Proverbs 31:31

 Proverbs 31:31 Give her of the fruit of her hands,

and let her works praise her in the gates. ESV

Seems a very appropriate verse to round out the chapter with. Pretty straight forward. We know Woman 31 deserves the rewards, the fruits of her labors and the praise of all her works. But what about me? What would the fruit of MY hands be? Rewards for resourcefulness or consequences for laziness? What would people praise me for at the gates? Or would people mumble and complain about me at the gate? Let's echo this verse as a reminder to strive to be a Woman 31 and live a life that is GOD fearing and wise so that the fruits of our hands and the “praises” that come back to us are positive, uplifting and GOD worthy!

Proverbs 31:30

 Proverbs 31:30 Charm is deceitful, and beauty is vain,

but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised. ESV

Eek, now it gets down to the dark side of the woman. We all know how hard it is growing up in our culture of perfectionism and photo shopped/air brushed beauty. But based on this verse, I have a feeling it really wasn't that much easier 4000 years ago either. Satan knows a woman's buttons and can manipulate us with ease if we let him.

I am so glad that a few verses ago in Proverbs 31:22, we've already clarified that Woman 31 is well dressed and put together. GOD doesn't desire for us to be dowdy, sack cloth wearing, ugly women. But our focus should not be in promoting our “charm” and “beauty”. Our focus should be on reflecting Christ. Our “looks” should not be a distraction in either direction from showing the world what a godly woman looks like. When people look at you, what/who are they seeing?

Proverbs 31:28-29

 Proverbs 31:28b-29 ...her husband also, and he praises her:

“Many women have done excellently,

but you surpass them all.” ESV

We all absolutely love to hear someone saying something nice about us. I know I personally love to hear about it third person (I'm horrid at responding to compliments and such-something I am working on daily) while others simply adore standing ovations. Either way, Woman 31 well deserves her praise and adoration from her husband. He is proud of her, she has done beyond excellent. I remember striving in school for excellence and here Woman 31's husband declares she has surpassed excellence. Wow!

I truly doubt Woman 31 has lived her life and been the woman she's been through these previous verses simply to hear her husband boast about her. Woman 31 IS who she IS and the bonus has been that her husband is proud of her and glad she is his! I want my husband to be more than glad that I am his!

Not a wife or mom? If we were to apply the lifestyle principles of Woman 31 to our daily lives our bosses, managers, friends, and family would take note and would have no choice but to at least ask, “Why?”, and likely commend us for jobs well done and initiative taken. And on the chance that the people directly surrounding you don't notice right away, please remember that GOD sees our hearts. GOD knows and his opinion of us is of much more value than any earthly praise or comment.  

Proverbs 31:28

Proverbs 31:28a Her children rise up and call her blessed; ESV

And every mama out there wonders how Woman 31 managed to have her children “rise up and call her blessed”! But if we were each to focus on being the women that GOD created us to be; if we were to look to Woman 31 as a role model and strive to be all that we were meant to be; our children (friends, family, co-workers) would surely notice a change in us.

How many times have I gotten frustrated with my children's actions when in reality they have actually simply echoed my own? What sort of negative things do I need to focus on getting out of my life that I see those around me copying? What positive things do I need to grow and nurture that I want those around me to duplicate?

Proverbs 31:27

 Proverbs 31:27 She looks well to the ways of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness. ESV

This verse holds so much! One little sentence, but so much importance. We've already seen how Woman 31 keeps such good management over her home in the tangible, physical sense. But here she's looking to the “ways” of her household....the “going ons” inside her home.

We are the gatekeepers of our home! Do we know what's going on in our homes? What comes through the door via internet, tv, music, cell phones, friends, even school work? We MUST be vigilant in protecting our household. No one else is going to protect our family for us. The government doesn't have our family's Spiritual well-being in mind. Our culture is aimed at destroying godly family structures. And our church, well, as much as our church family would love to help protect each and every person from evil, GOD put us in charge of each of our households. We can find support, encouragement, and advice from our fellow Christians, but the job of protecting our families and households is given to us by GOD.

The second part of that sentence might as well say, “does not spend time online.” We all joke about facebook and it's time-sucking abilities. But in reality all of the social media, instant access wifi, and constant connection to the world wide web of (mis)information can suck up so much more than just our time. Be wise with your time “online”. Be wary of more than just “wasting time”. If you're online, connecting with someone or something, sending messages, etc.... be sure that it's uplifting, Christ honoring, and not sucking you down a hole of muck and distractions!

