Wednesday, November 13, 2013

Wisdom Wednesday



Proverbs 31 is the focus again today, with emphasis on these verses:
 
א 10 Who can find a capable wife?
        Her value is far beyond that of pearls.
ב 11 Her husband trusts her from his heart,
        and she will prove a great asset to him.

As I said in last week's post, I aspire to be a Proverbs 31 woman.  She is my model of a good homemaker, wife, mother, and neighbor.

Verse ten calls her "a capable wife"  in the Complete Jewish Bible.  I grew up calling her the "virtuous" woman.   Either way, she's the kind of woman Lemuel's (aka Solomon) mother advises him to marry.

Even when this advice was penned, a woman of this type was rare.  She is said to be very valuable.  Her value is above that of pearls.  I love that, don't you?  Today, pearls can be bought in any department or jewelry store.  Some of the real thing, but many are simulated (or farm manufactured).  During the time of this writing, however, the pearl was very, very rare as well as very valuable. 

If you are following Hashem, seeking His righteousness, and obeying Him, you are indeed rare.  You are valuable.  When you look in the mirror, you are looking at a rare treasure.  That is very self-esteem building, right? 

I met a young woman recently who is a woman like the one described in Proverbs 31.  She is a G-dly young woman.  She doesn't follow the ways of the world in her thoughts, attitudes or actions.  Just being in her presence is refreshing.  The way she dresses, and the way she carries herself tells me she is special.  Her beauty is refreshing because it comes from within. 

(As I thought about this, I remembered that my husband, Rabbi Jem, said that is what attracted him to me.  He said I had an air about me that was different from the other girls he'd met, and he says he fell in love with me at first sight.  I love hearing him tell that story.) 

Verse eleven says a husband will trust this kind of woman completely.  He has no worries about what she might do.  He knows she will do the right thing in every situation.  He can trust her because of the character traits he sees revealed in the remainder of the chapter. He sees her actions and her reactions.  Those reveal her heart, and she is a great asset to him.

This quote is so true:  What you do speaks so loudly, I can't hear what you're saying.
Another way of saying this is, actions speak louder than words. 

I can say I love my husband, but do my actions prove it?  

I can say I love my home, but do my actions prove it?


This chapter will be very telling and will reveal if we are just talking and not walking.  It will reveal if we are an asset to our husbands.  I hope you'll think about these things and ask yourself these questions.  

Am I a capable / virtuous woman?

Does my husband trust me completely?

Does he consider me a valuable asset / treasure?

***


I'm sharing this post with:
Spiritual Sundays

Let's Get Social Sunday

A Wise Woman Builds

Thought Provoking Thursday
Hearts for Home
Favorite Things
 
Faith Filled Friday

4 comments:

  1. Hello Gail, Thanks for leaving a comment and saying hello! I love the Messianic view, it is so rich with the understanding of the feast and teachings. I have a dear friend who is one also. She is always teaching and sharing with me. But I only chat with her once in awhile now. Blesssings, Roxy

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  2. Gail
    Wonderful to meet someone else that sees Proverbs as such a marvelous teaching tool. Loved your questions. I am the "ghost writer" for the facebook page for the ministry of bible.org. We are in John at the present time but often switch to do a Psalm or a Proverb. Will have to remember your wonderful insightful questions!
    Thanks Gail
    Gaye

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    Replies
    1. Thanks for stopping by, Gaye. I hope you'll be a regular visitor. Thank you for your offer to give my blog exposure on bible.org

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  3. Thanks Gail for an insightful blog on Proverbs. I love this book as I can see you do as well.
    Many blessings to you as you continue to probe the thoughtful ideas Solomon wrote and challenged us to ponder!

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Thank you so much for stopping by today and taking the time to leave a comment! I read each one of them and love to respond back to those who visit! Blessings to you.