Happy Belated Mother’s Day!!
I have noticed that motherhood can have a positive or negative connotation. This is why I love Proverbs 31 so much. It’s about “woman”, not just the status of a wife or mother. So, let’s get into part 2 of this beautiful passage.
(Read the full passage, here is a link: https://www.bible.com/bible/1849/PRO.31.TPT)
Verse 21
“She is not afraid of tribulation,” (or “snow”. This is a figure of speech for the fear of a cold winter season.) “for all her household is covered in the dual garments,” (as translated from the Septuagint. The Hebrew is “Everyone is covered in scarlet [blood].”) Grace has brought righteousness to those in her house (under her ministry) “of righteousness and grace.” I had to underline this last part, for her revelation of the cross affects her position as a woman and how she directs/governs her household.
Verse 22
“Her clothing is beautifully knit together,” (this garment speaks of the ministries of the body of Christ, woven and knit together by the Holy Spirit. See Eph. 4:15-16 and Col. 2:22) — “a purple gown of exquisite linen.” Psalms 139 is also a beautiful passage with even more details about being fearfully wonderfully made.
Verse 23
“Her husband is famous and admired by all, sitting as the venerable judge of his people.”
(Or “sitting at the city gates among the elders of the land.”) Judgment was rendered at the gates of a city in that day. It was their courtroom. Our heavenly King is also the judge. So famous, so glorious, yet He is our Bridegroom. As the co-head of the household, the husband intercedes for his family to the Father to govern/judge his family rightly. At least this is how I see it in our current culture and time.
Verse 24
“Even her works of righteousness,” (or “linen.” See footnote for 31:13 regarding linen as a symbol of righteousness.) “she does,” (or “sells them.” The root word for “sell” can also mean “surrender.”) “for the benefit of her enemies.” (or “aprons or belts for the Canaanites.”) The Canaanites were the traditional enemies of the Hebrews. She even sold things that benefitted their enemies. Can anyone of you relate to that?
Verse 25
“Bold power and glorious majesty,” (or “beauty, honor, and excellence.”) “are wrapped around her as she laughs with joy over the latter days.” (The virtuous and victorious bride has no fear for the days to come. She contemplates eternity in her forever union with the Bridegroom.) THIS RIGHT HERE GIVES ME SO MUCH LIFE. 🔥I believe Jesus really gave me a revelation of this very thing without the language to explain it until now. This is just one of the verses that impacted me so deeply. This is how I personally feel as a widow today. She laughs with joy over the latter days. Thank You, Jesus, for this beautiful word picture.
Verse 26
“Her teachings are filled with wisdom and kindness as loving instruction pours from her lips.” (The Septuagint is “She opens her mouth carefully and lawfully.”) I think this is something we all desire, but is very hard to live out. To me, this doesn’t mean calculated in her words, but more purified by the Holy Spirit to deliver them with eloquence, grace, and a smile on her face.
Verse 27
“She watches over the ways of her household,” (or “She is a watchman over her house [family].”) “and meets every need they have.” Wow!! This is tough one. She meets every need. Is this possible? Not in our own strength, but I have found in moments of vulnerability/surrender/weakness when I call on Him, He supplies me with “more” to complete whatever is in front of me.
Verse 28
“Her sons and daughters arise,” (The Hebrew word translated “arise” can also mean “to rise up with power.” The Septuagint is, “She raises her children so they will grow rich.”) “in one accord to extol her virtues,” (or “Hooray, hooray for our mother!”), “and her husband arises to speak of her in glowing terms.” (for more of how the heavenly Bridegroom loves His bride, read the Song of Songs.) I highly encourage you read it from The Passion Translation. I love it so much. The rhythm in the way they speak to each other is pure poetry. ❤️
Wouldn’t this be a lovely experience? It might be hard to believe it as a true possibility, but with God all things are possible to those who believe. I know you have seen the quote or t-shirt that says, “She believed she could and so she did.” Enough said.
Verse 29
“There are many valiant and noble ones,” (or “Many daughters have obtained wealth because of her.” These valiant and noble ones (daughters) represent the church of previous generations who remain faithful in their pursuit of Jesus. But this final generation will be the bridal company of the lovers of God who do mighty exploits and miracles on the earth.) “but you have ascended above them all!” (or “You are first in his eyes.”) See Song 6:8-9.
Did you hear that? You are first in His eyes!
Kris Vallatton, a pastor out of Redding, CA, once said, “Lovers of God will get more work done than workers will.” I believe we are in these kind of last days.
Verse 30
“Charm can be misleading, and beauty is vain and so quickly fades, but this virtuous woman lives in the wonder, awe, and fear of the Lord. She will be praised throughout eternity.” Out of all the verses in this chapter, this is the one I have heard the most. There is so much more to this one verse to glean.
What does wonder mean to you?
What does awe mean?
The fear of the Lord?
I will not tell you. I think this is something for you to ponder with the Holy Spirit about personally. I find His words hit so much deeper and more intimate.
And finally, Verse 31
“So go ahead and give her the credit that is due, for she has become a radiant woman, and all her loving works of righteousness deserve to be admired,” AMEN AND AMEN. (Septuagint could be translated “Her husband is praised at the city gates.”) “at the gateways of every city!”
Footnote
Septuagint is a Greek version of the Hebrew Bible (or Old Testament), including the Apocrypha, made for Greek-speaking Jews in Egypt in the 3rd and 2nd centuries BC and adopted by the early Christian Churches...if anyone was wondering.
My hope is that this passage has enlightened your understanding and the posture of a virtuous woman. This is something to be admired. It challenges me on many levels, but once you see, you can’t unsee, as they say. Plus, if/once you desire to understand it, then you can start to implement these truths into your every day living.
This woman is resourceful, helpful, a warrior, an intercessor, an atmosphere shifter, praised by her husband and children, walks in wonder, awe, and the fear of the Lord, has wisdom and understands business commerce. I like this kind of woman.
She is fierce and radiates revelation light.
Again,
May we BE her!
May we GREET her!
May we RAISE her!
Until next time,
Stay Tender
Connect to the Mender
Be a Sender