We've finally made it to her- the ideal woman. When we read Proverbs 31, its kind of overwhelming, right? I mean, the ideal woman sounds like she is pretty darn perfect. She can multi-task like there is no tomarrow. She is a wonderful wife that pleases her husband. She is a hard worker and she is organized and wise. She has so many awesome characteristics that I just don't know that I can ever be like her.
But...wait...God says I can! And you know what, the ideal woman wasn't just born ideal. It took time. It was a process. And IS a process for us. We can all be "ideal women in the making." Let's look at the scripture and explore the characteristics of the Ideal Woman.
She is trustworthy
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.
She is trustworthy. Her husband fully trust her, and he trust her judgement. She is a noble wife that uplifts her husband. She enriches his life and others lives. People confide in her because people trust her.
She is a self starter and hard worker
13 She selects wool and flax
and works with eager hands.
17 She sets about her work vigorously;
her arms are strong for her tasks.
19 In her hand she holds the distaff
and grasps the spindle with her fingers
27 She watches over the affairs of her household
and does not eat the bread of idleness.
When she sees a need, she tries to meet it. Whether this is a need of a friend, a family member, a child, her husband or a stranger, she tries to meet the need. She is a multi-tasker and she stays busy. She is not lazy and she has a reputation of being a good worker.
She is a homekeeper.
14 She is like the merchant ships,
bringing her food from afar.
15 She gets up while it is still night;
she provides food for her family
She is a servant to her family. She makes a plan and she works it! She is a planner and an organizer. She is skilled in keeping her household running smoothly. She trains up her children to know the Lord.
And fyi, I'm pretty sure I will never get up at night to provide food for my family unless you are an infant that has to eat every 3 hours. That sun has to be up before breakfasts can be served. Mommy is not a morning person!
She is an organized planner and overseer.
27 She watches over the affairs of her household
and does not eat the bread of idleness.
She has a plan for herself and for others in her house. She plans ahead! She does not procrastinate!
She is a wise investor
18 She sees that her trading is profitable,
and her lamp does not go out at night.
She inspects and investigates (and talks to her husband!) before jumping into something. She has good judgement. She is wise with her finances. I bet she would be a couponer if she lived in our times ;)
She is a giver.
20 She opens her arms to the poor
and extends her hands to the needy.
She is a gracious giver. She goes beyond her 10% tithe. She not only donates financially to those in need, but she also donates her time. She is always willing to extend a helping hand.
She is a business woman.
24 She makes linen garments and sells them,
and supplies the merchants with sashes.
Ok, so what about those of us that are stay at home moms and don't actually bring in an "income." I am no theologian, but I think that this verse goes beyond just bringing in dough. I believe that I am a "good business woman", although I am currently a stay at home mom. I tend to the kiddo, pay bills, cook dinner, keep the house clean, etc. Serving my family IS my business. Although bringing in an extra dough is always smiled upon! Here lately, I have been selling stuff online that we no longer use and I have made about $300 just in the past 2 months, and its all going towards our 5 year anniversary vacation! I'm not sure where we are going yet (haven't found the right groupon!), but I'm gonna keep selling in hopes that I can triple that amount! Ooo, look at me being wise with my business! =)
She is confident.
25 She is clothed with strength and dignity;
she can laugh at the days to come.
She has no fear of the future because she trusts that God has plans for her. I am still learning to trust in God's plan for us. We currently live in a wonderful little town in the middle of nowhere West Texas. Our closest family live an hour and half away and our friends and our church in this town have become family. But later this year, we will have to move. And it breaks my heart to leave this place. I want desperately to be closer to my family back in St Louis when we do move. Dr. Hubby will be getting his phd in mechanical engineering with an emphasis on nano-energetics (don't ask me what that means- something to do with itty bitty tiny particles <---when you say that you gotta say it in a squeaky voice cuz that's how small they are.) Anyway, with that kind of degree, you usually work at a research facility or a university. I am just hoping that God's plan involves a research facility or university close to St Louis! Dr Hubby has just recently started applying for professorships so we will hopefully know something in the next few months. I just have to trust that God will lead us in the right direction, (whether that's back to St Louis or not) and I know He will!
She is an example.
26 She speaks with wisdom,
and faithful instruction is on her tongue.
She is NOT an irritating woman or an indiscreet woman! She is wise, kind and she is an encourager to others. She is a Godly example of biblical beauty to her husband and her children and all those around her. She studies God's word and she leads a life of biblical beauty.
She is a woman who reverences God and gives Him priority.
30Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting;
but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised.
That is seriously one of my favorite bible verses. The most important characteristic of the ideal woman is that she fears the Lord. She genuinely gives God priority. Laurie (bible study leader) put it perfectly, "When we give God our priority, He prioritizes for us." Amen! He brings us clarity.
The ideal woman wears many hats, and obviously has about a billion responsibilities. But with prudence, she is able to balance it all out.
One of the first words used in Proverbs 31 to describe the ideal woman is the word "virtuous." And that word may sound like a "high standard" at first. But do you know what? Virtuous means strength, influence and character. We need not be intimidated by the ideal woman because she wasn't born ideal. She became ideal.
Just remember, it is a process.
It is the journey of becoming an ideal woman.
I hope you have enjoyed this series as much as I did. I strongly suggest that every woman participate in the actual dvd bible study and do the homework that goes with it. It has been a life changing bible study for me! If you missed any posts in this series, I have got them all right here for you!
Intro- Physical Beauty VS Biblical Beauty
Biblical Beauty According to Proverbs
The Immoral Woman Vs The Godly Woman
The Irritating Woman
The Indiscreet Woman
The Captivating Woman
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