Tuesday, September 28, 2010

The Proverbs 31 Woman

It's 2:30 at the moment, and I really should be reviewing for a French test I have later today, but I just had to get some thoughts down... (And besides, French is eaaassssyyyy. Haha.)
I'm just thinking about marriage. As I watch my friends are all starting to embark on this adventure, I wonder why I'm not in the same situation. I've been reading articles on one of my favourite websites, Boundless, and they have lots of good advice and good discussions about topics such as this.
I've started thinking about what qualities I have that would contribute to marriage, in any case. What would attract a man to me? Do I possess the qualities of a godly woman; am I the "Proverbs 31 Woman" that is described below?

10 Who can find a virtuous and capable wife?
She is more precious than rubies.
11 Her husband can trust her,
and she will greatly enrich his life.
12 She brings him good, not harm,
all the days of her life.
13 She finds wool and flax
and busily spins it.
14 She is like a merchant’s ship,
bringing her food from afar.
15 She gets up before dawn to prepare breakfast for her household
and plan the day’s work for her servant girls.
16 She goes to inspect a field and buys it;
with her earnings she plants a vineyard.
17 She is energetic and strong,
a hard worker.
18 She makes sure her dealings are profitable;
her lamp burns late into the night.

19 Her hands are busy spinning thread,
her fingers twisting fiber.
20 She extends a helping hand to the poor
and opens her arms to the needy.
21 She has no fear of winter for her household,
for everyone has warm clothes.

22 She makes her own bedspreads.
She dresses in fine linen and purple gowns.
23 Her husband is well known at the city gates,
where he sits with the other civic leaders.
24 She makes belted linen garments
and sashes to sell to the merchants.
25 She is clothed with strength and dignity,
and she laughs without fear of the future.
26 When she speaks, her words are wise,
and she gives instructions with kindness.

27 She carefully watches everything in her household
and suffers nothing from laziness.

28 Her children stand and bless her.
Her husband praises her:
29 “There are many virtuous and capable women in the world,
but you surpass them all!”
30 Charm is deceptive, and beauty does not last;
but a woman who fears the LORD will be greatly praised.
31 Reward her for all she has done.
Let her deeds publicly declare her praise.

Am I the capable, determined, hard-working woman described above? There are definitely some things I need to work on. And I think before I can consider marriage or anything for myself, I should work on improving myself to become the person God has destined for me to be. I want my life to be an example of good. I want my life to have a ripple effect on others. We were studying Martin Luther in history today, and I was struck by how his life changed the world. And all he did was stand up for what he believed in, was pious and determined to do the right thing. That's what I want. And all for the glory of God, of course. And I don't need a husband to do that. I'm sure it IS in God's plan, but that is not the only aspect of His plan for me.
So... I think I'll start with reviewing for that French test today. Time to work hard.

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