"She riseth also while it is yet night, and giveth meat to her household, and a portion to her maidens." Proverbs 31: 15
Giveth - Distributes all necessary provisions
Notes from John Wesley
She 'distributes all necessary provisions' to her household is a better translation of the verse for me to focus on than the 'she riseth also while it is yet night' part - and meat? Honestly, quite often it is 'stumbling around with cold cereal' at my very best! I do have better days -
but on a regular basis I don't move well before late morning. I know there is a difference between illness and laziness - but it is still difficult for me to "love" this verse.
I heard one translation of the verse to mean that even during 'dark' times - she manages to do right for her family. I think that may be pushing it - but I like it. I'm praying that I will do better and better in the mornings - and I'm believing for a full healing.
I do believe that the main point is that she took time in the morning to prepare for the day.
We need time to plan, prepare, quiet time with the Lord, and time to get the household running efficiently.
I do not believe that the 'Proverbs woman' as shown in scripture is to make us feel guilty about things we cannot achieve. Rather, I see it as a goal to inspire me to do my best. In my home - sadly - sometimes that is cold cereal.
If you are able to hit the ground running - I believe you are supposed to. Even from my bead when I am swollen, weary, and in pain - I can pray. I can read my Bible. I can begin to make plans. I can nurture my children with kind words, scripture, and love.
When I first read this verse - I got my feathers ruffled. Then I began reading various interpretations of the verse - and I got mad. I know that I'm rarely able to rise at or before dawn. If "their" idea of a good wife and mother has to rise up in the dark - I'm NEVER gonna make the cut! (never mind that I had not a clue to whom I was thinking this)
Proverbs 31:16 "She considereth a field, and buyeth it; With the fruit of her hands she planteth a vineyard."
This woman is a hard working planner! She proceeds carefully, but she isn't afraid to step up and take a chance when need be. I believe part of her 'considering' involves prayer. A lot of it. That would be one thing I can do. I can pray over my family and pray to be a much better Proverbs 31 woman.
My final thoughts - God loves us. The Prov 31 woman with all her wonder and perfection is not to make us feel inadequate but to direct, instruct, and encourage. It's not intended to be the proverbial carrot dangled in front of a horse that can never be reached. We can achieve the Proverbs 31 goal. She was human. She had bad days - and she brushed herself off bathed in prayer and pushed on. With God's love, grace, and forgiveness - we can be the women He intends for us to be.
My children are watching me - they will someday be choosing the woman they will call wife.
I pray that I can be an example of the woman I'd like my boys to marry!!! That certainly puts a bit of perspective on things for me. How about you?
I'd love to hear your thoughts - I'll be happy to pray for you as we strive together to follow God's direction for our lives.
Visit my friend Amanda @thePelsers for insight and encouragement from the Proverbs 31 study by Good Morning Girls. Please join in and link up your Prov 31 posts. Grab the button below:
#1000 Gifts and beyond:
#301 - #309
* toothless grins from happy boys
* sleepy little ones sneaking into my bed in the middle of the night (they won't always do that)
* sweet sweet husband to love and serve
* dead bugs - yes - for the boys to play scientist til their hearts content
* air condition in the tropics
* boys learning bible verses - and enjoying it
* special time with old friends this week
* God's hand on our family
* boys who still want to kiss their mommy
* dirty fingerprints here and there (and everywhere sometimes)
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7 comments:
I am a morning person. I wrote all my books from 4-7a.m. so I wouldn't take time from my daughters. But when someone despairs at being an early riser I am quick to tell them that I am finished at supper. My night friends however are still going strong and accomplish a lot while I am sitting in my chair and going to bed early. I don't think it matters which end of the day we use for work. This is such a good series you are doing. It's been a blessing to me.
I agree that this verse is an inspiration. We studied this at a local moms group in the spring. I do reject some of the ideas in this verse. I tend to follow the more eastern philosophy of balance. It is all a matter of priority. My husband and I really enjoy each other at night. We stay up late. So I choose to dismiss much of this verse because it really all depends on what priorities each individual woman has. I think enjoying relationships and intimate time with our spouses is just as important as the daily running of our houses. Balance balance balance is more important than even trying to do it all.
thank you ladies for sharing your thoughts - I don't want to reject any part of the Bible - but I know that God sees me as a whole person and the point is more that she prioritizes her family and home and she works hard - than about exactly what hour it is (we have different time zones all over the world- in parts of alaska there are 2 months of night) she'd not have survived there!
Kelli, you're such an inspiration. I want to be like you when I "grow up" :)
I'm with you on all these thoughts. Guilt is not the point, I agree. I like where you arrive--we should try to do our best...at everything we do we should work as if working for the Lord! And not just women either :)
and she brushed herself off bathed in prayer and pushed on...
Amen!
I'm a night owl, too ... not a rise-before-dawn mama. Thanks be to God, He loves me anyway. Isn't He amazing?
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