Virtuous and Noble
In Proverbs 31:10 it is written, "Who can find a virtuous woman? For her price is far above rubies" (BRG), and stated in another translation is "Who can find a wife of noble character? She is far more precious than jewels" (CSB). Given the quality of praise attached to this woman of great character in Proverbs 31, today we will look at how some of those traits can be applied to any of us... man or woman, in our finances.
In verse 17 it says, "She gets ready to work hard. Her arms are strong" (NIRV), it is also described as "She is energetic, a hard worker" (TLB). This is how we are instructed to apply ourselves in our occupation - to be ready to work and energetic, and aligns perfectly with Colossians 3:23, where we are to work unto the Lord and not unto men.
Working unto the Lord provides us with strength beyond what we can muster ourselves, fortitude to keep going, and going with encouragement to other coworkers when challenges arise. If we follow this woman's level of effort in the workplace, it will stand out to management and return to bless us, and will speak as a testimony to those around us... opening the door to speak of eternal things to them.
Verse 27 reads "She looks well to how things go in her household." We can apply this towards knowing where we are spending our money at all times. If you want to be in a better place reducing debts and eliminating them, the best, immediate action you can take is to record every time you spend for a month or two, and look over the results. You will see the veil removed, exposing larger amounts than you expected in certain areas.
If you want to see results, please take five minutes and click on the Archives section and read the October 2023 post titled "The X-Ray", where we focus on using the tool of recording and reflecting on expenses to bring about change.
A vital piece of instruction comes from verse 16, "She considers a new field before she buys or accepts it [expanding prudently and not courting neglect of her present duties by assuming other duties]" (AMPC). This can be applied to a huge number of areas in our lives. With our finances, to sit down soberly and consider our current monthly obligations before we sign ourselves to new ones, to genuinely question if we really need to make a sizeable purchase in light of our overall picture and goals.
I could write an entire post from this verse 16, and how much of a difference it makes to apply its wisdom - that usually the main hurdles are to be humble enough to do so and to take the time to consider that new field spoken of. But you can also receive volumes of instruction right now, by stepping back and taking a look at past decisions made... when you took the time to consider that new field, and the benefit you received from doing so, and when you did not and later had regret.
Verse 20 it is written, "Her hands reach out to the poor, and she extends her hands to the needy" (CSB). This shows how she is in a frame of mind consistently to be aware of those in need around her, which as we should know, is very close to the heart of the Lord. If you choose to give to ministries who serve the needs of the poor, I encourage you to give to those who serve in the name of Jesus Christ... who go beyond fulfilling an immediate physical need, but also minster to the complete person and lead them towards salvation.
I feel the Denver Rescue Mission is one of several great organizations who does this. They help restore the lives of
people experiencing homelessness and addiction through emergency services,
rehabilitation, transitional programs and community outreach with the goal of
returning them to society as productive, self-sufficient citizens. Their
website is denverrescuemission.org.
God Bless you and may He show Himself greatly to you,
Paul
