Proverb 31:11-12
Her husband has full confidence in her and lacks nothing of value.
She brings him good, not harm, all the days of her life.
Hi ladies! Welcome back to my thoughts and google facts of the Proverbs 31 woman.
I can say that I struggle with many of the characteristics of this woman that is so highly regarded. This week is no exception. I'm 50 something and as a young girl, bringing home the bacon, frying it in a pan, and never let you forget your a man, was in full force. Women were working for equality and a voice. I didn't understand it but the jingle of the commercial was catchy and I would sing it.
Before, I go any further, please understand this. This is not a blog on either side of the women's Lib issue. I grew up with a working mom and have been a working mom. I believe women have rights and should exercise them...but, I also believe God, in His amazing plan and creation, has gifted women with unique qualities, strengths, and beauty. I stand in judgement of no one. I want to look at the qualities in these verses and realize we are all uniquely made, gifted, and equipped differently. However, the qualities in these verses are for all women,
Confidence: security, safety, defense, assurance, devotion, faith....
Her husband has full confidence in her. I think (just my opinion with a little study) that this is very significant. Husbands need to trust their wife, (helper) with his whole heart. Heart: the very core in Jewish thought, mind, soul, spirit. Yikes, that is a lot of responsibility.
He lacks nothing. The references I looked at seem to agree that this means that the wife contributes many things to the household. Some suggest monetary but all seem to agree that a wife brings a spirit to the home like no one else can. We all know what can happen if the woman is unhappy. She can set the mood for the family, good or bad. If she brings the spirit of God, love, kindness, acceptance, and value, she is bringing something more valuable than any amount of money. We as women have way more power than we realize. Yep, that's one of those gifts I was talking about earlier.
She brings him good and not harm, all the days of her life.
Good--to be happy, to be pleased, to be loved, favored, agreeable. Get this! She make sure the enemy (satan) is fought at every turn when it comes to her home!
Harm-evil-ra-speaks of misery, injury, calamity, distress. These are all things that satan would love women to show in the home.
My take away is this...Women are the heart of the family. We can set the mood, encourage, discourage, blame, love, and nurture. Sometimes, at the same time. hehe God gave women a special role in the family. He has equipped each of us for this role. It will look different in all homes. Some of us have more of one strength than another. Since our creator made us this way, He knows each of us.
The statement I came across that really spoke to me is this: She uses her strength for unity with her husband. Unity not discord.
I know there are homes where this is just not possible. If you are in a home that is unsafe, please seek help. I do not believe that bringing unity means being, allowing, or inflicting abused. Our God loves his daughters and wants the best for us. period.
Have an awesome week my fellow unity building sisters! Never under estimate how much our God loves women and how unique and wonderful He has made each of us.
