In our first study in Proverbs 31, I confessed that I often do not like to think of her because I saw her as a woman with qualties and a personalty that I could never attain fully. But, as I am studying this passage of scripture, I am learning so much and seeing that she is a real partner in the gospel with me. She is an ideal that has been around for a very long time. This passage represents the qualities and character that men of God should seek in a life partner. She is NOT a real woman but encompasses all that a woman has the potential to become before and within a marriage. So, this tells me that this passage is speaking to all women reguardless of marital status. Besides, the scripture tells us that as a single woman, your husband and devotion is to God. Who wouldn't want to value the things that God values with He, Himself as your leading man!
1 Corinthians 7: 1~39
We went on to see that a valued quality is to be a woman of strength. This word strength is
hayil which means strong, mighty, with competence and vigor, especially in warfare. In verse eleven, "[her husband] will lack no gain" the literal translation of gain is spoils from war or booty. It suggests that the women is like a warrior bringing home booty from her victories. She goes out and fights for what her family needs. In verse 16, "she considers a field and buys it," means that she literally "takes" the field. This term is used to describe an army taking a city or a region. The verb means to conquer and subdue a territory. It describes a woman looking at a wild field and figuring out how to tame it and subdue it into a vineyard. This takes surveillance, thought and planning. These qualities of strength combined with a gentle and quiet spirit takes practice and time. This requires daily getting up and falling down.
This passage is found in the book of Proverbs which is where wisdom is found. My heart and mind have been changed toward this ideal woman simply in the fact that I no longer compare myself to her but rather, walk along side her. I can look to her to gain wisdom. Proverbs 1: 7, 28: 5... but they that seek the Lord understand all things. She is the ideal wisdom put into daily practice. The bible speaks of two kinds of wisdom in James 3: 13-18. There is worldly wisdom and heavenly wisdom. I encourage you to study this passage, it is so great. Here are some scriptures describing a wise woman: 1) she wins souls Pr. 11:30
2) Inherits glory Pr. 3: 35 3) Receives commandments Pr. 10: 8 4) Listens to counsel Pr. 12: 15 5) Guards her tongue Pr. 29: 11 6) Seeks knowledge Pr. 18: 15 7) Imparts knowledge Pr. 15: 7 8) Flees evil Pr. 14:16
Here is the titles of future Wednesday night women's midweek classes
A Virtuous Woman
A Woman of Trust
A Woman of Energy
A Woman of Beauty
A Woman of Stewardship
A Woman of Service
A Woman of Preparedness
A Woman of Prudence
A Woman of Love
A Woman of Praise
I do want to give credit to the many women who have studied and laid so much ground work for us to glean from. Much of my material comes from their wisdom passed down!
No comments:
Post a Comment