[Biblemat] S) THE WORTHY WOMAN

[J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com]

Brethren and Friends, Jim Sasser here.  Here is a study from my
files.  Use to the glory of God.

THE WORTHY WOMAN, BEYOND CHARM AND BEAUTY

     The moral of Aesop's fable, The Dog and the Shadow,
reminds us of how easy it is to grasp at the shadow and lose
the substance.  How many wives and mothers have fallen prey to the temptation 
is unknown.  A wife trades her marria-
ge (substance) for the illusory morsel of forbidden love (shad-
ow); a mom loses her children (substance) to the lure of a
prestigious career (shadow); or a mother sacrifices her family
(substance) on the altar of busyness (shadow) -- and her family comes in a 
distant second.  In his book of wisdom, Solomon observes a contrast between one 
who grasps the
substance versus one who merely chases shadows.

     Is there a more maligned section of Scripture than Prov. 31 and 
Solomon's description of the "worthy woman"?  Have
you ever seriously contemplated the essence of her worthin-
ess?  Take a moment and wander with me through the grand
finale of God's book of wisdom...

Her Value Before God: -- The passage begins and ends with
a description of her worth (vss. 10,29).  This lady is rare.  The
quality that makes her so valuable is her respect for God (vs.
30).  The Lord is #1 in her life and because her priorities are
fixed on her relationship above, her relationships below are
blessed.

     To my sisters in Christ -- do you respect and love Him more than 
anything or anyone else?  Do you read you Bible
daily?  And pray daily?  And set a godly example daily in front
of your family?  Are you holding onto the substance of a God-
led life or are yu merely chasing after shadows?

Her Value Before Her Husband: -- "The heart of her husband
trusts in her..." (vs. 11a).  His trust in her is not because they
always agree and see eye to eye on every issue, but because
he trusts her heart.  "She does him good and not evil..." (vs.
12a).  That's not true of every wife.  This woman, however, is
worthy before God because she works to bring out the best
in her man.  Here is a soul-searching question: Do you?

     Look for his good points, compliment his manhood, and 
let him know you are proud of his accomplishments, or do 
you focus only on his faults?

     Talk to other women in positive terms about your husband
or use every chance to "take your shot" and lace your langua-
ge with sarcasms?

     And because she praises him, he praises her! (vs. 28b).
Parents who want their children to grow up in a happy home
must first set the example (1 Pet. 3:7).  Little eyes are watch-
ing the way we treat each other.

Her Value Before Her Children: -- More than her industrious-
ness, I am impressed by the attitude of the Prov. 31 woman --
"she works with her hands in delight."  The word means "will-
ingly."  Some women resent their work in the home.  They may do their work by 
(like an immature teenager) they make
sure everyone knows how much they resent it.  Not God's 
lady.  She not only works, she "delights" in her work.  The
verses that follow reveal her inner character --

     vs. 14 -- she plans ahead and makes wise purchase decis-              
                   ions.
     vs. 15 -- she rises early and maximizes the use of her time.
     vs. 16 -- she is prudent in the use of money.
     vs. 17 -- she is a woman of strength.
     vs. 18 -- she is hospitable and opens her home to others.
     vs. 19 -- she sees that her family is well-clothed.
     vs. 20 -- she looks to the needs of others.
     vs. 21 -- she has the vision to plan ahead.
     vs, 22 -- she is no hag in a sack dress but has class and
                   dignity.
     vs. 23 -- she raises awareness of her husband among his
                   friends.
     vs. 24 -- she finds a way to supplement the family income.
     vs. 25 -- she has a positive attitude about the future.
     vs. 26 -- she is known by others for her wisdom and kind-
                   ness.
     vs. 27 -- she is devoted to her family.

     Is it any wonder the result?  "Her children rise up and bless her..."  
You set this kind of example before your family
and, more times than not, the results will be the same in your
family.

     Before you push aside the passage as unrealistic, think
about the ways you do resemble her.  Does your family eat
well?  Do they have appropriate clothing for the seasons?  Do
you save money for your family?  Do you live in a comfortable
and clean home?  Are your children learning valuable lessons
about life from your wise and kind words?  Don't underestim-
ate yourself or sell short your impact on your home.  I bet you have more in 
common with the Prov. 31 woman than you
realize.

     Ladies, rather than chasing the shadows, please focus on 
the substance.  Your contribution to the family is invaluable.
Gentlemen, praise her!  Teach your children to praise her by
setting the example.  And do it now!  Thank you -- to all the 
worthy wives and mothers among us...   ---- Wilson Adams in
Biblical Insights, Vol. 6, No. 10, Oct. 2006.   </HTML>
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