Daily Devotion of Proverbs 31

Daily Nugget:

Throughout the Bible, there is much advice given from father to son.  Proverbs 31, however, relays a mother’s counsel to her boy.

Most likely, King Lemuel was a godly leader, as his name means “belonging to God.”  His mother advised the King on how to continue to be a strong leader (Proverbs 31:3-9).

In the rest of the chapter, she helps him with one of the most important decisions in his life.  The mother helped her son know the important values to look for when picking the right wife.  She knew that a wife could make or break a man’s and family’s success.

The mother’s advice did not include picking a woman for her beauty and sex appeal.  Her suggestion was to pick a woman who was faithful to her husband, a hard worker, pure, moral, and industrious.

A good wife should be “virtuous.” Beauty will change (Prov. 31:30), but good character and morality will last a lifetime and be beneficial to many.

“Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies.” Proverbs 31:10

According to this Proverb, a virtuous woman:

·       Can be relied upon and trusted (Prov. 31:11).

·        Will do a husband good and make him a better man (Prov. 31:12, 23).

·        Will be industrious, always helping, and providing for the needs of her husband and family (Prov. 31:13-15, 17, 27).

·        Will look for meeting, not only the family’s current needs, but what will benefit them in the future (Prov. 31:16, 21).

·        Is a hard worker (Prov. 31:18-19, 24, 27).

·        Is kind, even to those outside her family (Prov. 31:20, 26).

·        Provides for her own needs (Prov. 31:22).

·        Is honorable and has a strong character (Prov. 31:25).

·        Is wise (Prov. 31:26).

·        Is respected and relied on by her family (Prov. 31:28).

·        Is godly (Prov. 31:30).

This type of woman was not uncommon in the past.  Today, perhaps because of the changing values of women of the 1970s, they are not as prevalent.  Unfortunately, it has been drummed into many women’s minds that they can do better than being a stay-at-home mother and wife.  Many have been brainwashed into believing that being a housewife is beneath them, and they should seek a career in which they are worthy and is more important.

Being a wife and mother is not a menial task.  The awesome abilities and responsibilities given to women are the backbone of a family and nation. It is the mother who can mold young lives and strengthen families and, eventually, even society.  She is the silent strength and selfless worker who may not get much limelight, but without her, families and society stumble and crumble, as can be seen today. 

Despite what the “unisex” movement tried to convince women into believing, men and women are different.  Women have strengths and abilities that a man does not have. Vice versa, a man can do things a woman cannot.  It does not imply that one sex is better than the other.  Instead of trying to change their created purpose and trying to be what they are not, society would benefit if the sexes would again not be confused about what their strengths and gifts are and fulfill the purpose and unique abilities God has given them.

Since the confusion of the sexes proliferated, the divorce rate has skyrocketed.  Many children now come from “broken” homes. Males and females are confused about who and what they are. An increasing number of couples are living together unmarried.  Many children do not even know who their parents are. “Know-better-than-God” and making their own social guidelines have not worked! Humanity is suffering greatly.

Man and woman must return to living the way God wants them to and to be the man or woman He desires them to be.  Men and women, especially those that want to please God, should both be virtuous, content, and proud of who they are and to be the best they can be!

Today’s Thought: 

“House and riches are the inheritance of fathers: and a prudent wife is from the LORD.” Prov. 19:4

Words to Understand:

Virtuous: practitioner of duty, sexually pure, accomplished, and moral

Today’s Reading:

Proverbs 31

1 ¶ The words of king Lemuel, the prophecy that his mother taught him.

2 What, my son? and what, the son of my womb? and what, the son of my vows?

3 Give not thy strength unto women, nor thy ways to that which destroyeth kings.

4 It is not for kings, O Lemuel, it is not for kings to drink wine; nor for princes strong drink:

5 Lest they drink, and forget the law, and pervert the judgment of any of the afflicted.

6 Give strong drink unto him that is ready to perish, and wine unto those that be of heavy hearts.

7 Let him drink, and forget his poverty, and remember his misery no more.

8 Open thy mouth for the dumb in the cause of all such as are appointed to destruction.

9 Open thy mouth, judge righteously, and plead the cause of the poor and needy.

10 ¶ Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies.

11 The heart of her husband doth safely trust in her, so that he shall have no need of spoil.

12 She will do him good and not evil all the days of her life.

13 She seeketh wool, and flax, and worketh willingly with her hands.

14 She is like the merchants' ships; she bringeth her food from afar.

15 She riseth also while it is yet night, and giveth meat to her household, and a portion to her maidens.

16 She considereth a field, and buyeth it: with the fruit of her hands she planteth a vineyard.

17 She girdeth her loins with strength, and strengtheneth her arms.

18 She perceiveth that her merchandise is good: her candle goeth not out by night.

19 She layeth her hands to the spindle, and her hands hold the distaff.

20 She stretcheth out her hand to the poor; yea, she reacheth forth her hands to the needy.

21 She is not afraid of the snow for her household: for all her household are clothed with scarlet.

22 She maketh herself coverings of tapestry; her clothing is silk and purple.

23 Her husband is known in the gates, when he sitteth among the elders of the land.

24 She maketh fine linen, and selleth it; and delivereth girdles unto the merchant.

25 Strength and honour are her clothing; and she shall rejoice in time to come.

26 She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness.

27 She looketh well to the ways of her household, and eateth not the bread of idleness.

28 Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth her.

29 Many daughters have done virtuously, but thou excellest them all.

30 Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth the LORD, she shall be praised.

31 Give her of the fruit of her hands; and let her own works praise her in the gates.