Today’s devotion is one of the 150 biographies included in A Woman After God’s Own Heart Bible by Elizabeth George!
The Proverbs 31 Woman
Notable Accomplishment: Model for all women
Meaning of Name: Unknown
Main Text: Proverbs 31:10– 31
A Little History
The last chapter of Proverbs begins with a young prince learning from his mother what should characterize his reign as a godly king. Then this godly and wise mother gave a description of the kind of wife the young prince should look for. She asked, “Who can find a virtuous wife?” This mother points out that such a woman is rare but explains how finding such a woman is worth both the time and effort it takes.
Her marriage — Proverbs 31:10-12
This amazing woman demonstrated impeccable loyalty to her husband and earned his trust and confidence. Because of her thrift and industry, she added to her husband’s wealth and reputation and her family’s comfort.
Her behavior — Proverbs 31:13-24
This enterprising lady was compared to a merchant ship that travels to distant lands to seek clothing, food, and items to be bought and sold for profit. She was a “realtor” who bought, improved, and sold land. Her physical strength and endurance seemed inexhaustible as she rose before dawn and worked far into the night caring for her family and household, which were her foremost priorities.
Her character — Proverbs 31:25-27
This magnificent woman was said to be clothed in “strength” and “honor,” which described her character. Her inward character gave her the outward confidence to face the future with its unexpected challenges. She took what she had learned and passed it on to others with wisdom, all the while displaying a heart of kindness.
Her family life — Proverbs 31:28-29
Because of her unfailing love and ceaseless energy, the Proverbs 31 woman was highly respected, not only by her community but most importantly by her family. There is no greater joy for a mother than for her children to grow up to praise her as a source of the wisdom that made them godly. But her highest praise came from her husband who said, “You excel them all” (v. 29).
Her spiritual life — Proverbs 31:30-31
The book of Proverbs begins with a reference to the fear of the Lord as the beginning of wisdom. As the book concludes, this same quality is again seen in the life and heart of this exceptional woman. She may have been hardworking and an exceptional businesswoman, but her true source of power was her devotion to God.
Lord, right now I commit my life and my day to You. Create in me a fiery love for You and Your Word. Lead me to make choices that move me toward living as a woman after Your own heart. Amen.
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Models are to follow. God did not include this woman in the Bible to be rejected as an impossible standard, but to be accepted as a model for every woman’s growth and fulfillment. No mountain was ever scaled until the first step was taken. God is asking you to take a first step as described in the life of this remarkable woman. What first step can you take toward becoming a woman of excellence?
Our inward character gives us the outward confidence to face the future with its unexpected challenges.