The Proverbs 31 Woman - Part 3

The Proverbs 31 woman is a WORKER.

v. 13 says
She looks for wool and flax,
And works with her hands in delight.

Those of you who sew might easily see yourself here, but I think in a broader sense, this Proverbs 31 woman enjoys being creative. She is producing something for her husband or children and she delights in it. I am sure at different stages in our lives, we have all done something creative in our homes [make curtains, decorate the table, set out holiday decorations, make a nursery, rearrange the furniture]. Think of one or two creative things you have done.

The Proverbs 31 woman is a WORKER. That sounds familiar. Where have I heard that before?

v. 14 says
She is like merchant ships;
She brings her food from afar.

If this were a “Bible study,” maybe we would talk about the Hebrew culture at this point. But, this is us -- What in the world does this verse mean to us today? Grocery shopping! Could your family survive if you gave up those weekly (sometimes daily) trips to the store?

Did I say the Proverbs 31 woman is a WORKER?

v. 15 says
She rises also while it is still night,
And gives food to her household,
And portions to her maidens.

My first thought here was “Yeah, right, I don’t do that.” But, I have and so have you. When your baby cried in the middle of the night (two and three and four and five times in the middle of the night), who got up to feed him? You did. Your thoughts were not first of sleep, but of taking care of your child. Your child’s needs came first (whether you bottle-fed or breast-fed).

I think this verse is really talking about managing your household. Making sure things are running smoothly; everyone is where they are supposed to be, dressed and fed and nurtured. You do that every time you pack a diaper bag or a lunchbox, every time you prepare a meal or get your child ready for school.