May. 20, 2009 - Proverbs 31v17 She girds herself with strength

Over at the Homeschool Lounge I am involved in a Proverbs 31 Bible study.  We are not following any guide just sharing our thoughts and challenges with each other.  Why don't you join us?

Proverbs 31:17

She girds herself with strength and makes her arms strong.

As I studied these words various thoughts came to me – let me outline them simply.

She girds herself –

• This is something that she does, to herself and by herself.  She does it. 
• This is what prepares her for anything that comes – like getting dressed in the morning.  She wears this ‘strength’ all day – it makes her alert, prepared, able.

Strength –

This strength isn’t just of a physical, muscle kind.  This is a position of strength.  She had might in the material sense, social, political, as well as personal and physical.  These things were used to her end.

But there is a connection with this word that means fortress and stronghold.  This made me see that she wasn’t in it for herself.  A tower doesn’t stand there, strong, just for it self’s sake – no, a tower is there as a safe haven for others to run to.  This woman was strong in material possessions, in social standing, in political position, in personal and physical areas in order to help others.

Makes –

By using her strength she becomes strong.  By being brave and bold she becomes brave and bold.  By being firm and determined she becomes firm and determined.  By being persistent and alert she becomes persistent and alert.  This is a being and doing word all at the same time.

Her arms –

The arms have a two fold purpose

• It is a symbol of power, of activity and strength
• It is a symbol of nurture and comfort

I was surprised to see that the root word had the picture of sowing seeds – both in the field and in the sense of becoming pregnant.  This is significant to a woman – our ‘arm’ is to be both strong in the field and nurturing with our family.

Strong –

• to be alert, courageous, brave, stout, bold, solid, hard

Some quick challenges to think about:

1. What am I doing to prepare myself for my day?  Am I girding myself?
2. Am I a safe haven, a tower of strength and refuge for my children? For other people?
3. Am I becoming stronger day by day?  Stronger in my faith, my beliefs, my convictions, my actions, my habits (good ones?)
4. The world says being a mum is a weak position to take – the bible says nurturing takes strength.  Who do I believe?