Apples of Gold (#86 of 365+)

I suspect “The Proverbs 31 Woman” has been the object of veiled scorn among young women for hundreds of generations. She is too perfect! Only a superwoman could rise before the sun
(Proverbs 31:15) and work by candlelight all through the night (v.18). Who can possibly live up to such high expectations? Well, verse 30 points out this perfect woman isn’t successful because of her charm or beauty, but because she “fears the LORD”. So, if I understand correctly, this means the natural woman—one who works with all her might but only in the power of her flesh—can never be perfect. It is something much more than just hard work that sets her apart from others. Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary on the Bible says “her heart is full of another world, even when her hands are most busy about this world”. In other words, it could only be the Holy Spirit working through her that causes her work (and her heart) to be so perfect and beautiful.

The complete description of the Proverbs 31 woman clearly indicates this is not a new bride or even a young woman. She obviously has been married for many years because her husband is well respected in the community (v.23) and her children demonstrate a certain level of maturity (v.28). She is mature in both her age and in her spiritual walk. This woman has likely known the Lord for many, many years.

“She opens her mouth with wisdom, and on her tongue is the law of kindness” (Proverbs 31:26 NKJV)

Her heart is so full of love and wisdom that it flows out of her through the words she speaks. Since this doesn’t happen naturally in a woman who works her fingers to the bone for years and doesn’t get enough sleep, she almost certainly has spent lots of time in prayer. Perhaps that’s why she rose before the sun or kept the candle lit all through the night! This daily devotion prepared her heart with the right attitude and all her life’s work became just one continuous act of worship to the Lord…

Joni’s friend Gail collects words of encouragement from saints who have gone before us. She once shared the following lines from missionary Amy Carmichael when Joni returned from a long trip: “There is no need to plead that the love of God shall fill our heart as though he were unwilling to fill us. He is willing as light is willing to flood a room that is opened to its brightness; willing as water is willing to flow into an emptied channel. Love is pressing round us on all sides like air. Cease to resist, and instantly love takes possession.”

Those words of wisdom came from a woman who had worked hard and walked with God for many years (Amy Carmichael). They were passed on to other women of faith who have worked hard and walked with the Lord daily (Gail, and Joni). And now I’ll take their combined wisdom and experiences, apply it to my own life, and try my very best to worship God with my work every day. May my words and actions be an encouragement and a blessing to those who come after me…

“A word aptly spoken is like apples of gold in settings of silver” (Proverbs 25:11)

“Gold there is, and rubies in abundance, but lips that speak knowledge are a rare jewel” (Proverbs 20:15)

Lord, fill me full of your wisdom and kindness. Sanctify this vessel for your purposes. Thank you for the honor of knowing you. Amen.