Proverbs 31:26

 Proverbs 31:26 She opens her mouth with wisdom, and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue.  ESV

Ahhh, a verse we can all relate to! Every time we open our mouths, wisdom and kind words flow from our lips right? What a thing to aspire to! 

Stop and think of the godly women in your life, past or present, who emulate this verse. Were they perfect? Not this side of heaven. Did they make mistakes? I'm sure. But the reason these women stick out in your mind as someone special, important, and key in your life is because you knew when they spoke, truth and wisdom would be heard. Not only did they listen and speak in wisdom, they were also kind-even when kindness hurt a little.

We caution so often to avoid gossip, cutting down others, and any hurtful speech. But let's not simply avoid gossiping; lets determine to speak in wisdom, teaching with kindness, uplifting others. I can only imagine the change that our families, our church, and our town would see if each of us women committed to focusing on implementing this verse into every part our daily lives.   

Proverbs 31:25

 Proverbs 31:25 Strength and dignity are her clothing,

and she laughs at the time to come. ESV

In our society and culture, this verse almost seems foreign. Strength and dignity or so convoluted and distorted, twisted by Satan. But if we focus on GOD's strength and true dignity we could become beacons of light and truth in a dark, twisted world.

It isn't always easy, but when we take our focus and truly place it on GOD we are able to laugh at “the time to come.” The times the future looks horribly bleak and the unknown ahead seems to get more and more twisted and ugly, are the times I realize that the things of this world haven't really changed all that much. What I find is that my focus has gone from looking at GOD and eternity and started looking around at here and now in this crazy world.

Seems there was a certain disciple in that exact same position in Matthew 14:22-32  "Immediately He (Jesus) made the disciples get into the boat and go before him to the other side, while he dismissed the crowds.  And after he had dismissed the crowds, he went up on the mountain by himself to pray. When evening came, he was there alone,  but the boat by this time was a long way from the land, beaten by the waves, for the wind was against them.  And in the fourth watch of the night he came to them, walking on the sea.  But when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were terrified, and said, “It is a ghost!” and they cried out in fear.  But immediately Jesus spoke to them, saying, “Take heart; it is I. Do not be afraid.”  And Peter answered him, “Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water.”  He said, “Come.” So Peter got out of the boat and walked on the water and came to Jesus.  But when he saw the wind, he was afraid, and beginning to sink he cried out, “Lord, save me.”  Jesus immediately reached out his hand and took hold of him, saying to him, “O you of little faith, why did you doubt?”  And when they got into the boat, the wind ceased.  And those in the boat worshiped him, saying, “Truly you are the Son of God.”"

It's so easy to point our finger at Peter for doubting, for taking his eyes of Christ in the midst of the storm when mere minutes before he had the faith to step out of the ship onto the waves. But we're just as human as Peter and do the exact same thing, over and over. Let's focus on our role model, Woman 31, and cloth ourselves in the strength and dignity that is our Faith and trust in GOD Almighty so that we can laugh and go into the future without fear.

Proverbs 31:24

 Proverbs 31:24 She makes linen garments and sells them;

she delivers sashes to the merchant.  ESV

Again with the talents and craftiness already!?

I'm reminded of the parable Jesus told in Matthew 15:14-30 of the talents. Two of the servants in the parable utilized the money in order to gain more for their master. One servant did not nothing, gained nothing, and in the end lost everything.

Whatever “talents” GOD has given us we need to use them for gain. This doesn't have to mean making money, but don't hide what GOD has given you to use for his glory, benefit, and gain. What are some GOD given “talents” that you can use for his glory and/or the benefit of your family and household?

Proverbs 31:23

 Proverbs 31:23 Her husband is known in the gates

when he sits among the elders of the land. ESV

Woman 31 is married to a man who is known. He sits among the leaders of the land. It's interesting to me that HER husband is known. Apparently she is a good wife, her efforts have reflected well on to her husband. As the saying goes, “Behind ever good man is a great woman.” 

 We have the ability to effect our husbands so very, very much. The respect that we give our husbands both in his presence and behind his back is HUGE.

