I know many of us have heard teaching after teaching on the godly woman of Proverbs 31, but as I was preparing to teach on this woman I asked God to open up my own understanding about who this woman really is. It was just me, my God, His Word, a journal, a pen, and a good cup of coffee :)...as I took a deeper look into this woman who is godly to her very core...a most precious, rare, and valuable commodity.
"A wife of noble character who can find?"
One question always leads to another it seems - What does a woman of noble character even look like? Noble by definition means possessing OUTSTANDING qualities...possessing or characterized by or arising from superiority of mind or character of ideals and morals. I believe the noble character this woman has, came from all the treasures she possessed inside, that proved outstanding and impressive. She rises above the norm and always in thought and action represents the nobility of her Maker. This woman most likely did not look noble in appearance or outwardly seem impressive in any manner, but as we look at her we see a queen. We sadly live in a society where our physical appearance counts for so much. NOT ONCE is her outward appearance mentioned, nor do we see any concern from her about her looks. Her attractiveness is entirely from the character of her heart...this holds the highest value! Her heart is FULLY hidden in the Lord.
Ruth 3:11 ~ And now, my daughter, don't be afraid. I will do for you all you ask. All my fellow townsmen know that you are a woman of noble character.
Psalm 45:1 ~ My heart is stirred by a noble theme
Proverbs 12:4 ~ A wife of noble character is her husband's crown...Proverbs 18:22 ~ He who finds a wife finds what is good and receives favor from the LORD.
Luke 8:15 ~ prosperity and fruit
Philippians 4:8 ~ Whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things.
"She is worth far more than rubies"
Rubies gain their worth from being rarities...they can be found hidden away 15-20 feet below the surface in the gravel and clay. Imagine how many feet have trodden over them not thinking twice that treasure lies within. No stone has had more of an influence on poetry or romance throughout history and few gems can compare in beauty or value. As the writer mentions this woman over rubies it is because they are showing she is more valuable than the most valuable thing of the time - and the value and rarity of this precious stone has not decreased since then. Did you know the perfect ruby can fetch 5 TIMES the value of a diamond the same size and quality!? However, one of the things I found most interesting is that rubies are found near riverbeds. Water is so significant...it is referenced in many different ways throughout the Bible...we know that water brings life and also draws people. I thought about Lydia in Acts 16 she was found by Paul and Silas as they were on their missionary journey by the riverbed. She was known as the woman who sold purple cloth, an expensive commodity, that was connected with the higher class or royalty. The riverbed didn't just draw her for her trade, but more importantly to prayer. As water drew these precious women together...they were being refreshed by Living Water...
John 4:13-15 ~ Jesus answered and said to her, “Whoever drinks of this water will thirst again, but whoever drinks of the water that I shall give him will never thirst. But the water that I shall give him will become in him a fountain of water springing up into everlasting life.” The woman said to Him, “Sir, give me this water, that I may not thirst, nor come here to draw."
"Her husband has full confidence in her and lacks nothing of value"
How could her husband have full confidence in her? Because her full confidence is in the Lord and she would never dream of betraying someone else's confidence - her loyalty is unwavering. She would never dream of throwing this away as she knows the value it holds in her heart to God, to her husband, her family, and her friends - she is TRUSTWORTHY! Her strength and her dignity are a result of her reverence to God. As women we tend to talk a lot...we must watch what we say to one another...though we may all despise gossip we are all guilty of it at one point or another. Let's practice valuing those around us more. Do unto others as you would have them do unto you and above all else show LOVING-KINDNESS!
Proverbs 3:26 ~ For the LORD will be your confidence
Proverbs 25:9 ~ do not betray another man's confidence
Isaiah 32:17 ~ The fruit of righteousness will be peace; the effect of righteousness will be quietness and confidence forever.
Jeremiah 17:7 ~ blessed is the man who trusts in the LORD, whose confidence is in Him
Hebrews 10:35 ~ do not throw away your confidence; it will be richly rewarded
"She brings him good not harm, all the days of her life"
Are you bringing your husband good and not harm even now (this includes even those of you who are still single)? "ALL the days of your life" means NOW...are you honoring and respecting your (future) husband in how you act, think, and talk about the guys around you right now? Are you maturing in Christ or in the ways of this world? Is your heart hidden in Christ or are you giving little pieces away here and there? How much of your heart are you wanting to give him? Now speaking to those ladies who are single, God has given us this time to practice and start building those qualities that will bring our future husbands good, honor, and respect. Take every opportunity because this is time you will never get back...and just imagine what a gift you will be to that man when it comes time to serve him. You will be such an asset to him - his treasured possession. Who you are will be reflected in him because you have become one!
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