleeting…you know how it goes.  But I’ve never befriended the girl and spent a little time with her, you know?   

Because my brain needs to have a plan when I sit down with my bible, I decided to take her on.  Study her.  Know her.  Learn from her.  See what she’s like.

And here’s my summary so far:  If you’re a woman and you want to see how depraved and Christ-needing you really are, just read Proverbs 31. :)

I jotted down a few adjectives that came to mind as I read through the chapter:  Kind.  Domestic.  Simple.  Wise.  Energetic.  Content.  Strong.  Early to rise.  Happy.  Giving.  Diligent.  Godly.  Untiring.  Gracious.  Clever.  Self-less.

Oh, and her husband and kids like her, too.

I love this quote from the commentary I’ve been reading alongside:

”The portrait, here penciled by divine inspiration, begins with the touch of a virtuous woman, and fills up the sketch with the lineaments of a woman that feareth the Lord.  For the lovely features described---her fidelity to her husband, her active personal habits, her good management and diligence to her family, her consideration for the necessities and comforts of others, her watchfulness of conduct, her tenderness for the poor and afflicted, her kind and courteous behavior to all---this completeness of character and grace could only flow from that virtue, which is identified with vital godliness.  They are the good fruit that “prove the tree to be good.”  They are such fruit, flowing from a right principle, as the natural corrupt stock of man could never produce.” 

That last sentence is ever so true.  Amen and amen.  I thank the Lord (literally) that He is all of those things which I am not.  That He diligently came and died for my un-diligence.  That’s so relieving, so motivating. 

Oh precious grace!