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?