Proverbs 31 woman ✝️🥹💜
“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. She selects wool and flax and works with eager hands. She is like the merchant ships, bringing her food from afar. She gets up while it is still night; she provides food for her family and portions for her female servants. She considers a field and buys it; out of her earnings she plants a vineyard. She sets about her work vigorously; her arms are strong for her tasks. 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 opens her arms to the poor and extends her hands to the needy. When it snows, she has no fear for her household; for all of them are clothed in scarlet. She makes coverings for her bed; she is clothed in fine linen and purple. Her husband is respected at the city gate, where he takes his seat among the elders of the land. She makes linen garments and sells them, and supplies the merchants with sashes. She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come. She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue. She watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness. 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.”
Proverbs 31:10-31 NIV
#womenwhoreadthebible #lemon8 #lemon8challenge #Lemon8Diary #lemon8creator
I've been deeply reflecting on Proverbs 31:30 lately, 'Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.' It's a verse that truly challenges our modern perceptions of what makes a woman valuable. When I first read it, I admit, I focused on the 'beauty is fleeting' part, which is easy to understand in our appearance-driven world. We invest so much in outward presentation – from skincare routines to fashion choices – and while there's nothing wrong with wanting to look our best, this verse gently reminds us that these things are ultimately temporary. Think about it: trends change, youthful glow fades, and even the most captivating charm can be misleading. How many times have we met someone who seemed wonderful on the surface, only to discover their true character was quite different? That's what 'charm is deceptive' really speaks to. It's about looking beyond the superficial allure to what truly lies beneath. But the real power, for me, comes in the second half: 'but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.' This isn't about being afraid of God in a scary way, but rather a deep reverence, respect, and devotion. It means acknowledging God's sovereignty, seeking His wisdom in our decisions, and striving to live in alignment with His principles. It's about cultivating an inner life that is rich in faith, kindness, integrity, and strength. I often imagine what this 'fearing the Lord' looks like in practice. It's not just about grand gestures, but about the quiet moments too. Like when I see a beautiful image of a woman kneeling, eyes closed, hands open in prayer – a posture of surrender and devotion. That image perfectly captures the essence of this verse for me. It's in those moments of connection and reflection that true character is built, far away from the fleeting spotlight of external validation. This verse encourages me to prioritize my spiritual growth and character development over chasing temporary accolades. It’s about building a foundation of faith that stands firm, regardless of life’s ups and downs. When I focus on 'fearing the Lord,' I find myself naturally striving for honesty, compassion, diligence, and selflessness – qualities that radiate genuine beauty and earn lasting praise, not just from others, but more importantly, from within. This is the kind of legacy I want to build, one that isn't dependent on how I look or how charismatic I am, but on the depth of my character and my devotion.
