I just read Kris's post for this week and have been sitting here pondering over the Proverbs31woman. She is a force to be reckoned with that is for sure. And a model to strive toward and emulate as best we can. But I was struck by a couple thoughts I want to share with you.
There seem to be at least two elements in her life that are missing. Now perhaps they really were there and there simply is no mention of them in this passage...I can't know for sure. But I know that when I forget these two things, it causes me great stress and heart ache and a tendency to over commit and unbalance my home and family. They aren't complex or difficult so please don't expect a lengthy dissertation once I share them.
I don't notice that she seeks the Lord or her husband's input for her day or her ventures. She appears to be doing all these things on her own power and energy. Now, she most likely DID do both of these things given the time frame and the society she was a part of. But I just wonder...because they aren't mentioned here in this revered passage, is that why WE forget to do them? If you are struggling and feeling stressed and overcommitted in your efforts to be the P31 gal, you might want to take the time to see if you have sought the Lord in your plans and made them His. Ask yourself too, did you get your husband's input and blessing on your endeavors? Or did you just jump in, albeit with good intentions and a loving heart, and say yes on your own?
The next time you are contemplating a request for more of your time or energy, take a moment, smile and say, "I need to pray about it first and discuss it with my husband and then I will get back to you." Then do just that!
Thanks for visiting my blog again!
You asked which Sonlight Studies I'm doing - I'm doing Sonlight 3/4 (adapted for my age/ability by Mum!).
Yes, I really do like some of things Ben Franklin came up with - his sayings, the bifocals, etc. I'd love to see a photo of his grave!
My Dad went to college for a year near Philadelphia (a place called Kutztown, have you ever heard of it?). He was on an exchange visit from his college here in England - but liked it so much, he stayed for longer!!
~Deiniol
verse 30 says hse is a woman that fears the Lord, that is not just the time she lives in, but her heart. Since the Fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, this woman is wise enough to seek counsel as well. Her husband praises her and she does not cause him shame.The Amplified says she comforts and encourages him, so communication is there. It would be a shameful thing if she did not show him the honor and respect he deserves, After all He sits at the city gates in a place of honor. Equally important, His heart fully trusts her. To know His wife's heart says they most certainly talk. My guess is they talk while she is knitting and the children are sleeping, making her plans for the day and sharing them with him as well. AFter all it is the Husband tha says of All the daughters before her She excceds them all. To him she exceeds, Sarah, Rebekah, Rachel, Deborah, Miriam, Esther etc. Such High praise would not come to one that is not in communication with the Lord and with her husband.
Just as English grammar has the "Understood" You in a sentence and Just as we know God is all over the Book of Esther, I believe prayer and communication are the Understood You in these verses.
What great thoughts on this. I never looked at it that way.
Like the previous commenter, the more you DIG into the scripture, you find her a righteous women. But I think it's God sometimes who puts the thoughts like you had, into our hearts so that we remember HIS grace and mercy and that we are NOT perfect without Him.
You are so right about this ""I need to pray about it first and discuss it with my husband and then I will get back to you." Then do just that!"
EVERYTIME I mess up it is because I did not do one or both of those two things.
I am also really grateful to have a husband to fall back on, this smart man makes sure I am not over extended and has no problem saying, "I would rather you didn't do that!" And what peace that gives this lady who hates to say No.
God is so faithful when we stop and consider His plan, over our own.
I love coming here and visiting with you. I really would have liked to have been stationed with you at least once!
We are a Christian, military family with 3 daughters. Our oldest two have graduated from our homeschool and gone on to college. We are currently in our 17th year of homeschooling and our youngest daughter is now a junior in highschool. This is a description of our homeschooling walk including our life as an Air Force family, our hobbies, current activities, thoughts, impressions, prayers, and more!
