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God's Exquisite Garden
THE VIRTUOUS WOMAN - PART 1
The depiction of the godly character that all ladies need to always try to attain is seen in the virtuous woman. Sadly, we live in a time in which the virtues possessed by this woman are often lacking in our society.
We read of her in Proverbs 31.
This worthy woman has been placed in a situation where all these wonderful characteristics are seen. Our Lord is so magnificent! He knew that in this way, our desire to obtain these virtues would ultimately be seen to be to our advantage. Think how wonderful it would be for your family if they had a wife and/or mother at home possessing this high-mindedness. Some may ask, "Why should I put so much time and effort into my having these virtues?" We all know that change at times can be hard, but how much better things would be!!! A change for the better is worth the effort. Our husbands would be thrilled with the incredible change and what a fortunate gift this would be to our children.
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Our beauty needs to be an inner beauty. We must come to a realization of the values God wants us to possess and continue to strive to conduct our lives so that others see them in us. Whenever we choose to live our lives without these attributes, we are only hurting ourselves in the long haul. You might have seen a wonderful Christian woman who was a good example of what God wants in a woman.
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In verse 1-9 we see the mother counseling her son as to the dangers he will face. She warns him out of her love and concern for his soul and knows that these predicaments could easily hinder his service to the Lord. She may have seen this dilemma in other marriages and therefore is aware of it's consequences. The word prophecy means massive guidance which is pondered by the listener.
She warns him about the dangers involved with a loose, immoral woman. Solomon speaks in the book of Proverbs of the 'strange' woman. She warns him of the dangers of strong drink. She warned him strongly about the danger of forgetting and conducting himself in such a way as to be unable to firmly direct or execute the law should he drink alcoholic beverages.
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Verses 10-27=Throughout the book of Proverbs Solomon warns us of the 'strange' woman. This 'strange' woman is without virtue . In contrast Solomon tells us of the worthy woman. This worthy woman is of great value to her husband and her children. This 'strange' woman brings harm and death. We see a caring and loving mother warning her son out of love and concern for his soul..
This worthy woman is considerably priced above all GEMS. She is careful with all areas of economics . She rises early to see to the supplies her family will need that day.
Because of her high value, her husband is completely satisfied with her. He has confidence in her due to her industrious nature . She works at home as if she were on a payroll. We are so blessed to have such a worthy woman as an example!!
May we encourage you to memorize the scriptures about the worthy woman. Use spare moments while waiting to commit these verses to heart. Two copies are provided for you to print and carry with you. New International Version , King James Version .
Study and Discussion Questions:
1-What does the mother warn her son about ?
2-Why is she praised so highly?
3-Why does her husband trust in her?
4- What are the dangers involved with alcoholic beverages?
Proverbs 31 verses 10-31
New International Version
10 A wife of noble character who can find?
She is worth far more than rubies.
11 Her husband has full confidence in her
and lacks nothing of value.
12 She brings him good, not harm,
all the days of her life.
13 She selects wool and flax
and works with eager hands.
14 She is like the merchant ships,
bringing her food from afar.
15 She gets up while it is still dark;
she provides food for her family
and portions for her servant girls.
16 She considers a field and buys it;
out of her earnings she plants a vineyard.
17 She sets about her work vigorously;
her arms are strong for her tasks.
18 She sees that her trading is profitable,
and her lamp does not go out at night.
19 In her hand she holds the distaff
and grasps the spindle with her fingers.
20 She opens her arms to the poor
and extends her hands to the needy.
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21 When it snows, she has no fear for her household;
for all of them are clothed in scarlet.
22 She makes coverings for her bed;
she is clothed in fine linen and purple.
23 Her husband is respected at the city gate,
where he takes his seat among the elders of the land.
24 She makes linen garments and sells them,
and supplies the merchants with sashes.
25 She is clothed with strength and dignity;
she can laugh at the days to come.
26 She speaks with wisdom,
and faithful instruction is on her tongue.
27 She watches over the affairs of her household
and does not eat the bread of idleness.
28 Her children arise and call her blessed;
her husband also, and he praises her:
29 "Many women do noble things,
but you surpass them all."
30 Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting;
but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised.
31 Give her the reward she has earned,
and let her works bring her praise at the city gate.
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Copyright 2008 Linda Lawrence
Lessons in this Series
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Beautiful in God's Eyes: The Treasures of the Proverbs 31 Woman
By Elizabeth George / Harvest House Publishers
Physical beauty is something you're born with---but it's only temporary. Spiritual beauty is something you learn---and it lasts forever! In this insightful and practical guide, George examines the Proverbs 31 woman, showing you how to achieve your goals, manage daily life, tap into unlimited energy, and apply God's principles to relationships. 288 pages, softcover from Harvest.
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Photos courtesy Stock Xchng,
and
Heartlight .
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