Virtuous Women

This morning the women of my church sponsored a Prayer Breakfast.  Our theme was "Who is a Virtuous Woman" taken from Proverbs 31:10-31.  Over 80 people were in attendance.   Ms. Cassie, who is 90 years old, prayed with the Devotion Team and set our souls on fire.  Leslie, our dynamic guest speaker, exegeted the Scripture and made it plain for all.

Leslie said the Virtuous Women are strong and bring 100% to their marriages, not 50% to add to their husbands' 50%.  No, when the Virtuous Woman's husband found her, she was already at 100%, and both brought their full 100% to the marriage!  Proverbs 31:10-12, 23, 26 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.   Her husband is respected at the city gate, where he takes his seat among the elders of the land.  She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue.

Leslie told us that Virtuous Women: 1) have BUSINESS SAVVY and should be serving on school and corporate boards, city council, etc.  Proverbs 31:13-14, 16, 18-19, 24  She selects wool and flax and works with eager hands. She is like the merchant ships, bringing her food from afar. She considers a field and buys it; out of her earnings she plants a vineyard. 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 makes linen garments and sells them, and supplies the merchants with sashes.
 

2) are BEAUTIFUL. They stay physically fit - they take care of their bodies.   Proverbs 31:17 She sets about her work vigorously; her arms are strong for her tasks.  

3) and are BALANCED.  Leslie talked about the Virtuous Woman using her hands.  Virtuous Women are busy, not idle.   They take care of their homes AND are involved in their community.  They are not worried about tomorrow nor concerned about their pasts - they are able to laugh at the days to come.  Proverbs 31:15, 19-20, 22, 25, 27  She gets up while it is still night; she provides food for her family and portions for her female servants.  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.  She makes coverings for her bed; she is clothed in fine linen and purple.  When it snows, she has no fear for her household; for all of them are clothed in scarlet.  She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come.  She watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness.

Leslie told us that most of all the Virtuous Woman is able to do all these things because the Virtuous Woman fears the Lord.  Virtuous Women use their hands and whatever the Lord gives them to honor Him.  Virtuous Women are blessed and will be rewarded for all that they do.  Proverbs 28-31  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.  Honor her for all that her hands have done, and let her works bring her praise at the city gate.

Leslie reminded us that all the women in the room this morning have the potential to be  Virtuous Women because the Holy Spirit residing in us gives us what we need to do our Father's will.  He's gifted each of us with something.  Our responsibility is to find out what He wants us to do with our hands and then do it so that when we face Him, He won't ask us "what did you do with what I gave you?"  Leslie challenged us to use up all that He has given us.  You may not have heard her entire message, but I challenge you, too.  What are you doing with what He's given you to do?  If you don't know what it is, ASK Him and He will tell you.  Listen for His voice and then obey.  Read Matthew 25:31-40 for ideas on what you can do while you're waiting to hear from Him.