The Proverbs 31 woman has been a Godly example of our roles as spouses to our husbands. I have read this chapter so many times in my life when I thought that I was not being the woman I thought I was supposed to be, or when I was married to my first husband, when he told me I was not a good wife or mother, (he was bi-polar and would assail me with denigrating comments every few months) I'd turn to the Proverbs and pray for guidance. Here it is, with commentary that I included in my talk. This is to help you see how this is truly for all ages, not just Ancient Jerusalem.
These words are from the mother of King Lemuel who was giving him advice and admonition for his behavior and spending time with women. Proverbs 31:10-31
10 Who can find a woman of
worth? Far beyond jewels is her
value.
A good wife is worth her weight in Gold.
11 Her husband trusts her
judgment; he does not lack income.
Her husband trusts her with his finances, she does not spend un-wisely so as to put him in debt with credit cards.
12 She brings him profit,
not loss, all the days of her life.
She helps him become financially sound, building savings, living good but not above your means.
13 She seeks out wool and
flax and weaves with skillful hands.
She looks for ways to make money, using her skills.
14 Like a merchant fleet, she
secures her provisions from afar.
She invests money in the market, 401K, bonds, etc.
15 She rises while it is
still night, and distributes food to her household, a portion to her
maidservants.
She gets up early and takes care of the family, feeding them and getting them off to school and work.
16 She picks out a field
and acquires it; from her earnings she plants a vineyard.
She uses the money she earns to purchase investments, land or business.
17 She girds herself with
strength; she exerts her arms with vigor.
She takes care of herself, she is strong in mind and body, she works out, or if a stay home mom, she works hard keeping up the household.
18 She enjoys the profit
from her dealings; her lamp is never extinguished at night.
She enjoys the profit of her work and doesn't stop at 5PM. She multi-tasks.
19 She puts her hands to
the distaff, and her fingers ply the spindle.
She doesn't waste time on television, she sews, or knits, or works on her home business, or balances the checkbook, or pays the bills.
20 She reaches out her
hands to the poor, and extends her arms to the needy.
She volunteers at the food bank or church, she gives alms, helping those in need.
21 She is not concerned for
her household when it snows— all her charges are doubly clothed.
She doesn't have to worry about her family during hard times or winter, she makes sure everyone has warm clothing and whatever they need to keep them safe.
22 She makes her own
coverlets; fine linen and purple are her clothing.
She makes her own bed, decorates her home, and she is dressed in finery from her own hands.
23 Her husband is prominent
at the city gates as he sits with the elders of the land.
She is a force of good and makes her husband proud, making him look good to the community.
24 She makes garments and
sells them, and stocks the merchants with belts.
She sells her wares to shops, the work of her hands, clothing or jewelry, or Tupperware.
25 She is clothed with
strength and dignity, and laughs at the days to come.
Strength and dignity shine from her, people see her wisdom, she doesn't worry about the future.
26 She opens her mouth in
wisdom; kindly instruction is on her tongue.
She gives good advice, and is kind, never rude in her instruction.
27 She watches over the
affairs of her household, and does not eat the bread of idleness.
She makes sure that her children and husband make good decisions and is never lazy or self absorbed.
28 Her children rise up and
call her blessed; her husband, too, praises her:
Her children love her and never speak ill of her, her husband knows he's a lucky man and let's her know he loves and trusts her and tells her:
29 “Many are the women of
proven worth, but you have excelled them all.”
You are the best thing that ever happened to me, no other woman could replace you.
30 Charm is deceptive and
beauty fleeting; the woman who fears the LORD is to be praised.
Charming smiles are deceptive, and beauty doesn't last, a woman of God is to be praised.
31 Acclaim
her for the work of her hands, and let her deeds praise her at the city gates.Tell everyone what a treasure you have, and her works will bring praise from the community.
Whew! Tough one , huh? I read these verses and I can see myself, and know where I need improvement. I also read these verses and see women of worth around me, in my family and in my church.
Do you think Mary was intimidated by these words? I don't think so. For Mary was chosen by God before she was born. He knew she had a kind heart, he knew she would be the best mother for his child. She was all of this and more, I'm sure, to Joseph and Jesus as he grew up.
Mary was about fourteen when the Angel Gabriel came to her, so young by our standards, but so mature by the standards of her day. Back then, girls were taught what it was to be a good wife and mother from the time they could walk, everyday, helping the mother with her chores, laundry, shopping, cooking, going to temple.
Mary must have been a very devout young woman who have heard the stories of the Angels of God, the seraphim's, (burning ones), the angels that came to Abraham and Isaiah, so was she prepared when this bright shining being came to her to tell her she would bear a child for God?
Mary was simply doing what she knew was
needed of her. In her beautiful prayer, the Magnificat, Luke 1: 46-56, she says "My soul
proclaims the greatness of the Lord”
Mary knew the scriptures and the prophesies of the Christ. She understood what was being asked of her, and she did not turn away from God.
 |
| The Visitation-by Champaigne |
How many of us have heard the call from God in our hearts and have turned away? How often have we heard and wanted to do something but found some excuse as to why it was impossible? How many of us are afraid to answer the call? We all have a gift or a talent that the Lord gave us, and wants us to use for His Glory. Some of us are called to speak, like me, to proclaim God’s word, and to Evangelize. For many years, I kept telling myself, I’m too busy, I have to care for my husband and family. Some of us are called to sing for the Lord, but are afraid or shy. Some are called to feed the hungry at a homeless shelter, others to care for the sick, still others to bring the Eucharist to the sick. Some are called to be missionaries, or religious.
What is God asking of you? Think today about your gifts, and listen closely to your heart and the call of the Lord, and maybe, just maybe, we can all say “Yes” to God!
Blessings!,
The Catholic Lady ©
No comments:
Post a Comment