Daily Scripture: Proverbs 31:ו 15 It’s still dark when she rises to give food to her household
and orders to the young women serving her.
ז 16 She considers a field, then buys it,
and from her earnings she plants a vineyard.
ח 17 She gathers her strength around her
and throws herself into her work.
ט 18 She sees that her business affairs go well;
her lamp stays lit at night.
י 19 She puts her hands to the staff with the flax;
her fingers hold the spinning rod.
כ 20 She reaches out to embrace the poor
and opens her arms to the needy.
ל 21 When it snows, she has no fear for her household;
since all of them are doubly clothed.
מ 22 She makes her own quilts;
she is clothed in fine linen and purple.
נ 23 Her husband is known at the city gates
when he sits with the leaders of the land.
ס 24 She makes linen garments and sells them;
she supplies the merchants with sashes.
ע 25 Clothed with strength and dignity,
she can laugh at the days to come.
פ 26 When she opens her mouth, she speaks wisely;
on her tongue is loving instruction.
צ 27 She watches how things go in her house,
not eating the bread of idleness.
ק 28 Her children arise; they make her happy;
her husband too, as he praises her:
ר 29 “Many women have done wonderful things,
but you surpass them all!”
ש 30 Charm can lie, beauty can vanish,
but a woman who fears Adonai should be praised.
ת 31 Give her a share in what she produces;
let her works speak her praises at the city gates..Reflection Questions:
Scholar John Walton called the multi-faceted wife and mother in this Israelite wisdom passage “an idealized wife.” The purpose of laying out this ideal with such detail and strength, however, was not to make readers feel guilt or shame. Rather, the wisdom writers worked in the same spirit as the person who said, “Ideals are like stars—we may not reach them, but we can set our course by them.”
- Which of the qualities or activities this passage mentions, if any, have you experienced from a mother or mother figure? Are there any of them that you have been able to do for your own or someone else’s children? What are some activities for wives and mothers today that are similar to the ones the ancient Hebrew writer mentioned?
- Verse 20 sounded a theme we find often in many different portions of the Bible. This “ideal woman” has a heart for helping those who are poor and in need. What gifts and resources do you have that you can use to bless people who are in need? How can you use them to reach beyond your own family and bless others?
Today's Prayer:
O Lord, I wish I were always energetic and shrewd, loving and actively caring. Help me to set my course toward this ideal, and to grow every day a bit more into the person you call me to be. Amen.Insights from Mike Wilhoit
O Lord, I wish I were always energetic and shrewd, loving and actively caring. Help me to set my course toward this ideal, and to grow every day a bit more into the person you call me to be. Amen.Insights from Mike Wilhoit
Mike Wilhoit serves at The Church of the Resurrection as Local Missions Director.
My recommendation for reading this passage is to find yourself in it rather than judge yourself by it. These verses remind me of my mother:
15 She gets up while it is still night;
she provides food for her family
17She sets about her work vigorously;
her arms are strong for her tasks.
27She watches over the affairs of her household
and does not eat the bread of idleness.
28Her children arise and call her blessed;
her husband also, and he praises her:
I look back upon childhood fondly. My mother woke early on school days to make breakfast for my sister and me. She’d often cut us a half grapefruit. My favorite meal was creamed chipped beef on toast. Eggs were always popular. At the end of each day, my mom would go to bed early and read. She’d bring home five big hardcover books each week from the library. I couldn’t believe how much she read. Funny things is, I now check out the same type of books at the library. I would often go to bed early as well. Most nights, I’d stop by to chat with my mom. Those conversations covered all topics. It wasn’t until I left home that I missed those morning and evening conversations with my mom. I find myself grateful for a Mom that made the choice to build a relationship with me by being available and listening.
Thanks Mom. You are the best.
The United Methodist Church of the Resurrection
13720 Roe Avenue
My recommendation for reading this passage is to find yourself in it rather than judge yourself by it. These verses remind me of my mother:
15 She gets up while it is still night;
she provides food for her family
17She sets about her work vigorously;
her arms are strong for her tasks.
27She watches over the affairs of her household
and does not eat the bread of idleness.
28Her children arise and call her blessed;
her husband also, and he praises her:
I look back upon childhood fondly. My mother woke early on school days to make breakfast for my sister and me. She’d often cut us a half grapefruit. My favorite meal was creamed chipped beef on toast. Eggs were always popular. At the end of each day, my mom would go to bed early and read. She’d bring home five big hardcover books each week from the library. I couldn’t believe how much she read. Funny things is, I now check out the same type of books at the library. I would often go to bed early as well. Most nights, I’d stop by to chat with my mom. Those conversations covered all topics. It wasn’t until I left home that I missed those morning and evening conversations with my mom. I find myself grateful for a Mom that made the choice to build a relationship with me by being available and listening.
Thanks Mom. You are the best.
13720 Roe Avenue
Leawood, Kansas 66224 United States
913.897.0120
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