Sometimes it can seem overwhelming, but the way in which we handle our children, our households, even ourselves, directly reflects on our husbands. GOD has given us a tremendous privilege and responsibility in that we are key in the successes of our husbands. The places he can go, the things he can accomplish, the honor he holds is partially because of the wise encouraging wives we can be behind the scenes. 

GOD commands us multiple times in Scripture to respect/honor our husbands.

Ephesians 5:33, “However, let each one of you love his wife as himself,

and let the wife see that she respects her husband.”

Proverbs 31:22

 Proverbs 31:22 She makes bed coverings for herself; her clothing is fine linen and purple. ESV

The KJV translates, “bed coverings” to “tapestry”. Either way, I'm zoning in on Woman 31's choice in clothing here. She is a well dressed woman. And likely she has made some of her clothing or purchased it in a frugal manner as we know she is smart with her money. Just because her clothing is “fine” does not mean she's dumped the bank on her wardrobe.

I think we can agree that women seeking godliness shouldn't look or dress like ungodly women. We should not only be dressing modestly, but also neatly. Dressing trashy or unkept doesn't present a very shiny mirror to reflect Christ from. In all actuality we should be dressing like royalty. We are daughters of the King of Kings. When was the last time you saw a respectable princess in daisy dukes and barely there tank? I've yet to see photos of any royal family in their fleecy pj's out in public.

Let's make conscience decisions as we dress and prepare to present ourselves each day to be a reflection of our Father GOD. We are His representation of his Kingdom to each and every person we meet. What are we presenting as GOD's children?

Proverbs 31:21

 Proverbs 31:21 She is not afraid of snow for her household, for all her household are clothed in scarlet.  ESV

Another verse that shows us how prepared Woman 31 is!

 We can reference back to the verses about the ant again in Proverbs 30:25, “The ants are a people not strong, yet they provide their food in the summer;".

She has warm clothes for the cold season. Her pantry is stocked and ready to go. The oil tank is full and the oil burner inspected. The woodshed is full. The coat closet is housing the family's properly sized coats for the winter. The car is ready for the icy weather and cold temperatures. The snow shovels are ready for use and not hidden away lost along with the snow-melt. 

 Woman 31 looks ahead and plans for the season ahead. GOD is so interested in our hearts, our spiritual well being, and our relationships, but he's also interested in our physical and mental well being! What are some steps you can take to be prepared for the coming seasons?

Proverbs 31:20

Proverbs 31:20 She opens her hand to the poor

and reaches out her hands to the needy. ESV

Woman 31 is a generous woman. GOD has blessed her and she is determined to spread those blessings to those who are in need. 

 It's not always easy, but by helping those in need we are a shining beacon of Christ's love to those around us. There is always someone who needs a helping hand. Keeping our eyes and ears open to the opportunities that GOD gives us is the first step. This doesn't require millions of dollars. I've yet to read a version of Proverbs 31:20 that states Woman 31 poured money into the hands of the needy. She opened her hands. She reached out to them. Meals to a sick mom. A visit to an elderly neighbor. Donating food to a soup kitchen. Giving to a trusted mission. 

 Whatever we do in Christ's name, GOD sees our hearts!  

Proverbs 31:19

Proverbs 31:19 She puts her hands to the distaff, and her hands hold the spindle. ESV

Say what? Woman 31 is apparently quite the crafty chick. I'm supposed to have dinner ready, my house in order, my Bible study completed, exercises done, AND weave a rug too!? We all have a bit of creativity in us somewhere, it just may not look like your friends' creative gene. GOD gave each and every one of us talents and we should never think they are unworthy nor should we compare our gifts and abilities up against others.

And those people around us, whether they are our children or people who look up to us, how about sharing our gifts and talents with them. Be a guiding hand, showing those around you how to cook, sew, build a shelf, change a bike tire, bake, build blanket forts, plant a garden, build sand castles, hand craft decorations, care for animals, fold laundry, mow the lawn, tie shoes, or weave a rug. GOD gave us all gifts, let's not waste them!

Is there a talent you wish you did have. It's never too late to learn! Find someone that's talented in the art or task that you wish to learn and ask for advice, pointers, tutoring. Most often those who are passionate about a craft or hobby are more than happy to help someone else learn. If all else fails you'll have created a new relationship!   

