Homemaking Mondays: A Virtuous Woman Part 4

Welcome to Homemaking Mondays!  

Proverbs 31:23

"Her husband is known in the gates, when he sitteth among the elders of the land."

Here it speaks of the husband of the virtuous woman.  He is known in the gates...where the men gathered.  What is your husband known for?  Is he known for the ministry of the Word?  Is he known as being an honourable man. A man of a virtuous woman?  

Sitteth among the elders of the land.  Does this mean your husband is political or popular? No. He could be a leader or a simple tradesman. 

Have you ever seen gatherings of older men around...where they gather to converse.  Where they talk about this and that?  I have, and in these gatherings, often wisdom and understanding is shared.  The world often laughs at these gatherings...of old men.  But they are the elders of our land. 

Those that know the Lord and His word have great opportunities to share in these times.  

Proverbs 31:24

"She maketh fine linen, and selleth it; and delivereth girdles unto the merchant."

Here again we hear of the virtuous woman making fine linen...and putting it up for sale.  She's an entrepreneur of sorts.  This does not mean that this is her calling...or that she has a career business.

No, it just means that she makes some things (more then she needs for her family) and sells them.  This is a good thing...but needs to be kept within the bounds of reason. If a woman can take care of the needs of her home and then do extra...great.  Her first priority is to her families needs.  As women age, and children leave the home, there is more time to spend on other pursuits.  Where there will be more time to spend making extra.   Just a side note here...if the husband is sitting with the elders in the land...his wife no doubt isn't a young wife with lots of young children to care for.  There are many seasons in a women's life, and this passage of scripture encompasses more then one season. 

Proverbs 31:25

"Strength and honour are her clothing; and she shall rejoice in time to come."

There is far more to a woman then her physical looks. She is clothed with her reputation.  

This makes me think of how she is not swayed by what will come.  She has been diligent and responsible with her time to make sure things were done so there will be no lack.  It is a wonderful thing to be able to smile to yourself when as times and events change.... one can see they have what is needed.  This lets me know that she has forethought, not just for clothing but for other things as well. 

Proverbs 31:26

"She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness."

What does it look like when you open your mouth?  This is very challenging.  Do we speak wisdom and kindness?  Are we careful with our words or do we just spout what comes to mind first?  

What a blessing it is to be able to speak words of wisdom in a proper fashion.  

This also goes for knowing when and where to say certain things...if at all.  

One blessing of being around older godly women is that we can learn from them. For wisdom is learned....given by the Lord and we as women are blessed to share what the Lord has taught us. 

Proverbs 31:27

"She looketh well to the ways of her household, and eateth not the bread of idleness."

She looketh: the virtuous woman is observant!  She sees and takes note of what is needed for her household.  Such a basic characteristic of this virtuous woman... she's not all focused on herself.  She looks around her... seeing the needs...she gets busy taking care of them.  

Idleness...that is not a good quality, for anyone.  

Here is a definition by Webster's 1828 Dictionary: 

1. Aversion to labor; reluctance to be employed, or to exertion either of body or mind; laziness; sloth; sluggishness. This is properly laziness; but idleness is often the effect of laziness, and sometimes this word may be used for it.

This verse always challenges me to get up and do something.  Spurs me to action.  May we all be active in caring for our homes....meeting the needs that we see there.  

Love and Prayers,

Jennifer