"My Proverbs 31 Woman" by Matthew Linehan December 14, 2019
I would never have believed in a million years that Jesus would bring me a Proverbs 31 woman. A woman who is not only beautiful on the outside but shiny and sparkling through and through. King Solomon wrote of such a woman in Proverbs 31:
A Wife of Noble Character
Who can find a virtuous and capable wife?
She is more precious than rubies.
Her husband can trust her,
and she will greatly enrich his life.
She brings him good, not harm,
all the days of her life.
She finds wool and flax
and busily spins it.
She is like a merchant’s ship,
bringing her food from afar.
She gets up before dawn to prepare breakfast for her household
and plan the day’s work for her servant girls.
She goes to inspect a field and buys it;
with her earnings she plants a vineyard.
She is energetic and strong,
a hard worker. She makes sure her dealings are profitable;
her lamp burns late into the night.
Her hands are busy spinning thread,
her fingers twisting fiber.
She extends a helping hand to the poor
and opens her arms to the needy.
She has no fear of winter for her household,
for everyone has warm[c] clothes.
She makes her own bedspreads.
She dresses in fine linen and purple gowns.
Her husband is well known at the city gates,
where he sits with the other civic leaders.
She makes belted linen garments
and sashes to sell to the merchants.
She is clothed with strength and dignity,
and she laughs without fear of the future.
When she speaks, her words are wise,
and she gives instructions with kindness.
She carefully watches everything in her household
and suffers nothing from laziness.
Her children stand and bless her.
Her husband praises her:
“There are many virtuous and capable women in the world,
but you surpass them all!”
Charm is deceptive, and beauty does not last;
but a woman who fears the Lord will be greatly praised.
Reward her for all she has done. Let her deeds publicly declare her praise."
Proverbs 31: 10-31
The doors to the Chapel opened and in walked an angel dressed in white. As soon as Emily felt the love in the room the tears started. "Is this all for me? What did I do to deserve this?" Maybe this is what she was thinking as she walked down the aisle. We stood strong my groomsmen and I. For this wasn't the first time we had been tested. We had all been tested by life and this was a beautiful thing. Standing besides me and with me were men who I considered more than brothers. We were soldiers for Christ and that meant that we were well equipped to do battle. Where were those tears that I thought would make me look like a babbling idiot? They would not intrude on this celebration today. God gave me the strength to get through this ceremony just like he always does.
Believe me when I tell you this...I did not do this by my own power or will. This was not done by any strength that I call my own. So many people have told me, "Congratulations...you're doing great!" I don't even know how to answer that because I don't believe I deserve any praise or credit. You see when you have been through as much pain and suffering (Self Inflicted I might add) as I have then you realize that all you have to do is keep doing the things everyday that keeps bringing you peace.
The advice that I would give any man for finding a wife of Noble Character is this...yes you have to be physically attracted to a woman and yes you must believe that she is beautiful on the outside. But those are not the most important qualities she must possess. The most important things are not skin deep. First should be her walk with Christ. Does she put Jesus Christ first in her life? If so then she will stand as a rock through any battle. If not then whatever she puts first in her life WILL fail her. Second, are you able to have deep meaningful conversations with her? Are both of you truly interested in listening to what the other person has to say without disagreeing with her or trying to get her to see your way. Third, do you both share the same vision, goals and desires for the future? This is so important especially when it comes to children, finances and everyday affairs. Please don't think that she will change after you get married or that somehow she will all of a sudden want what you want. It's not rational.
Thank you Emily for believing in me. You and I both know that this is ONLY the beginning. Thank you Jesus for rewarding our faithfulness and purity. Thank you Jesus for your Grace, Love and Mercy. In Jesus' Name!
Amen!