Proverbs 31:18

Proverbs 31:18 She perceives that her merchandise is profitable. Her lamp does not go out at night. ESV

Woman 31 never sleeps!? Or she works late into the night. I can relate to THAT concept much more readily than rising while it's still night. Her house certainly seems to be in good order. She's a prepared woman. I imagine that if the power goes out at night she has the batteries stocked in the flashlights, the matches are near the candles. If there's an emergency or catastrophe her house is prepared. I'm sure Woman 31 understands Proverbs 6:6-8 very well, “ Go to the ant, O sluggard; consider her ways, and be wise.  Without having any chief, officer, or ruler,  she prepares her bread in summer and gathers her food in harvest.”

What can you do to assure your lamp doesn't go out at night? That life is less likely to take you and your family by surprise?

Proverbs 31:17

 Proverbs 31:17 She dresses herself with strength

and makes her arms strong.

Woman 31 is a woman of strength. Whether she's made time in her busy day to hit the gym, or she keeps fit by going through her daily tasks, she is not a weak, tired woman. She obviously takes the time and effort to keep herself healthy and care for her body. Remember she is a role model, not an actual single human being, but she is a good example of the fact that our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit. Are we doing what's necessary to keep our bodies in good working order? Do we treat our bodies as temples? So very often we as women tend to take care of ourselves last. Our heads are the last to hit the pillows at days end and the first ones up in the morning. If food is short, our plates are the ones that are more sparse. If doctor visits are necessary, the family goes first. And of course if sanity is in short supply, it's generally our wits that are at an end. What can you do to start treating your body as a temple today?

And to bring this around to the Spiritual aspect again, how do we keep ourselves strong in our relationship with GOD? We need to dress ourselves in GOD's strength, His Word daily. What do you require to start your day with strength, peace, and grace? What can you do throughout your day to keep you anchored to GOD's strength? A verse on your mirror, reading a small portion of Scripture throughout your day, a specific structured reading plan? Whatever works best for you, determine today to do it!

Proverbs 31:16

 Proverbs 31:16 She considers a field and buys it;

with the fruit of her hands she plants a vineyard.

Woman 31 knows her stuff. First, she uses the abilities that GOD has given her, to her and her family's benefit. Secondly, she uses her money wisely, buying things that are needed. And third, she goes to work in an effort to help her family. I recently read this quote, “Consider the time and effort it took you and/or your husband to earn that dollar before you spend it. Is it really worth it?” It's a good reminder that spending wisely what we've worked so hard to earn is so very important.

Proverbs 31:15

 Proverbs 31:15 She rises while it is yet night and provides food for her household and portions for her maidens.

I'll be honest, I struggle with this one EVERY. SINGLE. DAY. Getting up while it's still night!? Ha! Funny theory there! I have friends who THRIVE in the wee hours of the morning, and in all honesty, the times I DO manage to drag myself up early, I can accomplish SO much early in the day. And quiet, oh, the quiet is so delightfully blissful at “House is still asleep O'clock”.

But whether we rise while it's still night or not, GOD is directing us to have our homes in order, to be prepared. If we “aren't morning people”, what can do the night before to start our next day with its best foot forward? And those servants and maidens she provides for? We are very fortunate people in this day and age, our servants need minimal care and provisions-the washer, drier, dishwasher, mixer, vacuum, lawn mower, computer, etc..., yet we do still need to take care of the things we have been given so that they last and serve us well.

And most importantly, how do we prepare for our day Spiritually? In Mark 1:35 Jesus gives a great example of how to start our days, “Now in the morning, having risen a long while before daylight, Jesus went out and departed to a solitary place; and there he prayed.” Do you have a solitary place/time to pray and encourage your relationship with GOD?

Proverbs 31:14

Proverbs 31:14 She is like the ships of the merchant;

she brings her food from afar.

Do we thoughtfully and carefully determine and gather what we are going to feed ourselves, our friends, and our family? GOD has given us everything we need to help keep our bodies healthy and in good working order. Nothing tells our husbands and family how special they are than assuring they have good healthy meals ready for them. Especially when our days are full of other tasks as well. 

Whether we raise our own food from seeds, purchase our food stuffs from the markets or grocers, or enlists others to help us, being sure that our family is fed and cared for is part of our GOD given responsibilities.

