The Infamous Proverbs 31 Woman

The book Cynthia asked me to mention is "Mom PhD(Positive Home Director)" by Teresa Bell Kindred, which I cannot completely recommend b/c I am still at the beginning. The book is based on the Proverbs 31 woman. I bought it b/c I am intrigued and challenged (and yes - overwhelmed) by this woman and wanted to study her further.

However! The book I mentioned last night in class is actually a different book. I wanted to share a little of it with you. . . (I have picked out my favorite parts and so this is not a complete quote.)

"We're all busy, and this is not only a characteristic of a woman of the 21st century. The Old Testament reveals a woman in Proverbs 31 who was quite busy as well. Below you will find the passage. Each verse is also paraphrased **{which I have omitted}**, and a modern-day comment is offered as well:

10-A wife of noble character who can find? She is worth far more than rubies.
(Character is the main issue.)

13-She selects wool and flax and works with eager hands.
(She takes classes to learn how to make things from scratch.)

14-She is like the merchant ships, bringing her food from afar.
(She goes to the farmer's market for the best vegetables instead of the grocery store.)

16-She considers a field and buys it; out of her earnings she plants a vineyard.
(She is good at Internet trading or has her own Mary Kay business.) :-)

17-She sets about her work vigorously, her arms are strong for her tasks.
(She stays fit and pumps iron so she can physically do all that she needs to do.)

18-She sees that her trading is profitable, and her lamp does not go out at night.
(Her Internet trading is going well, but she makes sure she has a nest egg.)

21-When it snows, she has no fear for her household; for all of them are clothed in scarlet.
(She buys quality clothes off-season and is always prepared.)

24-She makes linen garments and sells them, and supplies the merchants with sashes.
(She makes things to sell at the Christmas bazaar.)

25-She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come.
(She has strong faith that waves off worry.)

26-She speaks with wisdom. She gives faithful instruction.
(She can be counted on to speak with wisdom, and she teaches those in her charge well.)

27-She watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness.
(She is aware of all that goes on under her roof and is sensitives to the needs of all those who live there. She doesn't sit and watch the afternoon talk shows.) **{even Dr. Phil?}**

28-Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her.
(Her children think they have the "best mom in the world" and they tell her so.)

30-Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.
(She is the real thing. Her faith is her strength and is worthy of praise.)

31-Give her the reward she has earned, and let her works bring her praise at the city gate.
(God will say in the final day, "Well done, good and faithful servant!)"

**{SO - here is the point that I liked}**

"I realize that the woman of Proverbs 31 is intimidating to say the least, but so is Jesus. We know that we cannot reach perfection here on earth. The call is to become aware of what God praises and to aspire to do those same good things. Elisa Morgan, president of MOPS International commented, 'Whether or not the Proverbs 31 woman is one spectacular woman or a composite of several women, we can take heart from the truth that few of us can ever exhibit all of these qualities at once. And God does not expect us to. What he desires is that our attitudes and actions are yielded to him whether we are sitting at the city's gates or by the home fires.'

Look to this list of qualities and see which ones you can work on today. Are you yielded to God?"

--Vicki Caruana "The Organized Home Schooler"

To me that's a positive spin on the Proverbs 31 woman. I'm sure we can all see ourselves somewhere in that passage along with things we need to work on. Thanks for this class!

Go Moms!!
Dawn