Tuesday April 27, 2004

A woman of noble character

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 is 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) —

Noble, caretaker, provider, investor, accountant, merchant, cares for the poor and needy, strong, dignified, wise, gives faithful instruction, and watches over her household. Wow, considering this is before the feminist movement in the US, it’s quite an interesting description for it’s time.

Written by Soloman: The wisest man of his time. A man with many riches, much honor and fame. He had 700 royal wives and 300 concubines.

“Charm is deceptive and beauty is fleeting;
but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised.”

After seeing all these awesome qualities, my mind can only echo:

“A wife of noble character who can find?”

~ Application ~

Learn to give full confidence in a woman of noble character.
Praise the woman for her works in front of anyone and everyone.

== Prayer ==

Father, Thank you for today’s daily bread. Help me to remember that food is a blessing just like anything else and to remember and give thanks to you for it before I partake. The hot shower was lovely as usual. Merci beaucoup, mon dieu. Just a couple things bouncing around in my head. AB is still looking for a job. Got something lined up? Or maybe a lesson in mind? I pray you will keep AB’s eyes and heart open so that he may see what it is you wanted. J is hard at schoolwork. Give insight and the discipline to master the material. May he grow in knowledge and wisdom. BC is seeking you in a new light. I pray that you would continue to work in my friend’s heart. BC has taken an interest in a fellowship down in NJ. There is another position, but BC is not drawn to it. May your will be done in this matter. Finals are here, keep the students studious and concentrating upon their goals. PL is considering CA. Speak in my friend’s heart. Each and every thing can be to your glory, if this is in your will, let it be so. Otherwise, stuck on the east coast it is. B wants to read the entire Bible. Am I to be your tool here? BH is not liking the shaping. Open those eyes to your reality, Lord. Continue in the good work you have started until it’s completion. Each day may we continue to follow you with our hearts, our souls and minds. I pray all this in the name of He who died so the doors of heaven would be unlocked to sinners, Jesus. Amen.

<Randomness>
Bubble wrap popping maniacs click here.
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THANK YOU TO EVERYONE WHO PRAYED FOR MY MOM !
(and a quiet thank you for those quiet supporters out there too…)

She’s doing very well at home and our family is doing better than ever. Praise be to God for another chance to show His love to my family. Thank God for being in control, cause I would hate to be boss.