Last week, we looked at the first part of the modern Proverbs 31 woman! She is the woman we all aspire to be, yet she sometimes discourages us, doesn’t she? We compare ourselves to her and we feel that we don’t measure up. Let me remind you of the things I told you last week before we finish learning about the modern day Proverbs 31 woman!
A heart that is seeking after the Lord is the most important thing.
Don’t compare yourself to anybody else, not even the Proverbs 31 woman. She is a great guide, but comparison is the thief of joy!
Grace, not perfection.
Remember those things as we read about the Proverbs 31 woman! Oh, and make sure you read the first part before you read this one!
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The Modern Proverbs 31 Woman
“Her husband is known in the gates, when he sits among the elders of the land.”
Her husband has a great reputation. He is not known for immoral things, and people respect him. He may even have a respected position in his community or church.
Single girls! This is a great thing to look for in your future husband! Does he have a good reputation? Is he well respected?
Read: 8 Qualities to Look for in Your Future Husband
Modern Day Application: Single girls, look for a man with a good reputation. How do those who know him speak of him? Married ladies, encourage your husband to be the best that He can be, for God’s glory. Don’t be demanding and pushy, but submissive and full of grace.
“She makes linen garments and sells them, and supplies sashes for the merchants.”
This is very similar to what we talked about before! She is productive and even a great businesswoman. Maybe she makes and sells things on an Etsy shop?
Modern Day Application: Do you have a talent that could make you some needed money? Learn how to sell it well and bless your family.
“Strength and honor are her clothing; she shall rejoice in time to come.”
We talked about this a bit before, but she is a strong woman. She knows who she is and Who’s she is. She is confident in that and acts in such a way that others can honor her.
Oh, and she does not worry about the future. She trusts in the Lord with all of her heart! (Proverbs 3:5-6)
Modern Day Application: Find your worth in God, always seeking your strength and honor from Him. Oh, and trust in Jesus. Don’t worry about tomorrow, today has enough worries of it’s own (Matthew 6:34). God is worthy of our trust!
“She opens her mouth with wisdom, and on her tongue is the law of kindness.”
The Proverbs 31 woman is wise. The words she says reflect that. She doesn’t gossip or idly talk, but instead she is kind to others. Sometimes her words are few, and that speaks volumes.
Modern Day Application: If you don’t have anything nice to say, don’t say it at all 😉 But seriously, make your words count. Give others wise advice and encourage them!
“She watches over the ways of her household, and does not eat the bread of idleness.”
Like we’ve seen many times before, the Proverbs 31 woman is not lazy! She works hard making sure her family is well cared for and provided for.
Modern Day Application: Don’t be lazy. Work hard to provide for yourself if you are single. If you are married, work hard to make your house a home. Also, if you are a mother, wok hard taking care of those precious children. None of your hard work will be done in vain; it will be worth it. But please, don’t forget to rest.
Read: The Difference Between Me Time and Self Care
“Her children rise up and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her: “Many daughters have done well, but you excel them all.””
Her husband and children, or others in her life, have every reason to love, respect, and praise her. Does that mean they always will? Sadly, no. They may not realize what a gift they have! But they do have reason to praise her.
Modern Day Application: Give those in your life every reason to love and respect you. Not in a prideful way. Think about it like this. Are my attitude and actions giving others the incentive to respect me or think bad of me?
“Charm is deceitful and beauty is passing, but a woman who fears the Lord, she shall be praised.”
I think we all, as Christian girls, desire to be noticed and admired for our beauty or the way we carry ourselves. I think that can be healthy in the right context, but the Proverbs 31 woman knows looks are fleeting. One day we all will be old and not as physically beautiful.
Instead, the Proverbs 31 woman focuses on her inner beauty. She grows closer to Jesus and becomes closer to Him. That will last and not grow old.
Modern Day Application: Take care of your appearance, but do not become obsessed with it. Focus more on your heart and relationship with Jesus! External beauty is fleeting, but a beautiful heart never grows old.
“Give her of the fruit of her hands, and let her own works praise her in the gates.”
The Proverbs 31 woman is satisfied seeing what she has made with what God gave her. She does not need huge opportunities and fame. People know her by the fruit of her hands!
Modern Day Application: Be content with the talents that God has given you and how they are brought to fruition. Use them for His glory!
Well, we’re done looking at what the modern Proverbs 31 woman looks like! I don’t know about you, but it truly opened up my eyes and gave me practical steps for becoming a woman after God’s own heart.
The Proverbs 31 woman is not boring or passive. She is full of so much life and wisdom! She is confident in who God made her to be. Furthermore, she is equally as important as her husband. Remember, a husband and wife are equal in value, they just have different roles. I truly feel that the Proverbs 31 woman portrays this!
So go out and live the Gospel! The Proverbs 31 woman has one of the greatest opportunities to share the Good News. Show the world how exciting and freeing it is to follow Jesus!
What was your favorite verse from this week? How are you going to live like a modern day Proverbs 31 woman?
With all my love,
Tags : devotion, encouragement, lifestyle, Proverbs 31 woman, singleness
What wise words, Allison!
I love the modern day explanations as well.
My pastor growing up would often say, what did the passage mean then, now, and what does it mean to you personally?
You’ve done a fabulous job of answering all three questions.
Found you on By His Grace~
Blessings,
Melanie
I love that!! Thank you so much!
Love this series (and any series from you, ha!) Pinned 🙂
Awe thank you so much, Kristen!!