Let’s be honest—the
title of this post probably caused most of us to shudder just a little. If
your school-days memories of grammar didn’t elicit a negative response, then the
impossible-to-attain image of the perfect woman probably did.
Let me put your mind
at ease. Today’s lesson in grammar will be painless, and the
characteristics we’re going to consider in the Proverbs 31 woman are totally
within our grasp. No need for shuddering today.
The last time I read
Proverbs 31, I took note of the verbs—the action words—of the woman so
often held up as a standard for Christian women. I didn’t focus on all the
details. I focused on the simple actions, the verbs. (See that grammar lesson
wasn’t so painful!)
You know what I realized? I don’t have to sew bed coverings
or buy a field or sell linen garments to be a woman
“worth far more than rubies.” (v. 10) I can apply the basic verbs
of this stellar woman and be the woman God wants
me to be.
Let’s consider a few
examples of these verbs and think about how we might put them to work in our
lives:
*
She brings (v.12,
14) – what do we bring to our husbands, our children, our world? Let’s bring
positive things like respect, encouragement, and support.
*
She selects (v.
13) – what do we choose to invest our time and energy in? Do we use wisdom in
making choices for ourselves and our families? Let’s select the best.
*
She works (v. 13)
– whether in the home or outside the home, do our family, friends, and
coworkers see a woman willing to work diligently? Let’s bring glory to God
through our work ethic.
*
She considers (v.
16) – how do we make our judgments and decisions? Do we think through issues
carefully and look at all sides before giving an opinion or moving forward with
a plan? Let’s use common sense, seek advice, and be careful.
*
She plants (v.
16) – what truths, qualities, and examples are we planting in our children and
in others in our lives? Let’s plant the Word of God and the principles found
therein. Let’s plant love, joy, peace, compassion, understanding, kindness, and
a host of other godly qualities.
*
She opens (v. 20)
– do we pave the way for loved ones to grow or heal and make it possible for
others to be blessed? Let’s be a positive influence wherever we are.
This is not an exhaustive list—but it’s enough to get us
started considering the verbs of the Proverbs 31 woman. It’s enough to help us
realize that the actions—the verbs—of this much-admired woman are indeed
possible for us to live out in our own lives.
So no shuddering needed
after all. Let’s apply the verbs of this stellar woman and be the women God
wants us to be!
“Her children arise
and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her:” Proverbs 31:28
*Other verbs mentioned
are provides, sees, holds, grasps, extends, makes, supplies, laughs, speaks,
and watches. From these and the ones listed above, what are your areas of strength?
What areas do you need to develop more?
*Flickr photo by Pink Sherbet Photography
*Life Notes, my quarterly inspirational newsletter, came out May 1st. It's not too late to receive. Sign up is free and to the right!
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