Proverbs 31:13

 Proverbs 31:13 She seeks wool and flax,

and works with willing hands.

Wool and flax? Being a crunchy mama I can appreciate searching out wool and flax. But in today's modern society you're likely wondering, “What?”. Simply put, Woman 31, has gone out and gotten what she needs to get her house in order. She's acquired and crafted what she needs for her home. 

How can I apply THAT to my life? Do I work willingly to have my house tidy and comfortable for the family and/or friends that I am thankful to have? Is my home peaceful and calming or stressful and echoing discord? GOD has put us where we are with the people/friends/family we have. I'll admit, that word “willingly” can sometimes get lost in the day to day - who willingly scrubs the toilets, scrapes burned on cheese off dishes, and bathes the dog who rolled in something that died last week? 

 Willingness, it's the part that we have to choose, the part that's truly a heart decision and sometimes is harder than the actual physical task at hand. Let's pray for the strength to choose the willing attitude as we work to keep our homes in order.

Proverbs 31:12

Proverbs 31:12 She does him good, and not harm,

all the days of her life.

ALL the days of her life. ALL of them. Making good, GODLY decisions EVERY day. Well, no one said this was going to be easy. Every day we have those choices-good or evil; righteous or selfish; GOD's way or the old nature.

I love how Galations 6:9 encourages us, “And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up.” IF WE DON'T GIVE UP. Our old nature will fight us, but we can be prepared to fight by focusing on GOD and surrounding ourselves with GODLY friends that encourage us along the way. Not only should we create relationships with great, GODLY friends to gain encouragement, we can BE an encouraging friend as well!

Proverbs 31:11

 Proverbs 31:11 The heart of her husband trusts in her, and he will have no lack of gain.  ESV

Can my husband, boss, co-workers trust me? Any relationship, especially marriage, hinges on honesty and trust. A verse from Luke compliments today's verse perfectly, Luke 16:10 “One who is faithful in a very little is also faithful in much, and one who is dishonest in a very little is also dishonest in much.”

In the Amplified Bible her husband trusts in her CONFIDENTLY, and RELIES and BELIEVES in her SECURELY. What a person to be! There is no fear in her husband at all in concerns to her character, reputation, abilities, and decisions. THAT kind of woman requires a GOD sort of help! Thankfully we have that kind of help at our disposal! If we were to become THAT woman, imagine the difference people would see. People around us would have no choice but to ask us why.  

The Proverbs 31 Woman

The Proverbs 31 Woman was never a REAL person, she never existed in human form with a name and birth date. She WAS a “woman” that had all the qualities that a mother wanted her son searching for in his future bride. Woman 31 is a role model, a goal to strive for. She is NOT presented to us to make us feel small or inadequate. Set aside your checklist, NO woman will ever perfectly measure up to Woman 31. Instead, let's learn from her. Let's not shy away from her, fearing her perfection. She represents the ultimate guide to look up to, presented by GOD. Let's SEEK to be this kind of GODLY woman.

Over the next twenty-one days please join me as we read and dwell on each verse concerning Woman 31 through Proverbs 31:10-31. We'll take some time each day and meditate on just one verse from Proverbs 31. Occasionally I'll pull in some extra scripture to help us understand and elaborate on GOD's best for our lives. Regardless whether you're a wife, a mom, a single woman, a grandmother, a working woman, a housewife, fresh out of high school, or struggling to remember high school; we can ALL learn something from this amazing guide that GOD placed in his word just for us women!

I've used the ESV for all scripture texts, but occasionally mention other translations in regards to various word usages in an attempt to fully understand and unwrap this amazing woman GOD has presented us to follow by example.

Proverbs 31:10 An excellent wife who can find? She is far more precious than jewels. ESV

Excellent: Possessing outstanding quality or superior merit; remarkably good. The KJV uses the word virtuous {wife}: conforming to moral and ethical principles; morally excellent; upright; chaste.

I can't help but think of how Woman 31 would stand out in today's culture of “Political Correctness”. Is it easy to stand out and be different? Not usually! But notice the second sentence in this verse, Woman 31's value is precious, precious beyond the value of jewels. We may not see instant value in relation to our actions and desire to stand out as a GODLY woman, but GOD has placed great value on our lives. With Woman 31 as our role model we should stand out from the crowds of today's culture; being a beacon and a shining light of difference, of excellence, as we take on the tasks GOD has entrusted us to do!

