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God's Exquisite Garden
THE VIRTUOUS WOMAN - PART 3
There are many definitions of the word virtue. We have read of two found in the dictionary. Many more meanings can be found in the Bible and in the dictionary.
We will first look at the definition of right thinking. Right thinking is the center of being virtuous.
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"Does a spring send forth fresh water and bitter from the same opening?" James 3:11
" For as he thinks in his heart, so is he. 'Eat and drink!' he says to you, But his heart is not with you." Proverbs 23:7
"But those things which proceed out of the mouth come from the heart, and they defile a man.
For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, blasphemies." Matthew 15:18-19
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As we think, we will act!
A virtuous woman should have pure thoughts. We will be careful as to what we read and see at the movies and on the television set if we are to be virtuous. How can we read and watch anything that does not promote good thoughts and still consider it virtuous? Paul tell us in Philippians 4:8 to have these characteristics.
The word virtuous also signifies goodness of character, having a good reputation. How we need to strive for a good name.
"A good name is to be chosen rather than great riches, Loving favor rather than silver and gold. " Proverbs 22:1
Just think, we have been given a name and why would someone want to tarnish that name?
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When someone's name is spoken; if they know that person, people will naturally and instantly have a mental picture of that person.. We should all want others to think well of us and not the opposite. Some may think- it really does not matter what others think of me. That is incorrect! IT DOES MATTER! How will we be able to bring others to the word of God if we have a bad reputation? It is hard at times to be a Christian, but think of the rewards! If people see us acting in a questionable manner, how can we assist them to become closer to the Lord?
Yet, still another rendering of the word virtuous is strength and courage. We live in an age where too much is permitted. Therefore, it is necessary for a Christian woman to have both strength and courage.
Many times it is the woman in the family who has the strength to stand up for the things that are right and will benefit their family.
"Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content:" Philippians 4:11
She needs to hold fast to what she has been taught.
"Therefore, brethren, stand fast and hold the traditions which you were taught, whether by word or our epistle.
" 2 Thessalonians 2:15
"For now we live, if you stand fast in the Lord.
" 1 Thessalonians 3;8
Yet another meaning of virtuous is chaste.
This means not being involved in inappropriate sexual relations. It is crucial to be virtuous in this manner! It is so important to teach our children to be chaste. Sadly, 90% of our high school boys and girls have had some form of sexual relations among themselves. Unfortunately, they will continue this activity and progress more at an alarming rate. A nation with people who are unconcerned with being chaste will not endure .
"Righteousness exalts a nation, But sin is a reproach to any people. " Proverbs 14:34
This is substantiated by the Bible and secular history. We as adults should act and dress in such a way as to promote chastity among our young people. How we must teach and practice chastity!
Being virtuous also means to be modest.
Today, this is a forgotten word. Modesty will be addressed at a later date, so this discussion of modesty will not be long.
".in like manner also, that the women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with propriety and moderation, not with braided hair or gold or pearls or costly clothing " 1 Timothy 2:9
How fortunate we are to have been given this marvelous example of such a worthy woman!
Discussion and study questions :
1. What is the definition of 'right thinking'?
2. What should we do in order to have 'right thinking'?
3. Why is it important to have a good name?
4. Why is it so necessary for a woman to have strength and courage?
5. What is the meaning of the word 'chaste'?
6. Why should the adults teach their children about being chaste?
Copyright 2008 Linda Lawrence
Lessons in this Series
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Raising Maidens of Virtue: A Study of Feminine Loveliness for Mothers and Daughters
By Stacy McDonald / The Vision Forum, Inc
Do you want your daughter to cherish her purity and honor God by the chaste and lovely way she presents herself? Through stories, conversational teachings, illustrations, and memory-making projects, Raising Maidens of Virtue covers topics such as guarding the tongue, idleness, sibling relationships, honoring parents, contentment, modesty, purity, cleanliness, and feminine beauty.
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Photos courtesy Stock Xchng,
and
Heartlight .
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