Proverbs 31

The Message Bible

 

10-31 A good woman is hard to find,
   and worth far more than diamonds.
Her husband trusts her without reserve,
   and never has reason to regret it.
Never spiteful, she treats him generously
   all her life long.
She shops around for the best yarns and cottons,
   and enjoys knitting and sewing.
She's like a trading ship that sails to faraway places
   and brings back exotic surprises.
She's up before dawn, preparing breakfast
   for her family and organizing her day.
She looks over a field and buys it,
   then, with money she's put aside, plants a garden.
First thing in the morning, she dresses for work,
   rolls up her sleeves, eager to get started.
She senses the worth of her work,
   is in no hurry to call it quits for the day.
She's skilled in the crafts of home and hearth,
   diligent in homemaking.
She's quick to assist anyone in need,
   reaches out to help the poor.
She doesn't worry about her family when it snows;
   their winter clothes are all mended and ready to wear.
She makes her own clothing,
   and dresses in colorful linens and silks.
Her husband is greatly respected
   when he deliberates with the city fathers.
She designs gowns and sells them,
   brings the sweaters she knits to the dress shops.
Her clothes are well-made and elegant,
   and she always faces tomorrow with a smile.
When she speaks she has something worthwhile to say,
   and she always says it kindly.
She keeps an eye on everyone in her household,
   and keeps them all busy and productive.
Her children respect and bless her;
   her husband joins in with words of praise:
"Many women have done wonderful things,
   but you've outclassed them all!"
Charm can mislead and beauty soon fades.
   The woman to be admired and praised
   is the woman who lives in the Fear-of-God.
Give her everything she deserves!
   Festoon her life with praises!

 

The Proverbs 31 woman used to intimidate me, that is, until I read this article by Julia Bettencourt of Creative Ladies Ministry. 

 
Ms. Julia suggests looking at the daunting list of characteristics as a string of pearls.

“Each characteristic that she embodies being a pearl on the strand of our life.
We don’t just automatically have the whole strand put together. Some of us are half-stranded! ... all are a work in progress!”

When I look at these characteristics as a life long goal I am less intimated, and perhaps it will help you too. 

I want my life as a Christ follower to be reflected in all I do and say. My hope is that by building my personal string of pearls, others will see Christ in me.

The author offers some “pearls” to add to our string:

Virtue -  Proverbs 31:10
Faithfulness – 31:11
Reverence – 31:12
Goodness – 31:12
Willing Worker – 31:13
Good Manager – 31:14-15
Industrious – 31:16
Strength – 31:17
Endurance – 31:18
Well Rounded – 31:19
Charitable – 31:20
Provider – 31:21
Well Dressed – 31:19
Wife of a Good Husband – 31:23
Good Business Woman – 31:24
Honorable – 31:25
Wise - 31:26
Kind – 31:26
Good Mother – 31:27
Busy – 31:27
Praiseworthy – 31:28
Attains or Excels – 31:29
Fear the Lord – 31:30
Fruit Bearing – 31:31

Wear these pearls while you are building character strengths! No reason not to feel pretty! A super buy for only $9.00 !! Scorpienna’s Beadery