Proverbs 31: 10-24 (ESV)

When God said that it is not good for man to be alone, He created the woman. A wife is a gift from God showing favor on the man who fears Him. Our son-in-law fasted from solid food for a period of 40 days in prayer, seeking God’s will in regards to who was to be his wife . He was rewarded on the last day with an opportunity to meet a woman of God, his equal in wisdom. There are many characteristics of the Proverbs 31 woman that are more comprehensive than the 1950’s (good American wife) prototype. She is described in this passage as rare, trustworthy, full of goodness and faithfulness, a willing worker (in both a trade and a profession), wise leader, competent manager, property owner, physically fit and strong, full of sound judgment, merciful and generous toward those in need, well-dressed, desires intimacy with her spouse, admires her husband’s position in the city and is known as a contributing part of the business community. One of my friends, who is genuinely humble, trains as a power lifter and she reminds me of vs. 17, “She dresses herself[b] with strength and makes her arms strong.” Many of the women I work with inspire me in regards to this passage. They are not only full of faith but also meet numerous needs without thought to their own toil. -Teresa

#womanis #man’searthlyhelper

#Godis #man’sheavenlyhelper

Proverbs 31: 10-24 (ESV)

10 

[a] An excellent wife who can find?

She is far more precious than jewels.

11 

The heart of her husband trusts in her,

and he will have no lack of gain.

12 

She does him good, and not harm,

all the days of her life.

13 

She seeks wool and flax,

and works with willing hands.

14 

She is like the ships of the merchant;

she brings her food from afar.

15 

She rises while it is yet night

and provides food for her household

and portions for her maidens.

16 

She considers a field and buys it;

with the fruit of her hands she plants a vineyard.

17 

She dresses herself[b] with strength

and makes her arms strong.

18 

She perceives that her merchandise is profitable.

Her lamp does not go out at night.

19 

She puts her hands to the distaff,

and her hands hold the spindle.

20 

She opens her hand to the poor

and reaches out her hands to the needy.

21 

She is not afraid of snow for her household,

for all her household are clothed in scarlet.[c]

22 

She makes bed coverings for herself;

her clothing is fine linen and purple.

23 

Her husband is known in the gates

when he sits among the elders of the land.

24 

She makes linen garments and sells them;

she delivers sashes to the merchant.

Genesis 2:18 (NIV)

The Lord God said, “It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper.

Proverbs 18:22 (NIV)

22 He who finds a wife finds what is good and receives favor from the Lord.