Slowing down and looking at this passage (Proverbs 31:10-31) phrase by phrase has helped us to get to know this unnamed Proverbs 31 woman a little better and hopefully has helped us to find some principles to apply to our own lives in our quest to be all that God desires us to be. So far we have seen a woman who does her work willingly, who is trustworthy, who goes shopping (!!!!!) and who gets up early. Today we see a businesswoman. Before we think about that, let's go back and review.
This woman whose value is "far above rubies" has set quite an example for us, hasn't she? Before we start beating ourselves up because we can never live up to this standard, let's take a step back and revisit the principles she illustrates for us. No matter what our circumstances in life, what season of life we are in, whether we are married or single, have children or not.......there are some principles here that are important for us to consider. This is an unselfish woman. This is a woman who loves her family. This is a woman focused on doing and being her best - not to call attention to herself but for the benefit of those she loves.
Today's verse shows us a businesswoman who makes a profit. Does that mean we should all start our own businesses today? I don't think so. The principle here, I believe, is that she is not impulsive. She considers the field before she buys it. She thinks about it carefully to determine whether this purchase is a wise investment. She reinvests her profits. She manages her money well.
Consider these passages from the New Testament and how this woman measures up.
- Philippians 2:5-8
- 1 John 4:7-11
- Colossians 3:23
"Her virtue (verse 10) led to
her willing heart (verse 13) which led to
her industry (verse 13) which led to
her savings (verse 11) which led to
her investments (verse 16) which led to
her prosperity (verse 25).
(from Beautiful in God's Eyes
by Elizabeth George)
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