Psalm 69:34-36

Psalm 69:34-36ESV

34 Let heaven and earth praise him,
    the seas and everything that moves in them.
35 For God will save Zion
    and build up the cities of Judah,
and people shall dwell there and possess it;
36     the offspring of his servants shall inherit it,
    and those who love his name shall dwell in it.

David closes out this particular Psalm with more praise and worship to GOD.  What are some ways that we can praise GOD?  So often when "Praise and Worship" is mentioned, our tendency is to drift towards singing and worshiping in voice.

Fortunately (especially more so for some of us than others ;) ), there are so many other ways we can praise and worship GOD than simply through our voices or musical talent.

What are ways that you can worship GOD?

In your job?

At home?

Online?

With your family?

At the grocery?

With your spouse?

At church?

On the road?

Psalm 69:29-33

Psalm 69:29-33ESV

29 But I am afflicted and in pain;
    let your salvation, O God, set me on high!

30 I will praise the name of God with a song;
    I will magnify him with thanksgiving.
31 This will please the Lord more than an ox
    or a bull with horns and hoofs.
32 When the humble see it they will be glad;
    you who seek God, let your hearts revive.
33 For the Lord hears the needy
    and does not despise his own people who are prisoners.

Once again David is showing who he goes to when he is down, afflicted, in pain.  He once again goes straight to GOD with his request for uplifting, knowing that GOD will hear him.  And once again, he praises GOD, declaring who he is and what he is capable of.

It's very encouraging to me that our songs of praises and our true thanksgiving please the Lord more than a required animal sacrifice - He wants a relationship with us!

These praises and thanksgiving we raise to GOD not only effect our relationship with him, but also encourage other believers.  My positive praise and worship throughout my life can encourage fellow believers?!  That can be scary and awesome all at the same time.  It gives us opportunity and responsibility.

Sometimes it is so easy to think that what we are going through or have to deal with, would have no effect on someone else and their life.  How can my "xyz" be an encouragement or help to someone else?  Our stories, praises, GOD things, no matter how big or small, could be a huge encouragement and just what someone in our circle of influence need to hear to help them along!

GOD wants to have a relationship with each and every one of his children and he also wants his children to create healthy, encouraging relationships with each other!

Psalm 69:22-28

Psalm 69:22-28 ESV

22 Let their own table before them become a snare;
    and when they are at peace, let it become a trap.[a]
23 Let their eyes be darkened, so that they cannot see,
    and make their loins tremble continually.
24 Pour out your indignation upon them,
    and let your burning anger overtake them.
25 May their camp be a desolation;
    let no one dwell in their tents.
26 For they persecute him whom you have struck down,
    and they recount the pain of those you have wounded.
27 Add to them punishment upon punishment;
    may they have no acquittal from you.[b]
28 Let them be blotted out of the book of the living;
    let them not be enrolled among the righteous.

These are some rough verses to wrap one's mind around.  How do we align these verses from King David with Christ's teaching to love our enemies....bless those that curse us.... (Luke 6:27-35)

It took quite a bit of contemplating and meditating on these verses.  I finally happened upon one of John Piper's sermons on this text and the light came on!

If we look at Romans 15:3, Paul is encouraging us to deny ourselves rather than the desire for revenge, "Christ did not please himself, but as it is written, 'The reproaches of those who reproached you fell on me.'"  We need to forgive just as Christ!  So what's up with these six angry verses in Psalm 69!?

We are to forgive, "let it go", but not because there is no wrath or judgement, but because there IS.  It's just not our job to execute judgement.  I think this quote from John Piper sums it up rather well,

"The fact that GOD will do it, and that it is right for him to do it, is the very means by which we are able to follow Jesus in suffering for the sake of others who have wronged us."

Romans 12:19-21 "Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of GOD, for it is written, 'Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.'  To the contrary, if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink; for by so doing you will heap burning coals on his head.  Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good."

Another line from Piper stuck out to me and I just love how it reminds us that we don't need to worry about it.

"The burning coals will be purifying if there is repentance, and punishment if there is not.  GOD will decide.  We will approve."

David surely wanted revenge, and he took his thoughts to GOD, leaving them with Him to do as He chose.