Inspirational Words The Virtuous Woman

Sweet Song Ministries, LLC ~ Non Denominational Church and Ministerial Outreach

The Virtuous Woman

Devotional:

"A wife of noble character who can find? She is worth far more than rubies. Her husband has full confidence in her and lacks nothing of value. She brings him good, not harm, all the days of her life. She selects wool and flax and works with eager hands. She is like the merchant ships, bringing her food from afar. She gets up while it is still dark; she provides food for her family and portions for her servant girls. She considers a field and buys it; out of her earnings she plants a vineyard. She sets about her work vigorously; her arms are strong for her tasks. She sees that her trading is profitable, and her lamp does not go out at night. In her hand she holds the distaff and grasps the spindle with her fingers. She opens her arms to the poor and extends her hands to the needy. When it snows, she has no fear for her household; for all of them are clothed in scarlet. She makes coverings for her bed; she is clothed in fine linen and purple. Her husband is respected at the city gate, where he takes his seat among the elders of the land. She makes linen garments and sells them, and supplies the merchants with sashes. She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come. She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue. She watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness. Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her: Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all. Charm is deceptive, and beauty if fleeting; but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised. Give her the reward she has earned, and let her works bring her praise at the city gate." Proverbs 31: 10-31 [NIV]

Commentary:

When someone notices your appearance, tells you how much they like your new hairstyle or makes a comment about how much weight you have lost, it feels good and gives you an ego boost that can last for hours. But don't let yourself believe for a moment that those are the things that are important about you. No matter how much time you spend on your appearance, or how much hair color or anti-aging cream you use, outward beauty is fleeting and will not last. It has been said that outward beauty is skin deep, but inner beauty lasts forever. Ultimately, so many other things are more valuable than the way we look on the outside.... time spent with family, efforts spent in helping others, going the extra mile to brighten someone else's day, showing love to those around you, being the best you can be and letting God's love shine through you. If you are going to be praised for something, let it be for your godly life. Let people notice your love of God and see your concern for others. Let His light shine through you so that everyone may see just what He has done for you, and what He means in your life. Those are the qualities that will grow more beautiful with age, and qualities that will never grow old. Does your life mimic the description of the virtuous woman that is described in Proverbs? Do you let Christ's light shine through you? I challenge you to set your eyes on Jesus, let Him fill you with His light of love, and He will give you a beauty beyond all comprehension... a beauty that is of and through Him, and a beauty that will not fade.

Meditation:

Father, I pray a special prayer for women today, Lord. Fill us with your presence Lord, and give us a yearning to do Your will. Make our lives be as the beautiful diamonds we wear upon our hands. And, just as the light shines through those diamonds, showing all the aspects of their characteristics, I pray that Your light will shine through us so that Your characteristics of love, compassion, mercy and goodness will radiate through our being. Father, when people look at me, may they look past the humanity I possess, and see You living within me. In thy holy name. Amen.

Stories to Touch the Heart and Warm the Soul:

A small child walked daily to and from school Though the weather one morning was questionable and clouds were forming, the child made the daily walk to the elementary school. As the day progressed, the wind whipped up, along with thunder and lightening.

The mother was worried that her child would be frightened walking back home from school, and she herself feared the electrical storm might harm her child. Following the roar of the thunder, lightning would cut through the sky like a flaming sword. Being concerned, the mother got into her car and drove along the route to her child's school. Soon she saw her small child walking along, but with each flash of lightning, the child would stop, look and smile. One followed another, each time her child stopping, looking at the streak of light and smiling.

Finally, the mother called and asked, "What are you doing?" Her child answered, "God keeps taking pictures of me".