Proverbs 31 is such a powerful chapter and ends the wisdom filled book of Proverbs. What a great place to stop. Solomon records "The words of King Lemuel in an oracle his mother taught him."
What is an oracle? It is an authoritative or wise expression or answer, often implying that the wisdom is God given. Yes, Proverbs 31 would fit that description.
This bible journaling image caught my eye.
This artist is uncredited on Pinterest, but she is inspired by Rosie the Riveter.
Rosie the Riveter, a fictional character based loosely on a real one, was the star of a national campaign during WW2 to call women into the industrial workforce. So many men were off to war, leaving hole in industry and some of the factory goods were needed for the war campaign and things needed at home. Rosie was an inspiration and an encouraging public character. She was quite popular. She was strong... yet, didn't completely abandon her femininity. No wonder the nation loved her and found inspiration in her likeness.
In the same way, I find challenge and inspiration in the Proverbs 31 checklist. Wouldn't it be lovely if when we were gone, our loved ones would look at this checklist and think of us? Wouldn't it be even sweeter if when we stood before the Lord, he used some of these adjectives to describe us, as he knows our hearts? When I read it for daily application, I always see room for improvement.
Just as Rosie signified doing our best in tough times, so Proverbs 31 represents us at our best when we let the Holy Spirit whisper in our ears as we face each new day.
"Who can find a virtuous and capable wife? She is more precious than rubies.Her husband can trust her, and she will greatly enrich his life. She brings him good, not harm, all the days of her life." -Proverbs 31:10-12
This scripture can be applied to single women as well. It is not exclusive to the married, although for those who desire marriage, they are attractive traits. One of my favorite verses in recent years is verse 25:
She is clothed with strength and dignity, and she laughs without fear of the future. -Proverbs 31:25
When life throws curve balls... to be clothed in strength and dignity is always fashionable. When the future looks scary, we can be confident in the hand of the one who holds our futures. Pure trust lightens her heart. As Mama Ina Mae would always say when we seemed short on anything: "We'll make do." She never wavered and never got flustered.
I am grateful I was raised by a Proverbs 31 woman, but even if you weren't ... His Word provides a way to weave such character into your life and into your days.
Today, I am grateful for Proverbs 31.
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